TMH Law shares the top tips of what to look for in a lawyer in Philadelphia.
Have you been injured at work? Were you injured in a car, truck, motorcycle or bus accident? Have you been discriminated against or unfairly paid at work? Were you injured because of someone else’s negligence, either through a fall or a defective product? Has your claim for Social Security Disability benefits been denied? These are just some of the questions which, if you can answer “yes”, may indicate that you need to find a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia. If you have a case in any of these areas, or others that are similar, it is important to find the right legal representation to seek justice as soon as possible.
The problem, of course, is figuring out how to choose the right lawyer in Philadelphia. With hundreds of attorneys in the city alone, it can seem overwhelming to sort through all of your options to find the right one for your situation. The vast amount of options before you, as well as the seemingly identical promises each firm makes, may make it tempting to simply choose one at random and hope for the best. We urge you not to do this. Taking the time to research and choose the best lawyer for your situation can significantly impact your experience throughout the legal process.
At The Law Offices of Thomas More Holland, we understand that most clients like you have never had to look for a lawyer before, and so, where do they begin? We want to help ease the stress of this part of your legal journey and empower you to make the best possible decision for your case. So, we have compiled a list of the top five things to look for as you interview various Philadelphia lawyers. Hopefully, with this useful list of questions to ask and features to look for, you will be able to confidently select the best lawyer in Philadelphia to represent you and your interests.
What To Look For In Your Personal Injury Lawyer In Philadelphia
As you begin your search for the right Philadelphia lawyer for you, you may want to put these five features at the top of your priority list.
- Comfort. One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of the right lawyer for you is comfort. Do you feel comfortable with this person? Do you trust him? Do you feel like you can be completely honest with him about your experience and concerns? And do you feel that he is being honest with you as well? You should feel at ease in your attorney’s presence, so that he is best able to help you through the case. Often, this is not something you will be able to discern by reading their biography online; an in person interview is the best way to go.
- Specialization. It doesn’t help to have someone you are comfortable with if they do not also specialize in the particular area of law that you need. Although “General Attorneys” may seem like a good, cover-all idea, they may not know all of the intricate details of the law that addresses your particular situation. For example, some personal injury lawyers focus on automobile accidents, while others spend much of their time on workers’ compensation cases. Finding someone with the same niche experience as your particular situation will help to ensure they can provide you the guidance and representation that you need.
- Availability. You should be able to have confidence in the availability of your attorney. You will need to be in regular communication over the course of your case, and so you will want a lawyer who regularly returns your calls and emails in a timely way. You will be able to test this when you try to set up an in person interview with potential attorneys, as well as when you email follow-up questions to them after the fact. If you are pleased with their response time, you may choose to move forward with them. If they leave you disappointed, well, that’s one more option that’s eliminated.
- Record & Reviews. Finally, see what former clients have to say about working with the lawyer. You can look for reviews online and even look to the Pennsylvania Bar Association to see if any complaints have been filed about the attorney. You can also ask the lawyer herself if she is able to provide contact information for former clients who have agreed to act as references. This way, you don’t just have to go on your own gut instinct and the lawyer’s word of mouth; you can tap into the real experience of other clients like you.
How To Begin
Equipped with the knowledge of what to look for, you can begin your search process for a lawyer in Philadelphia. How you choose to begin that search is really up to you. Some people like to start by searching online. There are a number of services available which will also help to match you with attorneys who have the specialization you may need. By far the most popular, according to a recent survey, is to reach out to trusted friends and relatives for a recommendation. 46% of those surveyed in a September 2010 Harris Poll said they would ask a friend, family member, or colleague for a referral.
No matter how you begin, one of the most important things to remember is to interview several lawyers and compare your options. Even if your co-worker or relative had a great experience with a particular lawyer, that does not mean that the same attorney matches exactly what you need. They may have a different comfort level, or even require different specialization. References are a good place to start, but always do your own research. Look for the all of the characteristics listed above to find the best possible lawyer in Philadelphia to handle your case.
In Conclusion
Finding yourself in need of a personal injury lawyer can be stressful. You don’t need uncertainty about making the right choice on top of the injustice or injury you have already experienced. So, we hope that this guide has helped you gain the confidence you need to interview local lawyers to find the right match for you.
Have you been looking for a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia before? What was that experience like? What advice would you offer to those about to begin the process for the first time? Share your stories, as well as any questions you may have, in the comments section below.