If you need to hire a personal injury attorney, here are four things to focus on to help you make this important decision.
Success rate – Not only should you be concerned about a personal injury lawyer’s experience; you should focus on their success rate as well. And it’s not enough to just win a case; you’ll also want to know about the amount of settlement compensation, making sure you retain a lawyer who is skilled in getting you as much financial compensation as possible.
Reputation – A lawyer who is well-known in the legal community, and who has a track record of success or as a skilled negotiator can give you a distinct advantage from the outset as you move forward with your case.
Negotiating skills – Most cases never make it to trial and for that reason, finding a lawyer who has excellent negotiating skills can mean a big difference in the amount of compensation you ultimately receive. Aside from having extensive knowledge of personal injury law, the ability to work with insurance companies and healthcare providers is critical in securing what you are entitled to.
Fees – Many personal injury lawyers will take cases on a contingency basis. That is, they will collect a portion of the settlement money you receive as their compensation. If they lose, they get nothing. It is important to understand what percentage the lawyer will be entitled to, as well as what additional expenses you will be required to pay, whether you win your case or not.
Choulos, Choulos & Wyle proudly serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland and in cities throughout the Bay Area.
