Tampa’s expert personal injury, auto accident and criminal defense law firm offers advice on searching for the best personal injury attorney to handle your case.
Choosing the right attorney for your legal situation can be difficult, especially if you or a loved one have been injured. Personal injury attorneys can be a true lifeline in a crucial time of need, but making sure you make the right decision in picking a firm that can address your needs and get the job done right is key.
So, what do people look for when they hire an attorney?
Below, we have listed several considerations and questions to think about before making such an important decision. Some of these questions you should ask yourself; others you should save for the potential attorney you are considering.
Referrals
You’ve been injured and need the advice of an attorney. Where do you start? First, ask friends or family who live in your area what law firms they consulted. Were they pleased? Did they feel as though the attorney was invested in their case and interested in the best possible outcome for them? Did the lawyer return calls promptly and keep them updated on the progress of their case?
Once you have compiled a list of potential attorneys based on referrals or research, it’s time to narrow down your options.
Experience
Next, consider the experience of each attorney. Has the lawyer handled a case similar to yours? What is their record of success? How long have they been practicing law in your area? Before you pay an attorney to take on your case, make sure they have the experience to back up their words and promises.
Fees
Although payment isn’t enjoyable to talk about, it is important that you understand the fee agreement upfront. Will you have to pay attorney fees if your case is unsuccessful, or is the attorney paid on a contingency fee basis? Get this agreement in writing and review it closely before signing.
Professionalism
Never hire an attorney without meeting them face-to-face. Initial consultations should always be free – if not, find a law firm who offers consultations at no charge. During the initial meeting, pay attention to the professionalism of the attorney and their legal staff, and whether they genuinely seem interested in your case.
Personality
While personality preference shouldn’t be your primary decision maker when choosing an attorney, it is a consideration worth keeping in mind. After all, you will be spending some time with this individual and working with a lawyer you can easily get along with is helpful.
Character
Similar to evaluating an attorney’s personality is considering their character. Does the lawyer seem friendly and honest? Can they look you in the eye? Character traits like these are also indicators of a lawyer’s negotiation skills and their ability to deal with a variety of people they may have to deal with during your case.
Resources
Does the personal injury attorney have the proper funds and resources to create the best case possible for you? Certain cases can take a long time to complete, and the success of your case may hinge on following through with a long list of tasks. Make sure the attorney you hire has enough resources available to handle your case from start to finish.
Recognition
Lastly, consider the reputation of the attorney from peers and industry authorities. For instance, has the attorney you are considering had any articles published showcasing their accomplishments? What organizations and associations are they apart of? Do they have certifications?
FAQs
How do I know if I have a good lawyer?
To determine if you have a good personal injury lawyer, try to look at a few key factors that reflect their competence, experience and dedication.
A reputable lawyer should have a strong track record of successfully handling cases similar to yours, demonstrated through case outcomes and client testimonials. They should possess in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, including specific statutes and case law relevant to your jurisdiction.
Good communication is also crucial; your lawyer should keep you informed throughout the process, explain legal concepts clearly, and be responsive to your inquiries. Additionally, a good personal injury lawyer will display a genuine concern for your well-being, offering compassionate support while aggressively advocating on your behalf.
Ultimately, a sense of trust and confidence in your lawyer’s ability to represent your interests effectively is a key indicator of their suitability to handle your case.
What are some signs of a bad personal injury lawyer?
Signs of a bad personal injury attorney include poor communication, where your calls or emails go unanswered for extended periods, and you’re left in the dark about your case’s progress. A lack of transparency regarding their strategy, fees or the realistic outcomes of your case may also indicate you’re dealing with a less-than-ideal advocate.
Additionally, if your attorney seems disorganized, misses deadlines or appears to lack a thorough understanding of personal injury law and its application to your case, these are red flags. An attorney who pressures you to settle quickly without adequately explaining the benefits and risks or doesn’t seem to have your best interests at heart is likely not the right choice for representing your personal injury claim.
What do most lawyers charge for a contingency fee?
Most lawyers working on a contingency fee basis in personal injury and other litigation cases typically charge between 33% and 40% of the settlement or award obtained in the case.
The exact percentage can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the stage at which the case is resolved (pre-trial settlement versus after a court verdict), and the attorney’s experience and reputation.
It’s common for the fee to be around one-third (approximately 33%) of the recovery amount, but this can increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
Bear in mind that the expense of hiring an attorney is often offset by the higher settlement amount they can secure on your behalf.
Regardless, these fees should be outlined in a written agreement between the client and the attorney at the outset of their working relationship, detailing how the fees will be calculated and any potential additional costs that may arise during the case.
Are expensive attorneys better?
In most contingency fee cases, attorney fees are the same regardless of whether the attorney is an experienced attorney or a novice. The difference is that an experienced attorney may be able to recover more money than a novice or inexperienced attorney for the same claim based on their reputation, experience, etc, which could ultimately increase the total compensation for the attorney and their client.
Time to Make a Decision…
Once you have answered the questions above, you will be ready to choose an attorney. Suffering a serious injury is a life-changing event and hiring someone who can represent you properly should be high on your priority list.
If you were injured in or around Tampa, Lorenzo & Lorenzo invites you to contact us for a free consultation. With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury and auto accident cases in Florida, our attorneys have the expertise and resources necessary to get you the best possible outcome. We handle each case on a contingency fee basis – meaning you pay attorney fees and costs only after we are successful in obtaining a recovery for you. Our friendly legal team is fluent in Spanish and available 24/7 to answer your questions and offer expert advice.
Read our client testimonials to learn more about quality representation from Lorenzo & Lorenzo.
