Anyone who has ever navigated a slippery patch of ice knows that accidents can happen every day. If you're not careful, you can easily wind up as the unfortunate victim of a fall. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly 175,000 Americans experience unintentional injuries every year (ranking as the third leading cause of death behind cancer and heart disease). Thousands of these cases lead to personal injury lawsuits. We all hope to never have an accident, but if it were to happen, it's important to know how to pick the best available Los Angeles personal injury attorney. Below are a few questions to consider if and when you're looking for a firm to represent you.
Are They Experienced?
Unless your cousin Vinny is as sharp as the one in the movie, it's probably not a good idea to take a chance on a new lawyer. Experience is a must. That said, search specifically for those who specialize in personal injury law and have been in practice for at least ten years. They should also have experience handling cases similar to yours. For example, if you have a workers' compensation case, you'll want to make sure they have handled many. Don't be afraid to ask questions about their educational background too. Nothing should be off limits.
Do They Have a Strong Staff?
According to Jacksonville personal injury lawyers, when working with a personal injury lawyer, your case will likely go on for months and even years. It's more than likely that you will deal with the firm's support staff as much as the lawyers themselves. When visiting an office for an initial consultation, try to get a sense of how efficient the staff is. Do the receptionists, assistants and paralegals seem professional and outgoing? Are your follow-up emails and calls returned promptly? Every staffer is a reflection of the firm's quality.
Do They Have Testimonials and Good Reviews?
As with any business you would consider, make sure they can provide strong testimonials. If they are able to point you to past clients who had a positive experience with the firm, it can only help you make a decision. Likewise, if their website doesn't have testimonials and the firm is reluctant to provide them, you may want to look elsewhere. You can also search for online reviews and ratings from independent peer review services.
Are They Successful?
We've saved the most important question for last. Approximately 95% of personal injury cases are settled before trial. The law firm you choose should be able to give you a full accounting of the cases they have successfully negotiated to settlements, as well as those they have litigated to a winning jury verdict. If they are resistant to providing a success rate, they probably have a poor record.
These are just a few of the many questions you should ask before settling on a personal injury lawyer. It can be tempting to move too fast when you think you have a winning case, so slow down and do thorough research.
