If you have suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you might be thinking about hiring a personal injury attorney to pursue a claim for financial compensation. A serious injury can result in:
- hefty medical bills not covered by insurance
- loss of income due to missed work
- ongoing physical pain
- permanent scarring or disfigurement
- long-term disability
- emotional pain and suffering
Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, injured through medical negligence, bitten by a dog, experienced a slip-and-fall, or suffered any other type of injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, choosing the right lawyer to fight for your rights can make all the difference, not only to the outcome of your case, but your peace of mind throughout the process.
Typically, personal injury cases are handled on a “contingency fee basis”, meaning that you will not be responsible for any legal fees until and unless your lawyer has successfully secured a financial award. Because your success ultimately hinges on the success of your lawyer, it becomes very important to choose the right person for the job.
10 Questions to Consider When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Do they actually care about what you’re going through?
Dealing with a serious injury is a stressful time for you and your family, not just financially and physically, but also emotionally. And if you decide to pursue a legal claim, the experience should not add to your stress. A highly experienced personal injury attorney understands the challenges you’re facing and offers the support needed to help you navigate this difficult time with confidence. Working with a lawyer who is empathetic and truly cares about what you’re going through will make all the difference. Make sure you’re not just a number on a spreadsheet or another manila folder on an already crowded desk. Choose a lawyer with empathy and compassion in addition to experience.
- Will you be working with the same lawyer throughout your case?
One of the most frustrating experiences for clients is being handed-off to different attorneys throughout the course of the case. Repeating details over and over not only wastes time and money but can also lead to miscommunication and give a bad impression to the insurance company with which you are negotiating. Having a dedicated lawyer from start to finish ensures consistency and a deeper understanding of your case. Continuity provides peace of mind and allows for a more personalized legal strategy and a stronger outcome.
- Do they inspire trust and confidence?
Every personal injury case is different, and a lawyer who is truly engaged will tailor their approach to fit your unique circumstances rather than applying a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. A productive attorney-client relationship should include clear and timely communication, prompt responses to your questions, and transparency about legal strategies and potential outcomes, so you can make informed decisions. Your lawyer’s approach should make you feel confident about the progress of your case.
- Will they be able to visit the scene of the accident?
Strong personal injury cases rely on solid evidence, and nothing can replace a personal visit to the scene of the accident. Site visits provide your lawyer with critical details firsthand, the ability to assess environmental factors, take photographs, or speak with potential witnesses when necessary. Not all lawyers are willing or able to make those efforts. Choose a lawyer who will.
- Will they be available for in-person meetings?
While texts and emails offer convenience, there are times when an in-person meeting (whether in the office or virtual) is helpful to discuss important details, review documents, or simply get reassurance about your case. A lawyer who is willing to meet face-to-face demonstrates true commitment to both the outcome of the case and your well-being. It shows that they see you as more than just a case number—they value your concerns and are dedicated to providing the personal attention and compassionate support you deserve.
- Will you have a senior lawyer dedicated to your case?
In personal injury cases, experience matters. Some firms assign personal injury cases to junior attorneys or even case managers, with little input from a seasoned personal injury attorney. This is especially true of some national, TV-advertised law firms that offer little in the way of personal attention, let alone from a senior attorney. Having a dedicated senior partner involved from beginning to end ensures that your case is handled with the highest level of expertise, strategy, and attention to detail. At Parker Scheer, at least one partner and one associate co-manage every case accepted by the firm.
- Are they well-known for fierce advocacy on behalf of clients?
Fierce advocacy isn’t about hostility or aggression—it’s about relentlessly pursuing justice with the benefit of years of experience, to ensure clients receive the best recovery possible. Attorneys known for tenaciously fighting for their clients’ rights often have the advantage in negotiations because both insurance companies and opposing counsel know they won’t accept anything other than a fair settlement and are prepared to go to trial, if necessary, to achieve the best outcome.
- Do they understand the local court rules and the judges?
Every court has its own procedures and nuances. A lawyer familiar with the local court system knows how cases are processed and understands the quirks and preferences of local judges. This knowledge can be highly advantageous in crafting a legal strategy that aligns with the expectations of the Court. Just as important, if not more so, not understanding the nuances of the local jurisdiction and inadvertently violating a rule could lead to your case being tossed-out before it even begins.
- Are they well-respected by others in the local legal community?
A lawyer’s reputation extends beyond their clients. The respect of fellow attorneys and judges in their jurisdiction is often based on a lawyer’s track record of integrity, strong advocacy, and professional conduct. Look for a lawyer who has gained such recognition within their local legal community by researching objective, peer-reviewed publications and directories. No law firm in Massachusetts is rated higher for professional skill and ethics than Parker Scheer LLP.
- Do they have positive client reviews?
Perhaps even more important than recognition within the legal community is an attorney’s reputation among past clients. Online reviews and testimonials offer real-life insight into a lawyer’s style and effectiveness. A strong reputation backed by positive reviews can set a lawyer apart and provide you with the confidence you need to move forward. For more insight into our past clients’ experience with us, we urge you to look at our Google reviews.
Are You Looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Massachusetts?
If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Massachusetts who will take a personal interest in your case, be available when you need them, and fight for the best possible case outcome, trust the award-winning personal injury team at Parker Scheer LLP. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and all information shared is kept strictly confidential. We look forward to hearing from you at info@parkerscheer.com.
