With 39.5 million injuries needing medical treatment each year, many people are in the market for a personal injury lawyer. In 2022, the personal injury market was valued at $53.1 billion and will likely have grown since then. In 2021, personal injury filings shot up by 150% in Florida, mostly because of cases connected to 3M Combat Arms earplugs.
Hiring the right personal injury lawyer to handle your claim is crucial to getting the maximum compensation you deserve. Here are some tips on how to choose the best personal injury attorney for your situation:
Look for Experience and Specialization in Personal Injury Law
When choosing a personal injury lawyer, you’ll want to find someone with extensive experience handling specifically personal injury cases rather than a general practice attorney. In Florida, for example, there are 9,347 personal injury lawyers, including the experienced ones at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law. Personal injury law can be complex, so you want an attorney who knows this area of the law inside and out.
Ask how many years they’ve practiced personal injury law and how many similar cases to yours they’ve handled. Check that they specialize in your type of injury, whether it’s a car accident, medical malpractice, slip and fall, or other injury. Specialization shows they have the skills for your specific case.
Verify Their Track Record of Success of Your Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer can boast about their experience, but you need to verify their proven track record of success in securing significant client compensation.
Ask about their win/loss rate and the dollar amounts they’ve won for past clients with similar injuries to yours. A high success rate and list of multi-million or billion-dollar verdicts and settlements, such as the $206 billion 1998 Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Settlement, indicates the personal injury attorney has the litigation skills to effectively argue your case.
Assess The Resources and Reputation of your Personal Injury Law Firm
An experienced personal injury firm will have the staff, financial resources, and reputation to challenge large insurance companies in court if necessary. Ask how many paralegals, legal assistants, and investigators they employ.
Additionally, research client reviews and the lawyer’s standing in the legal community. A personal injury lawyer who is respected by peers and appreciated by clients gets results.
Consider Compatibility and Communication When You Choose Your Personal Injury Lawyer
You want an attorney you feel comfortable with and who understands your trauma. Meet them for a free consultation to understand their compassion, communication skills, and client commitment.
Ask plenty of questions and ensure they are easily reachable, willing to explain the process, and will keep you updated on your case. This helps ensure a positive attorney-client relationship.
Compare Personal Injury Lawyer Fee Structures
Personal injury lawyers typically operate on a contingency fee basis, taking a percentage (often 30-40%) of your final settlement or award. Ensure you understand the fee structure and whether any costs will be deducted from your share.
Some may be willing to negotiate their percentage down based on circumstances. Don’t go with the cheapest personal injury lawyer, but find one with a reasonable fee structure paired with experience and results.
By thoroughly vetting personal injury attorneys, you can feel confident you’ve chosen someone who will fight for the maximum compensation for your injuries. With the right personal injury lawyer in your corner, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal process.