You've been in a construction accident that caused you significant physical damage. Your first major action is to get medical help, and your second is to call a construction accident lawyer so you can get evidence preserved and an advocate to act on your behalf while you're focused on recovery. Time is of the essence when it comes to getting evidence preserved that can be used in a lawsuit. The sooner you get a lawyer working on your behalf, the better your chances of coming to a resolution that's in your favor.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals can help you find a lawyer that's a good fit for your situation. Talking to people who have taken legal accident after a construction accident gives you insight as to how a particular lawyer handles a case. They can share with you their experience, how the case was handled, offer insight about what goes on during a personal injury lawsuit, and how responsive the lawyer is to the concerns of a client. You have a better idea of what to expect when you sit down for a consultation with the lawyer and have an easier time of making the decision to hire.
Look at Reviews
Lawyers frequently post reviews from clients who are satisfied with the services they received. But if you don't trust the reviews, or need more information, there are review sites where people post unfiltered opinions. It's always a good idea to take the reviews with a grain of salt. Look for consistency in the comments for pros or cons about the lawyer you're interested in. And if you're still not sure, you can always pass on the lawyer or go in for a consultation to learn more. Sometimes a lawyer is good at what they do, but hasn't engaged in reputation management and has received poor reviews with no rebuttals.
Check for Trial Results and Jury Awards
Lawyers use their successes as a way to show potential clients that they're capable of getting results. While a lawyer cannot and will not guarantee any result for your case, they can explain the odds to you and if they're in your favor or not. A lawyer or law firm that's successful typically post their most recent jury or trial results on their webpage. You can get an idea of how good a lawyer is at fighting for their clients based on their past performance.
Get a Consultation
The consultation is your opportunity to interview the lawyer. You can ask them questions about how they would handle your case, how aggressively they act, and how many cases like yours they've handled. The lawyer takes this time to look over your case and explain how it will progress and the odds of the case being settled or going to trial. Every case is different, but there are certain elements that are predictable such as working on a settlement first, or going for a trial when there's no satisfactory settlement on offer.
Avoid Settlement Mills
Sometimes law firms aren't always up front with how they'll handle your case. Many operate by giving you an initial consultation with a lawyer, then handing off your case to a paralegal to handle the rest. Insurance companies have found it costs less to offer settlements than to go to trial. This works for some people, but if you have a complex case with serious injuries, a settlement will most likely not cover your needs. Take the time to ask for referrals and get consultations with lawyers that you feel are capable of enforcing your rights instead of picking up the phone to call a number you saw on the TV.
