5 Major Factors To Consider When Selecting A Lawyer
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
As hard as you may try to avoid it, it’s likely that at some point in your lifetime you’ll need the help of a good lawyer. Many people associate the need for a lawyer with the act of committing a crime. This is why people who do their best to avoid criminal activity don’t think that they’ll ever need this type of help. There are many areas, however, where a lawyer can be of assistance, such as:
• Accidents – Auto, Boat, Motorcycle, Trucks
• Workers Compensation and Workplace Injury Claims
• Wrongful Death Suits
• Social Security Disability
• Slip And Fall Claims
• Personal Injury
You can hope that none of these things will ever happen to you, but life doesn’t always go as planned. When you have a problem that requires the help of a lawyer, the first thing you have to do is select one.
5 Things To Consider During Selection
Area of specialization
You wouldn’t see a cardiologist if you broke your ankle, so why hire a real estate attorney to handle your worker’s comp claim? Choose your lawyer based on your needs, and find someone with expertise in the right area.
Experience
Only a lawyer with case related experience can ensure that your case is handled effectively. For example, a young married couple with no children and zero assets can seek a simple marital annulment from a lawyer who is fresh off of passing the bar. Personal injury claims for a complex auto accident, however, require a lawyer with plenty of experience dealing with insurance companies and liability laws.
Trial experience
Most lawyers work hard to settle cases outside of the courtroom, but sometimes a trail is inevitable. On the chance that your case might be heard before the courts, you’ll want a lawyer who’s been there on more than one occasion.
If your lawyer doesn’t have trial experience, they may accept a low-ball offer just to stay out of the courtroom, which is unfair to you.
Cost
Though it’s difficult to put a price on a situation that can change your life, many people look at pricing when they choose their legal representation. Every case varies, as does the cost.
• Discover if flat rates are more affordable to hourly rates.
• Get an estimate of the legal charges.
• Understand additional fees, such as filing fees and travel expenses.
• Compare the pricing to your budget.
• Ask if negotiations are possible.
Most cases involving personal injury lawsuits are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer gets a percentage of the amount recovered by the client. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.
Trust. When a case has an impact on your future, or on your daily life, you want to have a person you can trust standing at your side. Is your lawyer well respected by other lawyers? Does your lawyer have positive reviews from others who have used their services?
Trust is also built on comfort; how comfortable do you feel with your lawyer? Does the lawyer take time to answer all of your questions until you feel comfortable? Do you agree with the lawyer’s technique of working? If you don’t feel comfortable with your lawyer, the results can be disastrous.
Being in a situation where you need a lawyer is never on anyone’s bucket list, but if you end up with a need for the services of one, at least you’ll know how to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need.