4 Traits to Look For In a Personal Injury Lawyer

A dog attacks and injures you on your morning jog in your Washington neighborhood. Upon investigation, the police determined that the dog’s owner did not lock the gate. The ferocious animal managed to escape, thus the attack.

The injuries have cost quite a bit of money in treatment. You also had to take time off work during the recovery, thus loss of income. It has been on your mind to sue the dog owners for personal injuries. It is clear that they did not take enough care to ensure the dog remained within their enclosure.

As per the law, you have the right to seek monetary compensation for what you have spent and lost. In the best-case scenario, the defendants will agree to mediation and out-of-court settlement. Indeed almost three-quarters of personal injury cases do not even make it to court.

But you don’t seem to have a choice in your situation. The dog owners refuse to accept responsibility. Now, you are looking for a personal injury lawyer to represent you. They can help you gather evidence and figure out your legal rights. A personal injury attorney from Moseley Collins can help you get the compensation you need to cover your expenses, including medical bills and lost wages.

Traits A Personal Injury Lawyer Must Possess

1. State and Federal Knowledge of Personal Injury Laws

Please note that different states have their own interpretation of personal injury laws. But, sometimes, the federal law applies in situations like truck accidents. The lawyer you work with should be conversant with applicable laws. 

But it goes beyond that and extends to how the court systems work. Personal injury lawyers in Kennewick, for example, will have knowledge of procedural processes. The same Kennewick lawyer would have a difficult time trying your case in New York, Texas, or Florida.

2. Area of Specialty 

Personal injury law is quite broad. Some specialize in car/truck accidents, medical malpractice, or slip and fall cases. Think about it much like the medical profession. When talking about doctors, there are pediatricians, gynecologists, urologists, and so on.

You will need a Washington dog bite attorney for the best representation. He will have a more in-depth understanding of your case due to his experience.

Beyond proving fault, the lawyer must go into the complexities of the injuries. He should have a grasp of the medical implication of the injury. Will you need ongoing treatment or rehabilitation? What about mental help to overcome the trauma of the attack? 

Does the attorney have a network of medical professionals to testify on your behalf? You want the best chances for fair compensation commensurate with the damages.

3. Industry Experience and Reputation

Let’s say you need to go for a surgical procedure. Wouldn’t you want to know that you are entrusting your life to someone with experience? That experience improves the chances of a good outcome. 

So, why should the same not apply to your injury case? 

• Ask for proof of experience when carrying out your due diligence. They should have a list of happy clients you can talk to for reference.
• Use online resources to read reviews and see where the company appears.
• Is the law firm a member of industry bodies?
• When searching for a Kennewick personal injury lawyer, does the firm appear in the search results? Do they contribute to publications, authority sites, and more?
• Is there a physical location you can visit as part of your research?
• What does the firm’s winning record look like?
• Do they have litigation experience? As we stated, few cases make it to court. The dog bite injury lawyer may be very good at negotiating out-of-court settlements. But, it doesn’t mean he can perform well before a judge or jury.
• Does the attorney have enough resources to manage the complex process of litigation? In a briefcase, the work-alone attorney will not have the capacity to handle everything.

Take this part of due diligence very seriously. The injury attorney or firm will be a significant determinant of your case’s outcome.

4. Soft Skills and Commitment to Your Case

Look out for the following traits in injury lawyers.

• Communication Skills

The litigation process will be tough and very involving. That means you want a legal rep who knows how to communicate. It is easy to know what to expect from your initial meeting. If the lawyer does not answer questions well, don’t expect things to get better during the trial.

• Availability

A good lawyer will provide constant updates and take time to explain things to you. That brings us back to the issue of resources dedicated to your account. It helps to reach your lawyer at a moment’s notice if you need to.

• Likability

Be careful about a lawyer who is too glib or uses strong sales language. You know, the kind that promises or guarantees positive outcomes? Reputable lawyers will be open about what you can expect from the trial.

• Gut Feeling

Don’t ignore what your gut tells you. Litigation is a complicated process that can take a long time. You will be spending a reasonable amount of time together. If you feel a sense of disquiet or intense dislike for the lawyer, consider moving on. 

The relationship will require a lot of honesty and openness. How can you achieve this with someone you don’t like or feel guarded around?

• Commitment

You want a personal injury attorney who is committed to your case. Some will take clients and not dedicate time to them.

Others will push their agenda by insisting you accept a quick settlement. They could convince you to accept a token amount. Yet, you still have to pay them the agreed-upon fee, meaning you lose.

• Negotiation Skills

Good lawyers would rather avoid a trial if they can. The process is lengthy, expensive, and stressful without the assurance of a positive outcome. An injury attorney with good negotiation skills can fight for a fair settlement with the defendant’s team.

Final Thoughts

Due diligence is the most critical step in finding the right personal injury attorney. Learn everything you can about the lawyer or firm. We have highlighted some vital factors you need to focus on.

Experience and reputation should top the list. But, also see how the lawyer communicates. The nature of the relationship will require both parties to be honest and transparent.

Take time for a physical visit or phone conversation to better gauge the level of care you can expect.