Coping with a disability after an accident might leave you feeling vulnerable. But know that you are not alone. The at-fault party’s insurance company should pay you compensation for the injury. The settlement amount must be equal to the extent of your injuries. But how do you estimate the value of a part of you that’s gone forever?
When you hire a disability lawyer, you make it easier for yourself to estimate the correct worth of your case. Disability lawyers guide you on the procedures to follow to get fair compensation. Lawyers will also help you see and avoid legal loopholes that could lock you out of your claim.
Read on to learn how to find the right disability lawyer for your case.
Look for Experience
Experience is the most crucial factor in hiring a disability lawyer. Disability lawyers who have handled many cases in the past have a broader knowledge of disability law. They can help your case succeed no matter the complexities of it.
Experience helps disability lawyers make a quick assessment of your case. The lawyers can advise you on the appropriate course of action to take. Sometimes negotiating for settlement is better than taking the case to trial. An inexperienced lawyer might have trouble negotiating a good settlement.
Hire a Lawyer with an Admirable Reputation
There are many disability lawyers with sufficient experience to handle your case. Considering the reputation of your prospects can help you narrow the shortlist. A disability lawyer who has won most cases has a better chance of filing a successful claim on your behalf.
Reputation speaks for itself. Researching your prospects lets you see who’s winning and who’s stagnating. Talk to some of your prospect’s former clients to get a picture of what to expect from the disability lawyers you plan to hire.
Consider a Lawyer’s Specialization
General attorneys handle every type of case for their clients. They might be good at multitasking but may not fit your case. A general attorney has a lot on his plate at any given time. You can’t blame them if they fail to focus 100% on your case. A disability lawyer, on the other hand, is the complete opposite.
Disability lawyers focusing solely on disability law are up-to-date with the latest developments in their area of specialization. They are better positioned to pay attention to your case since that’s their only practice area. The high level of commitment is a boost for your case.
Good Communication
It would be best to have a lawyer who’ll break down the legal jargon into simple bits that are easier to understand. Proper communication keeps you up-to-date with the development in your case. A good disability lawyer should tell you in advance about their communication plan before they embark on your case.
Go for a lawyer who’s willing to schedule regular meetings with you. It is a sign that your case is of top priority to them. Regular meetings allow you to raise any issues your attorney needs to look into. Time is of the essence in disability cases. The faster you communicate new developments to your attorney, the better they can build your case.
What Are Their Fees?
The legal fraternity has standard rates for different personal injury cases. A good lawyer should give you their fee structure before formalizing the engagement. The lawyer should go further, breaking down the fee structure and explaining it to you. Note any clauses that may lead to fee increments and ask the lawyer you plan to hire about them.
The industry practice for disability lawyers is to take a percentage of the compensation you’ll receive after the settlement. However, some lawyers may have upfront charges. They won’t hide any fee from you if they are worth their salt.
Final Thoughts
There are vital qualities to watch out for when you hire a disability lawyer. Lawyers with vast experience and a winning reputation in the industry might increase the odds of settling the case in your favor. Work with lawyers who are specialized and have impeccable communication plans.
