This a short guide that helps injured persons find the best personal injury attorney that is right for them. Now in New York I cannot say that I am the best attorney in New York. But there are certainly some factors one should look for when considering retaining an attorney like me.
1
Dont believe them when they say they are aggressive and will fight for you.
That's because every attorney does this. Its the name of the game. We all look to get the best value for our clients. Indeed, because personal injury attorneys work on a commission, its in our best interest to be aggressive and fight for you. The teaching point is that you need to look beyond the lame adds and look to the attorney's experience, personality -- because you will be dealing with him for duration of your case -- and his stature in his chosen field.
2
Dont believe them when they say that you wont have to front any costs
The truth of the matter is that the client always pays for all costs associated with the litigation of the case. Costs usually stem from the following: getting your medical records, paying for the summons and complaint (about $210 in New York) which is needed to start the lawsuit, deposition costs (which easily can be more than $1,000); and even investigation fees (like hiring a private investigator to interview potential eye witnesses. In addition, when it comes to trial, you will need to have your treating doctor testify. And, they don't testify for free. After all, they have a business and cant be expected to miss out treating their patients just for you. This can often cost in excess of $10,000, especially if its an orthopedist or neuro surgeon. The client always has to pay this out of any settlement proceeds. And, more surprisingly, some attorneys may their clients front these costs during the course of the litigation. So make sure that you discuss this with your attorney.
3
Dont hire an attorney that does a little of everything -- real estate closings, criminal matters, copyright, etc.
Real personal injury attorneys only do personal injury. That's because it is a very specialized area of law and the law is always changing. And, it takes a special kind of attorney to be a personal injury attorney. We are always in Court, whether it is trying cases, taking depositions or discussing cases before Judges. We are therefore litigators. Other attorneys that practice other types of law -- like copyright or real estate lawyers -- rarely see the inside of the Court room. they don't know the judges like we do. and they do not know the insurance companies like we do. In most instances, our reputation proceeds us. For these reasons, we get the best results for our clients. Its not because we are smarter, its because we only do this type of work and its our experience that leads us to the best results.
4
Look to the attorneys website to see what type of attorney he or she is
Many attorneys have websites but they say the same thing as their yellow page adds say: that they will fight for your rights if you have been injured. But what does that mean? Do they know the law? Do other attorneys look to them as gurus of the field? For example, on my website (www.lsinjurylaw.com), I am constantly writing articles or blogging about recent developments in the personal injury field. Take a look for yourself. And other attorneys see what I write and always ask me questions. But, in short, make sure that the attorney you want to hire has the knowledge necessary to get a good result for you.
5
Does your attorney have any published works?
Many attorneys say they are experts in their field. But, when you ask them if they ever wrote any articles or books, they always say no. That's not the case of my firm. I am always writing articles about new developments in the law. In fact, I just wrote a book about what to do if you were in a car accident. Its based upon my experience. If you want a free copy, please just call me. It may some answers you may have.
My cell is 845.826.1004.
Or check out my website at www.lsinjurylaw.com. Please feel free to ask for me if you decide to call us 914.288.9191. We handle all types of personal injury cases all over New York.
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