Personal injury lawyers, like heart surgeons and snake removers, are one of those professions you hope you’ll never actually need. But until people stop injuring themselves at work, in motor accidents, and using public services, personal injury lawyers – like us – are here to stay.
A personal injury is defined as an injury to the body and/or mind, and is generally caused by someone else’s negligence. Think a spill in your local supermarket (without appropriate warning signs around it), a tripping hazard – like a power cord across a walkway – in your workplace, or inadequate machinery training when you start a new job.
In the event that you find yourself in need of a good lawyer, a) we’re really sorry to hear that, and b) how do you find one?
Here’s how we suggest finding a personal injury lawyer who’s right for you.
1. Ask around
Check in with friends, family and work colleagues to see if they’ve used a lawyer they can recommend. A personal recommendation on something as serious as a personal injury lawyer can often have far more clout than customer testimonials or Google reviews.
2. Do some investigating of your own
When you’ve narrowed down a shortlist, do some research of your own. What’s their success rate like? What do their clients say about them? How long have they been in business? Do they operate on a no win no fee basis, and how do they ultimately charge? Do they offer a specific cap on their fees? Do they specialise in personal injury claims? A little bit of digging around will help determine whether you’re likely to be viewed as a case number, or a human being.
3. Have they got a free case review?
If so, use it! This will give you the chance to meet, ask questions, and gauge whether or not you’re the right fit. There’s no obligation to engage your lawyer after a free case review, which means zero stress for you.
4. Find out what their fee cap is
Many personal injury lawyers work on a 50% fee cap, which means they’re entitled to up to half of your settlement amount. It’s worth looking around for a lawyer with a lower fee cap (ours is 30%), to ensure the bulk of your settlement ends up where it belongs: in your pocket.
5. Do they have a ‘no win, no fee’ policy?
Here at Gouldson Legal, we believe that everyone deserves the right to receive legal representation, regardless of what their financial situation may be. That’s why we will only charge a fee if your case is successful, also known as a “No win, no fee policy.” If there’s no win, there’s no charge.
6. Trust your gut
At the end of the day, you should engage a lawyer who makes you feel like they’re on your side. Do they bamboozle you with jargon when you ask a question, or do they give you a plain answer that’s easy to understand? Do they make you feel comfortable, at home, at ease? Are they quick to respond to questions and provide advice, or do you feel like you’re constantly chasing them for help? We recommend choosing a lawyer who makes you feel like you’re on the same team.
If you have a question about our services, or would like to get in touch about making claim, we’re here to help! You can contact us here.