While nobody ever expects to get injured, it's a real possibility. In fact, there are nearly 40 million visits to medical facilities each year as a result of unintentional injury.
Sometimes, though, people get hurt due to someone else's negligence. In situations like these, you'll need to contact an attorney to help you sort things out.
Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know to find a reliable personal injury lawyer in Columbus, Ohio.
Ask Your Friends and Family
As previously mentioned, unintentional injury is fairly common. So, you likely have someone close to you who has had to hire a lawyer to deal with a similar situation.
If the person you ask had a good experience with his or her lawyer, get the attorney's contact information and consider giving them a call later on. But, it's important that you don't go with the first lawyer that you hear about through someone else.
How well your attorney's personality compliments yours is an important factor that you can't overlook. Since different people will have different experiences with the same attorney, you can't know how you will interact with him until you actually meet them.
Ask Other Attorneys
Doctors constantly refer patients to other doctors in order to handle problems that they don't specialize in. Attorneys do the same thing.
Attorneys that you know are one of the best resources for finding personal injury lawyers. Chances are, they'll recommend someone to you who they've referred tens or perhaps hundreds of clients too.
Since the injury lawyer's credibility will already be established, it can save you a lot of time and stress while looking for one you can trust.
Research Online
When you hear about a potential injury attorney from someone you know, take some time to research them on the Internet. It's not impossible for the person who recommended them to you to have had a good experience while many of their past clients had a negative one.
You can also contact your state's bar association, as they will have info in their database about attorneys who work in the state. You'll then be able to find out if they've been disciplined in the past or have any sanctions against them.
What Should You Look For in a Lawyer?
Once you've found somebody who you could potentially work with, there are characteristics you need to keep an eye out for when choosing. As previously mentioned, you really won't know if your lawyer is right for you until you meet them.
Let's dive in.
Their Experience (In and out of the Courtroom)
This is a crucial element to consider. Some lawyers have had plenty of success throughout a decade-long career, but that may have rarely dealt with a case that went to trial.
It's in your best interest to find someone who is experienced in settling both in and out of court.
Although an attorney who only a few years of experience won't necessarily be bad at their job, they may not have handled a case that involves your particular situation in the past.
Their Schedule
If your lawyer currently has a heavy caseload, they might not have time for you. But, if they do find a way to fit you in, be wary of the fact that your case might not get their full attention.
The lawyer you're working with may be known for bringing good results, but you can't guarantee that they will if they're too busy to handle your case as effectively as they should.
You should also discuss the times they're able to be contacted. Some lawyers may answer text messages after business hours, while others won't get back to you until their office opens up the next day.
Keep this in mind when choosing someone. If you feel your case will involve asking your attorney a lot of questions for clarification, it will slow things down considerably if you can't reach them.
Their Personality
Since you'll be spending a lot of time communicating with your lawyer, you need to find someone who you feel comfortable communicating with. Additionally, you shouldn't settle for certain personality traits that you don't resonate with.
For example, if you're a more mellow individual and your lawyer's very aggressive and pushy, they're most likely not the one for you. Similarly, though, you may need someone who will be even more aggressive when handling your case.
Put simply, don't stop shopping for attorneys until your gut tells you that you've found the right one.
Their Fees
Your attorney should be clear and straightforward about what they do and don't charge for. The last thing you want is to receive a bill for the time that your attorney spent answering your emails and texts.
So, be sure to ask about their fees. You should also inquire about any unconventional fees that they may have, such as a flat rate for 24-hour communication, etc.
Finding The Right Injury Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn't have to be.
With the above information about finding a personal injury lawyer in Columbus, Ohio in mind, you'll be well on your way to getting the legal representation (and compensation) you need.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see what we can do for you.
Comments