When choosing a personal injury solicitor in Dublin, consider the solicitor’s relevant experience, communication, approach to evidence and case management, and the clarity of the written costs information provided. The outcome and value of any claim depend on its individual facts and cannot be guaranteed.
Here, we’ve listed the most important factors to take into account when hiring a lawyer to help with your personal injury claim.
1. Experience
One of the essential characteristics of the legal practitioner you choose must be extensive experience in personal injury law. The value of experience should never be underestimated.
Relevant experience can inform how a solicitor approaches evidence, communication with the other parties and any settlement proposal. Ask about experience of matters involving circumstances similar to yours.
2. Reputation
A firm’s reputation may be considered alongside relevant experience, communication and case-management arrangements. Ask how the firm will manage the matter and communicate with the parties involved.
Reputation and independent feedback may help a client assess communication and service, but they do not determine liability, the value of a claim or its outcome.
3. References
If it is your first time working with a particular solicitor, it can help to acquire some feedback from clients who have hired their services in the past. You can ask your chosen solicitor for details of previous clients and contact them, asking how their interactions with their legal representative proceeded and to what extent the solicitor helped them. You should also discuss their experience of Irish personal injury guidelines, so you have more idea of what you are getting into.
You can also speak to friends, colleagues and other social contacts when looking for a legal representative. They may be able to recommend someone they trust or have worked with. You are undoubtedly better off with someone who has been evaluated positively by people you know personally.
4. Personality
Another critical thing to consider when hiring personal injury solicitors is their personality. As someone who will be by your side throughout your claim journey, you should hire a lawyer that you feel you can get along with. You should also feel comfortable enough with your solicitor to be able to trust them fully with your case and communicate easily with them when you have questions, for instance.
If you contact Lalloo Solicitors about a personal injury matter, the firm can review the available information and explain whether it is in a position to advise. Any discussion should not be treated as a prediction of success. Costs terms for an individual matter must be confirmed in writing.
Ring us on 01 6641800 or send us a message via our contact page at https://injured.ie/contact. We are always ready to provide you with the legal advice and assistance you need.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to settle a personal injury claim in Ireland?
A personal injury claim in Ireland usually takes an average time of seven months to settle, starting from the date the person or entity you are making a claim against (the respondent) agrees to the PIAB (Personal Injuries Assessment Board) process. The PIAB is the body that receives the application and informs the respondent about the claim.
How are legal costs explained?
The terms applying to professional fees, VAT, outlays and possible third-party costs depend on the written arrangement for the individual matter; they should never be assumed. For general information, read how legal costs are explained.
How do I choose a personal injury solicitor?
To find reliable personal injury solicitors in Dublin, here are some factors to check:
- Learn the difference between a personal injury solicitor and a claims management company and decide which you need.
- Choose accredited and reputable solicitors.
- Look for specialists in personal injury law.
- Ask contacts for recommendations.
- Book an initial consultation.
Who pays for a personal injury claim?
Damages and legal costs are separate matters. Responsibility for professional fees, VAT, outlays and any recoverable costs must be determined from the written costs information and the circumstances of the individual matter.
What written costs information should be provided?
A solicitor should provide written costs information setting out the basis of professional fees, VAT, anticipated outlays and relevant third-party costs. Ask for clarification before instructing the solicitor and when circumstances materially change.
Important Factors To Consider When Hiring A Personal Injury Solicitor
- Experience: Ask about relevant experience and how the evidence and procedure would be handled.
- Preparedness: Ask whether the solicitor can prepare for court where necessary.
- Reputation: Consider independent feedback and how the firm manages communications.
- References: Review feedback from previous clients.
- Communication: Choose a solicitor who explains matters clearly and sets expectations for communication.
Things To Avoid In A Personal Injury Case
Avoid making the following mistakes as you pursue your claim:
- Being Passive: If you’ve been involved in an accident, gather all the information you’ll need to bring your claim, from the names and addresses of witnesses to full details of the medical care you receive. Passive acceptance of the situation will not make your claim easier to pursue.
- Social Media: Avoid posting any scene from the accident on social media, as it can be used against you.
- Handling Things On Your Own: Your outcomes will be better with the help of an experiencedsolicitor than if you try to handle things independently.
- Disregarding Your Doctor’s Advice: Never ignore doctors’ guidance as this may go against you in court.
- Assuming Things Will Get Easier: Don’t minimise the injuries you have suffered. What seems trivial now could be debilitating in future.
- Settling The Claim Quickly: Don’t be too eager to accept the first offer the defendant’s insurers make. Doing this may mean you get less than you deserve.
Questions You Should Ask Your Personal Injury Solicitor
- About Your Case: Ask the solicitor to explain the strengths and limitations of the available evidence.
- Specialisation: Ask about experience in personal injury law and matters similar to yours.
- Communication: Ask how often the solicitor expects to communicate with you.
- Costs information: Ask for the written costs notice and clarification of professional fees, VAT, outlays and possible third-party costs.
- Their Needs: Ask what information and documents are required from you.
- Duration: Ask what factors may affect the timetable; no definite completion date can be guaranteed.
If you wish to discuss a personal injury matter in Dublin, contact Lalloo Solicitors and ask us these questions.
