A simple guide to choosing a Personal Injury lawyer

Excellent legal advice, like expert medical care, is critical for people with personal injuries and their families. The right lawyer can help individuals who suffer personal injuries receive fair compensation.

Choosing the right lawyer for a specific type of lawsuit is an important decision. The lawyer who assisted you with your house purchase is likely not the best lawyer to take on your injury claim. A personal injury case requires specific expertise. The steps outlined here will help you make the right decision.

Ask people who are familiar with personal injuries for referrals

Physicians, hospital social workers, psychologists, and related health care practitioners can provide names of experienced, reputable lawyers who handle personal injury cases. Ask them why they feel comfortable making their recommendations.

Call the lawyers on your list

Lawyers rarely charge for an initial call. Have the basic information handy such as the date of accident, names of people involved, and severity of the injury.

Ask the lawyers if they have experience in handling an injury claim like yours. You should ask what resources they have available, whether they have taken a case like yours to trial and if they have been successful. You should also find out what associations the lawyers are affiliated with such as The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and The Advocates' Society.

If a lawyer is unable to address all your questions during the first call and must call you back, expect a timely reply. Remember, a good lawyer will speak with you openly and in clear, understandable language.

Interview Prospective Lawyers

Interview prospective lawyers to help gather more information about their practices. Most lawyers will not charge for an initial meeting. The individual who has been injured, and those helping in the selection process, should explore key issues in the interview including:

Understanding - The lawyer should have a clear sense of the physical, psychological, cognitive and social implications of personal injuries - not just how to handle a lawsuit.

Time and Resources - Your case should have the lawyer's personal attention from the start. Much of the work in handling a personal injury case, however, is done by other experienced staff members. You will also want to know about the people providing assistance to the lawyer handling your case.

References - Other serious personal injury clients and their families are the best people to share their experiences with you. Lawyers have a professional duty to keep client information confidential. Reputable lawyers should have no problem giving you the names and telephone numbers of two or three clients they have represented, after securing consent. Asking lawyers for references is perfectly acceptable.

Fees - Lawyers usually cannot predict the exact cost of their services at the outset of a case, when many details are unknown. Your lawyer should, however, be able to explain fee calculations and the factors affecting the overall cost of your case.

Making the Best Choice

It's vital that the lawyer you are hiring is someone with whom you have a good rapport and in whose skill and judgment you have complete confidence. A solid relationship with your lawyer is imperative in getting the best results for you or your loved one.

For up-to-date information contact:

London
Tel. 519.672.4510
Fax. 519.672.2044
80 Dufferin Avenue, P.O. Box 2335
London, ON N6A 4G4

Toronto
Tel. 416.867.3076
Fax. 416.867.9192
2400-130 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 3P5