Finding the Right Injury Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer is one of the most important parts of filing a lawsuit after you suffer injuries in an accident. Your lawyer needs to be someone you trust completely, because, to an extent, you are putting your case and your life in this person’s hands. So, how do you find the right lawyer to take on your case? Here are a few tips:
Ask for recommendations. You probably have a friend, neighbor or co-worker who has been in your situation before. What attorney did they use? Do they like working with that attorney?
Look for someone who is experienced dealing with cases like yours. At Jaroslawicz & Jaros we handle only personal injury cases. Because our practice is so focused, we have become experts in this area of law.
Almost all personal injury attorneys offer potential clients a free initial case evaluation. Take advantage of these offers and consider getting your case evaluated by multiple attorneys before you agree to hire any particular attorney. Think of an initial case evaluation as a test drive when you are considering buying a new car — there is no obligation to buy every car you test drive; it’s just a way to get more information so that you can buy the car that is best for you. Unfortunately, in my experience, after an accident, most people hire the first lawyer who meets with and speaks to them. Get a second (or a third or even a fourth) opinion.
Over the years I routinely get contacted by a new client about a possible personal injury case. When I call the person back, I find that they often tell me, “I already hired another lawyer.” I ask, “But you just called or sent me the email 20 minutes ago. Why did you call or send it if you already have a lawyer?” Then they say, “Oh, I called or sent the email to a few lawyers and another lawyer already spoke to me on the phone before you called me so I hired that lawyer.” This is a conversation that actually makes very little sense, yet I have heard it many times over the years.
After a serious injury from any type of accident, hiring the right lawyer for your case is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make and will probably affect you and your family for the rest of your life. Yet, most people put much more thought and homework into what car or suit they should buy than they do with what lawyer to hire after an accident!
Go with your gut. If you are meeting with an attorney and you just feel in your gut that they are not the right attorney for you, don’t hire them! If you aren’t comfortable working with them now, you are probably not going to be comfortable working with them later. By “uncomfortable,” we don’t mean that awkward feeling every initial meeting has where you are telling your medical issues to a complete stranger. We are talking about the feeling you get that this person can’t handle your case, or isn’t taking you seriously, or doesn’t seem to know what he or she is talking about and most importantly does not answer your questions to your satisfaction.
First, regardless of how you were referred to this lawyer, try to get the following information from the lawyer. Do not be afraid to ask the following questions:
Do not be afraid to ask questions!
- Has this lawyer handled cases similar to mine? If so, what is his or her track record with these types of cases?
- How much is my case worth, whether by way of settlement or by a verdict?
- Should I go to work?
- What treatment should I receive?
- How long will it take until I know if the case is settled or goes to trial?
- Can I settle early if I want to? How will an early settlement affect what my case is worth?
- What lawyer will be responsible for my case at your firm?
- If I want to speak to someone about my case, how long will it take me to reach someone?
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Always look at what past clients say about the firm and its lawyers? If they have a website, look at their reviews or testimonials, their letters and emails from satisfied clients.
I hear from prospective clients who are now very unhappy with their lawyer that they actually hired the first lawyer that they spoke to or met whether at the hospital, at home or at the lawyer’s office. They actually never interviewed any other lawyer after their accident before hiring their present lawyer!