Whether you are dealing with an insurance company that is trying to deny your claim or just want the best possible settlement, it’s important to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer Chicago.
Not all attorneys are created equal. Some prefer to take an assembly-line approach and treat all cases in the same manner, while others make it their mission to build your case and fight for you.
1. Experience
When choosing a personal injury attorney, you need to consider how long they have been practicing. You also need to ask about their experience handling cases similar to yours. You might be able to find this information online, or you could check with the New York state bar association.
Experience is important because it means that the lawyer has handled a variety of different scenarios and knows how to respond in different situations. You also want to choose a lawyer who has a good track record of winning settlements for their clients. This can be difficult to find out from an online profile, but you should ask other lawyers for referrals or reviews.
Severe injuries can lead to years or even a lifetime of pain, medical treatment, and loss of income. You deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim to recover damages that cover the cost of your medical bills, lost income, and other expenses related to your accident.
Having an experienced attorney on your side can protect you from bad faith tactics from insurance companies and help you avoid saying something that could hurt your case. Studies show that people with lawyers on their side end up receiving much higher settlement offers than those who represent themselves.
Some attorneys take on a lot of cases and treat them as assembly-line work, without taking the time to get to know each individual client and situation. This is not the best approach for a person who has been seriously injured because they need an attorney who will fight for them and their rights. You should seek out a personal injury lawyer who has a balanced workload and will give your case the attention it deserves.
2. Reputation
Choosing an injury lawyer with a solid reputation is vitally important. An attorney’s reputation allows them to leverage a positive relationship with insurance providers, who are more likely to pay a claimant what they are owed.
Personal injury lawyers have a strong knowledge of the law and how to fight for their clients in court, which can significantly impact the outcome of a case. They have the ability to retain medical, financial and economic experts to help place a value on future damages. This enables a victim to receive maximum compensation for their injuries.
Severe injury cases can involve thousands or even millions of dollars in potential future damages, which include medical treatment costs, lost income and diminished quality of life. An experienced personal injury lawyer will ensure that a victim is compensated for all of these expenses.
Many accident victims are hesitant to hire an attorney due to concerns over legal fees. However, a good personal injury lawyer will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they won’t require a sizable investment up front.
An attorney’s client volume is another factor to consider. A lawyer with a high caseload may be too busy to prioritize your needs. On the other hand, a lawyer who accepts only a limited number of clients will have more time to devote to your case.
If a case is complex, it could be worth the extra expense of hiring an injury lawyer with a solid reputation. For example, medical malpractice claims, construction accidents and product liability cases typically involve multiple parties that are potentially liable for an injury. An experienced lawyer can analyze the facts of a case and determine which parties might be responsible.
3. Fees
If you’ve been injured in an accident, your attorney will know how much it will cost to build a strong case and recover fair compensation for your injuries. They will also know what insurance companies will try to do to lowball you. Knowing these things ahead of time can save you time and money in the long run.
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they will not get paid unless they win. This can be a great option for injured accident victims who are struggling financially. Severe accidents can leave you unable to work and will require expensive medical treatment that you may need for the rest of your life. It’s difficult to balance this type of financial burden with other expenses like rent, food, and utilities. A personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to live without adding any additional stress to your life.
Before a lawyer takes on your case, they will usually review the case law, legal precedents, and applicable statutes to establish a valid rationale for filing a claim against the responsible parties. This is a time-consuming process and can take a lot of work. You should find out if the attorney’s initial written agreement includes this research and discovery costs as well as other possible expense charges, such as copying, long-distance telephone calls, and court filing fees.
You should also ask the attorney if they will personally handle your case, or if they will hand it off to an associate lawyer or paralegal. Some lawyers have a reputation for being ambulance chasers and only take on cases that they are confident they can settle. This type of attorney may not be as successful in negotiating with insurance companies or taking the case to trial, if needed.
4. Communication
A personal injury claim can be a long process and you will be dealing with many different aspects. This includes filing legal paperwork, dealing with insurance red tape, and talking to witnesses. Having an attorney will help you stay on top of things and make sure that all deadlines are met. They will also work on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible. Studies show that people with attorneys end up receiving settlements that are three times more than what they would have received without an attorney.
When looking for an attorney, be sure to choose someone who will communicate with you openly and honestly. A good attorney will answer any questions you may have, and will be able to explain any complicated details of your case in a way that is easy to understand. They should also be able to tell you how they expect your case to progress, including whether or not it is likely to settle or go to trial.
Some attorneys will have a lot of cases they are working on at one time, and may not be able to return your calls right away. However, they should be able to balance that with making you feel like you are their top priority. If they seem defensive about your concerns, or act as though you are bothering them, then it might be time to find a new lawyer.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, it is important to take the time to interview several different candidates. You will be spending a lot of time with this person, so it is important that you choose someone who you feel comfortable working with. Be sure to consider the above factors, as well as their experience and reputation when making your decision.
5. Personality
While a lawyer’s skills and credentials are important, the personality traits of an attorney can also be critical. A good personal injury attorney will be empathetic and compassionate toward their clients and their families. Pursuing damages in a personal injury case is often a new experience for victims and their loved ones, so an attorney who takes the time to understand what has happened to them will be better able to guide them through the process.
Attorneys should also be honest and transparent about their fees and the amount of time it will take to reach a settlement. Many attorneys use a contingency fee arrangement, which means they only receive payment if they successfully recover compensation through a lawsuit or settlement. It is helpful to compare the fee structures of various attorneys and choose one that is right for you.
A good personal injury attorney will be dedicated to their clients and will work hard on their behalf. They will provide the support and guidance necessary to help their clients through this difficult period. An attorney will also be willing to fight for the compensation they deserve, regardless of the obstacles or challenges that may arise.
Finding a great personal injury lawyer can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort. By assessing the qualities above, you can be confident that you will hire an attorney who is the best fit for your situation. Taking the time to consider these important factors will ensure that you have the best possible chance of success in your case. By following these tips, you will be on your way to hiring a personal injury lawyer who can help you recover the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
