A personal injury lawyer is a lawyer who provides legal services to those who claim to have been injured, physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of another person, company, government agency, or any entity. Tort law, which is an area of civil law, covers all aspects of personal injury cases. Many qualities are essential for a personal injury lawyer. Here are the top ones.
Knowledge
A personal injury lawyer must be knowledgeable about the law. They must know how to interpret the law and apply it to the facts of a case, whether the case requires knowledge of bicycle accident laws or slip and fall accidents. They must also be able to research the law and find relevant case law to support their client's position.
Here's how to find a lawyer who knows the law:
The lawyer must have a law degree from an accredited law school.
Find a lawyer who is familiar with the legal process and the different types of injuries that can be sustained in a personal injury case.
Find a lawyer that specializes in your relevant area of personal injury law, such as medical malpractice, product liability, or car accidents.
A lawyer who has received awards or recognition from peers for their work in the field of personal injury law is preferable.
Negotiation and Trial
A personal injury lawyer must be skilled in both negotiation and trial. They must be able to negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to try to reach a settlement that is fair to the client.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer must be prepared to take the case to trial.
You can gauge if a lawyer is skilled at both by finding out about their trial experience. They should be familiar with the rules of evidence and procedure and should be able to present a case persuasively.
Then, find out about their track record of success in negotiating settlements.
Communication
A personal injury lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with their client. They must be able to explain the law in layman's terms and keep the client updated on the status of the case.
Here's how to find a lawyer who has good communication skills:
Some lawyers have client testimonials on their website or in other marketing materials. These testimonials can give you a sense of the lawyer's ability to communicate.
A lawyer who is always too busy to speak to you during the consultation period is likely to not answer emails or calls.
Look out for a lawyer who can effectively explain your legal position during your first meeting.
Compassion
A personal injury lawyer must be compassionate and understanding of their clients. This means empathizing with the client's situation and understanding the emotional toll that a personal injury can take.
Once again, a good way to gauge this is by studying the lawyer’s personality during the consultation period.
Also, client testimonials can give you a sense of the lawyer's bedside manner and whether they are someone who will be supportive and understanding of your situation.
The qualities of knowledge of the law, negotiation skills, communication skills, and compassion are non-negotiable when it comes to finding a personal injury lawyer. Thankfully, if you look carefully enough you’re sure to find someone with these qualities to represent you.