What Qualities Should I Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney?

If your life was forever changed because someone failed to act with reasonable care, you may have grounds for legal action. Just because you’re eligible to file a personal injury claim, however, doesn’t mean you’re automatically entitled to a payout.

In order to secure a satisfactory settlement or favorable verdict, you’ll have to present sufficient evidence of both liability and damages. Thankfully, a personal injury attorney can help.

By hiring a seasoned lawyer, you can focus on more important matters, like your health, while your case proceeds in good hands. And you can be sure your case will be in good hands if you prioritize the following qualities when seeking legal counsel:

1. Relevant Experience

Because personal injury law is such a broad practice area, not all attorneys who practice it are equipped to take on all the cases it encompasses. While most lawyers are well-versed in motor-vehicle collisions since they give rise to the majority of all claims, you should make sure the firm you’re considering has relevant experience if your case happens to involve a defective product, premises liability, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, or some other issue unrelated to car accidents.

2. A Track Record of Success

Although past successes don’t necessarily guarantee future wins, they can inspire confidence. If the attorney you’re considering has a history of winning sizable payouts for clients, he or she undoubtedly knows what it takes to see a case through to the end.

3. Accessibility

Over the course of the proceedings, questions and concerns will inevitably arise. When they do, you need to know that your lawyer will be there to answer them.

During your initial consultation, ask how clients usually get in touch when they need something, and how long it takes for the firm to get back to them. Ideally, the attorney will give you a direct means of contact. If he or she directs you to a secretary instead, ask what you can expect in the way of communication over the course of the proceedings.

4. A Vast Legal Network

Building a strong personal injury claim demands a considerable number of resources, from accident reconstruction experts to medical specialists. As such, it’s important to confirm that the practice you’re thinking about hiring has access to a vast legal network.

Will they be able to consult the right expert witnesses? Do they have the connections needed to conduct a thorough investigation surrounding the circumstances in which you were hurt? Asking such questions during your first meeting—and listening closely to the answer—will let you know whether you’ve found the right lawyer to take your case.

Speak with a Rapid City Personal Injury Attorney Today

At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, PLLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that unanticipated injuries can take on the whole family. If you were seriously hurt through no fault of your own, we’ll help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability and damages against all responsible parties.

Call (605) 777-7466 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Rapid City.