Selecting a Lawyer

A person who has been injured as a result of another's negligence will be faced with many important decisions in the days, weeks and months following an injury. Finding the "right" lawyer in a timely manner is often the most critical factor in a successful recovery. Insurance companies have the financial resources to hire skilled lawyers who specialize in defending personal injury claims. The experience and skills of your lawyer will often play a pivotal role in the amount of compensation you receive.

It is important to retain a lawyer during the early stages after an injury. There is a reason insurance companies send claims adjusters to take photographs and interview witnesses within hours of an accident. Insurance companies know that the best time to interview witnesses and photograph an accident scene is right after the event. Hiring a lawyer within a few days or weeks of an accident will allow your lawyer to do a thorough investigation while the evidence is fresh.

Don't make the mistake of choosing a personal injury lawyer from ads alone. Most personal injury firms offer free initial consultations. Schedule an appointment with the lawyer to discuss your case and ask questions about his or her qualifications and experience.

Asking the following questions will provide you with some insight as to whether the lawyer has the necessary experience and skills to bring your case to a successful conclusion:

• Do you limit your practice to injury cases?
• Are you Board Certified as a "Civil Trial Advocate" by the National Board of Trial Advocacy?
• How many personal injury or wrongful death cases have you tried to verdict in your career?
• Is your firm recognized as a Pre-Eminent law firm by the Martindale-Hubbell Company, which rates lawyers nationally?
• Do other lawyers refer personal injury and wrongful death cases to you?
• Have you written any articles on the subject of personal injury law?
• Are you willing to have the accident investigated within 3 days of being retained?
• Do you have the resources to advance the funds to hire investigators and other necessary experts?
• Have you ever retained and used the following professionals as expert witnesses in personal injury and wrongful death cases:
  • Accident Reconstruction Experts
  • Safety Engineers
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Orthopaedic surgeons
  • Neurologists
  • Physiatrists
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Vocational Experts
  • Life Care Planning Experts
  • Biomechanical Engineers
  • Economists
  • Physical Therapists