Suppose you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may hire a personal injury attorney to help you pursue a legal claim to recover compensation to help you cope with the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain.
It’s their job to provide legal counsel and representation to people who have suffered harm due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. The downside is in a city teeming with these legal professionals, how do you find one who will tick all your boxes?
This guide will provide a checklist of qualities you must look for when hiring New York personal injury attorneys, including what cases you can expect them to provide legal assistance with.
1. Experience and Expertise
The attorney’s experience and knowledge in handling similar cases are crucial. An attorney with a track record of successful verdicts and settlements in your type of case can provide you with the best representation.
2. Understanding of State and Federal Laws
Your attorney should comprehensively understand state and federal laws related to your case. This knowledge will be crucial in building a solid case and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
3. Knowledge of Medical Aspects
An excellent personal injury attorney should have a firm understanding of the medical aspects of your case. They should be able to work with medical experts and use their testimony effectively to demonstrate the extent of your injuries.
4. Negotiation and Litigation Skills
Strong negotiation and litigation skills are essential in a personal injury attorney. They should be able to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and be prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
5. Communication Skills
Your attorney should have strong communication skills and keep you informed about the progress of your case. If you feel the attorney could communicate better than you’d like, consider looking for someone else.
6. Specialization in Personal Injury Law
A lawyer who specializes in personal injury law is another crucial factor. An attorney who’s cut his cloth exclusively on individual injury cases will likely have the knowledge and skills to provide the best representation.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some of the different specialties New York personal injury attorneys focus on:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall cases when a property owner’s negligence leads to injury
- Work-related accidents, often involving workers’ compensation claims
- Medical malpractice cases involving injuries sustained due to the negligence of healthcare providers.
- Product liability cases when a defective or dangerous product causes injury
- Wrongful death cases when a person’s death is caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another
Personal Injury Claim; An Overview of the Process Involved
Filing a personal injury claim can be too much for many while recovering. It can be challenging without a personal injury attorney by your side. As such, you must hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after you’ve sustained an injury.
The process often begins with the consultation, where the attorney listens to your case and evaluates it to tell if your claim is valid. After the talk, the attorney will proceed to collect evidence that they will use to build a solid case. This might include:
- Acquiring medical records
- Speaking with witnesses
- Hiring expert witnesses
Once they’re done gathering the necessary info, the attorney will file the claim on your behalf, after which negotiations with the insurance company will ideally occur next.
Your attorney will try to fight for a fair settlement, handling all communication with the insurance company. If they can’t agree to a settlement, the case may go to trial, where your attorney will represent you and argue your claim on your behalf.
Summing It Up
Now that you know what to look for in an attorney, you are better placed to conduct a well-guided search.
Personal recommendations can be valuable when looking for a personal injury attorney. So, don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or colleagues to connect you with New York personal injury attorneys they’ve had positive experiences with.
Remember, the right attorney should understand your needs, communicate effectively, and have the experience and skills to provide the best representation.