A worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds in the U.S. If you do the math, that works out to be nearly 13,000 injuries a day.
Some of the most common injuries include slips and falls, sprains, strains, and overexertion. Moving machinery can also cause burns or crushing injuries.
Did you recently get hurt on the job? Looking for an accident attorney that’ll help you collect just compensation?
If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be going over what to look for when hiring a lawyer below. Keep reading to learn more!
1. They Should Have Experience in the Correct Area of Law
The attorney should have extensive experience handling personal injury cases, ideally those that are similar to your own. For example, you’ll want to find someone who’s experienced with car accident law if you were injured in a car accident.
Avoid those who try to reach a quick settlement without considering other options. And make sure they have a proven track record of helping clients obtain full compensation.
Generally speaking, the higher the number of successful cases they’ve handled, the better. You can find out this information by asking them directly or by checking the firm’s website.
2. They Take Cases on a Contingency Basis
Contingency fee arrangements will allow you to avoid out-of-pocket costs completely. The lawyer will take a fixed percentage of your reward as the fee for their services instead. If anything, this will provide them with an incentive to get you the highest settlement possible.
As far as the actual percentage goes, it usually falls between 25 to 40 percent. The riskier your case is, the higher it’ll be.
And don’t forget, you’ll need to pay litigation costs as well such as filing and court fees. You may also need to pay for copies of your medical records if you are hurt.
3. They Should Have Strong Communication Skills
The lawyer should be orally articulate with good communication skills. They should be able to provide you with detailed information about their process, values, and fees and answer any questions you may have.
Not only that, but they should also have strong negotiation skills in the event that your case goes to trial. They should know how to create a compelling story—one that’ll elicit empathy from the judge so that you’ll be able to obtain the highest settlement possible.
Tip: Let them know your preferred form of communication at the beginning so that you’re both on the same page.
Hiring an Accident Attorney
And there you have it—three things to look for when you’re hiring an accident attorney. Remember, not all lawyers are the same so be sure to do your research when you’re seeking legal help!
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