Chase That Ambulance! When you or your beloved is injured, it's the worst possible time to deal with an unethical legal professional.
Yet, there are many attorneys practicing in your town that sifting through the masses to find the right one can be daunting, to say the least.
Listed below are the common early warning signs and long term features of the personal injury law firms you want to avoid at all costs.
The 'Early Warning Signs'
We've compiled an inventory of early warning signs to assist you in ruling out lawyers who may not need your needs at heart.
1. First and foremost, lawyers who make guarantees of payouts in their television, radio, or print advertisements. They are trying to reel you in and may even be breaking the law by guaranteeing a result.
2. Lawyers who promise "speedy settlements" in 1-2 months are being less than honest. Every accident is unique and a lawyer shouldn't vouch for a time frame for a settlement without knowing the detailed information on the case.
3. Attorneys who boast that they have 105 years' combined expertise are over-selling their firm. There might merely be a bunch of attorneys working at the firm, each with a few years of experience. Combined, they possess years of experience. Separately.... not so much. Who'd you trust with your future?
4. Attorneys that advertise that they are "competitive" or "aggressive with insurance companies." These firms are selling you on character, not the behavior and experience that each and every attorney should possess - particularly in the personal injury field. Moreover, all attorneys have an ethical duty to zealously represent their clients. Do not be tricked!
It appears that everywhere you look -- internet, television, radio, billboards -- you are exposed to advertisements by attorneys making grandiose claims.
That's why it's best to not select an attorney based on a commercial you saw on late night TV.
You may have to do just a little research to find the attorney who is right for your occupation. There is an abundance of info online that can help you find a great attorney.
Long Term Characteristics of a Bad Personal Injury Firm
1. Neglect to offer in-depth information regarding their experience and education. Oftentimes, these lawyers will attempt to have you hire them as soon as possible.
2. Urge you to sign contingency agreements without first affording you the time to read it around in detail and pose questions.
3. Little or no experience in managing injury cases. You undoubtedly need to hire an experienced injury attorney. And be cautious of general practice lawyers: These guys likely do not have the depth of knowledge essential to win complicated cases.
4. Have lot of paralegals working for them. This could mean that an employee of the law firm may be doing most of the work in your case rather than the lawyer you hired. This may be fine in certain situation, but you have the right to have this clarified at the start of your case.
Take into account that you're free to interview future lawyers often as you'd like and as long as you want. It's your case, and it's your money.
How To Cut Through The BS
Ask questions about their abilities and trial expertise. Force them to be specific about their prior case work. Ask them to tell stories about their best and worst cases, wins and losses, favorite/ideal client, etc.
You may discover that they're not as experienced as they previously maintained. It may require a little research on your own part, but you'll be glad to find legal counsel that you know is not full of hot air.
Need more guidance on choosing a personal injury lawyer? This website is filled with articles designed to allow you to select the greatest accident attorney on your case.
Need to find a reputable local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Use our referral service (call the number below). We know your town, and we only work with experienced, reputable personal injury firms.
Yet, there are many attorneys practicing in your town that sifting through the masses to find the right one can be daunting, to say the least.
Listed below are the common early warning signs and long term features of the personal injury law firms you want to avoid at all costs.
The 'Early Warning Signs'
We've compiled an inventory of early warning signs to assist you in ruling out lawyers who may not need your needs at heart.
1. First and foremost, lawyers who make guarantees of payouts in their television, radio, or print advertisements. They are trying to reel you in and may even be breaking the law by guaranteeing a result.
2. Lawyers who promise "speedy settlements" in 1-2 months are being less than honest. Every accident is unique and a lawyer shouldn't vouch for a time frame for a settlement without knowing the detailed information on the case.
3. Attorneys who boast that they have 105 years' combined expertise are over-selling their firm. There might merely be a bunch of attorneys working at the firm, each with a few years of experience. Combined, they possess years of experience. Separately.... not so much. Who'd you trust with your future?
4. Attorneys that advertise that they are "competitive" or "aggressive with insurance companies." These firms are selling you on character, not the behavior and experience that each and every attorney should possess - particularly in the personal injury field. Moreover, all attorneys have an ethical duty to zealously represent their clients. Do not be tricked!
It appears that everywhere you look -- internet, television, radio, billboards -- you are exposed to advertisements by attorneys making grandiose claims.
That's why it's best to not select an attorney based on a commercial you saw on late night TV.
You may have to do just a little research to find the attorney who is right for your occupation. There is an abundance of info online that can help you find a great attorney.
Long Term Characteristics of a Bad Personal Injury Firm
1. Neglect to offer in-depth information regarding their experience and education. Oftentimes, these lawyers will attempt to have you hire them as soon as possible.
2. Urge you to sign contingency agreements without first affording you the time to read it around in detail and pose questions.
3. Little or no experience in managing injury cases. You undoubtedly need to hire an experienced injury attorney. And be cautious of general practice lawyers: These guys likely do not have the depth of knowledge essential to win complicated cases.
4. Have lot of paralegals working for them. This could mean that an employee of the law firm may be doing most of the work in your case rather than the lawyer you hired. This may be fine in certain situation, but you have the right to have this clarified at the start of your case.
Take into account that you're free to interview future lawyers often as you'd like and as long as you want. It's your case, and it's your money.
How To Cut Through The BS
Ask questions about their abilities and trial expertise. Force them to be specific about their prior case work. Ask them to tell stories about their best and worst cases, wins and losses, favorite/ideal client, etc.
You may discover that they're not as experienced as they previously maintained. It may require a little research on your own part, but you'll be glad to find legal counsel that you know is not full of hot air.
Need more guidance on choosing a personal injury lawyer? This website is filled with articles designed to allow you to select the greatest accident attorney on your case.
Need to find a reputable local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Use our referral service (call the number below). We know your town, and we only work with experienced, reputable personal injury firms.
RSS Feed
