A lawyer can be called on to give evidence in court to defend you against what is undoubtedly a malicious prosecution. But whilst the law requires that you have your own personal injury solicitor, it may be preferable to go with a company that specializes in personal injury law. Here’s why…
Most personal injury claims don’t succeed, largely because the claimant doesn’t have the expertise and the experience to mount a successful case. These days the Internet is a great way of finding competent lawyers who are just phone calls away. Many solicitors now specialize in personal injury and have websites outlining their specializations, their contact details, and a brief history of their involvement in personal injury claims. These websites can be a wealth of information for would-be victims, as they can quickly and easily obtain advice from the sites and conduct research to determine whether they are eligible to claim.
In addition to a wealth of information, a website will provide a wealth of experience. Many lawyers now specialize in personal injury as a specialized area. This means that they handle cases that are very specific – for example, if you have been injured as a result of someone else’s carelessness, then you will need a solicitor who specializes in this type of law. A simple Google search will give you a list of lawyers in the area. Even if you aren’t sure you have an issue that could be worth pursuing, it is always worth seeing what other people have said about certain firms before deciding. You can find out how much experience a solicitor has by looking at their website.
It’s also important to consider the costs that may arise from pursuing a personal injury claim. Many solicitors will charge a percentage of any compensation awarded, although it is rare to find a lawyer who will do this. Some, on the other hand, take the full fee and also pass any costs on to the claimant. Again, this can vary, and is something you will need to clarify with any potential law firm before making a formal complaint.
You should also look for a personal injury solicitor who deals with your specific case. It is preferable to choose one that specialises in your type of personal injury, but some law firms specialise in a wide range of areas. If they are experienced, this is always preferable, as they will understand the process far better and be able to give better advice. You should also check whether they have specialised experience dealing with the particular issue you wish to bring up.
Don’t automatically assume that the most experienced solicitor will cost the least. There are plenty of fees to be paid, especially if you have to use complex legal jargon. Not every solicitor will be happy to undertake such a case, especially if they have never done it before. Experience is essential, however, and many firms will undertake a case on a contingency basis, which means that they won’t charge you until you receive their legal fees. This means that you could be out of pocket if the case does not succeed. Some law firms will accept a contingency fee only if you agree to have your lawyer attend negotiations and agree to a settlement.
Be careful about how much contact you allow between the law firm and the personal injury solicitor. Some may try to contact you over a period of weeks or months, trying to sell you on a deal. However, as soon as you know there’s a problem you should stop any contact, as it will be difficult to change their mind. Keep in mind that if you wish to proceed with a claim, you’ll need to provide all the relevant information, including medical reports, prescriptions, and photos of any injuries.
The main thing to remember when choosing a personal injury solicitor is that they should offer you good personal and professional advice. They should tell you whether they can help you make a claim and should not try to pressure you into agreeing to a settlement. Most importantly, you must get legal advice from someone who is experienced in personal injury law. Only then will you be able to make an informed decision about your case. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when dealing with your solicitor, so that you feel comfortable that your case is taken seriously.