Finding the right personal injury lawyer can be tricky. There are many things you should consider. First, you should ask about the lawyer’s areas of practice. You want to make sure they have experience with your type of case. You also want to find out how much they charge and their fee arrangement.
Get Recommendations
Getting recommendations from other personal injury lawyers is one of the best ways to find a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer. Ask friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations, and then check out their websites to see if they have what you need.
Be sure to ask about their success rate and whether they’ve had any cases similar to yours that were unsuccessful. If they have, it’s essential to understand why that happened so that you can make a wise decision about who to hire.
In addition, ask what percentage of their practice involves representing people who file personal injury lawsuits. You don’t want to hire a general practitioner who only occasionally handles these cases. They may not have the experience you need to navigate your case successfully.
Do Your Research
There are some essential things to keep in mind as you do your research. For example, you should find out how long the lawyer has been in practice and if they focus on personal injury cases. You should also understand their fee structure, including whether they charge a flat fee or require a retainer.
Also, clarify if they cover upfront costs such as investigation and expert witness fees. You should also find out if they most often represent plaintiffs or defendants, as this may affect their thinking and lead to a less successful outcome for your case. You should also check out their website to see examples of their previous case results and what kind of settlements or verdicts they have obtained for clients.
Schedule a Consultation
Once you have compiled a list of potential attorneys, narrow it down to the ones you want to meet with. It would be best if you were told by how an attorney treats you over the phone or at the office whether they are the right fit for your case.
They should listen to your questions and concerns and explain them in a way that you understand them. It’s also essential to determine whether the Philadelphia dog bite attorney you are considering primarily represents people who initiate personal injury cases (called “plaintiffs”) or defend insurance companies against claims.
During your consultation, you must bring any documentation relating to your case. Make sure you schedule a meeting that is convenient for your schedule.
Ask Questions
Choosing a personal injury lawyer is not a decision you should make lightly. You and your attorney will work together for a long time, and you want to ensure that you’re a good fit. During your consultation, ask questions that help you understand the attorney’s experience and how they will handle your case.
Ask the potential attorney how many cases similar to yours they have handled and what their success rate was. Also, ask how frequently they keep clients updated on their cases. It would be best if you also were sure to ask about their fees and costs.
While most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you still want to be aware of all possible expenses associated with your case. Ask for a breakdown of these fees during your consultation.
Don’t Make a Decision
It’s best to avoid deciding too soon when choosing an attorney. Many injury victims are tempted to choose the first person they meet with, but it is essential to do your homework before choosing someone.
It would help if you also asked potential attorneys how often they go to trial and how much experience they have with personal injury cases. Some lawyers claim to specialize in personal injury, but they might need to be more experienced to handle your case effectively.
You should also find out whether the lawyer has won large settlements for their clients. An excellent way to do this is to ask how many million-dollar verdicts they have won. This signifies that the attorney has the necessary experience to win your case.
