What makes a good personal injury attorney?
If you’ve been injured and want to pursue a personal injury claim, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. How do you find a good personal injury attorney? What characteristics should you look for? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you narrow down your choices and make your selection with confidence. Start by making sure the attorney you’re considering has the following five important traits.
1. Reputation
Begin your search by asking people you trust if they have had experience with a good personal injury attorney. Gather recommendations from friends, family members, and trusted professionals.
Once you have your shortlist of potential candidates, spend some time online finding out what others have to say about them. Read reviews on popular sites like Google and Yelp. Take a look at the comments on their social media profiles. You’ll also want to Google their name and see what comes up. If you know other attorneys, ask them about the lawyer’s reputation among his or her peers.
2. Experience
It’s important to make sure the attorney you’re considering has many years of experience trying cases just like yours. A good personal injury attorney who specializes in vehicle accidents may not be the best choice for your medical malpractice case. Each specific type of case requires specialized knowledge. You can quickly eliminate any attorney that doesn’t specialize in the type of injury you’ve sustained.
3. Results
Unfortunately, many injury attorneys are far too willing to accept settlement offers. A good personal injury lawyer is passionate about getting the maximum possible payout. They’re also willing to fight hard in court to make it happen. Before hiring a lawyer, ask to see a record of their results and settlements. This will show you how often they take a case to court and how often they win. While not all cases go to court, you want a lawyer who isn’t afraid to take a case to trial if necessary.
4. Compassion
Personal injuries are… well, personal. The best injury attorneys are compassionate and empathetic. An attorney that’s all business may not put as much effort into fighting for your rights as one who is motivated by the opportunity to really help people.
You’ll know you found a good personal injury lawyer if you feel listed to and understood. If you don’t get the feeling that the attorney you’re interviewing truly cares about you and your case, keep looking.
5. Empowerment
You want your attorney to handle all of the little details. However, a good personal injury lawyer will give you all the information you need and then empower you to make the big decisions.
Throughout the process, you’ll likely have many questions. After all, you’ll be dealing with medical bills, health insurance forms, lost income, and more. The attorney you choose should be willing to take the time to thoroughly answer all of your questions so you can feel comfortable with each decision you need to make.
Need a Good Personal Injury Attorney? Contact Us Today!
If you’re looking for a good personal injury attorney, the professionals at Gallagher & Hagopian are here to help. We’re tough and compassionate attorneys committed to fighting for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.