Have you been injured at work? Or perhaps you’ve had a car accident? Either way, you might want to consider hiring a lawyer.
Attorneys specialize in one or more areas. Those representing clients who have sustained suffered physical or psychological injuries due to another person’s or entity’s negligence are known as personal injuries lawyers. Their area of practice is tort law.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. He or she will handle all the paperwork and formalities required to make a claim against the responsible person and build a strong case.
But how do you choose a reliable attorney? If you live in a big city like Houston, there are thousands of professionals available. First of all, be sure to avoid these common mistakes people make when hiring a personal injury lawyer:
1. Not Researching Your Options
No matter how good a lawyer may seem, research your options before choosing one.
Request references from family and friends. Use the Internet to find qualified attorneys in your area. Check local online groups and forums to read about other people’s experiences with different lawyers.
Make a list of attorneys and then look into their experience and results. Try to find information about their qualifications and any cases they won.
2. Making a Rushed Decision
Not all cases require a lawyer. Before hiring one, make sure you have a solid case and know what type of attorney should handle it.
Some of the most common cases handled by personal injury lawyers include wrongful death, slip and fall accidents, nursing home abuse, and work-related injuries. This kind of attorney can also help with medical malpractice, car accidents, injuries caused by defective products, and more.
Ideally, choose a lawyer who has the skills and expertise needed to handle the specific type of injury or accident you have suffered.
3. Not Asking Questions
One of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a personal injury lawyer is not asking questions. They simply step into the attorney’s office, present their case, and let him do his job.
Sure, an experienced attorney knows the law better than you do. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask anything at all.
You want to hire the best lawyer to represent you in court and stand by your side; therefore, it’s important to make sure you choose one who you’re comfortable with and has a proven track record of success.
Try to find out if the attorney in question has the financial and staffing resources to take on your case. Ask about his qualifications and the types of cases he handles on a daily basis. Does he have jury trial experience?
4. Not Knowing the Exact Fees
No matter how simple or complex your case is, make sure you know exactly how much you’ll have to pay to receive legal support.
A reliable attorney will be clear and upfront about the fees and costs associated with his services.
If he hesitates to give you an exact figure, it might be a red flag. After all, you don’t want to end up with a bill you can’t afford to pay, so ask about it in advance.
5. Hiring an Attorney Who Guarantees a Successful Outcome
When it comes to lawsuits, there are many variables that come into play. No one can guarantee the outcome.
Look for an attorney who’s honest about these aspects and can clearly explain the strengths and weaknesses of your cases. Beware of buzzwords and marketing hype.
Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer You Can Trust
As you see, there are many factors to consider when hiring a personal injury lawyer. Despite a large number of attorneys, only a few may have the skills and knowledge to handle your case.
Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve. Assess your options, contact several attorneys, and ask questions.
If you need help, contact our law firm today for a free consultation! Our attorneys specialize in various practice areas, from personal injury to car accidents and workers’ compensation.