Choosing the best personal injury firm to represent you can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be
In 2009-2010, approximately 15% of Canadians aged 12 and older sustained personal injuries that were severe enough to affect and limit their day-to-day lives. While an injury can be anything from a few cuts and scrapes to a car accident, experiencing a personal injury that impacts your life and income can be overwhelming. When seeking legal help for a claim, choosing the best personal injury firm may feel a bit intimidating. There is an abundance of firms to choose from; how do you know you’ve found the best one for you and your case?
Find a firm that specializes in personal injury law
Don’t be fooled by firms that say they can do it all. While this may be true, and many firms are well-versed in all areas of the law, the best personal injury firm is going to be just that – a personal injury firm. You may notice that some firms have more than one specialty – and this is ok, just ensure that personal injury is one of their primary specializations.
Not to say that a “jack of all trades” attorney or firm aren’t good lawyers. However, the fact of the matter is that the more time spent on a specific area of law means more knowledge and experience. The best personal injury firm will know the best way to work your claim and be more likely to give you more favourable results.
Experience
It just wouldn’t make much sense to hire a firm that has no experience in personal injury law to help you with your claim. The best personal injury firm will have a respectable history of successfully resolved personal injury cases. Substantial trial experience is a bonus. If your case does go to trial, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your legal team has been there and done that.
Reputation
Do a bit of background research on the firms that you’re interested in to see what kind of reputation they have. The best personal injury firm will have good reviews and client testimonials. If you know someone who has hired them, ask them how their experience was. If you don’t know someone, take a look around the internet.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great and reliable resource that assigns ratings based on how well they believe a business is likely to interact with its clients. If a firm has a rating of A or higher (A+), this is a good sign. It would be best if you reconsidered hiring a firm with a low rating or none at all.
A Google search can also help you determine how reputable a firm is. Look at their google reviews; this is a platform where they don’t have the ability to delete negative reviews. While you’re looking around, check to see if there have been any articles written about the firm.
Credentials
The best personal injury firm won’t try to hide their credentials. Don’t hesitate to ask them what certifications, awards, successes, or other credentials make them qualified to handle your case. Each province also has a Law Society that all lawyers must be a member of to practice law legally (with some exemptions). The Law Society in your province has an online directory that allows you to search up any member and their standing.
When you’ve found the right firm, you’ll know
Arrange to have an in-person meeting with the firm you are considering. A firm could look great on paper, but if you don’t feel comfortable with them, they won’t be a good fit. The right firm will be able to answer all of your questions, communicate effectively, and be transparent about your claim’s details. When you find the best personal injury firm, you should have no hesitations or doubts about leaving your case in their hands.