If you've been seriously injured through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation from the person or company that wronged you. But how should you go about finding a personal injury attorney to represent your case in court? Here are just five tips for securing the services of a trustworthy professional.
1. Look for Experience
Never be someone's first client. Find an attorney with several years of experience in personal injury law that's also directly relevant to your case. For example, if you tripped at work, find either a workers compensation lawyer or one with a history of handling "slip and fall" cases.
2. Check Their Credentials
Not all lawyers have a J.D. Some have an LL.M., and depending on your type of case, this may benefit or hinder you. You should also ask when they secured their license to get an idea of how long they've been in the business. Again, you're looking for someone who's been around the block.
3. Ask About Accolades
Have they been recognized by any state or national committees for excellence? Have they achieved high ratings in law directories? Don't just look at the certificates on their wall; Google their names and see what happens. If you find someone who regularly pops up on "top 10" lists, you'll know you have a winner.
4. Discuss Payment Options
Many personal injury attorneys will only charge you a fee if they win your case. This isn't an industry standard, however, so you should always ask first. Some personal injury lawyers may prefer to bill you by the hour or by the manpower required to win your lawsuit.
5. Find Them Online
Do they have any social media accounts? If so, what kind of politics do they support? What kinds of news articles do they link? Facebook and Twitter are also a great way to get to know a potential lawyer before actually scheduling a consultation for their services. If you can learn in advance that your personalities will clash, you'll save yourself time and disappointment.
These are just five things to keep in mind when choosing a personal injury lawyer. You may have set the lawsuit in motion, but their performance is the one that will ultimately decide if you receive the compensation you deserve, so make sure you pick a solid, dependable attorney who will handle your case with care.
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