Many of the beliefs the general public holds about attorneys are inaccurate. A number of people believe that Saul Goodman from AMC’s “Breaking Bad” is only a slight exaggeration of the profession. They also tend to believe that people who bring lawsuits are misrepresenting their injuries in hopes of making a quick buck with the assistance of legal counsel eager to take their third of the recovery. However, a personal injury lawyer can handle a variety of cases beyond slip-and-falls or auto accidents. In fact, many people seeking help from attorneys are hard workers who are seriously injured in accidents that are often avoidable. Selecting the right legal counsel experienced in handling your type of injury and with whom you feel comfortable can help you and your family gain fair compensation for your losses.
There are a number of situations in which people are seriously injured as a result of someone else’s negligence besides falling in a big box store or being involved in an accident with a big rig. Many cases handled by counsel involve on-the-job injuries caused by falls, electrocutions, falling debris or heavy machinery. Occasionally, workers are injured by dangerous or defective products or as a result of exposure to a toxic substance. These accidents cause a variety of injuries, ranging from broken bones and hearing loss to different forms of cancer. Some plaintiffs are injured so badly that they cannot return to work and require long-term medical care. They may also have family members who depend upon them for food, shelter and financial assistance. Under these circumstances, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help the injured party obtain the care he or she needs from the people, businesses or insurance companies responsible for their losses.
The personal injury lawyer you hire should have experience handling cases involving the type of injury you received. You should also hire someone you feel that you can trust with sensitive information. Some effort will be required to find the right attorney to handle your case.
Start by asking family and friends for referrals. The bar association in your city or state may be able to provide a recommendation. Additionally, your state bar association or state Supreme Court can inform you of disciplinary action taken against the lawyer. Once you are satisfied, schedule an appointment for an initial consultation. These initial meetings are typically free of charge. A reputable attorney will provide an honest assessment of the facts of your case and let you know whether the matter can be pursued. Keep in mind that he or she cannot guarantee recovery or a particular result. The attorney can also advise whether there are options to pursue your claim aside from filing a lawsuit. Finally, you should also make sure to ask about the firm’s fee arrangement and make sure that you understand it.
Suffering from a preventable injury can put a great deal of strain on you and your family. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help ease the financial burden by helping you recover your losses from the responsible party.