In the aftermath of a devastating personal injury, one of the most important choices before you is your choice of legal representation. The lawyer you pick can have a profound impact on the overall outcome of your case. With countless personal injury lawyers in Greater Philadelphia all offering the same or similar services, selecting the right attorney may seem daunting, if not impossible. However, keeping some key considerations in mind can help you choose with confidence so you have the legal support and expertise you deserve.
Proudly serving the people of Bensalem, Norristown, and beyond, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. are ready to start fighting for you today. Whether you’ve been injured in an auto accident, a slip and fall, a workplace injury, or something different altogether, our team stands ready to be your unwavering ally in demanding justice, accountability, and rightful compensation.
What to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney
- Experience. Not every attorney is equipped to handle every type of case, so it’s important to consider the attorney’s experience in personal injury law and whether they specialize in cases like yours. A great way to gauge experience is by the years the attorney has been practicing, how often they handle cases like yours, and whether they have a track record of successes behind them. An experienced lawyer can navigate legal complexities and nuances, anticipate, prepare for, and address issues as they arise, and has valuable insights into the local legal landscape. While the great majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court, it’s also encouraging to know that your attorney has the experience to represent you at trial if it becomes necessary.
- Reputation. It’s important to research the lawyer’s reputation within the legal community and among past clients. Online reviews, testimonials, and referrals can provide critical insight into the lawyer’s skills, communication style, and ability to deliver results. The attorney’s awards are also an important indicator of their success and how they are regarded in the larger and local legal community. Both positive and negative feedback are valuable data points, and can help you gauge how the lawyer’s strengths align with your unique circumstances, needs, and goals.
- Communication. Clear, transparent, and effective communication is essential for a successful attorney-client partnership. It’s important to look for a lawyer who is accessible, responsive, and reliable. Consider the way the lawyer communicates complex legal topics in a way you can understand during the initial consultation. While a big-name law firm may look powerful and successful on the surface, you may be routed through layers of support staff and customer service professionals before an attorney addresses your concerns or answers your questions, if you reach an attorney at all. Smaller law firms often give you better access to your attorney, ensuring you’re well-informed and involved at every step of your case.
- Resources. Personal injury cases often require extensive investigation, research, preparation, and planning, and it’s important to ensure your attorney has the resources and time to get the job done. This includes access to investigative support, administrative assistance, and expert witnesses to handle your case effectively and efficiently. A well-equipped legal team backed by resources can enhance the quality of your representation and bolster your chances of a favorable outcome.
- Fees. Before hiring a personal injury attorney, it’s important to understand what you’re paying and where that money is going. Many personal injury attorneys, like Larry Pitt & Associates, offer a contingency fee basis. This fee structure involves no upfront costs, and means your attorney is only paid for their services if they’ve won a settlement for you, ensuring your goals and your attorney’s goals are closely aligned. A no-win no-fee guarantee can be incredibly encouraging and mutually beneficial, but it’s important to discuss how much of your settlement will ultimately go to your attorney. The standard rate generally sits around one-third, or anywhere between 30% and 40% of your settlement, and anything significantly different may be a red flag to consider. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any expenses outside that structure, such as court fees or the costs of expert witnesses, to ensure you don’t have to contend with any surprises down the line.
- Compatibility. At the end of the day, compatibility with your attorney can play a significant role in the overall outcome of your case. It’s important to trust your instincts after the initial consultation. You should look for a lawyer who demonstrates empathy, understanding, and who genuinely cares about your well-being. You should consider whether the attorney is actively listening to you and isn’t rushing you out the door. Building a strong relationship with your attorney can foster mutual respect, trust, and a collaborative working environment.
- Local Presence. Local knowledge and connections can go a long way in successfully navigating Greater Philadelphia’s unique legal landscape. It’s important to select a lawyer with deep roots in the local community. Not only will they be familiar with the courts, judges, and legal procedures, but they’ll know who to trust for additional support such as medical providers, expert witnesses, and investigative support. A local presence can provide valuable insights and give your case a strategic advantage.
- Success. Perhaps the greatest measure of an attorney’s competence and efficacy is their track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for past clients. It’s important to review past case results and settlements to gauge the attorney’s ability to deliver meaningful results in cases like yours. Of course, past successes are not a guarantee of future successes, but knowing that your attorney has handled cases like yours before and has won can provide confidence in your choice.
Larry Pitt & Associates: Fighting for Personal Injury Victims in Greater Philadelphia. We Won’t Quit.
While the task of finding the right attorney may feel like finding a needle in a haystack, you can make your choice with confidence by remembering these key factors, conducting thorough research, asking the right questions, and, most importantly, trusting your instincts.
If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury in Greater Philadelphia, you deserve to be compensated for the harms you have suffered. Trust the skilled and seasoned personal injury lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. to guide you through the process and to fight aggressively so you can see the maximum possible compensation. Contact us today or call us at 888-PITT-LAW for a free and confidential consultation.
