What to look for in a personal injury lawyer.
MAKE SURE THE ATTORNEY CONCENTRATES HIS OR HER PRACTICE IN PERSONAL INJURY At Shaffer Law Firm we limit our practice to handling cases where the individual is seriously injured or killed in an accident. These accidents can involve a collision, a fall, a work injury, or an injury caused by a defective product.
We do not represent any insurance companies so that we can vigorously represent accident victims and their families.
MAKE SURE THE ATTORNEY IS WILLING TO GO TO TRIAL IF NECESSARY
When you choose a personal injury lawyer, it is important to make sure that your lawyer will be willing to take your case to trial and aggressively litigate on your behalf. While the large majority of cases settle before trial, the insurance companies deal much more fairly with an accident victim who is represented by a law firm that the insurance company knows is willing and able to present their clients' cases in court.
Some lawyers (even some who claim to "specialize" in representing accident victims) accept cases only because they hope that the case will settle. When the case does not settle, those attorneys often either recommend a reduced settlement to their client or seek to withdraw from representation as the trial approaches. You should be very cautious to make sure that the firm you are choosing has trial experience in your type of case. One of the first things that the insurance company will do is evaluate your attorney's willingness and ability to try your case. The better your attorney is at preparing and trying cases the more likely it is that your case can be settled fairly.
Stephen T. Shaffer, Esquire holds the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell (the principal national clearing house for information on attorneys) for both competence and ethics.
MAKE SURE YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR ATTORNEY
It is also important to choose an attorney that you feel comfortable with because you will have to be absolutely honest in communicating the way in which the injury has affected your life. In addition, you should be sure that you will be able to keep in touch with your attorney to obtain answers to your questions and to stay updated on your case. You should know at least as much about your attorney as the insurance company does. Ask questions.
MAKE SURE THAT THE INITIAL CONSULTATION IS FREE AND WITHOUT OBLIGATION
The initial consultation is a chance for the attorney to meet with you and get the details about the accident which caused your injuries. It is also a chance for you to ask the attorney questions about the way his or her firm will handle your case. At this initial meeting the attorney may also be able to help you with immediate concerns, such as insurance companies who are pressuring you to sign documents.
At Shaffer Law Firm your initial consultation is always free and without any obligation. You and the attorney will meet in a conference room. (Of course, we can meet at your home or at the hospital if that is more convenient for you.) A paralegal or nurse consultant who might be working on the case with the attorney may sit in on the meeting. You should bring with you any documents related to the accident, including your insurance documents, any records or forms you received regarding the accident from the police or your employer, and any medical records, bills or doctor's notes which you have obtained.
At Shaffer Law Firm, during your initial consultation we will tell you if we can help you further. Remember, if we do not get you money, we do not charge a fee.
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