If you’ve suffered an injury through the fault of another, you may be out of work, overwhelmed with piles of medical bills, or in constant pain and agony. Under any of these circumstances, researching, locating, and retaining a lawyer to handle your personal injury claim can seem like yet another insurmountable obstacle. There are, however, some guidelines that can help you to select a personal injury lawyer to handle your case.
Prepare to Meeting with Your Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident or suffered injury, it is important to speak to an attorney. Before meeting with your attorney, it is wise to prepare information relating to your injury. It is helpful to create a checklist of questions you can ask your attorney or questions you may be asked by your attorney.
How to Select A Personal Injury Attorney
1. Experience
An important factor to consider when selecting a personal injury lawyer is whether he or she has experience in and concentrates his or her legal practice on personal injury law. An attorney whose primary focus is personal injury law is often at an advantage in that he or she understands the complexities of personal injury lawsuits, can more easily keep abreast of the latest developments and ever-evolving laws, and is more likely to know the habits and tactics of opposing counsel.
Additionally, a lawyer who has demonstrated experience in personal injury litigation may have also gained credibility with insurance companies and their lawyers and thus have “less to prove” in order to achieve a favorable settlement on his or her client’s behalf.
2. Record of Past Successes
Another factor worth considering is whether a particular personal injury lawyer has experience trying cases, winning favorable verdicts, and negotiating favorable settlements. Knowing that an attorney is a skilled litigator and negotiator can add to your overall sense of security.
3. Billing and Fee Structure
Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingent-fee basis under which the client is responsible for costs but pays attorney’s fees only if he or she obtains a favorable settlement or verdict. In a typical contingent fee arrangement, attorney’s fees, sometimes called legal fees, are calculated as a percentage of the recovery. Although it may be tempting to choose a lawyer based on who will take the lowest percentage, fees alone should not be the determining factor.
Once hired, your attorney should be responsive to your needs. He or she should answer your questions satisfactorily, return your phone calls promptly, and, most importantly, represent your interests zealously. If at any time you become dissatisfied with your attorney’s legal representation, you may be able to change attorneys without penalty; however, because changing attorneys while your case is pending can result in substantial delays and additional expenses, taking the time to select the appropriate attorney in the beginning can save time and money in the future.
Personal Injury Attorney in East Brunswick, NJ
Todd B. Eder is an experience personal injury lawyer in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Contact our law offices to consult with a personal injury attorney today. The Law Offices of Todd Brandon Eder will allow you to experience a sign of relief, so you can focus on your recovery while our firm handles any legal burdens.