The decision to hire an attorney, and more specifically, whom to hire, is one of the most important decisions an individual contemplating a lawsuit will ever make. When considering whom to hire, clients will often mull over an attorney’s rates, case history, or like-ability. But what clients sometimes overlook, yet what is absolutely vital, is whether a prospective attorney has the proper experience and expertise to handle a specific claim.
Hiring the Right Lawyer for the Right Case
If you do not have an experienced lawyer who is skilled in the area of law in which your case falls, you are putting your future at risk. Although many lawyers will suggests that all personal injury cases are the same, nothing could be further from the truth. Each area of personal injury law has distinct, unique aspects that must be thoroughly understood by your legal representative.
For example, the laws surrounding premises liability would not apply to a car accident claim, just as the theory of strict liability would rarely apply to a car accident case. Knowing legal nuances, statutes, and relevant case precedent can make or break a claim.
More than just knowing the laws pertinent to your case, however, an attorney with specialized skill set will likely also have experience working with other specialists and experts in that field, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and even litigating in court.
How to Understand an Attorney’s Specializations and Experience
After you have found a lawyer whom you believe may be right for you, ask the attorney to provide you with details of their background, education, case history and trial experience. Ask the attorney what other areas of law they specialize in, and what their history of success is in cases similar to yours. Because many lawyers specialize, you may also be able to find State Bar-certified specialists online, or confirm a specialization. [1]
Technically, there is no requirement to hire an attorney who is a specialist or who has specific experience. However, your claim is undoubtedly important and there is little question that choosing the right attorney with the right experience will increase your ultimate chances of success.
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[1] The State Bar Of California
