A Look into Some Lesser-Known Facts About
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
By Virgis Eva
Are you looking for a personal injury attorney? You might be tempted to base your decision by frequent television ads or internet campaigns. But according to our experts at the Hernandez personal injury car accidents, it is in your best interests to weigh in specific considerations while making your choice. So, without further ado, let us have a detailed look at some of the significant factors before hiring a personal injury attorney.
There aren't any upfront fees
The first thing to keep in mind about hiring a personal injury lawyer is the fact that there is no flat rate that you need to pay upfront for retaining the services of your legal expert. Most of the personal injury lawyers work as per the contingency fee basis. This means that you need to pay the lawyer if and only if the outcome of the case is in your favor.
In case of a recovery, you will receive the proceeds from the outcome of the settlement. In such a case, you will need to pay a fee the amounts to 33-45% of the net proceeds of the settlement amount. Keep in mind that the percentage of the fee is subject to increase with an increase in the complexity of the case and a court trial.
You need to understand that the fee percentage is exorbitantly huge since the lawyer takes on financial risk at the personal level. If there isn't any successful outcome for the case, the legal professional has nothing to show for his/her efforts.
Keep in mind that certain complicated personal injury cases might run into thousands of dollars in expense. But most of the cases are simple and can be settled outside the court. This contingent fee basis allows an individual with modest earning to employ the best possible legal help in case of a personal injury. If you are in any doubt, it is imperative that you make your inquiries before signing the contractual agreement documents.
Experience is the silver bullet that matters
The adage practice makes perfect holds true for every sphere of life and more so in the case of personal injury attorneys. There are many reasons for an accident that might lead to personal injury.
Let's say, for example, for a factory worker and personal injury case, the attorney needs to be well versed about workman's compensation law. If the accident was caused due to a dangerous drug or an illegal product, then there are product liability clauses that come into play. There are medical malpractice cases if a medical professional is found to be liable for causing severe physical and mental hurt.
It is crucial to understand that even with these broad topics, there are sub-categories and legal hassles to deal with. It is not just about the collection of evidence and drawing up the expert conclusion about where the liability lies. The legal representative is also required for the negotiation, settlement calculation, and the framing of the legal documents.
This is why it is vital to inquire about the experience of the lawyer. Additionally, you should also ask about the type of cases dealt with by the lawyer previously. Look for at least 5-years of practice to find the best Personal Injury Lawyer. Not all personal injury lawyers are same, so describe your case and make sure that the attorney has experience with similar situations.
About referring the case
There are many occasions when a personal injury attorney will refer the matter to another better-suited attorney. If your attorney doesn't have the necessary experience with dealing a case like yours, he/she in all probability will refer it to a different, more qualified professional. Most of the professional law firms have an established practice with several connections.
Keep in mind that there is usually the referral fee, which is paid for by the law firm that will handle your case to the firm that referred your case in the first place. It is essential to make your inquiries to make sure that the referral fee is not added to your charge for retaining the services. Additionally, it is a great idea to inquire about the certifications and the qualifications of your legal representative before finalizing the contract.
There is one last thing that you should keep in mind about personal injury legal services. This is the fact that you have the right to terminate a contract at any point in time, should you feel unsatisfied with the level of commitment and legal aid you receive. Never get stuck with a lawyer you don't like.
Look for trust to build confidence
A personal injury not only causes hurt physically. There are economic concerns that include the medical bills, doctor fees, and loss of wages in case of a severe injury. Add to it the mental trauma and anguish, and you can see how complicated the situation can get. It is even worse if the accident has caused loss of limb or life. All of this gets factored in the compensation amount.
This is why it is imperative to maintain a bond of trust and faith with your attorney. You need all the help that you can get, and all you need to do is search for the right professional. Look for a highly motivated individual with the right balance of care and compassion to hear out your side of the story. Trust builds up confidence. And you need it all to function as a team.
Resources are pivotal
Since the personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, they will essentially fund your case. Look for a resourceful lawyer who will be able to bear the burden of the situation better. There are expert witnesses to pay, proofs, and reports to collect and legal procedures that require investment. Litigation costs can vary with respect to the type of the case.
Now that you are aware of some of the lesser-known facts about personal injury law and attorney, we hope that you will be able to make the right choice if you need one.
