If you’re wondering how to choose a personal injury lawyer, it may seem like a relatively simple and straightforward process. Hundreds of well-known lawyers are in the area, and many advertise their aggressive litigation tactics and success in settling cases for million-dollar payouts. Choosing a lawyer based on their advertised success might seem like the right approach. However, it might not lead to the best possible outcomes.
How should you sort through all the details before deciding to work with a law firm? If you or a loved one is currently undecided and in this predicament, we will discuss this topic more in-depth in this article.
Challenges Ahead: The Relationship With Your Lawyer
Personal injury claims can be extremely difficult to file on your own. As a result, many personal injury victims have to deal with legal jargon, the complexities of filing deadlines, and negotiations with multiple parties. Clients usually realize that hiring an experienced lawyer is a wise choice. However, quickly signing up with the first law firm that seems to be a good fit on paper can create new, unanticipated challenges.
The most aggressive, high-profile lawyers can be slow to answer client questions and return calls for weeks. If a case is not deemed high-priority, a client may have to wait to get the attention they deserve. If your case is one of many put on the back burner and your lawyer is better equipped to chase the next million-dollar payout than to return calls and stay connected, you may find yourself questioning if your case is being handled properly at all.
The attorney-client relationship can last for years. It depends on the complexity of the case and the parties involved. The legal process can be slow, stressful, and unnecessarily problematic when tied at the hip to the wrong lawyer. If your lawyer is hard to reach and just not highly invested in the outcome of your case, you’d be better off looking elsewhere.
How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer
First and foremost: Get your lawyer’s cell phone number. If your lawyer refuses or gives you his/her assistant’s phone number, this is a huge red flag.
A few other guidelines can also help you navigate a complex legal system. Some of the following guidelines are practical in nature and depend on your relationship with your lawyer. Others are based on your lawyer’s actual experience and areas of practice. They are listed below for your convenience and review.
| How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer | |
| Responsiveness | Did your lawyer offer you his/ her cell number? This is critical. And if your lawyer refuses or makes an excuse – this is a huge red flag. It is important to know if your lawyer is going to be responsive. To find out, a simple request for his or her cell phone number will be very revealing. Ask them how long it takes them to return a phone call. Make a careful note of their response. You should also inquire about their litigation philosophy. |
| Practice Areas | Does your lawyer provide legal services in the practice area involved in your case? Make sure that the law firm you’re considering can take a case like yours (e.g., negligent security, car accidents, construction accidents, sexual assault, etc.) |
| Location | While many law firms extend services throughout NYC and Upstate, it’s essential to know whether or not your lawyer works in your city, town, and district. There can be some lapses in coverage based on location. |
| Empathy | Do you feel your lawyer listens empathetically to you and your situation? Or, is your lawyer eager to change topics, speak about themselves and their experience, and rush you into signing a contract or out the door? |
| Experience | Does your lawyer have years of experience? Going further, what do their online reviews look like? Spend some time researching your chosen lawyer’s history and previous client relationships. |
Initial Consultation: An Opportunity to Learn More
Our law firm offers a free initial and entirely confidential consultation to discuss the details of your case. Other law firms in and around NYC also offer this service as an opportunity to get established. You might think the purpose of the consultation is to help your lawyer get as much information about your case as possible. However, it’s also your first opportunity to ask questions about your lawyer’s experience and litigation philosophy.
Take advantage of this scheduled time. Pay attention to whether your lawyer actively listens to your questions and concerns. Are they just waiting for their next opportunity to speak? Or are they communicating empathetically and displaying genuine concern for your situation?
It’s critical to understand that the success of a personal injury case depends on a variety of factors, including your lawyer’s ability to care about you and the outcome of your case. When dealing with severe injuries and stress as a result of personal and professional losses, the worst place to be is in the dark, uninformed, and concerned about legal challenges.
Contact The Law Offices of Eric Richman Today
The Law Offices of Eric Richman has over 25 years of professional experience representing personal injury victims in New York City and the surrounding areas. We are committed to providing every client who walks through our doors with the expert-level legal advice, compassion, and attention they deserve.
Eric Richman, Esq. is a well-known, trusted, and respected personal injury attorney who is always available to answer client questions and provide support through all phases of a personal injury case. Our firm provides free initial consultations and can arrange confidential home or hospital visits if you cannot travel.
Eric Richman’s team offers compassionate, expert legal representation for the New York City Area. To schedule a free consultation or learn more about “How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer,” contact us for a free consultation or call us at (800) 801-9655.
