When you have suffered a personal injury, you want the best care possible from doctors, insurance agents, and in some cases, an attorney. If you never had the need for a personal injury attorney before, you might be unsure of how to choose one. However, there are dozens of options available, and plenty of advertisements telling you who to call. But, when it comes to hiring the right personal injury lawyer for your case, you should look for the following qualities:
1. A Positive Track Record
Choose a law firm that has won the majority of cases handled. This has a twofold benefit. You can be confident that the firm has a history of winning cases, giving your particular case a better chance. It also shows that the firm may be selective, only taking on clients with a valid claim and a high payout.
2. Experience in Your Specialization
To be able to practice law, any attorney must complete educational requirements and pass the state bar exam. This is valuable, but handling personal injury cases is more important for a law firm if they claim to specialize in personal injury law. Though personal injury lawyers can cover any type of tort law, one who has specifically won a number of nursing home abuse cases is most qualified for a case in that specialized area.
3. Multiple Certifications and Memberships
Belonging to a long list of professional law associations is not a guarantee of success in a lawyer. Still, being a member of these groups is like an unofficial endorsement. Many are selective when choosing their members and hold them to a high standard for education, experience, and ethics. Research a few of these organizations to find out which ones have the strictest standards.
4. Willingness to Go to Trial
The majority of personal injury cases are settled before going to trial, but in some cases a court trial may be necessary. Your medical expenses may be high, so you want to be sure you are getting the appropriate payout for your claim. An attorney should be able to negotiate a settlement, but also know when a trial will increase your benefits.
5. A Good Reputation
Do some research on a law firm to find out what others think, or ask friends and relatives who have needed a personal injury attorney for recommendations. If you know someone that works in the legal field, ask for their opinion. You can also browse newspapers to see if the firm has been recognized recently.
Knowing the qualities of an exceptional personal injury law firm can help you narrow down your options. Choose about two or three, and give each a call to set up a consultation. Most law firms offer a free evaluation of your case, but be sure to inquire about fees before your meeting. From there, it’s simply a matter of determining which firm is the most experienced in personal injury law and offers you the best chance at winning your case.
