Updated Dec. 2022
Personal injury law has a vast number of statutes and rules that apply to this specific practice area.
Attorneys who handle personal injury, as well as other legal issues such as bankruptcy, divorce, and real estate, may not have the expertise or deep understanding of the laws and the technicalities.
A personal injury lawyer focuses their time and effort on representing clients injured as a result of carelessness or negligence of a business, organization, or another person.
If you have sustained injuries, hiring an attorney who concentrates on personal injury cases can ensure you receive quality, effective representation.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your search.
Talk with Friends and Family
Word of mouth is one of the preferred ways of finding a personal injury attorney. Start by talking with your circle of friends and family as a way to begin networking.
Learn from individuals who have experienced similar issues and their outcomes to help you decide whom to approach.
Go to trusted individuals such as your pastor, medical professional, or others who interact with the community to find out what they have heard and whom they know.
Research Online
Search online reviews and social media to learn about good and bad feedback from actual clients.
Past client reviews can give you a good idea of how the attorney and the firm as a whole operate.
Visit the firm’s website and the social media sites to see the latest information on the attorneys and the firm. The more you know, the better informed your choice can be.
Look at Their Affiliations
Research the attorney’s record with the state bar association website. Here, you can see if they have had any ethical issues or disciplinary problems.
Their affiliations show you whether they stay informed of the most recent changes in the law and if they are likely familiar with cases similar to yours.
Consider Their Focus and Training
After asking around, chances are you’ll have a shortlist of firms. As you begin making calls, ask questions about their background and expertise. Some points to bring up include:
• How long have you been practicing?
• What type of case do you primarily accept?
• Will you be handling my case? If not, who will and what is their experience?
• Do you often go to trial?
• Are your rates hourly or contingency-based?
Interview the Firm
Does it have a corporate-style structure with dozens of attorneys, associates, and paralegals? Is it a small local firm with decades of experience, or somewhere in-between?
Take some time to talk with them, either in person or on the phone. Are you comfortable with them and their staff?
Ask About Your Role
Some attorneys prefer to keep the plaintiff at a distance from the everyday details, while others want to touch base, review facts, and make you an integral part of your case.
Everyone is different, with varied expectations. Does their view of your role match your own?
Find Out How They Handle Disagreements
If you and your attorney disagree on settlement offers or going to trial, how do you proceed?
Ideally, you both discuss the options, pros and cons, as well as your concerns. What is the process if you cannot reach an agreement?
Contact Us Today
If you were injured as a result of misconduct or negligence of a person or entity, contact Cecere Santana, PA, to speak with a personal injury lawyer today.
We represent clients with a wide range of personal injury cases, including auto accidents, slip and falls, product liability, nursing home neglect, and boating accidents.
Our team works to ensure you receive the treatment you need and compensation you are due.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/ Lisa F. Young
