If you ever have the misfortune of being injured in any sort of accident, most everyone agrees that working with a personal injury attorney is the right call. However, while doing so may be sort of obvious in the event of an automobile accident, most personal injury lawyers can help with much more.
Whether you’re hurt by a defective product, negligence, in a fall, you need to be able to focus on your recovery. Having the right personal injury attorney that focuses on protecting your legal rights helps ensure that you can indeed focus on what’s important — healing and following doctor’s orders.
However, you shouldn’t necessarily go with the very first choice that comes up in an Internet search for one near you or, heaven forbid, the old fashion Yellow Pages where businesses were notorious for being named things like AAA Personal Injury Attorney. In order to choose the right attorney for the job, read now, there are a few things you should definitely keep in mind.
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When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
First, you need to identify the reason behind your accident or injury and who or what is responsible. Determining whether a person, business, corporation or government agency is responsible for your injury will enable your attorney to implement an action plan to fight for what you deserve.
If you’re injured via any of the following methods, you should definitely consider speaking with a personal injury attorney:
- Someone else’s negligence
- Slip and fall
- Someone’s intentional behavior
- Medical malpractice
- Medical misdiagnosis
- Hazardous medications
- Auto accident
- Dog bite
- Defective product
- Hazardous conditions
Look for the Right Type
Just as you’ll likely see a doctor that specializes in the musculoskeletal system if you’re injured in an accident as opposed to a pediatrician, every attorney has an area of law that they specialize in. Look for one that has dedicated their practice to representing clients with similar cases.
Research Several Prospects
Internet reviews and rating websites are great resources for helping determine if a specific attorney may be right for you. You can also speak with coworkers, friends, and family members about their experiences with personal injury attorneys as well. Look and listen for any complaints or reputation issues that could possibly affect your case.
Call & Sit Down with Several
Once you’ve completed your initial research, start by calling each prospect. You’ll generally be asked to explain your case to a paralegal and then, if they determine it may be a good match and want to hear more, they’ll set an appointment with the attorney.
Then, ask questions about case history and outcomes and how they feel the merits of your case are and how they will represent you. You’ll also want to review all paperwork and ensure that you completely understand the payment expectations, what percentage of your recovery they require, and how any additional legal fees will be charged.
Choosing an attorney shouldn’t be done in haste, especially when you’re injured and your health and future could depend on it.
