An injury can turn everyday life upside down. Suddenly, you’re juggling doctor visits, insurance claims, and questions about your next steps. A New Hampshire personal injury attorney can guide you through the process, handle the legal details, and help you focus on getting better.
Because the outcome of your case often depends on the skill and resources of your lawyer, choosing a personal injury attorney must be done carefully. Here, we will give you some advice on how to identify the good ones.
Knowing what to look for in a good personal injury lawyer
Do not be afraid to book more than one initial consultation. You’ll be discussing personal matters with your lawyer and working closely with them for months, so it is important to choose an attorney you trust and feel comfortable communicating with.
Review our suggestions to help you find good, compassionate attorneys. And, before each consultation, make note of questions you want to ask, so you are prepared. You can compare the answers of each lawyer to help you decide.
Finally, think about what you want the ideal outcome of your case to be. When you have an idea of what you want, it’s easier for your lawyer to manage your expectations and help you understand what is and is not possible under New Hampshire personal injury law.
Experience matters
Experienced personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of the law and have more tools in their legal toolchest. But don’t just pick a lawyer based on their years of experience. Look for an attorney who focuses on the type of case you have.
For example, some firms deal mainly with large tort actions, like consumer product liability, while others may choose to focus on medical malpractice or car and semi-truck accidents. Ask each lawyer about their specific experience litigating cases like yours.
Review the firm’s reputation and track record
What kind of professional reputation do the attorneys at the firm have? You can check with the New Hampshire Bar Association to see if the attorney or firm has any disciplinary actions filed against them, and verify their education and credentials. Talk to people you know in the legal community or ask for a referral.
In your consultation, ask about the firm’s experience with cases like yours and their track record of settling claims and winning in court. And, ask how they plan to approach your personal injury claim.
Ensure your communication styles match
Ask about what you can expect working with the firm, such as how often you’ll receive case updates, the best way to communicate with your attorney, and how your case will be handled.
Some clients prefer regular updates, even when nothing has changed, while others prefer the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” communication style.
In your consultation, take note of how the attorney answers your questions. Do they rush through the process and fixate on the goal, or do they take their time answering and ask if you have any follow-up questions?
You should leave your consultation feeling heard, informed of your legal options and possible outcomes, and confident in your lawyer’s ability. If you leave feeling more worried than before, or if you do not feel comfortable talking to the lawyer, choose a different firm.
What are red flags for a personal injury lawyer?
If you are frustrated after the consultation because the attorney did not listen to you, or you feel unsure and under-informed after meeting with them, it is not going to get better with time. You should choose a law firm that cares about you and your case.
Any lawyer who makes promises about winning your case should be another “no.” Experienced attorneys know that anything can happen in a personal injury lawsuit, and it would be irresponsible to make guarantees to a client.
If the lawyer dodges questions about fees and payments, that is another red flag. Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis and should still explain what’s included in the contingent fee agreement (legal fees, court filings, etc.), and what you may have to pay if you lose (the cost of expert witnesses, for example). If the lawyer will not explain their fee schedule in detail, you may want to choose different representation.
Learn your legal options from experienced personal injury attorneys
If you’ve been hurt in an accident you didn’t cause, we want to hear your story. Shaheen & Gordon is a full-service law firm, with extensive resources to litigate complicated cases, including expert witnesses, access to medical specialists, and private investigators. We have an impressive track record of positive outcomes and hope to add your case to that list. Contact our firm today at (800) 451-1002 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
