Finding a great personal injury attorney does not have to be difficult. Here are the 4 steps you need to take when hiring a personal injury attorney to find a great lawyer to help you:
1. Get a Referral
First, consult with trusted friends and family and ask for referrals. Or, if you already have a trusted attorney who specializes in another area, ask for a personal injury attorney referral.
Alternatively, investigate via the internet and the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry (www.martindale.com), Best Lawyers (www.bestlawyers.com), Super Lawyers (www.superlawyers.com), Find Law (www.findlaw.com), or Lawyers (www.lawyers.com.) The Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry is the most respected legal database and is based on peer review ratings. Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers are based on peer reviews and professional achievement. Find Law and Lawyers.com are based on paid attorney memberships rather than peer reviews.
2. Steer Clear of Unsolicited Attorney Calls
A word of caution: If you receive a solicitation from a lawyer right after an accident, do not contact them. These solicitations conducted by “ambulance chasing” attorneys are not only unwelcome but also illegal.
3. Set up a Consultation
Initial consultations are typically free. These meetings are the perfect time for you to get to know the attorney and ask the right questions. Here are the key questions you should consider asking during an initial consultation:
Attorney Background
- How long have you practiced in this area of law?
- What legal certifications do you have?
- Have you handled any cases similar to mine?
Legal Practice
- How many cases are you working on?
- Who will actually work on my case?
- What percentage of your cases are referrals?
Case-Specific
- What are the possible outcomes of my case?
- What type of approach will you take?
- How long do you expect this case to take?
- Is arbitration a possibility?
Financial
- What are your rates and how will you bill me?
- What do you expect the total bill to be (including expenses)?
- How would a settlement work?
4. Determine if the Attorney Meets Your Needs
Determine if you were able to understand the attorney or if he or she used legal ease throughout the conversation. Consider whether you felt comfortable and confident with the attorney’s responses.
Evaluate the answers to the key questions you asked the lawyer. Think through the conversation you had with the attorney and evaluate whether or not he or she will be a good fit.
If you feel the attorney is a good fit, excellent! If not, follow the steps again until you find legal representation that meets your needs.
Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at 888-504-HURT (4878).