If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. However, getting your hands on it can be challenging.
At-fault parties and their insurance companies vigorously defend against compensation claims, even when they’re obviously responsible. To get the compensation you need, you must retain the services of a lawyer. Personal injury experience is crucial, so choose your legal representation carefully.
Why Experience Matters in Personal Injury Cases
As in any field, experience is key in the practice of law. Injury victims need representatives with direct experience in the areas under which their cases fall. For example, a personal injury attorney who exclusively handles car accidents probably won’t be the best choice for a medical malpractice case.
Seeking out a qualified personal injury attorney can save you considerable time and money. Their familiarity with specific laws and procedures makes them extremely capable within their particular area of representation.
How to Evaluate an Attorney’s Track Record
An attorney’s track record will tell you much about their abilities. In most cases, exploring the following factors will give you sufficient information to make a reasonable choice:
Case Results
Case results are a strong indication of what an attorney can accomplish. When reviewing results, look at cases similar to yours. The more positive results you find, the more confident you can feel in entrusting your case to that particular attorney.
To find the information you’re looking for, simply visit an attorney’s website, which will usually have a page devoted to case results and outcomes. You can also ask them directly about their past cases. Most will be happy to discuss their winning records.
The two types of case results you’ll typically find on injury lawyer websites are verdicts and settlements. Verdicts are issued following a jury or bench trial, while settlements are obtained through negotiation. You can expect to see more settlements, as the lion’s share of personal injury cases are settled rather than going to trial.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Testimonials and reviews from past clients can also speak to an attorney’s talents. Common topics to look for in reviews include:
- Results
- Unique strengths exhibited by the lawyer (personal injury litigation, settlement negotiation, etc.)
- Exceptional or subpar service
- Undelivered promises
Regarding negative reviews, it’s important to take them in the context of all the reviews the attorney has generated. One or two bad reviews out of hundreds or thousands of good ones may reasonably be discounted. The same is true for a few shining reviews in a long list of bad or mediocre ones.
Various review sites can aid you in your search for testimonials and reviews, including:
- Avvo
- Google Reviews
- Yelp!
It can also be helpful to speak with former clients, if possible. This approach works best when the former client is a friend or acquaintance.
Disciplinary Record
An attorney’s disciplinary record will show all reported instances of misconduct and ethical violations. You can obtain this record directly from the Texas State Bar.
Keep in mind that a complaint doesn’t necessarily mean the attorney committed a violation. Disciplinary actions, however, indicate that the attorney has crossed a line in some way.
Online Search
Lastly, a good old-fashioned web search can turn up both general and specific results about the attorney you’re considering. You may uncover news stories, videos, and other information useful to your decision-making process.
Understanding the Role of Negotiation in Securing Fair Compensation
Securing compensation for an injury isn’t as straightforward as many believe. Liability is far from an objective matter in many cases. For this reason, negotiation is a fundamental part of accident compensation claims.
Experienced personal injury attorneys are effective negotiators who understand how to use the law and evidence to secure appropriate payment on behalf of their clients. On the other side are savvy insurance adjusters whose primary concern is profits. As such, adjusters don’t have claimants’ best interests in mind when settling claims.
Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation
Some of the questions you should ask a prospective personal injury attorney during your initial meeting include:
- How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
- Do you have special training or experience that may help my case?
- Do you believe I have a strong case for compensation?
- What damages can I recover for my injuries and losses?
- How much is my case worth?
- What type of fee structure do you use?
- What costs am I responsible for?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- How do you keep clients informed of the progress of their cases?
In the majority of cases, the initial consultation will be free, which makes it worth your time to attend them.
FAQ
What Kinds of Documents Should I Bring to My First Consultation?
At a minimum, you’ll want to bring along:
- Medical records
- Medical bills and account statements
- Work schedules and pay stubs
Ultimately, these and other records will form a critical part of your attorney’s case for compensation.
Will a Post-Accident Diary or Journal Help?
Yes. A personal journal or diary of your pain, suffering, and losses could benefit your case by showing how your injuries have impacted your day-to-day life.
How Will My Work Schedule Help My Case?
A work schedule is proof of your normal work hours, which will help your attorney determine how much you should receive in lost wages due to time off work.
Get the Professional Assistance You Need for Your Injury Claim
If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, Ramsey Law Group is here to help. Our skilled personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for accident victims over the years.
We’ll review your case and explain how we can help for no charge. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.