WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER?
After you’ve been in a serious accident, your top priority should be finding the medical care you need to start your recovery. If someone’s negligence was to blame for your accident, you’ll want the best lawyer possible to hold that party accountable for paying for your injuries.
Your choice of personal injury lawyer can make a big difference, not only in the chances of injury claim succeeding but also in the amount of compensation you can expect. Those benefits can multiply when you trust your case to a well-established and proven law firm like Hagens Berman of Seattle.
If you are seeking a personal injury lawyer in Washington, you’ll find dozens of choices online. When so many personal injury firms claim to be the best, how do you decide who has the highest probability of success for your case?
INTERVIEW YOUR PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
Finding a lawyer whom you trust to protect your rights as a victim is a daunting task. Unfortunately, some lawyers claim to be the best in the business, but their practice leaves a lot to be desired. Many personal injury lawyers focus on their own profits instead of what’s right for the victim. They treat their clients like a number and a settlement like their personal payday.
During your initial consultation, you should interview your prospective lawyer to decide if they are right for your case. Here are a few requirements you should look for when deciding which personal injury lawyer is right for your case:
- Find a lawyer with negotiating skills. Be sure you’ve got a candidate with readily available examples of brokering large settlements with insurance companies. Any lawyer you sign with should demonstrate the ability to demand what’s fair for you and have the experience to recognize a fair settlement offer.
- Find a lawyer with trial experience. Personal injury claims rarely end up in a courtroom, but the threat of a trial should always be on the table. Insurance companies often hold back their best settlement offers to find out if you are willing to go all the way to court. Hagens Berman lawyers prepare every case with strong evidence and testimony in the event a trial is necessary. Insurance companies will know that providing a substantial settlement is preferable to meeting a Hagens Berman lawyer in a courtroom.
- Find a lawyer who works on a contingency basis. Skilled legal professionals don’t charge their clients unless they win their cases. A reputable lawyer will not accept payment until the victim has what he or she needs to complete a full recovery.
- Find a lawyer who is financially stable. Working on a contingency basis means the lawyer pays for everything necessary to win a case up front. Work hours for staff members, courts costs, and fees for expert witnesses are initially covered by the law firm.
DISCUSS PAYMENT WITH YOUR LAWYER
When you interview lawyers to decide who should represent your interests, ask as many questions as you can. The issue of payment should be one of your first questions.
Your lawyer will hopefully work on a contingency basis, but you should find out when exactly they get paid. Discuss how much your lawyer will receive when you earn an award. What other costs will come out of your compensation?
REVIEW ALL PAPERWORK BEFORE RETAINING A LAWYER
Once you select a personal injury lawyer to take up your case, you’ll have to make it official. You’ll sign a contingency agreement or another payment agreement with the lawyer. Don’t sign any document until you understand it.
You can still ask your potential lawyer about anything in the contract that confuses you. You can also have another lawyer look over the contract to ensure it is fair and credible.
CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER SERVING SEATTLE
Any law firm worth your time will have examples of case success, client testimonials, and referrals readily available. If you don’t find evidence of a law firm’s success record, you should be suspicious.
Selecting the right personal injury lawyer for your case is an important choice and can have a major effect on your future wellbeing. Hagens Berman has an impressive track record of success, but it isn’t just about the numbers. Clients have trusted us with their wellbeing so that they can return to a physically and financially stable life. Contact the lawyers at Hagens Berman today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
