Ask anyone who has had to deal with a personal injury case, and they’ll tell you how overwhelming and confusing it can be. Things get even more difficult when it’s your first time dealing with such a case.
However, knowing how to handle such personal injury cases is something everyone should know. That’s because you can suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence at any time, and in such cases, you might be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, not being aware of how to file a personal injury claim or proceed with the case afterward is bound to feel complicated if it’s your first time dealing with such a case. Thus comes the need to have the right personal injury lawyer on your side.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a beginner’s guide to hiring your first personal injury lawyer.
Contents
Understand What a Personal Injury Lawyer Does
Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, you should have a good idea of what they do. That way, you’ll understand whether or not your case needs such a lawyer in the first place.
Usually, personal injury lawyers specialize in handling legal cases and matters where someone suffered harm because of another person or organization’s negligence. These lawyers help you navigate the overall legal process by getting in touch and negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court whenever necessary.
Consider the Lawyer’s Experience
You’ll want an experienced lawyer to handle your personal injury case. They must have experience in handling cases that are similar to yours. These lawyers or law firms should highlight these success stories on their website, and in case they don’t, you can ask them directly for references and case results.
Do you remember the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident? According to TorHoerman Law, one of the law firms overseeing the cases related to this incident, United States President Joe Biden finally signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 into law in August 2022. This meant that the Camp Lejeune victims were finally going to get the justice and compensation they deserved.
The only reason this was made possible was because people hired the best lawyers for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit. These lawyers were skilled and experienced, which is why they managed to overcome big obstacles and steer the lawsuit in the right direction.
Ask for Referrals
Asking for referrals from friends, family members, and coworkers is a great way to find a lawyer. As long as these people have had a good experience with their own lawyers, they’ll not hesitate to recommend them to you.
Talk to Them
After you’ve compiled a list of lawyers you think will be the right fit for you, get in touch with them and schedule a few consultation sessions. Most lawyers offer free initial consultations, where you can discuss your case and learn more about the lawyer’s experience and approach to handling personal injury cases.
Understand the Lawyer’s Fees
In most cases, personal injury lawyers work for a contingency fee. That means they’ll only take the payment if they can win the case. Usually, the payment is made in terms of a percentage of your settlement. The percentage range varies but is typically within 25 to 40 percent. You might also have to bear other fees, including court fees or expert witness fees.
Always talk to the lawyer first and clear everything out concerning the fees. That way, you won’t have to worry about the legal fees during the case.
Ask About the Lawyer’s Communication Style
Effective communication is essential when working with a personal injury lawyer. You want to choose a lawyer who is responsive, keeps you updated on your case’s progress, and answers your questions promptly. During your consultation, ask the lawyer about their communication style and how they will keep you informed throughout your case.
Evaluate the Lawyer’s Approach to Your Case
Each personal injury case is unique, and the approach to handling your case will vary based on the circumstances. During your consultation, ask the lawyer about their approach to handling your case. They should be able to provide you with a clear strategy for pursuing your claim and negotiating with insurance companies. Additionally, ask about their experience with taking cases to trial, as you want to make sure they are prepared to represent you in court if necessary.
Once you have checked all these boxes, you can rest assured that you have a lawyer who can definitely win you your first personal injury case. Just make sure you cooperate with them and do as they say throughout the whole legal procedure.