After an accident, you may be facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and a long, stressful recovery. You need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney who genuinely cares about you and your needs and has a proven record of recovering the full value of their client’s claims.
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, can be the difference between receiving maximum compensation for your claim and settling for far less than you are entitled to. With so much at stake, selecting an attorney can feel overwhelming. However, focusing on specific qualifications can guide you to an injury attorney who will protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
A Proven Record of Success
An attorney’s track record provides valuable insight into their capabilities. You should look for a lawyer who has successfully handled numerous cases similar to yours. If your personal injury claim is based on a truck accident, look for an attorney who has secured substantial settlements or verdicts in Louisiana truck accident cases.
Consider the attorney’s trial experience, the types of cases they have handled, and whether they have taken cases to trial when insurers refuse to settle cases fairly.
Adequate Resources and Support Staff
Successful personal injury cases often require substantial resources. You should consider whether the injury lawyer has access to expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, economic experts, and investigators who can help build your best case.
You also want to ensure the law firm has good support staff. Paralegals and case managers should keep you informed, handle administrative details efficiently, and return calls promptly. You want to be sure your case will receive proper attention.
Communication Style
The attorney should be accessible and easy to talk to. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the attorney listens to you, answers your questions, and explains legal concepts. Pay attention to how the attorney makes you feel. You should feel valued, not rushed.
Ask about communication policies. Ask them how often you will receive updates, who your primary contact will be, and how quickly you can expect them to return your calls.
Ask About Their Fee Structure
You must ensure you understand how your attorney will be paid. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. Contingency fee arrangements align the attorney’s interest with yours. They are motivated to maximize your recovery because they will receive a percentage of it as their attorney’s fee.
Contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Discuss the fee structure in detail. Ask about additional costs, such as filing and expert witness fees. You do not want any surprises, so ensure you understand how your injury attorney will be paid and what other expenses will be deducted from your total compensation.
Check Reviews and Client Testimonials
Client testimonials and online reviews can tell you a great deal about a lawyer. Do not just check their ratings. Read detailed reviews to understand how the personal injury attorney handled cases and communicated with clients in other cases.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs
Red flags should not be ignored. If a personal injury lawyer says they guarantee a particular outcome, you should look elsewhere. No attorney can guarantee you will win your case or how much you will recover. They can provide you with an estimate of what they believe your claim is worth after they have thoroughly evaluated your case. However, they should never guarantee a result.
Look for other unprofessional behavior during your consultation. How they conduct themselves in the initial meeting suggests how they will behave throughout your case. If an attorney pressures you to hire them, you should be wary. Trust your instincts.
Schedule Free Consultations
Most personal injury attorneys in Baton Rouge offer free consultations. Schedule consultations with several attorneys you are interested in and go prepared with questions about your case and their experience.
The right personal injury lawyer will be genuinely interested in your situation and in helping you. They will take time to understand the facts of your case, explain your options, and answer your questions.
Contact a Baton Rouge Injury Lawyer at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys Today
Our personal injury attorneys in Baton Rouge, LA, have a proven record of recovering maximum compensation for our clients. We genuinely care about your well-being and helping you move forward after an accident.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim by calling (225) 999-1111 or visiting our contact page. We’ll listen to you, answer your questions, and explain your rights. If we represent you, we will work tirelessly to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch lawyers if I’m not happy with my current injury attorney?
Yes, you can change attorneys at nearly any time. You have the right to fire your Baton Rouge injury lawyer and hire a new one if you are dissatisfied.
However, your current personal injury attorney may be entitled to compensation for work already completed. Discuss the situation with the prospective new attorney who can explain how an attorney change would work.
In rare cases, a judge may not allow you to substitute new counsel if doing so would unfairly delay a scheduled trial.
Does it matter if my Baton Rouge attorney has trial experience if most cases settle?
Yes, trial experience matters a great deal, even though most cases settle. Insurance companies know which personal injury lawyers are willing and able to take a case to trial. Attorneys with strong trial records often secure larger settlement offers because insurance companies want to avoid the risk and expense of a trial against proven litigators.
What questions should I ask a personal injury lawyer during the free consultation?
Ask them about their experience with cases like yours, whether they believe you have a good claim, their proposed strategy for your case, the likely timeline for resolving your claim, who will handle your case day-to-day, and about their fee structure.
You should also ask about their trial experience, success rate, and what evidence you should start gathering.
How many personal injury attorneys in Baton Rouge should I interview before making a decision?
Interview at least three Baton Rouge injury attorneys before deciding. This allows you to compare qualifications, communication styles, strategies, and how you feel about each.
Should I hire a local personal injury lawyer, or can I work with one from another part of Louisiana?
You should hire a local Baton Rouge injury attorney in most circumstances. Local attorneys are familiar with local courts, judges, and opposing counsel, which can be very beneficial to your case. However, if a personal injury lawyer from another area in Louisiana has specific qualifications that would especially benefit your case, that may outweigh the advantage of hiring a local injury attorney.