Choosing a solicitor is an individual decision. Consider relevant experience, communication, responsibility for the day-to-day work, case-management arrangements and the written costs information provided. No solicitor can guarantee whether a claim will succeed or the amount of any award.
1. Ask for recommendations
One of the best ways of finding good personal injury solicitors is by asking other people who have had previous experience in bringing a claim. Try asking your family and friends whether they or anyone they know has any recommendations for a lawyer or law firm that they’ve dealt with and had success with in the past.
As well as your own personal network, you can also look further afield for recommendations from other people. You could search online for individuals who’ve recently brought a personal injury claim and won and ask them who acted for them.
A lot of the time, a simple search will bring up numerous recommendations and customer reviews. The internet as a whole has plenty of information that can help you in your search. Look at the websites of local law firms, for instance. Many good firms will post comprehensive information about their services online. You can then contact the law firm and ask whether it offers an initial appointment to discuss your case.
2. Consider the law firm’s years of experience
Another important factor to look out for is experience and case history – not just for the law firm itself, but for the solicitors that work there as well. It’s not enough that they have had plenty of years in the legal representation of clients, though. It’s more about checking whether they have specific and demonstrable experience in personal injury law in particular. That goes not just for the firm, but for the solicitor who may act for you as well. Check how many years they have been practising law, their history of appearing in court on behalf of clients, and whether they have won cases similar to yours before.
3. Use an initial discussion to assess suitability
An initial discussion can help you assess how a solicitor would approach the matter. Ask about relevant experience, the evidence that may be required, who will handle the matter, communication arrangements and the written costs information that will be provided. The discussion should not be treated as a prediction of success or of the amount of an award.
Before the consultation, make sure that you have gathered together all the important documents relating to your case as the solicitor may ask to view them. Documents like medical certificates for time off work, reports from the police, statements of lost income, news articles if your injury was reported by the media, and details of witnesses to the accident, if any, could all be vital. Also, as a general principle, you should keep a record of any out-of-pocket expenses you’ve incurred as a result of your accident – for example, receipts for taxi fares to and from medical appointments and so on. In short, keep anything that you think might help your claim and bring it to your initial appointment with your solicitor to demonstrate the strength of your case.
Use the discussion to decide whether the solicitor communicates clearly and has relevant experience of the issues involved. Ask who will manage the matter and how questions and material developments will be communicated.
If you believe you were injured because another party was negligent, Lalloo Solicitors can review the circumstances, explain the claims process and advise on the evidence that may be required. At an initial appointment, the firm can also explain the written costs information relevant to the individual matter.
You can visit the relevant sections on our website to find out more about our legal services, and it’s worth noting that we have earned 5-star reviews from past clients on Google, which can be viewed on this website.
Lalloo Solicitors advises on personal injury matters arising from road, workplace and public-place accidents. Contact details are available on the website if you wish to ask whether the firm can advise on a particular matter. General information on costs is available in information about solicitors’ fees and outlays.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I choose a personal injury solicitor?
- Search for reviews and recommendations. Determine whether particular law firms are highly rated by review sites.
- Check for accreditations. Ask the solicitor to explain the relevant professional qualifications, regulatory status and experience.
- Gather evidence of their expertise in claims like yours.
- Clarify your prospective solicitor’s individual experience.
- Verify terms of payment for services.
Should I use a personal injury lawyer?
A solicitor can explain the applicable procedure, identify relevant evidence and communicate with the other party’s representatives. No solicitor can guarantee whether a claim will succeed or predict a particular award.
What is the average pay out for a personal injury claim in the Republic of Ireland?
Compensation is based on the severity of the injuries and the length of time they’re expected to take to heal, if ever. The court may also take into account the accident victim’s age and occupation, for instance. It’s therefore difficult to state the average pay-out, but an online personal injury calculator or your solicitor can give you a general idea.
What are the most common personal injury claims?
- Car accident claims resulting from a driver’s negligence.
- Medical malpractice claims resulting from errors made by healthcare experts.
- Slip and fall accidents caused on property with unsafe conditions.
- Product liability, caused by defective products.
- Wrongful death caused by an individual’s negligence.
- Assault cases.
- Dog bites.
- Workplace accidents.
- Construction injuries.
How long can you claim personal injury?
There’s a three-year time limit after the date of the accident during which you can start your claim for compensation in a personal injury case. If you have a condition such as asbestosis which relates back to a job many years ago, the three years begins from the date of diagnosis. The court can also offer extensions in other circumstances.
What happens if I lose my personal injury claim?
Liability, causation, medical evidence and the applicable procedure affect the outcome of a claim. Responsibility for professional fees, VAT, outlays and possible third-party costs depends on the written costs information and the circumstances of the individual matter.
Qualities of a Good Personal Injury Attorney
When choosing a solicitor for a personal injury matter, consider relevant experience, organisation, communication, responsiveness and responsibility for the day-to-day work. Ask how the matter will be managed and how progress will be communicated.
Tips for Hiring a Good Personal Injury Lawyer
To make it more certain that your personal injury claim is successful, you need to hire a good solicitor. Here are some tips on how to proceed with this.
Begin by identifying solicitors with experience relevant to the type of accident or injury involved. Ask how they would approach the evidence and procedure, and meet the solicitor where possible to assess communication and suitability.
Reasons Why You Should Hire Personal Injury Lawyer
Handling a personal injury case on your own is likely to be overwhelming. A solicitor is familiar with the nuances and processes of the law and can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders. They are better placed to handle negotiations with the responsible party and their representatives, as they are not as emotionally involved as you might be. They also understand how best to calculate a level of compensation that fairly reflects the pain, suffering and inconveniences you have met as a result of your accident.
A solicitor can conduct negotiations, advise on any proposed settlement and explain when court proceedings may need to be considered. Whether a matter settles and how it is resolved depend on its individual facts and evidence.
The Advantages of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
A solicitor can help organise evidence, communicate with the other parties, advise on any settlement proposal and represent the client in court where required. Liability, causation and the value of a claim depend on the evidence and individual circumstances.
A solicitor can help organise and manage documents and explain the relevant law and procedure. Lalloo Solicitors can review the circumstances of a personal injury matter and advise on the available next steps.
