Your Personal Injury Representation Checklist

Your Personal Injury Representation Checklist

We don’t have to tell you the importance of having a lawyer when suing for personal injury. An attorney understands the system, knows the laws, and how they apply to claims. But your choice of attorney matters, too. They shouldn’t just be professionals—they need experience in similar cases, settling some and taking others all the way to trial. This blog will explain the factors you should consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer.

Experience 

“This one is obvious. Having an attorney with experience can make a huge difference in your case. A seasoned lawyer has likely handled multiple cases like yours and knows the do’s and don’ts of each claim,” says personal injury attorney Frank Tomeny III of Tomeny Best. Plus, with experience comes a network of experts in different fields who can serve as expert witnesses to strengthen your claim. So when choosing a lawyer, be sure to confirm how long they have been practicing, how many cases they’ve won, and—most importantly—the types of personal injury claims they focus on.

Specialized Experience 

General experience isn’t enough—you need a lawyer who focuses on cases like yours. If you were in a truck accident, look for a truck accident attorney. Likewise, if you suffered an injury through medical malpractice, find someone who specializes in these types of claims. A specialized attorney understands the nuances that make these cases unique. For example, a truck accident lawyer knows that these crashes often involve multiple factors, meaning multiple parties could be liable. They’ll ensure everyone responsible is held accountable, resulting in adequate compensation for your losses.

Reputation

Reputation can be a big deal when it comes to personal injury lawsuit representation. A well-regarded attorney is more likely to be trusted by opposing counsel, insurance companies, and even the court. Your case’s outcome can be determined by how the judge and jury perceive it, and a good reputation can add to its credibility.

Communication and Availability 

One of the most important things you should ask during your initial consultation is whether the person you’re speaking with—whether online, over the phone, or in person—will be handling your case. You want to know how available they’ll be. While it’s common for attorneys to juggle multiple cases, they should still make time for updates and communication.

Access To Resources 

The success of your case will likely hinge on a team effort with your attorney on the lead. This team often comprises expert witnesses who can be doctors, accident reconstruction experts, forensic analysts, and others. Experienced personal injury attorneys develop connections with these professionals over time. So, ensure you confirm whether the lawyer has access to their expertise.

Fee Structure 

Don’t sign any document before you understand how you’ll be paying for attorney representation. Fortunately, most lawyers use the contingency fee payment plan. This means they get their cut from your settlement. But make sure to confirm their percentage and have them explain any additional costs that you may incur.

Trial Experience 

While it’s true that most personal injury cases end in a settlement, this is not always the case. Negotiations may stall, hit a wall, or turn contentious, signaling the need for litigation. Ensure your attorney is ready to argue your case in court, explain your situation to the judge and jury, and fight for the best outcome.

Conclusion 

As you may have surmised, working with a lawyer isn’t enough. You need to be careful when choosing a lawyer. In fact, there’s no harm in scheduling meetings with multiple lawyers. Create a checklist to use when gauging each, and choose one who ticks the most boxes. And remember, trust your gut. Personal injury cases can take years, so you’ll likely be working with that lawyer for a long time. Make sure you’re comfortable with them because changing attorney representation midway can sometimes harm your case.