(ThySistas.com) Your personal injury lawyer can either break or make your case. Even if you have a solid case, you may not get the compensation you deserve if your lawyer isn’t equipped. They may fail to drive a hard bargain during negotiations or make a strong argument in court. When this happens, you can suffer. That’s why you need to make sure you do your due diligence before you hire an attorney and learn the red flags to watch out for. Here are some of the most common mistakes personal injury attorneys make with civil personal injury cases.
Taking on Cases They are Not Equipped to Handle
You need a lawyer who has lots of experience in dealing with personal injury cases. When you begin your search, look for attorneys who have been practicing for a long time and who are likely to understand all the nuances of a case. However, you should also make sure the attorney you choose has a history of winning cases so don’t be afraid to ask the attorney about their success rate. You should also ask what their caseload is like. If they have too many cases, they may not be able to devote adequate time to your matter.
Not Talking to Clients Directly
Some law firms will take you as a client even before you speak to one of their attorneys. This can indicate that they are only after your money. Good attorneys offer free consultations in which they go through the details of your case and advise you as to whether you really need a lawyer and if you actually have a case. They will also explain in simple terms what your personal injury case is worth and be transparent about their fees.
Not Knowing When to Ask for Help
Even if an attorney has several years of experience, they won’t know everything. They may also have a workload that’s too heavy, resulting in poor communication and missed deadlines. If they don’t ask for help, you may not get the representation you deserve. Younger attorneys often overestimate how much they can realistically handle. If it seems like your attorney is in over their head, don’t be afraid to share your concerns with them.
Not Knowing the Law
Even attorneys who handle lots of personal injury cases need to read the relevant legislation frequently. Unfortunately, some lawyers get complacent. You will not get the best representation if your attorney doesn’t keep abreast of amendments to the law or pay attention to changing interpretations. Knowing the overall intent of the legislation is not a replacement for knowing the exact wording. If your attorney is not knowledgeable, the defendant’s attorney will take advantage of that.
Not Understanding the Medical Aspect
Your lawyer needs to understand precisely how your injuries are affecting your quality of life. If you can no longer earn an income or enjoy your previous activities, they need to be able to bring this across effectively. This has significant implications for the outcome of your case. Lawyers are not doctors so they need to seek the opinion of your treating physicians and other experts to help drive this point home. If they don’t, it may cost you some or all of the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury lawyers will do their best to get you the damages you deserve. However, mistakes can happen. That’s why it’s important to ask as many questions as necessary and never be afraid to voice your concerns.
Staff Writer; Shelia Shaw