Why and how to choose the right personal injury lawyer
When you are injured in an auto accident you can often recover money damages from the person who caused the crash. Even though the injuries may still cause pain, you can at least get reimbursed for the bills and recompensed for pain and suffering. What is required to get compensated for these injuries? Let’s look at some basic terms.
– Negligence. Failure to exercise the care toward others which a reasonable or prudent person would do in the circumstances, or taking action which such a reasonable person would not.[1]
– Personal Injury. An injury to a person.
– Damages. The amount of money which a plaintiff (the person suing) may be awarded in a lawsuit.[2]
It takes a lot of time and effort to deal with insurance companies and make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can handle these tricky negotiations so you don’t have to.
How do you choose from the many personal injury lawyers and law firms in southern Maine? Here are a few tips to help you find an experienced lawyer who will work hard to help you receive the best possible settlement.
Conduct due diligence. Once you’ve assembled a list of potential candidates, it’s time to narrow it down.
– How many years has the lawyer practiced? You’ll want a lawyer with many years of personal injury experience and an up-to-date understanding of state and federal law. Experienced lawyers know how much a case is worth, when to settle, and when to go to trial; they are also likely to have credibility with insurance companies.
– Does the lawyer focus solely on personal injury cases? Many well-known law firms practice everything from real estate law to personal injury to financial services. Find a firm that does one thing (or a few) well.
– Would the lawyer be able to take your case to trial if that were necessary? Find a lawyer who will stick with you to the end, whether the end involves an out-of-court settlement or a jury trial.
– What’s the lawyer’s track record? Find out what sorts of results the lawyer has obtained for his or her clients, including how many successful verdicts the lawyer has achieved in cases like yours. Whether it’s a construction, auto or motorcycle accident, a medical malpractice suit or even a premises liability case, you shouldn’t have to settle for less.
– Does the lawyer represent anyone affiliated with any parties that may be involved in your suit (such as an insurance company)? If so, there may be a conflict of interest, which means the lawyer may not advocate as vigorously for you as you would like.
Schedule a consultation. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Ask any remaining due diligence questions during this time.
During the consultation, the lawyer will ask for the facts of your case, and then tell you whether you have a case. If you do, the lawyer may be able to tell you what to expect from insurance companies and possible next steps.
Before you go, don’t forget to ask about the fee arrangement. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means the lawyer doesn’t get paid until you do. The typical fee is about one-third of the settlement amount or court award. Read the lawyer’s contract carefully to find out if the lawyer bills for any costs (filing fees, expert witness fees, fees for obtaining medical records) associated with the case.
With a little bit of research and patience, you can forge a successful attorney-client relationship. With a capable lawyer on your side, you are more likely to get the compensation you deserve.
Get referrals. Referrals are one of the best ways to find a lawyer. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations. Even if they’ve never had to hire a lawyer, they may know one.
“I have used the law office of Hardy Wolf and Downing on two separate occasions when I had been injured and the injuring parties refused to take responsibility. On both occasions I feel that without the assistance of an attorney I would have received nothing at all. Because of this lawyer’s tenacity and law knowledge (and a good knowledge of people), I received payback and more. I would (and have) recommended this firm to others.” – Stephen B.
“Anytime I called, the person on the other end of the phone was always very courteous and friendly. Everyone always worked with me on a professional basis and explained anything that I didn’t understand. I would definitely come back to Hardy Wolf and Downing if I was in need of a lawyer. I will also recommend them to anyone that may need their assistance.” – Maria C.
“Hardy Wolf & Downing covered everything. Every time that there was any question, I’d call them up and they had all the answers. It was a very, very good experience actually.” – Mike C.
“I originally tried to avoid what I thought would be unnecessary lawyer involvement. But I soon realized I would need help and Christian at Hardy Wolf and Downing was the right guy for me. He got me far more than what I thought I would. He surpassed my expectations. Highly recommended.” – Robert B.
The local advantage. With offices in Portland and Lewiston, Maine, Hardy Wolf & Downing has 40 years of experience in personal injury accident cases. Its team covers everything from vehicle, bike, and pedestrian accidents to dog bites, medical malpractice, and elder abuse. Its lawyers understand medical evidence and how to present it. They are known and respected by the courts, insurance companies, and medical professionals.
With more than 30,000 cases and $200 million in settlements and awards, Hardy Wolf & Downing has achieved measurable results for its clients.
The firm’s six partners have years of trial experience with a solid track record of satisfied clients. Its lawyers aren’t paper-pushers. They are trial lawyers and, therefore, prepared to take a case all the way to trial if necessary. Insurance companies know this, which means they will respond to a Hardy Wolf & Downing phone call.
If you’ve been seriously injured, Hardy Wolf & Downing wants you to focus on getting well. Let the law firm take care of the medical bills, the insurance companies, and all the other details so that you receive the best possible outcome.
[1] http://dictionary.law.com/default.aspx?selected=1314
[2] http://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=423