When it comes to personal injuries, it’s important to pick a lawyer who knows what they’re doing. Many who have suffered a personal injury don’t know what they should keep an eye out for, which costs them dearly in the end. According to Wikipedia, Attorney Philip J. Berg was sued for negligence after failing to respond in an ERISA lawsuit, leading to a default judgment against his client. This goes to show that you need to look out for a few things when picking a lawyer for personal injury cases.
That’s why today, we’ll go over some important tips that you should keep in mind when picking a lawyer. Here are the topics we’ll cover today.
- 7 tips for picking a lawyer for personal injury cases
- Which is the best personal injury lawyer in Maryland
With that said, let’s go over all the key things you should keep an eye out for.
7 Tips for Picking a Lawyer for Personal Injury Cases
Choosing the right lawyer for personal injury cases can make or break your case. A good lawyer ensures you receive fair compensation, while a bad one can waste your time and money. Here are seven key things to look for when selecting a lawyer for personal injury cases, along with real-life examples to illustrate why each factor is important.
1. Experience in Personal Injury Law
An experienced lawyer for personal injury knows the legal system well and can handle negotiations effectively. They have worked on similar cases before and understand the strategies insurance companies use to reduce settlements.
Example:
In 2018, a woman in California was involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. She initially hired a lawyer with only general legal experience. The lawyer struggled to negotiate with the insurance company and failed to secure a fair settlement. Later, she switched to an experienced lawyer for personal injury, who successfully negotiated a $500,000 settlement for medical bills and lost wages.
Tip:
Always check how many years of experience a lawyer has in handling personal injury cases, like Scheueuman Law, before hiring them.
2. Specialization in Relevant Cases
Personal injury law covers car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, slip-and-falls, and more. If your lawyer specializes in your specific type of injury, they will have a better understanding of the laws and precedents that apply.
Example:
A man in Florida was injured in a motorcycle accident. He hired a personal injury lawyer who mostly handled workplace injury cases. The lawyer lacked knowledge of motorcycle laws and failed to prove liability against the truck driver who caused the crash. Later, the victim found a lawyer who specialized in motorcycle accidents and was able to win a $1.2 million settlement.
Tip:
Make sure your lawyer has handled cases similar to yours before signing any contract.
3. Positive Reputation and Client Reviews
A lawyer’s reputation tells you a lot about their professionalism, success rate, and client satisfaction. Checking online reviews, testimonials, and ratings can help you choose wisely.
Example:
A woman in Texas suffered a serious slip-and-fall at a grocery store. She found a lawyer with many negative online reviews but hired them anyway because they offered a low fee. The lawyer missed deadlines and didn’t communicate well, which resulted in her losing the case. If she had chosen a well-reviewed lawyer, she might have won a large settlement for her medical expenses.
Tip:
Read Google reviews, check lawyer rating websites (like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell), and ask for past client references.
4. Effective Communication Skills
Your lawyer should be able to explain things in simple terms and keep you updated on your case’s progress. If they are difficult to reach or don’t explain things clearly, it may cause unnecessary stress and delays.
Example:
A construction worker in New York was injured due to faulty equipment. His lawyer barely responded to emails or calls and never explained the legal process properly. The worker was left confused about his case status and eventually fired the lawyer. He then hired a lawyer with strong communication skills who kept him informed at every step and won him a $900,000 settlement.
Tip:
Test a lawyer’s communication skills during the initial consultation. If they are vague or unresponsive, look for someone else.
5. Availability and Responsiveness
A lawyer who takes on too many cases won’t have enough time to focus on yours. You need a lawyer who is available, responsive, and dedicated to your case.
Example:
A pedestrian in Illinois was hit by a speeding car. He hired a personal injury lawyer who was too busy with other cases and took weeks to respond. As a result, important evidence was lost, and he missed a key deadline for filing his claim. When he switched to a more available lawyer, the case was handled quickly, leading to a successful settlement.
Tip:
Ask the lawyer how many cases they are currently handling before hiring them.
6. Transparent Fee Structure
Many lawyers for personal injury work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win. However, some lawyers have hidden fees, so you should clarify payment terms upfront.
Example:
A man in Georgia was involved in a truck accident. He hired a lawyer without discussing fees properly. Later, he was shocked to find out that hidden costs reduced his final payout. If he had chosen a lawyer with a clear fee agreement, he could have avoided unexpected expenses.
Tip:
Ask for a written agreement detailing all fees before hiring a lawyer.
7. Trial Experience
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but if negotiations fail, your lawyer must be ready to go to trial. A lawyer with trial experience can put pressure on insurance companies, increasing your chances of a higher settlement.
Example:
In a medical malpractice case in Pennsylvania, a patient was harmed due to a surgeon’s mistake. The insurance company refused to settle for a fair amount. Luckily, the victim’s lawyer had extensive trial experience and took the case to court. The jury awarded the patient $3.5 million in damages. If the lawyer had no trial experience, the patient might have been pressured into accepting a much lower settlement.
Tip:
Ask if the lawyer has trial experience and how many cases they have taken to court.
In Short
Choosing the right lawyer for personal injury is crucial to winning your case. To recap, here’s what to look for:
- Experience: Find someone with years of experience in personal injury law.
- Specialization: Choose a lawyer who specializes in your type of injury.
- Reputation: Read reviews and check their track record.
- Communication: Make sure they explain things clearly and keep you updated.
- Availability: A good lawyer should have enough time for your case.
- Fees: Ensure their fee structure is clear with no hidden costs.
- Trial Skills: A lawyer with court experience can improve your chances of winning big.
By keeping these seven tips in mind, you can find the best lawyer for personal injury to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation.
Which Is the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Maryland
At Scheuerman Law, we take pride in being one of the best personal injury law firms in Maryland. With years of experience and a passion for fighting for our clients, we have helped countless injury victims secure the compensation they deserve. If you’re looking for a trusted and experienced personal injury lawyer in Maryland, here’s why Scheuerman Law should be your first choice.
- Experienced Team: Our firm boasts a team of skilled lawyers with a proven track record in personal injury law.
- Client-Centered Approach: We’re committed to providing personalized attention, ensuring that each client receives the care and dedication they deserve.
- Proven Results: We have a history of successful outcomes, helping clients secure fair compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. The sooner you contact Scheuerman Law, the sooner we can start working on your case. Contact us today at 443-888-2062 for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve
