Personal injury cases involve a plaintiff suing a company, person, or institution for intentionally or unintentionally causing them physical harm. This could be a result of negligence or deliberate acts of malice. If you have suffered physical injury due to the actions or inactions of persons or companies, you have the right to sue for damages.
If you live in Atlanta and do not already have legal representation, the first step is to get a lawyer who can help you argue and win your case. Finding a lawyer is delicate because it can make or mar your case. In this guide, we will discuss the factors you should consider before choosing a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta.
Specialization and Experience
A lawyer or firm specialized in personal injury cases will be better than one specialized in corporate mergers. Ensure that the firms on your shortlist have experience in personal injury cases or are solely dedicated to them. It is also an advantage if they have experience with multiple types of personal injury cases, such as product liability, car accidents, and medical malpractice. This gives the lawyer a large pool of knowledge to pull from when advising you on your case. You should also ask about their experience with settlements and trials. Not all cases would be settled out of court, so it is important that the lawyer can handle either situation.
Costs and Fee Structure
Court cases and litigations can be expensive. This is why you need to know how much the lawyer would charge before you hire them. Apart from the fees, the payment structure is also another area you should consider before you make your decision. In Atlanta, lawyers get paid on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid when and if you get paid.
What differs is the percentage and additional costs you may be liable for. Clarify the percentage of the settlement the lawyer will take and any additional fees that may come out of the settlement. You should also ensure that the payment structure, terms, and percentages are put in writing to avoid misunderstanding.
Client Relationship and Communication
You want a lawyer who communicates clearly with you and carries you along with the process as it occurs. It should also be a comfortable and professional setting that allows you to relax. If you do not feel comfortable with a lawyer or firm, you should look for other options. The lawyer is going to be spending a lot of time with you while your case is ongoing, so you need to choose with long-term planning in mind. Ensure that the attorney is genuinely invested in your case and is easily accessible to you. Check how they respond to enquiries and how they explain the legal process.
Legal Reputation
Professional testimonials and client feedback are the best way to gauge the legal reputation of a lawyer or firm. There are online platforms such as Avvo and Super Lawyers that provide client feedback on different firms. This will give you an unfiltered look at the firm and how its past clients feel about their services.
If you have access to past clients of the firm, you can reach out to them for an honest review. The shortcut to this process is getting recommendations from friends and family who have needed the services of personal injury lawyers in the past. They would recommend lawyers or firms who helped them get favorable judgments or settlements.
Success Rate
Success rate is the ultimate metric to judge the effectiveness of a lawyer handling personal injury cases. Evaluate the case history of your potential lawyer both in court and in settlements. Inquire about their win rates and the size of settlements they have obtained for previous clients.
You want a lawyer with a high win rate in court, and an equally high settlement number outside of it. You can also use board certifications and national recognitions to gauge the efficacy of a firm or lawyer. These recognitions indicate a higher standard of proficiency from your potential lawyer.
Credentials and Leadership
Holding positions of authority in legal organizations at the national or state level is a big indicator of credibility. Credible lawyers such as this Atlanta Metro 25 percent lawyer are also part of professional associations. Leadership and credentials are two important factors you should consider when choosing your attorney because they showcase continuous education and dedication to best practices. It also portrays the firm as at the forefront of legal changes, which could affect future rulings on personal injury cases. Associations you should look out for include the American Bar Association and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.
Endnote
Finding a personal injury lawyer is not an easy process, but with the right guidelines, you can find the right fit for you. Ensure that the lawyer has a track record of handling personal injury cases. They should also have a good win rate with an impressive settlement record to boot. You should feel comfortable with them and be able to share your concerns when necessary. Finally, ensure they have a favorable cost and fee structure.