Introduction:

With so many attorneys out there, finding an appropriate personal injury lawyer can be a frustrating task when you are going through serious physical and psychological troubles due to your injury. In this article we will outline a few criteria and things to be looking for as you search for a personal injury attorney. 

Key takeaways:

  • A good personal injury lawyer will have experience and a good track record in personal injury cases. 
  • An attorney that believes you have a chance of winning your personal injury case will take their pay as a contingency. 
  • The right attorney is an honest one, and they will set clear expectations on your chances of winning your case. 

Experience and Track Record

While seeking personal injury lawyers, the most important thing to look for is experience in a case or cases similar to yours. In your initial encounter with an attorney, ask if they have dealt with any cases similar to yours and how successful they were with it. Even the most successful attorneys will lose cases, so you’d want to know the reasons the case was lost and to see whether it applies to your own situation or not. At Compton and Smith, PA we have past experience with personal injury law cases and are more than happy to help you in your case. Call us with any questions and to consult with us. 

Communication is Key

Be sure to communicate well with your attorney, as well as with your attorney’s staff. Keep in mind, your attorney is going to be an extension of you in the courtroom, so if you cannot talk effectively to him or her, then your case will not be heard in the way that is best for you. A good attorney will ensure your side of the story is told clearly and concisely, both in the courtroom and outside it. 

Make sure you are comfortable asking questions and getting information from your legal team throughout your case. Not only that but make sure that they are available to you, some larger firms and even some smaller ones can struggle to give you the time of day. A great way to select a lawyer is by basing your decision on good communication and being kept current at all times. 

At Compton and Smith, PA  we pride ourselves on our customer service and have structured our firm with your goals in mind. We have established clear lines of communication so you can feel heard and understood.

Knowing Legal Fees and Retainers

Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only receive payment if you win your case, and their fees are a percentage of the settlement. This puts them in the unique position of not charging more for hiring their services than what you recover. 

Attorneys looking for a retainer should raise a red flag, because in personal injury cases, a lawyer asking for a retainer can have a hefty fee up front. Any lawyer who has confidence and believes in your case should have you pay using a contingency system. Try avoiding lawyers who ask for a retainer fee in personal injury cases and find those who can and will work on contingency.

Setting Realistic Expectations

A good attorney will also be honest with you about your case and set realistic expectations. If the attorney makes claims of a large settlement amount and wants a retainer for that, that could be a warning sign. If their demeanor changes after they are paid, that is not a good thing. 

The right attorney will always be honest about your chance of success, even when that is not what you want to hear. Keep an attorney who will be candid about your case right from the start and explain the best and worst case scenarios to you. 

Take Advantage of the Free Consultations

A free consultation provides you and the attorney with an opportunity to decide whether your case is worth working on. Here at Compton and Smith, PA we provide free consultations because we find it quite important first to understand what your situation really is before giving our recommendations. 

When you leave a consultation, you should feel like you were heard, even if the attorney’s assessment is not what you wanted to hear. A good attorney will tell you the truth whether or not you become their client. A free consultation is time well-spent when you get a clear and honest assessment of your case from a lawyer. 

Summary

Your personal injury attorney is going to fight on your behalf for your rights and compensation. It’s important that you retain the right experience and track record, but most of all, someone you can trust will communicate with you candidly throughout your case. 

This may be your first and hopefully only personal injury case-make so make sure you have a skilled advocate on your side. If you are considering a personal injury lawsuit, let Compton and Smith, PA  provide you with a free consultation to help you understand your options and facilitate an easy-to-understand legal process.