Choosing a lawyer

Friday, October 17, 2008

If you are injured and decide that you need the services of a personal injury lawyer there are several ways you can get referrals.

• Call Legal Aid or the Law Society for a referral.

• Ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone.

• Ask another lawyer, if you know one.

Once you have decided on a firm to represent you call and ask to speak to the lawyer who will be dealing with your claim. This is a perfectly legitimate request. Depending on your needs, you may be entering into a long term relationship with them so it is important that you can work with your lawyer.

Here are a few things for you to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer to represent you:

• Choose a lawyer who specialises in personal injury claims. A lawyer who specialises in personal injury claims will be able to assess the merits of your claim, approximate its monetary value, determine the best strategy for pursuing it and will have kept current with the developments in personal injury law.

• Choose a lawyer who is familiar with the different courts and tribunals that deal with personal injury claims. Different courts and tribunals have rules specific to their jurisdiction. For example if you have a work place injury and your claim is disputed your lawyer will more than likely have to represent you at the Dispute Resolution Directorate.

• Choose a lawyer experienced in negotiating with insurance company lawyers. An insurance company lawyer is looking after his or her client. The insurance lawyer is seeking to pay out the least amount possible, so an inexperienced personal injury lawyer may be at a disadvantage in these negotiations.

A good lawyer will always:

•  listen to your concerns;

• return your calls promptly; and

• keep you informed of developments in your claim.