Car accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective products, and other accidents and situations cause millions of injuries each year. Hiring a lawyer to handle your personal injury claim can significantly improve your chance of receiving fair compensation for your damages.
However, many people don’t know what steps to take to hire an attorney. As a result, they may not know what to look for when searching for a personal injury lawyer.
Below is the ultimate guide to hiring a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas.
When Should I Hire an Attorney for a Personal Injury Case?
Not every accident or injury case requires a lawyer. However, some situations and factors strongly indicate that you need legal advice immediately.
Signs that you should consult with a personal injury lawyer include, but are not limited to:
- You sustained serious or catastrophic injuries
- Your child was injured in an accident or other situation
- The insurance company denied your claim
- An insurance adjuster suggests that you could be partially to blame for the cause of the accident or your injury
- Your case involves a complex area of personal injury law, including medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, or premises liability
- The at-fault party does not have insurance coverage
- Your case involves a government entity, vehicle, or employee
- You sustained permanent injuries or impairments
- Multiple parties are involved in your case
- You were in a truck accident that involved a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or another commercial vehicle
- A rideshare driver or vehicle caused your accident
There could be other situations that require the expertise of a personal injury attorney. Talking with a lawyer is the best way to know whether you need legal representation.
Most personal injury law firms offer free consultations for injury victims and their families. You can get the information you need without worrying about a consultation fee.
Hire a Lawyer With Experience Handling Your Type of Injury Claim
Some law firms focus their practice on specific areas of law. Therefore, begin by searching for a personal injury law firm. You want to avoid law firms that “dabble” in personal injury law by handling a handful of cases each year.
Next, search for an attorney who handles the specific type of situation that caused your injury. For example, hire a medical malpractice lawyer if a doctor caused your injury. Likewise, if a defective product caused your injury, hire a product liability lawyer.
Qualities to Consider When Hiring a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
All attorneys do not have the same qualifications. Specific factors cannot guarantee that a lawyer will win your case. However, there are qualities that you want to look for when hiring an accident attorney.
Experience and Skills
As discussed above, you want to hire a lawyer who handles your specific type of injury claim. However, you also want to hire lawyers with experience. Experience handling cases results in increased skills, resources, and success.
Reputation
Martindale-Hubbell and other lawyer directories rate attorneys based on peer reviews for their competence and ethics. The best personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas earn the respect of their peers. If you know a lawyer who practices in another area of law, ask them who they would hire if they needed a personal injury attorney.
Communication Skills
To win your case, you need to communicate effectively with your lawyer. Your attorney also needs effective communication skills with other people.
When you meet with an injury lawyer, they should be able to explain your legal rights and options for recovering compensation. They should also be able to give you the pros and cons of each option and explain why they would choose a specific course of action.
Meet with several lawyers until you find the attorney that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Did the attorney listen to you and talk with you instead of “at” you? Was the attorney patient with you, or did they appear distracted and rushed?
Past Case Results
Past results do not guarantee a specific outcome in your case. However, a record of winning trials and negotiating high-dollar settlements could be an indicator of an attorney’s diligence, skills, and experience.
How to Prepare for a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Use free consultations as opportunities to interview a lawyer. Meeting with an attorney in person allows you to judge the lawyer’s personal qualities and gather information.
Prepare a list of questions to ask the attorney, such as:
- What experience do you have handling cases like mine?
- Are there statutes of limitations or deadlines that apply to my case?
- Do you see any potential problems with recovering compensation for my damages?
- How often will I receive updates on my case?
- What is your policy for returning telephone calls, emails, and other messages?
- Will I work with you or a paralegal?
- What strategy will you use in my case?
- What ranges of outcomes could I expect?
Take copies of accident reports, medical records, and other documentation pertaining to your case. Prepare a summary of the facts about how you were injured so that you do not waste time trying to remember what you need to tell the lawyer.
Do Not Feel Pressured to Hire a Lawyer at a Free Consultation
You are not obligated to hire a law firm after a free consultation. Hiring an attorney is a serious decision. Therefore, it is okay to take a few days to consider your options before hiring a law firm.
Discuss the Attorney’s Fees and Costs of the Case
Most Las Vegas personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis. The attorney is paid based on the amount they recover for your personal injury claim.
A contingent fee agreement states that you do not owe any legal fees if the attorney does not recover money for your claim. It also states the percentage the attorney will deduct from your settlement or jury verdict for attorneys’ fees.
Ask the attorney how costs are handled. A case’s costs could include filing fees, deposition fees, copy costs, expert witness fees, and investigation expenses. The costs of the case depend on the circumstances and whether the case goes to court.
Many law firms pay the costs as they incur them and then reimburse the firm for these costs from the settlement proceeds. Before signing a retainer agreement, ensure that you understand how the costs are handled if the attorney does not win your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
Has another party caused you harm and injury? If so, you may be entitled to hold them responsible for your financial and emotional losses. Contact an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney at (702) 570-9000 for a free case evaluation to discuss your situation and get the compensation you deserve.
