Choosing a personal injury law firm to represent you is a decision that should not be made hastily. When you have been injured and are dealing with health concerns, you need legal counsel that will fight for your rights and help you get the benefits that you deserve. Skip the advertisements and do your own research to find the most qualified law firm to represent you. Here are five places to look for answers.
1. The State Bar Association
The State Bar Association administers the bar exam, which certifies attorneys to practice law. It also monitors ethical violations, maintains a database of law firms, and may set continuing education requirements. You can find a list of law firms that specialize in personal injury, and may even be able to find which type of injury they handle most often.
2. Peer-Reviews Websites
Most personal injury law firms have reviews available on their websites. For a wider perspective, look up law firms on a peer-reviews website like Martindale.com. This neutral database is run by attorneys and includes biographical information on attorneys and firms. Ratings are based on expertise, experience, and integrity.
3. Your Local Newspaper
Skip the classifieds section and look through local interest stories. A law firm may have been involved in a high-profile case, recently won a large settlement for a client, or been involved in something less-savory. This can provide an excellent picture of a law firm’s public perception, and can be an indicator of how your own claim might go.
4. Friends and Colleagues
Ask people that you know and trust to recommend a personal injury law firm. If a friend or colleague has ever needed legal advice, he or she may be willing to tell you about their experience. Networking is an important part of business, and often word-of-mouth advertising is the most reliable.
5. Other Law Professionals
If you know other individuals who work in the field of law, ask for their opinion on specific law firms that you’ve researched or heard of. This could be a judge or someone who works in the county courthouse. It could also be an attorney who does not practice personal injury law, but has a colleague whom he or she would call on. Even an attorney needs legal advice from time to time.
The qualities you are looking for will depend somewhat on your particular case. In general, you should hire someone who has experience in the specialized area of your claim. It’s also important to know what percentage of cases he or she has won, and the average payout amount. When you have found a reputable law firm that meets your needs, it’s time to schedule a consultation.
