Not all slip and fall lawyers are created equal. Choosing the first law firm that pops up in a Google search might not necessarily be the best way to achieve top results for your personal injury claim. Instead, you must do a bit of research to find the firm with the experience, results, and drive to truly fight for your rights. The right lawyer for you might not be the right one for someone injured in a different type of accident. Tailor your search to your unique needs and goals using these tips for how to choose a lawyer.
You don’t want to be your attorney’s first client. Your lawyer needs to have real, hands-on experience handling cases like yours. If you’re seeking legal representation after a car accident, for example, search for a lawyer with specific experience in car accident law. Browse case results to verify the attorney can and has obtained positive case outcomes for his or her clients. Otherwise, your future could be in the hands of someone who doesn’t have the experience or know-how to fight for full compensation.
Although no lawyer should guarantee certain results, a track record of success can show you that a lawyer isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes on behalf of his/her clients. Significant settlement awards or jury verdicts are a direct representation of how hard an attorney fought for the client. Instead of settling for subpar results, great attorneys use skill and strategy to negotiate higher awards. A lawyer with trial experience is also a plus, as you may need to take your case to court for fair recovery.
A list of types of injuries that could occur. For example:
The best personal injury attorneys joined the practice out of a desire to make a difference to people in need. Your lawyer should have an inner passion and dedication to seeking justice for the wronged. This will give you an edge, as your lawyer will be more willing to do what it takes to achieve positive results. Look for signs of compassion for clients, such as community involvement or a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Mr. Howard Kitay, for example, follows the philosophy that everyone deserves a fair settlement or day in court. He takes clients on a contingency-fee basis (clients don’t pay unless the firm wins) so every accident victim can afford to hire outstanding legal representation. The lawyer you choose should have the drive to stop at nothing to achieve justice against a negligent or reckless party. When results truly matter, you want a lawyer who will go the extra mile on your behalf.
Speaking of affordability, that’s another key thing to look for in your lawyer. It doesn’t make sense to hire a firm that will charge you more money per hour than your case is worth. The goal of a personal injury claim is to give the client the money he or she needs to pay for medical treatment and move forward with life after a traumatic accident. Find a slip and fall attorney that takes legal fees out of a settlement or verdict award, rather than out of your pocket. That way, hiring a lawyer is worth your while.
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. Take advantage of these at multiple firms to get a feel for each choice. Talk to the lawyer about your case. Does he/she listen, ask questions, and take notes? How does the lawyer make you feel? Your attorney should be warm, friendly, and compassionate, as well as knowledgeable and intuitive. He or she should dedicate individual attention to you and your case during your consultation. You’ll be working closely with your lawyer for months or even years in the pursuit of fair compensation. Above all, select the attorney you have a positive gut feeling about.