Tips for Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured and would like to pursue compensation in court, choosing the right personal injury attorney could be one of the most important decisions you make. Here are a few guidelines to follow to make sure you choose the right attorney for your case.
Look for someone with experience.
Though law school teaches young lawyers the theory of law, it does not always prepare them for the daily realities of being an attorney. Recent graduates may not know how to conduct themselves in court, for example, or how to negotiate with other attorneys to get you a fair settlement. To make sure your case goes smoothly, find a lawyer with ample experience.
Ask about his or her experience with injuries like yours.
General experience is good, but experience with cases like yours is better. For example, if you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you don’t want a lawyer who works only with victims of auto accidents. Though he or she may be very skilled, an attorney who does not specialize in cases like yours may not know the particular intricacies of cases like yours.
Ask about his policy regarding returning phone calls.
When working with a personal injury attorney, you need to feel certain that he or she will communicate with you and keep you apprised of developments in your case. He or she should also return your phone calls or e-mails within a reasonable amount of time. If he or she cannot commit to responding to your questions and concerns, you may want to reconsider.
Make sure you feel comfortable with your attorney.
For your lawsuit to be successful, you and your attorney will need to work together and communicate effectively. Though you do not need to be friends, you need to be comfortable discussing your injury and its consequences.
If you need a caring, experienced personal injury attorney in the St. Louis area, dial (636) 561-5599 to reach the office of Coyne Cundiff & Hillemann. We offer free consultations to help you understand how to approach your case and get the compensation you need for medical bills and other costs.