Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Kentucky is easier said than done. Kentucky’s statute of limitations allows a short deadline of one year to file a civil lawsuit after an accident (for car accidents, the deadline is two years). If you don’t take appropriate action immediately after the incident, you may end up settling your claim for a much lower amount. Instead of struggling with your recovery and the circumstances surrounding the accident, consider hiring a Lexington personal injury attorney. In this post, we are sharing a few tips for selecting a reliable lawyer for your case.
- Look for relevant experience. The scope of personal injury law is extensive and covers everything from medical malpractice to auto accident claims. The key reason for lawyering up is to seek the experience and expertise of a professional. If you are hiring a lawyer, make sure that they have worked on cases that are similar. Relevant experience is the first aspect to consider.
- Ask about trial experience. Most personal injury lawsuits don’t end up in court. However, when the insurance company denies your claim or the other party makes an offer that’s too low, you may have to approach the court. Find an attorney who has experience representing personal injury clients in court.
- Discuss the fee. PI lawyers generally charge a contingency fee instead of the standard hourly rate. You don’t have to pay the attorney right away, but the lawyer will charge a part of the settlement if you win. It is wise to discuss the contingency fee in person, which should not exceed 40% of the final settlement.
- Check the reviews. If a lawyer claims to be among the best in Kentucky, they will have positive reviews from other clients. Clients often post negative reviews when they are unhappy with their case’s outcome. If an attorney or law firm has too many bad reviews, it could be a red flag to watch for.
- Ask about availability. Don’t be surprised to find that your injury lawyer has assigned the case to a partner or associate of the same firm. Always ask the lawyer if they can work on the case personally. You should have access to their office and must be able to get updates on the lawsuit.
Finally, watch out for the red flags. No matter the situation, attorneys cannot promise an outcome or a settlement. Make a shortlist of PI lawyers now.