HOW TO CHOOSE A
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
If you have decided to retain the services of a personal injury lawyer to represent you in a bodily injury claim, statistics show you have made a wise choice. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to personal injury settlements, studies show that injury victims who are represented by an attorney are more likely to receive a settlement. Moreover, even after attorney’s fees, the settlement sums received by lawyer-represented victims tend to be significantly higher.
Insurance company adjusters work a claim differently when a claimant is being represented by an attorney. Adjusters work a claim differently because an experienced personal injury attorney understands not only the law but how insurance companies work.
At The Fostel Law Firm, I have represented hundreds of injury victims and families throughout Texas, Louisiana, and southeast New Mexico, as well as other states across the country. I represent clients on a contingency basis which means that unless my clients receive a settlement, I do not get paid for representation.
There is a lot of thought behind choosing which personal injury lawyer you want to represent you, a decision not to be taken lightly. The following are a few things you must consider.
How Do Personal Injury Claims Work in Texas?
Individuals and entities that fail to uphold the duty of care owed to others are financially liable for the damages victims of a failure incur as a result. Personal injury claims can arise from a range of incidents, including auto, trucking, and boating accidents, slips, trips, and falls, medical malpractice, construction and oilfield accidents, and defective products.
The victim must prove that the other party owed a duty of care, the party failed, and the victim was injured. The injured party can file a claim against the negligent party’s liability insurance coverage, and if the insurer will not offer a fair settlement, suit the negligent party and let the judge and jury decide.
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer?
When you are choosing who will represent you, there are several factors you should consider:
Find a lawyer who offers compassionate guidance to clients. A personal injury case is not a business transaction. As someone who lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, I understand firsthand where clients may be pursuing a claim. Victims are usually suffering physically, emotionally, and financially so the best attorney is one who treats clients with compassion and insurance companies and their attorneys with tenacity. Compassionate guidance also means spending all the time necessary with each client to fully explain the process so clients can make the most informed decisions possible throughout it.
Find a lawyer dedicated to seeking justice for clients. Personal injury cases are about the client, not about the lawyer representing the client. A personal injury attorney must have broad experience and deep knowledge of personal injury law to protect the rights of their clients. Moreover, your lawyer must be, above all, a tested trial lawyer, unafraid to prepare your case and present compelling evidence to a judge and jury. Nearly 15,000 new personal injury cases were filed in Texas courts in 2020. Although not all ended up going to trial due to settlement of claims after filing suit, you must have a lawyer who is comfortable going to court for you.
Find a lawyer who has earned the respect of your community and clients. Although the insurance adjuster assigned to our claim may work from an office miles away, the jury that may hear your case will be from where you live or where you were injured. I am a Texas native who grew up watching my father represent personal injury victims from across the state. I learned early to treat clients with dignity, respect, and patience, propelled by a deep sense of justice.
Find a client-centered attorney who works directly with his clients. You may be impressed with the results of a huge personal injury firm but at a small firm like mine, I work directly with my clients rather than pawning clients off on various paralegals and case managers. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you must expect to work directly with a lawyer. Every single case is unique, so find an attorney who treats yours uniquely rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach. What is best for one client is not always best for another.
Your attorney needs to be up-front, honest, and compassionate. Furthermore, they should never promise you a specific monetary outcome on a case.
Trust Me at The Fostel Law Firm for Help
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer is crucial, and nothing important is ever easy. You will probably find making the choice even more difficult because you are under considerable stress from injuries and other consequences of the accident.
At The Fostel Law Firm, I want to make that choice sure and easy for you. Just ask me why I should be the lawyer representing you, and my track record, words, and deeds will tell you. I have offices in Houston and Georgetown, Texas, and proudly serve clients across the country, including southeast New Mexico.
Call now to schedule a free case consultation. I am ready to help.