Philadelphia is a huge city with ample opportunities to hire a variety of personal injury lawyers. How are you aware when they have your best interest in mind? Which law firm is in business to serve their clients instead of their own personal gain? I'd like to discuss eight tips to consider when you may need a Philadelphia injury attorney that will work for you; not for a high turnover and big paycheck.
Quick Response: This tip covers two things; what you can do to quickly find a personal injury lawyer and their power to quickly answer you. Ideally, you should start your search within the first week after your accident. 14 days is acceptable but one week is ideal. If your injuries stop you from contacting a lawyer personally, ask someone for help.
Experience is a Plus: Look for a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer who has experience with your particular sort of case. Ask for references and examples of cases much in-line with yours. Ask them about the timeframe and settlement awards they got in previous cases.
Face-to-Face Meeting: Telephone conversations only go so far in conveying your wishes and needs to your attorney. A face-to-face meeting is imperative to build the relationship of trust with your lawyer. Most Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation, so don't be afraid to interview more than one.
Contingency Fee Basis: The final thing you need is to pay lawyer fees if your case is dismissed or you don't win. Contingency fee basis pay simply means if you don't win, your lawyer doesn't get paid. Expect your attorney to request about 40% to 35% of your final settlement amount. Read your retainer agreement thoroughly so you realize how and when your attorney will be paid.
No Ambulance Chasers: Quick turnover isn't the sort of attorney you need. Ambulance chasers earned their reputation and nickname by the fact that their average case is evaluated and completed in a very short period of time. Many of these cases are handled in a sloppy manner and the injured do not receive the uppermost level of payout.
High Martindale-Hubbell Rating: Martindale-Hubbell is a peer-based review system that evaluates law firms in the United States and Canada. Their detailed rating system helps you find the best personal injury lawyer in your region.
Honesty is the Best Policy: Never, ever, be dishonest with your attorney. Always be perfectly honest and try to remember every detail. Share all photos and documentation so your attorney can properly evaluate your case and advise you to the best they can.
No Recorded Statements: Never give a recorded statement until you're directed to do so by your attorney. Simply state, "I am not ready to give a statement yet." You may overlook extremely important details and these will be pointed out during negotiations and in the courtroom.
Hiring a Philadelphia Injury Attorney
These eight tips are simply a starting position for your search for a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer. Personal injury lawyers aren't tough to find; a great personal injury attorney might be more challenging to pinpoint. Do your homework and find a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer who hard to meet your requirements. Don't settle for less than you deserve.
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You should ask the lawyer about the merits of the case; the attorney should be able to evaluate the case from legal point of view and let you know the chances of success in advance. You can decide your next move accordingly.
NJ Lawyer
March 13, 2014 at 5:23 AM
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