Accidents can happen to anyone regardless of taking the necessary preventive measures. While some accidents may not result in injury, others are serious and could lead to expensive hospital bills, temporary or permanent loss of employment, pain, and suffering.
Coping with the effects of accidents can be financially, physically, and emotionally tormenting. Fortunately, you may be able to receive compensation from the party responsible for the accident. You can achieve this by filing a personal injury case against them.
That said, filing a lawsuit is no walk in the park. You must be familiar with the legal intricacies surrounding such cases and meet the requirements. The excellent news is that an expert lawyer, such as Rich Godshall, can help smoothen this process by representing you and filing the required documents.
So, how do you find the right personal injury lawyer? Below are some key points to consider as you make this decision.
Lawyers focus their practice in different areas, and finding one suited to personal injury lawsuits is essential. For instance, a family law attorney will be most suited to cases revolving around daily issues, not personal injury cases.
It is imperative to consult an attorney who has a sufficient background in handling cases similar to yours. A personal injury lawsuit is an umbrella term for all sorts of injuries ranging from slip and fall, vehicle accidents, product liability, wrongful death, and nursing home abuse or neglect. Since the scope is broad, you want to find one that fits your needs.
For example, if you suffered a slip and fall accident, your preferred lawyer should have handled similar cases before. You can inquire about their case history by asking about the number of slip and fall accidents they had taken before. It is important to ask if any of their cases went to trial and their outcomes.
The financial aspects of a personal injury case should always be considered before hiring a lawyer. Personal injury lawyers generally work on a contingency plan. This means you will not be required to pay any money upfront and will only do so once you receive compensation. An attorney's contingency rate is typically between 33 and 40 percent of the compensated amount.
Ask your lawyer about their rates before they start working on your case. Ensure you are comfortable with this and inquire if there are any additional fees relating to your lawsuit. You can also request an estimate of the overall amount to be paid upfront.
The contingency plan is a safe alternative, as your attorney gets paid when you are compensated. However, in some cases, a contingency plan may be more costly than the standard hourly rates for a lawyer. It is a good idea to evaluate both options and ultimately choose the most applicable option.
Professionalism is an extremely important aspect when it comes to litigation, especially personal injury. A reasonable attorney will strive to assist you to the best of their abilities. Professionalism goes beyond good communication and organization. This does not mean you should overlook these qualities, but a professional attorney has the qualities mentioned and many more.
Your attorney should work zealously, efficiently, and economically to protect your resources and theirs. They should promptly follow up and advise you on alternative procedures regarding your case.
Professionalism is more than personality; you should ensure your attorney does everything to guarantee your case's success. This makes certain attorneys stand out from the merely competent ones.
In personal injury cases, having skilled legal counsel is essential to achieving a favorable outcome. Choosing a lawyer who is well-suited to your case, professional, and within your budget can significantly impact the results. Prioritize finding an attorney who understands the complexities of personal injury law to ensure your rights are effectively protected throughout the legal process.
