|
An injured person must go through a difficult time: lost work, medical bills, and the aggravation of pain. A lawyer can help take the stress away and insure that the injured person's rights are protected. However, choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. With what seems like hundreds of attorneys blaring at you on TV and phone books, how do you know who is right for you?
Steps
1. Ask people who you know who have used a lawyer before. For example, if your neighbor used a divorce lawyer, get the name of the divorce attorney and call her. Tell her you are Bill's friend, and ask her for several referrals.
2. Once you have the names of several lawyer, research these people. Research should include an internet search, but should not stop there. Anyone can put together an impressive ad with a little money, but that does not mean they actually ever go to court or handle your type of case. Your research should include asking your doctor, nurses, pastor, etc what they know about this lawyer.
 3. Meet with the lawyer. If, in your first meeting with the firm, you are meeting with a "private investigator" or other non-attorney person, this can be a red flag. Some larger firms focus only on signing up as many cases as possible, and have staff members whose only job is to sign cases. This person will not be working with you again, and will often have an incentive to tell you what it takes to get the case signed and move on to the next client.
4. Interview your lawyer. Ask: How much experience does she have in this type of case? How often does she try cases? How available will she be to you? Is she licensed in your state?
5. Ask yourself: Do you like and trust this person? Would you want to spend the next year interacting with this person?
6. Do not ask the lawyer to promise you a specific outcome, for example: "I'll hire you if you can promise we will win." Any lawyer who promises a specific outcome the first time he meets you is likely either inexperienced or not trustworthy.
7. The fee agreement is usually "contingent", which means that in place of an hourly rate the lawyer will take a percentage of the total recovery. Most people opt for this option as it does not require an investment of money by the client. A common percentage is 1/3, however, each firm and in fact, each state, may allow more or less.
8. In summary, the attorneys you see on TV or on the back of phone books may not be the optimal choice, and in fact, may be "laW-Marts" or "Mc-Litigators" who simply sign as many cases as possible and settle them quickly, regardless of the client's needs or interests. Take time to research and find an attorney who is experienced and competent, and with who you are comfortable.
| 
