Experiencing an injury from an accident or incident that wasn’t your fault can be an overwhelming and stressful ordeal. Apart from dealing with physical injuries, you also have to navigate through the legal system to ensure that you get the appropriate compensation you’re entitled to. Hiring a seasoned personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case.
In this article, you will learn the power of experience and get tips for hiring a seasoned personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri.
1. Look for a Lawyer with a Track Record of Success
A high success rate for a lawyer indicates that they have a track record of winning cases and obtaining substantial compensation for their clients. Reviewing a lawyer’s past case results is one way to assess their success rate.
Look for lawyers who have experience and success in cases like yours. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, look for a lawyer who has successfully represented clients in car accident cases.
It’s important to remember that previous outcomes do not ensure future success. However, lawyers with a track record of success are more likely to have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle your case effectively.
2. Consider a Lawyer’s Experience with Your Specific Type of Case
Personal injury cases can cover many accidents and injuries, from car accidents and slips and fall to medical malpractice and product liability. A lawyer experienced with your specific type of case will have a deeper understanding of the legal and medical issues involved.
Suppose you sustained injuries from a car accident. In that case, it’s advisable to search for a personal injury lawyer who has expertise in handling car accident cases. Similarly, if a faulty product has injured you, you should seek out a lawyer with a background in product liability cases.
St. Louis has a history of car accidents. St. Louis Today published news that showed a graph of 230 car accident fatalities from 2020 to 2022. By choosing a lawyer with experience in your specific type of case, you can have greater confidence in their ability to achieve a successful outcome for your case.
When considering the experience of a St. Louis personal injury lawyer, it’s essential to look at their knowledge of Missouri laws and regulations. For instance, TorHoerman Law LLC states that in Missouri, a statute of limitations sets a specific time frame during which you must take legal action following an accident or injury.
It is important to know this time limit and take action promptly to protect your legal rights.
Therefore, it’s necessary to have an experienced lawyer who knows the legalities of these cases and can navigate you through the complexities of your personal injury lawsuit.
3. Look for a Lawyer Who Has Trial Experience
It means they have experience presenting cases before a judge and jury and can effectively argue on your behalf in the courtroom. A lawyer with trial experience is also more likely to understand the legal process better and can advise you on the best course of action for your case.
The verdicts in personal injury cases can often be a source of major news headlines. When juries award millions in compensation, it can make for exciting news coverage. However, most personal injury cases are settled outside the courtroom, with only a small fraction of cases going to trial. Forbes reports that according to the US Department of Justice, only 4% of personal injury cases in the United States go to trial.
However, this doesn’t mean that trial experience isn’t crucial. Having a lawyer with trial experience can give you an advantage during the negotiation process with the insurance company. They will know when it’s best to settle and when it’s in your best interest to take your case to trial.
4. Consider the Size and Resources of the Law Firm
While a smaller firm may offer a more personalized approach, a larger firm may have more resources for your case.
A larger law firm may have access to more staff, technology, and experts, which can be beneficial in complex personal injury cases. On the other hand, a smaller firm can provide more individual attention and personalized service.
Choose a law firm with the resources and staff to handle your case effectively. It means finding a firm with a good reputation, experience in your specific type of case, and the resources to see your case through to the end.
5. Check for Disciplinary Actions Against the Lawyer
You can do this by checking with the Missouri Bar Association, which maintains records of all disciplinary actions against licensed lawyers in Missouri.
Checking for disciplinary actions is essential because it can provide insight into the lawyer’s ethics and professionalism. If a lawyer has a history of disciplinary actions, it may be a red flag that they are not the right fit for your case. On the other hand, if a lawyer has a clean disciplinary record, it can give you confidence in their abilities and integrity.
6. Consider the Lawyer’s Communication Skills
Your lawyer should be able to explain legal concepts in a way that is easy to understand and keep you informed about the status of your case. Effective communication between you and your lawyer is key to building a strong case and achieving a successful outcome.
According to International Bar Association, establishing effective communication with your clients can help build trust in your skills as a lawyer. It, in turn, can increase client satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of complaints being filed against you. Satisfied clients may also recommend you to others, leading to potential repeat business.
When considering potential personal injury lawyers, pay attention to how they communicate with you. Do they listen to your concerns and answer your questions in a way that is easy to understand? Do they keep you informed about the progress of your case?
7. Meet with the Lawyer Before Hiring Them
A face-to-face meeting can help determine if the lawyer is a good fit for your case and if you feel comfortable working with them. During the meeting, be prepared to ask questions about the lawyer’s experience, their approach to your case, and their fee structure. It’s also important to consider how the lawyer communicates with you and whether they seem genuinely interested in helping you.
Meeting with the lawyer in person gives you a better sense of their personality, communication style, and overall approach to your case. It can help you make an informed decision about whether to hire them.
Experienced Attorneys Can Secure the Best Possible Outcome for You
Choosing an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Louis can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Given the numerous attorneys available, selecting one can be challenging, making it vital to evaluate different factors before making a decision.
Remember, the lawyer you choose will be your advocate throughout the legal process. A seasoned personal injury lawyer with the right experience and skills can help you navigate the complex legal system and get the compensation you deserve.
