Determining whether a lawyer is the “better lawyer” to handle your personal injury or wrongful death case depends on various factors unique to your situation and needs. Ideally, the lawyer who is best for you will have an extensive practice history and a thorough understanding of the complex legal system as it applies to your specific case.
In addition, to effectively represent you and provide you with high-quality legal services, your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta must also have well-honed negotiation skills and the ability to be persuasive when dealing with insurance companies and other liable parties. It is also critical that you feel comfortable interacting with your lawyer and confident that you can forge a trusting, open relationship based on mutual respect.
What Are the Professional Qualities I Should Look for in the Best Attorney for Me?
Not all lawyers have the professional qualities needed to effectively represent you. Make sure the lawyer you choose possesses the following:
Experience and Success Relevant to Your Case
Look for a lawyer who has experience with a track record of successful outcomes in cases similar to yours—they may be most likely to have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate the complex legal system with confidence and competency. They must also exhibit an early and ongoing dedication to your case as evidence that they will continue to invest the time and effort needed to expertly see your specific case from beginning to end.
An Excellent Reputation and Reviews
Unfortunately, not all lawyers are known for their honest, upstanding character and have been known to provide their clients with unrealistic expectations. The lawyer you choose should have a good reputation within the legal community and among past clients. Testimonials and referrals from trustworthy sources can provide insights into their professionalism, communication skills, and ability to achieve favorable results.
Ethical Standards, Integrity, and Professionalism
A dedication to ethical principles and conduct and professional responsibility can set one lawyer apart from another. Not all attorneys conduct themselves ethically or treat clients, associates, or others involved in their cases with courtesy and respect. The lawyer you choose should be able to convey a high degree of integrity to help ensure that they uphold the highest standards of legal practice as they work on your claim.
Ample Resources and Support Staff
It’s crucial to understand any limitations that may exist regarding your attorney’s resources and staff. A well-equipped firm should employ knowledgeable paralegals and support staff who can help streamline the administrative process and provide invaluable assistance throughout the entirety of your case.
A Fee Structure That Meets Your Needs
Finally, you should look for an attorney with a reasonable and competitive fee structure and determine whether it aligns with your budget and expectations. Many individuals seeking help for personal injuries or a loved one’s wrongful death do not have the resources to fund their claim. Fortunately, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, where they only collect fees if they win your case.
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Personal Injury FAQs
Can I Pursue Punitive Damages in My Atlanta Personal Injury Case?What Types of Personal Injury Cases Are Common in Atlanta?How is Liability Determined in Atlanta Personal Injury Cases?How Can I Protect My Rights When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters in Atlanta?When Should I Hire a Decatur Personal Injury Lawyer?What’s the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Decatur?What Specific Skills Should I Look for in the Best Attorney for Me?
If you are researching an attorney who does not appear to have the skills needed to effectively handle your case, you are less likely to experience the most favorable outcome you want. Essential skills you will find among the best lawyers include the following:
Communication Skills
It is absolutely essential to hire an attorney who possesses effective communication skills, is responsive to your questions and concerns, and keeps you informed about developments in your case. This skill is also necessary to convey information clearly to clients, opposing counsel, and others involved in your case. This includes verbal, written communication, and listening skills. If you find it difficult to communicate with potential legal counsel, this is a good sign that maybe you should look elsewhere.
Organizational Skills
Attorneys are responsible for maintaining client confidentiality and complying with professional obligations. Organizational skills are needed for attorneys to manage case files, locate documents, and ensure adherence to legal standards. If you consult with a lawyer who appears to be disorganized, frustrated, or messy, such as having piles of paperwork on their desk, they may have a limited ability to handle your case effectively, regardless of your circumstances.
Negotiation Skills
Personal injury lawyers frequently engage in negotiations with insurance companies and potentially liable parties to obtain favorable results for their clients. Strong negotiation skills are essential for securing full compensation for their clients’ injuries and losses while advocating for their clients’ best interests. Ask the attorney for specific examples of how they handle negotiations, and confirm that they appear confident in their ability to achieve the outcome you deserve.
Strategy and Approach
Discuss the lawyer’s potential strategies and approaches to handling your case during your initial consultation. You should choose a lawyer who demonstrates a detailed understanding of your needs and goals and can outline a clear plan of action. If you meet with an attorney who cannot provide you with a solid idea of ways in which they might approach your unique case, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.
What Personal Qualities Should You Look For?
The best attorneys have qualities that ensure their clients feel heard, comfortable, and understood. At the same time, they must be assured that the attorney is highly motivated and will do what it takes and work to overcome challenges in order to win their case. Essential personal qualities include the following:
Compassion and Empathy
There are often strong emotions associated with personal injury and wrongful death cases. Your attorney should exhibit compassion and empathy and be able to make you feel better if developments or various aspects of your case cause you stress and uncertainty. When an attorney demonstrates to you that they genuinely care about your case, it will show. If they do not, you may become concerned that your feelings don’t matter or that they engage in their profession mainly for their own benefit.
Motivation and Drive
Depending on the case, your attorney may need to work long, exhausting hours. Their drive should be a product of an innate desire to succeed for the both of you. Building your case can take significant time and effort, and any attorney you choose must stay motivated throughout the entire legal process to ensure they are fiercely advocating for you and protecting your rights to the best of their ability.
If you suspect an attorney is distracted or apathetic about winning your claim, it could be that they are overloaded, and this is making them unable to devote the time and attention your case requires.
Personal Compatibility
Trust your instincts and consider whether you feel comfortable working with any potential legal representative. Attorney-client compatibility is largely built on mutual respect, trust, and open communication, which can positively affect the outcome of your case.
Ultimately, the “better lawyer” for you and your unique circumstances should possess not only the professional qualities and skills needed to instill you with confidence but also the desire to establish a healthy working relationship that can persevere throughout the ups and downs of a personal injury claim.
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Contact Us Today
While we do encourage you to take time to research and consult with other lawyers before making your decision, at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we believe we possess the right combination of experience, success, reputation, legal skills, and personal compatibility to effectively represent your interests and achieve your desired outcome.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and to learn more about our commitment to our clients to provide them with the high-quality legal services they deserve.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
