You probably recognize that the fate of your personal injury case depends on the legal expertise of your attorney. The attorney you select, however, should be more than just the person who gets all the legal paperwork filed on time. A compassionate and thorough attorney is the best way to earn compensation and peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones during such a difficult time.
Below are some factors to consider before selecting your personal injury attorney.
All too often, potential lawsuits are never filed because an attorney wasn’t consulted. Similarly, many accident survivors only collect the small sum an insurance company offers when much more could have been recovered.
Potential plaintiffs worry that the cost of hiring an attorney is too high or that the accident or incident may have been partially their fault. It’s worth noting, however, that many personal injury attorneys only collect on the money you earn as compensation for your case. Additionally, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for your accident in Georgia.
Many personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with a lawyer.
Another mistake potential plaintiffs make is attending an arbitration or mediation without an attorney present. Although an attorney isn’t required for these legal proceedings, one can certainly assist with the process and simplify the terms.
In reality, many defendants bring a lawyer to settlement proceedings. Thus, you should have the same degree of legal representation.
Hiring a lawyer may seem daunting, but you have a host of resources right at your fingertips.
Most importantly, your goal is to schedule a consultation with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law. (This is an attorney who is trained to manage accident cases.)
Try to narrow down your search to a lawyer who handles your specific type of case. For example, a car accident attorney is technically a personal injury lawyer, but he or she may not be the best lawyer if you have a workplace accident claim.
There are several options for selecting a personal injury attorney, including the following:
Before your consultation, keep in mind a few considerations that will help you decide if this is the best personal injury attorney for you. These factors include:
Beyond those considerations, make sure you are prepared for the consultation in order for the attorney to have full understanding of your case. Below is a downloadable infographic to help you know what to ask during your consultation.
Personal Injury Attorney Interview Sheet
Worksheet with questions to ask a personal injury attorney to help determine if he or she will be a good fit for your case
Download in PDF format
Though it may be tough to hear, not every claim is enough to file a lawsuit in the state of Georgia. Here are some of the reasons why your case may not be eligible for court:
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If an attorney declines your case, you are free to consult with another firm. Keep what that attorney said in mind as you truly may not be able to recover in a lawsuit. Nevertheless, if the attorney’s reasoning seemed vague or you didn’t feel comfortable during your visit, there is no harm in scheduling a second opinion.
Other Enjuris resources to help you choose the right attorney for your potential lawsuit: