If you’ve sustained injuries due to an accident or someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to find an injury attorney to pursue compensation. You can file claims against individuals, companies, or government entities. Finding the right personal injury attorney whom you can work with and feel comfortable with is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation. For legal guidance, get in touch with Bogdan Martinovich at (847) 996-1350.
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Researching Attorneys and Law Firms
Someone is hurt or injured due to someone else’s wrongful or negligent action, decision, or inaction nearly 20 times a day in the United States, according to a several-year study.
Data further indicates that almost two million people die from work-related causes each year. These injuries can be of a permanent or temporary nature.
A good personal injury attorney in Illinois can assist you if you’ve been injured at work, in a road accident, in the hospital or elsewhere. Victims have the right to claim compensation for their injuries and suffering. However, part of selecting the right personal injury lawyer is knowing what to look for.
Talking to multiple lawyers will help you identify who you are best matched with. Compare them based on their experience, their costs and what their office environment is like. You’ll also get a good sense of expectations about your case by meeting with multiple lawyers. Each will give you an idea of what your case challenges might be and what your success likely is.
There are several ways to gather together a few personal injury lawyer candidates. Here are some pointers to guide your search.
Friends and Family
Consider speaking to friends, family, colleagues, or others who have used a lawyer for personal injury claims. They may have advice on when to get a personal injury lawyer. If they have positive feedback, consider adding that lawyer to your list, but don’t rely solely on someone else’s recommendation when making your decision.
People have varying reactions to a lawyer’s approach and demeanor, so it’s important to meet or speak with the lawyer, talk about your case, and determine whether you would be comfortable working with him or her before making a decision.
Referrals From Other Lawyers
Another way to find an injury attorney is by asking other lawyers for a referral. Lawyers often refer clients to each other; many have connections with personal injury specialists. While it’s a good starting point, a referral from another lawyer should be just the beginning of your search.
Online Attorney Referral Services
Several local bar associations and commercial websites provide online lawyer referral services, typically categorized by legal specialty.
Some lawyer referral services meticulously vet attorneys, only listing those with specific qualifications and a certain amount of prior experience. On the other hand, other services may list any attorney in good standing with the state bar, as long as he or she maintains liability insurance.
However, a lawyer referral service may not provide insight into the lawyer’s approach, such as whether he or she is willing to dedicate time to be your legal coach, or the level of assertiveness he or she exhibits. It’s wise to directly communicate with a potential lawyer before making any decisions. Various websites enable users to connect with local attorneys who can offer personalized advice and case evaluation.
Evaluate Experience and Areas of Expertise
Check out your lawyer’s website and online presence, or call his or her office for more information. Take note of experience, area of expertise, credentials, and other relevant details.
When hiring lawyers, consider whether they are specialists or generalists. For personal injury and accident cases, look for a lawyer who focuses on this area. This type of lawyer will have in-depth knowledge of the laws pertaining to your case and what types of expenses are common after an accident. He or she may have access to medical professionals who can assist in building your case and obtaining treatment for your injuries. Such a lawyer may have knowledge in specific circumstances, such as when the person who caused your personal injury dies in the accident.
It’s also beneficial to choose a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours. For instance, if a defective product has harmed you, it’s crucial to have a lawyer with experience in product liability claims. If your injuries stem from a motorcycle or tractor-trailer accident, finding a lawyer who has dealt with such cases is advisable.
At a minimum:
- Make sure he or she is licensed to practice law in your state.
- Look for a few years of experience handling personal injury claims.
- Check for a good track record of success with claims.
- Find offices that are conveniently located near you.
By following these steps, you can further refine your list.
Consider Reviews and Testimonials
Take the time to read the reviews and testimonials on the company’s website. However, it’s wise to read reviews on various platforms, like Google Business pages, Facebook pages, and more.
Scheduling Consultations
Take advantage of the free consultation that most attorneys offer. You should schedule meetings with a few personal injury attorneys and prepare a list of questions about their experience and how they would handle your case. Bring all relevant documents, such as police reports, medical records, and correspondence with the insurance company, to the consultations. This initial meeting allows you to assess whether a lawyer is the right fit for your case. Since most lawyers don’t charge for this first meeting, you can use it to evaluate if they are the right choice for you.
General Experience
After discussing your case with the lawyer, look into the lawyer’s background and practice. Find out how long he or she has been practicing law and what percentage of his or her caseload involves personal injury cases. Also, determine whether the lawyer primarily represents plaintiffs or defendants. It’s crucial to ensure that the lawyer’s experience aligns with your needs. Another important consideration is whether the lawyer will personally handle your case or delegate it to another attorney in the firm. If multiple attorneys will be involved, it’s helpful to meet each one to understand their role in your case.
Should You Settle or File a Lawsuit?
Once you’ve gone over the details of your case with the lawyer, you can gain an understanding of the value of your personal injury case and the challenges involved in persuading the insurance company to pay that amount.
It’s a good time to outline your goals and gauge the likelihood of:
- achieving a settlement with minimal expenses and hassle
- securing an amount higher than the insurance company’s offer as soon as possible, or
- maximizing the compensation, regardless of the time it takes.
These conversations may also involve weighing the advantages and disadvantages of settling versus pursuing the claim in court through a personal injury lawsuit. Since each situation is unique, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Lines of Communication
It is crucial for the success of your claim that you are able to effectively communicate with your lawyer. Does your lawyer take the time to listen to you? Is he or she able to explain things clearly? Do you feel confident that your lawyer will keep you updated and consider your input before making key decisions in your case?
The lawyer’s capacity to listen and comprehend your perspective will directly impact your satisfaction with the handling of your case. His or her willingness and ability to clarify the developments of your case will also influence your ability to make informed decisions. Open communication between you and your lawyer can reduce the stress of the entire process.
Understanding Fees and Costs
It is essential to have a conversation about the financial aspect of the attorney-client relationship, which includes understanding how your lawyer will be compensated for his or her services and how case expenses will be managed.
Legal services can be costly, often billed at hundreds of dollars per hour. This may be an expense that you are unable to cover upfront, especially in the event of an injury. Fortunately, many personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive payment when you receive compensation. Typically, contingency fees range from 25% to 40%, so it’s recommended to seek out a lawyer within these ranges. They will deduct their fees from your settlement, and reputable lawyers factor in legal fees to ensure you receive the maximum from your claim.
When it comes to case costs, such as filing fees and consultation services, the details can be more intricate. It’s vital to clarify how these expenses will be managed from the outset of your lawyer-client relationship.
If you are confident in the lawyer’s experience and comfortable with his or her approach to handling your case, you have likely found a lawyer with whom you can collaborate effectively. Contact us to determine if our legal representation meets your needs.
