How to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Injuries can upend your life. They can make paying bills and maintaining your daily routine a struggle. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you might have grounds for a claim. A personal injury lawyer in Morgantown, WV, can help ensure you get the compensation you need to recover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs related to the accident. Here are some tips on how to hire a personal injury lawyer that’s right for your situation.

Ask for Referrals

Hiring the right attorney is critical for obtaining the best settlement. A lawyer who focuses on personal injury claims has a detailed understanding of the complexities of the laws pertaining to your case. Ask friends and family if they have an injury attorney they can refer. Radio and television ads can also bring your attention to firms you hadn’t considered. However, you don’t have to rely on a 30-second spot or a vague referral.

Research Potential Attorneys

Once you have a list of names, you can focus on the details of how to hire a personal injury lawyer in Morgantown, WV. Online directories are an effective way to research the firm and the attorney’s experience. Client reviews on the directories, Google, and social media can give you a good idea of how well they do their job. The West Virginia State Bar and other reputable sites can help you find an attorney in good standing and who has experience in personal injury law.

Schedule a Consultation

Most attorneys offer a free case evaluation. Narrow down your list of potential attorneys, then schedule an initial consultation. During the meeting, the attorney can learn about your case; you can ask questions and understand how the lawyer and firm work. Some questions that can help you get started include:

• How long have you been practicing?
• What percentage of cases do you handle that are similar to mine (e.g., car crash, slip, and fall, dog bite, medical malpractice)?
• What is your track record of success?
• Do you have specialized training or skills?
• How do you inform clients of case status?
• Do you think my case will go to trial?
• Are you comfortable going to trial?

You and your attorney will work together during your case, so you’ll want to feel comfortable with their approach and how they work.

Discuss Fees

Legal expenses can become costly. Part of knowing how to hire a personal injury lawyer understands the fee structure. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront or out of pocket expenses for you to pay, rather the personal injury lawyer is only compensated through a percentage of the settlement proceeds. Some attorneys do the work themselves, and others may delegate to paralegals or outsource it to other attorneys. Make sure you know who is handling the work and what they charge. Expenses, in addition to fees, may consist of:

• Research
• Filing fees
• Medical records
• Document copying
• Transcripts
• Expert witness fees
• Depositions
• Investigators and experts

Although hiring the most expensive attorney may not be necessary, deciding on the cheapest representation may not be the best choice for your situation. When you’re considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, look for a balance between experience and cost.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Morgantown, WV

Finding the right personal injury lawyer is essential to your case. You want someone you feel comfortable with and who’s not afraid to take your case to court if needed. We offer personalized legal services to provide each client with the care and focus they deserve. Contact Hayhurst Law to schedule a free initial consultation today.