3 Mistakes the Avoid When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured as a result of the negligence or liability of another person or business entity, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the medical and occupational costs linked to your injuries. Compensation for your injuries requires gathering evidence to prove your damages, drafting and filing your claim and successfully negotiating a satisfactory outcome with the insurance company. Given the complexity of personal injury cases, injured persons will often work with personal injury attorneys for support in making the most of their related compensation.
It is important to hire an attorney with a winning track record in your area that you feel comfortable with and who fits your case.
#1 Working with an Attorney Lacking Experience in Cases Similar to Yours
The American Bar Association notes that the most important factor to consider when hiring a lawyer is experience. A lawyer is a lot like a doctor in that they specialize in particular areas. In the same way that you would not go to a foot doctor for an eye injury, you would not go to a business attorney for your car accident injury.
When hiring an attorney, it is important to ensure their experience aligns with your present case. The practice of personal injury law is a specific area of law, and while a general practitioner of the law might be willing to take your case, a dedicated and experienced personal injury lawyer will be more capable of making the most of it.
#2 Hiring a Lawyer without Local Court Experience
While it would be ideal if every case that an injured person should win was automatically awarded, that is not how the justice system works. If your injury does not lead to a settlement out of court, your attorney will have to file a lawsuit against the insurance company to hold them accountable. Working with an experienced, local personal injury attorney familiar with your local courts, procedures, and judges will streamline your case and support the best possible outcome.
#3 Hiring a Lawyer Without an Initial Intake Consultation to Determine Fit
You may spend quite a bit of time interacting with your attorney and their staff, whether over the phone, through email, or in person. Therefore, it is important to take the time to speak with your potential attorney to see if how they do business and interact fits your personal preferences.
To explore options on your personal injury claim through a free initial consultation with Martin Law Firm, call us at 239-323-9820, or visit our site to schedule a consultation.