How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Pennsylvania
If you’re on the hunt for the best personal injury lawyer in Pennsylvania, you need to start by identifying your needs and goals. It’s important to take the time to understand your case, research top attorneys in Pennsylvania and select one based on your unique situation. Making an informed decision on which lawyer to hire can make all the difference to the outcome of your case.
Identify Your Type of Personal Injury Case
Personal injury is a broad area of law with many types of cases within it – each with its own set of laws and challenges. A Pittsburgh, PA car accident case, for instance, must be handled much differently from a slip and fall. The best personal injury attorney for you will be one with real experience dealing with your type of case. Browse a potential attorney’s practice areas to find out if the law firm has handled cases like yours.
Look for Proof of Results
Next, you want an attorney with a track record of positive results and a high success rate. While this doesn’t guarantee that the lawyer will win your case, it demonstrates an ability to achieve settlements and jury verdicts for clients in your practice area. A history of case results can also show an insurance company that your lawyer has what it takes to go to court and win – potentially increasing the value of settlement offers.
Read Reviews and Client Testimonials
Ask a prospective personal injury lawyer if you can read their law firm reviews and client testimonials. This can showcase an attorney’s strengths and give you an idea of what to expect from the law firm’s services as a client. Key takeaways from reading reviews should include the lawyer’s trustworthiness, personability, compassion and professionalism.
Litigation Experience
The best personal injury lawyers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have trial and litigation experience. This does not mean your case will go to court; in fact, it increases the likelihood of you reaching a successful settlement.
Trial experience can convince an insurer to offer a higher amount to resolve the case outside of court, to avoid the costs and risks associated with a personal injury lawsuit. If your case does have to go to court, an experienced litigator will be able to confidently advocate for you before a judge and jury.
Ask About Fees
Don’t choose an attorney before asking about how he or she charges. The best personal injury attorney for you in Pennsylvania will likely operate on a contingency fee basis. This payment structure comes with $0 in upfront costs and $0 if the attorney doesn’t win your case. If your case results in a settlement or verdict, attorney’s fees will be deducted from the amount won. You won’t be billed directly, which protects you from financial risk.
Check for Communication
Finally, figure out if a lawyer meets your needs and expectations in terms of communication. Your case should be handled by an attorney, not passed off to an assistant or paralegal. You should be able to get in touch with your lawyer easily, and calls should be returned promptly. A lack of communication is a red flag for an attorney who may not be on the same page as you.
Personalized legal representation is key to a successful personal injury claim and a positive experience as a client. Determine which personal injury attorney is right for you in Pennsylvania by evaluating each lawyer’s credentials, identifying what’s most important to you and making an informed decision based on your research.
To speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer at a top-rated, award-winning law firm, contact Dallas W. Hartman P.C. for a free initial consultation.