What to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney
According to data from IBISWorld, there were 51,433 personal injury law firms employing more than 146,000 people in the U.S. as of 2021. With so many firms and attorneys to choose from, it can be overwhelming for negligence victims to find the right injury lawyer. However, there are certain things you should look for when you are trying to find a personal injury attorney to handle your claim.
1. Experience
While there are many good attorneys who are fresh out of law school, it is not a good idea to hire someone who will be learning on the job while handling your claim. Ask a prospective attorney how long they have been practicing law and when they were first licensed.
2. Focus on Personal Injury Law
You also want to find a lawyer who primarily focuses on personal injury law. An attorney who practices personal injury law will be much more likely to be current with the statutory and case law that applies to your case and be able to anticipate potential defenses that might be raised.
3. Trial Experience
Most personal injury claims are resolved outside of court without ever going to trial. However, you will want to find a lawyer who has represented people at trial successfully in the past. This is important because if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you will need strong legal representation at a jury or bench trial.
4. Strong Track Record
While a lawyer’s successes in past cases do not guarantee that you will receive a similar outcome, they can still provide you with information about an attorney’s skills and competence. Ask a prospective lawyer about similar cases they have handled in the past and what their outcomes were. You should also ask whether a lawyer can provide you with a couple of references from past clients and check the lawyer’s online reviews.
5. Represents Personal Injury Plaintiffs
Some personal injury lawyers are defense attorneys and defend insurance companies and corporations against personal injury claims. To ensure that you are getting the right type of injury lawyer, make sure to look to see whether they handle plaintiffs’ personal injury cases on behalf of injured victims.
6. Offers Contingency Fees
A good personal injury lawyer will likely offer to represent you on a contingent-fee basis. Under a contingent fee agreement, your attorney will not be paid unless they recover compensation for you through a negotiated settlement or a verdict. If you win your case, your lawyer will take a percentage of your total recovery for their fee.
7. Good Communication Skills and Honesty
When you meet with a lawyer, pay attention to how they communicate with you. If you retain an injury lawyer, you will likely have to work closely with them for months. You want to find someone who you trust and get along with well. A good lawyer will typically not sugarcoat anything and will be direct and honest. You want to find someone who will provide you with a realistic understanding of your potential claim and its legal merits.
Talk to Ellis & Associates
If someone else has injured you and caused your losses through negligent or intentional acts, reach out to the law firm of Ellis & Associates. We offer free consultations and can help you understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending us a message online.