Choosing a personal injury attorney should go beyond remembering a name from a billboard or voice from a radio ad. The right attorney can make or break your case, especially when you are suffering from an injury because of someone else’s negligence. When considering hiring a personal injury attorney in Tampa, there are four important factors to consider.
Experience is an important consideration when hiring someone in any profession, but experience in a variety of case types and settings is a must when hiring personal injury attorneys in Tampa. Your attorney should be experienced in the courtroom in addition to having a solid track record for settlements. Before hiring an attorney, ask to see examples of judgments awarded.
Beyond settlement examples, your attorney should be an aggressive negotiator while still being able to be a compelling presenter in the courtroom. You can ask how many cases have gone to trial and what percentage of cases settle.
For many people, hiring an attorney is intimidating because of the cost. After all, if you’re contending with lost wages or serious injuries, paying yet another bill is the last thing you want to add to your plate — no matter how much you know you need an attorney’s help.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Tampa shouldn’t be an extra expense to worry about. Ask the attorney you are considering if they can provide information on their fee structure before signing any contracts. Specifically, ask if they are willing to work under a contingency fee structure. A contingency fee structure means that the attorney will not be paid unless you are. The fee will be discussed before signing an engagement letter, and under a contingency fee agreement you won’t have to worry about monthly payments to an attorney to keep working on your case.
Your accident has likely turned your world upside-down, so it is important to hire an attorney who understands and acknowledges that, without treating you like just another case to handle. Even though they should be experienced in handling cases like yours, your attorney should show you empathy and understanding during this emotional time. The attorney you choose should be known for compassion and empathy with all clients, no matter the settlement amount.
The attorney’s areas of focus and experience matter greatly. Even if you used a law firm in the past for another issue, they may not be the best fit for your current case. You should ask the attorney what their specific areas of focus are, and whether or not they have handled many cases like yours successfully.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, please give us a call for free consultation at (813) 722-0622, or submit our consultation request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
