Newstricky| In 2020, injuries alone cost Americans more than $1,158.4 billion.
Whether you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident or are a victim of medical malpractice, your hospital and rehabilitation bills shouldn’t rest on your shoulders alone.
This is why it’s vital to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The good news is that you just need to follow a few simple tips when conducting your search. Keep reading for our simple guide!
Look For Experience
Remember that lawyers tend to specialize the further they are in their careers.
This means that the best personal injury lawyer for you is one that’s experienced with your type of injury.
So even if a lawyer has 20 years of experience with brain injuries, it’s not going to be helpful for you if you broke your leg.
Think About What Kind Of Lawyer You Want To Have Handling Your Case
When you think of a personal injury attorney, the terms “TV lawyer” and “ambulance chasers” may come to mind. Sometimes these high volume firms do not offer in-person consultations with an attorney, and you may not even speak directly to the attorney assigned to your case. While these firms certainly exist and work for some people, they cannot accurately reflect every personal injury firm.
At Cavanaugh & Thickens, you work directly with the attorneys assigned to your case, which provides individualized representation. In addition, your attorney and paralegal will communicate with you regularly with updates on the case and answer any questions you may have.
Check Their Success Rate
Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, be sure to check their track record. Keep in mind that many personal injury cases are settled before they go to trial.
This means that you’re looking for a good track record in court and out-of-court settlements. If the lawyer can’t give you a success rate, take this as a huge red flag.
Referrals
While most online reviews aren’t fake, they may not give you a complete picture of what a lawyer’s like to work with.
For example, some clients might write a bad review just because they got a lower settlement than they wanted, even if that number was unrealistic.
Take note of whether you have any friends or family who had to hire a personal injury lawyer. Ask them if there’s anyone they had a good experience with so you can add them to your list of lawyers to contact.
How Much is My Case Worth?
Anything can happen in a personal injury case, so it is impossible to put a precise dollar amount on what your case is worth. However, your lawyer should be able to review your damages and estimate how much compensation has been awarded in cases similar to yours.
Communication Style
Remember that personal injury cases can last for years. This is why you need to pick a lawyer that is open to hearing you out (instead of pushing you towards a low settlement). Look for a lawyer that:
- Gives you realistic settlement goals
- Listens to you
- Lets you ask questions
- Explains things so you can understand
- Has your best interests at heart
When you choose a personal injury lawyer, be sure to do a consultation before signing any contracts. Many law firms, like greenvillelegal.com , offer free consultations for potential clients.
Affordability
How fee agreements should work, you should know about it. Personal injury lawyers mostly accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any upfront fees to get the case started. The lawyer only gets paid if he or she achieves a verdict or settlement for you. If you compare two lawyers who have the same skills and experience, your decision may depend on what fees they will charge.
Professionalism
Finally, make sure the lawyer, the firm, and even the receptionist are professional.
This means that they have files stored properly and are prompt in their communication. And while they may be busy, they should always make time to answer your pressing questions well before any deadlines.
Hire the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in South Carolina
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to hire the best personal injury lawyer in South Carolina.
At the end of the day, go with the lawyer that you feel understands your case the best. No matter how many good reviews a lawyer has, the best lawyer for you is one who answers your questions and has your best interests at heart.
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