Reaching a desirable conclusion to an injury claim will largely depend on the expertise of your personal injury attorney. Your lawyer should possess several skills to help them present a stronger case in court. The following guide outlines some of the most vital aspects to look for when hiring someone to represent you.

Factors to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney

1. Specialized Experience

A common rule of thumb is to look for an attorney with experience, but this doesn’t just refer to the number of years they have been practicing law. It also refers to the number of cases they have handled that are similar to your own injury claim. If a lawyer has been practicing for 20 years but focuses on family law, they won’t have the necessary knowledge and skills to help you win in civil court.

2. Reputation

Talk to others in the legal field to learn about the credibility they have with other legal professionals, or ask people you know about the lawyer’s reputation. Also, check with the state bar association to learn if the attorney has had any complaints or lawsuits filed against them. Finally, sites like the Better Business Bureau® and Yelp® can provide reviews and ratings from their previous clients.

3. Strong Communication Skills

As you attend an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer, pay attention to what they say and how they say it. Do they seem nervous or uncertain? Does their posture indicate that they’re uncomfortable or tense? If your attorney seems to lack confidence in a one-on-one encounter with you, imagine how they will perform in court.

4. Willingness to Go to Trial

Your attorney should be open to accepting a fair settlement offer that will cover your damages, but that’s not always possible. Avoid working with a lawyer who seems too eager to accept settlements, especially when they may be unfair to you. A quality attorney will be eager to take the case to court when it’s in the interests of their client. Ideally, your attorney should possess a competitive and aggressive nature that will be an asset in litigation.

Aside from the skills mentioned here, your personal injury attorney should engender your trust, and you should find their personality appealing. The attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Associates, LLC, strive to put their clients’ needs first and work hard to help them obtain the ideal outcomes in their cases. Backed by 100 years of collective injury law experience, the firm has obtained more than $90 million in damages for their clients in that time. To learn how they can help you, schedule a free consultation online or by calling (877) 784-1230.