Hiring the right lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case is critical. There is no shortage of lawyers, and you’re constantly bombarded by advertisements. As a personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN respects in the legal community, I can tell you that insurance companies and defense lawyers know whether you’ve hired a good attorney, and they treat the case accordingly. Your attorney’s reputation in the legal community matters a great deal, and it can affect the “value” of your case. You should do more than just rely on an advertisement that you see on television, a billboard, or on the side of a city bus. Ask around. Get a referral from a friend or trusted business associate. Check out online review sites. Do your due diligence.
Over the years, here are some of the more common mistakes we see personal injury lawyers make:
(1) Not Submitting Proof of a Client’s Damages. Insurance companies want to see proof of an injured person’s damages, such as medical bills. An attorney should always gather (or advise the client how to gather) and submit the proper documentation to the insurance company (or to the other side) to support the client’s damages and settlement request.
(2) Not Preparing the Client for Deposition. A good attorney will conduct a thorough deposition preparation session with the client before he or she is deposed. A deposition is a very important part of the case, and the client should be adequately prepared.
(3) Not Interviewing Witnesses. An experienced trial attorney will conduct interviews of witnesses. For various reasons, it is not always possible to locate and interview all witnesses, but an effort should be made to gather as much information about the case as possible.
(4) Failing to invest the necessary funds to hire appropriate experts. It is important to hire an attorney who has the wherewithal to compete with deep-pocketed insurance companies and defense lawyers. You don’t want a lawyer trying to prosecute your case “on the cheap.”
(5) Accepting cases despite insufficient experience or expertise. Check out the lawyer’s credentials. Ask direct questions. Visit the law firm website and read the profiles of the attorneys who will be working on your case.
(6) Failing to truly listen and communicate with the client. An important part of the attorney-client relationship involves discussing common objectives, expectations, time frames, and outcomes.
(7) Being reactive rather than proactive. You want an attorney who is playing offense, not defense.
If you need help with your personal injury case, contact the personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN goes to time and time again.
Thanks to our friends and contributors at Wiseman Bray PLLC who have significant experience fighting for injury victims in Tennessee.