Choosing a solicitor is an individual decision. Relevant experience, clear communication, case-management arrangements and written costs information are practical factors to consider. No solicitor can guarantee the outcome of a claim.
1. Consider what matters for you and your case
When choosing a solicitor, consider your own circumstances and the nature of the matter. Ask for written information explaining professional fees, VAT, anticipated outlays and possible third-party costs. The terms applying to an individual matter should never be assumed.
Equally, you should also aim to select your personal injury solicitors based on their experience of working on cases similar to your own. If your personal injury involves a car accident, for example, the ideal solicitor is one who has worked on (and won) personal injury cases brought as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Not every solicitor specialises in personal injury cases, and within the personal injury field, solicitors often have their own areas of expertise. Some are experts on medical malpractice, while others specialise in workplace-related accidents. Before choosing a solicitor to work on your case, ask about their area of expertise. Other criteria to consider include the credentials of both the law firm and the individual solicitor(s) who will personally work on your case. You should also check their availability – do they have the capacity and the resources to pursue your case quickly and efficiently, or have they got a heavy workload, which may mean your case could be put on the backburner?
2. Ask for referrals or recommendations from your network
You may wish to ask people you trust about their experience of working with a law firm. A recommendation is only one factor: consider whether the solicitor explains the process clearly, communicates consistently, provides written costs information and has relevant experience of the issues involved.
If you don’t know anyone personally who’s brought a personal injury claim, you could search on the internet. Most solicitors who handle claims for personal injury in Ireland will have a website where you can learn more about their services, the cases they have worked on previously, and feedback from their clients. You can also check independent review sites, which often give useful insight into how firms of solicitors have performed for past clients.
3. Compile your list of law firms for easy comparison
If you find you have several law firms to choose from, you may want to narrow down your list. You can do this by comparing their win rates, checking their expertise in specific areas of personal injury law, their location, and any other factors that are important to you. By listing each firm’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make a more informed decision on which to work with.
An initial discussion can help you understand how a solicitor would approach the matter. It should not be treated as a prediction of success or of the amount of any award. Ask what evidence may be required, what procedure may apply, who will handle the matter and what written costs information will be provided before work proceeds.
If you contact a solicitor, provide a clear account of what happened and any available documents. The solicitor can then explain what further information may be needed and whether they are in a position to advise.
For general information about solicitor fees, VAT, outlays and possible third-party costs, read how legal costs are explained.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth getting a personal injury lawyer?
A solicitor can explain the applicable procedure, identify relevant evidence and advise on the circumstances of an individual matter. No solicitor can guarantee that a claim will succeed or predict a particular settlement.
How are solicitor fees handled in personal injury cases?
Solicitor fees for contentious business cannot be calculated as a specified percentage or proportion of an award or settlement. The basis of the legal costs, VAT and anticipated outlays should instead be set out in the written costs information provided for the individual matter.
How do I choose a personal injury solicitor?
To start your search for a personal injury solicitor in Ireland, ask your network for recommendations and reviews or search independent review sites online. Check the solicitor’s regulatory status, relevant experience and written costs information.
How much do solicitors charge for personal injury claims in Ireland?
Do personal injury claims go to court?
Most can be resolved through negotiation before it comes to that. This is where having an experienced solicitor is invaluable. They can assess any settlement amount proposed by the defendant’s representatives and advise whether it’s sufficient, negotiate an increase, or tell you if court is your best option. They’ll also represent you in court so you don’t have to speak.
Can you lose a personal injury claim?
It is possible, but a good solicitor will advise you not to proceed if they don’t think your case is strong enough. A good firm of personal injury solicitors also increases your chances of success if you do make a claim because they will gather and present all relevant evidence and argue your case convincingly.
Who pays solicitor fees in personal injury claims?
If costs are recovered from another party, the amount recovered may not cover every amount payable under the client’s agreement. The written costs information should explain any possible shortfall and the circumstances in which another party’s costs might become payable.
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Crash
Car accidents happen every day on the roads, but deciding whether to pursue legal action if you’ve been injured and whether to hire a personal injury lawyer depends on several factors:
Here are the most important things to consider after a vehicle accident.
The severity of the accident
The importance of the circumstances surrounding the accident and the severity of your injuries in determining whether or not to hire a personal injury lawyer cannot be overstated. To begin with, it is obvious that if you are hurt in a vehicle accident, your health should come first. Everything else pales into insignificance when compared to your health after a vehicle accident.
In cases where there’s no apparent injury, and your vehicle has only suffered minor damage, you might assume that a personal injury lawyer is not required. There’s one exception to that, however: latent injuries such as whiplash or psychological harm such as panic attacks might only appear in the days and weeks after the accident. As a result, it’s always wise to consult a doctor after such an accident in case they detect asymptomatic problems that you are unaware of. You’ll also want to record how your health changes following an accident — even if it was minor and you feel you were unaffected.
The at-fault party
The status of the at-fault party will have a bearing on the type of claim you can file. Whether you are an average insured driver, an uninsured motorist, or a worker for a business (such as a haulage firm or delivery service), your case will be different.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by a company’s truck driven by an employee, the company is held accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a driver is uninsured and causes an accident, your rights and the proper strategy for going through the legal system may differ, but nonetheless, a claim is still worth pursuing.
The Advantages of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
You should be looking for ‘personal injury solicitors near me’ if you’ve had an accident that’s caused you physical or psychological injuries, and it was caused by another party’s negligence or carelessness. Here’s why
Save Time
An experienced personal injury lawyer understands the law and procedure inside out and so there’s no time wasted ‘learning the ropes’. This means that your case will be settled quicker than if you tried to bring it yourself.
Resolve Your Case Satisfactorily
A solicitor can assess the available evidence, advise on the relevant heads of loss and communicate with the other party’s representatives. The value and outcome of a claim depend on its individual facts and cannot be guaranteed.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident that may have been caused by another party, Lalloo Solicitors can review the circumstances, explain the applicable claims process and advise on the evidence that may be relevant. Read through our website to learn more about our services.
