There are many reasons you might choose to make a compensation claim. The decision can come about if you realise that you have been wronged and deserve to be requited for that wrong. Finding a lawyer who has the expertise, compassion and empathy to fight your case can take time. There are many points to consider when choosing the best compensation lawyer for your individual claim.
Read on to learn what to look for when choosing a compensation lawyer.
What Are You Claiming?
When choosing the right lawyer for your claim, find a professional who has a wealth of experience in that particular claim. Think of ‘compensation claim’ as an umbrella term. There are many different types of claims, including:
- Personal injury
- Medical negligence
- Financial negligence
- Workers’ compensation
- Wills and estates
Visit a potential lawyer’s website to research the type of claims they handle. Alternatively, you can speak face-to-face with compensation lawyers and see what advice they have to offer. Be cautious, there are some lawyers who will accept any case that comes through the door regardless of specialisation. It is important you consult with a law practice experienced in compensation claims.
‘No Win, No Fee’ Guarantees
Law firms that offer a No Win, No Fee Guarantee can offer you legal support without the worry of paying costly fees upfront. Any legal fees accrued will be presented to you depending on whether your case has been successful or not after it is settled.
If you do not have the means to pay legal costs outright, No Win, No Fee lawyers are a good option. Ask your lawyer to explain their No Win, No Fee guarantee so that you are not caught off guard by other expensive fees. If your case is unsuccessful, you may not have to pay your lawyer’s legal costs but you could pay the defendant’s legal costs, amounting to thousands of dollars.
Are They Accredited in Compensation Law?
If your lawyer does not have the relevant qualifications in compensation law then you have the wrong lawyer. Different states have law bodies that grant lawyers with accreditation in types of compensation claims. This accreditation means that your lawyer’s skills have been assessed and passed a peer interview with highly regarded compensation lawyers.
Who Will Be Handling Your Case?
When choosing the best compensation lawyer, it is important to make sure you know exactly who will be handling your case. Check that your lawyer has an extensive background in compensation claims. Try to speak with them directly to assess how they feel about the case.
Meeting face-to-face is a great way to get a judge of character and understand the strategies that they hope to employ. First impressions are key, be sure that your lawyer is confident and knowledgeable in how to handle your compensation claim.
Discuss Your Chance of Success
Reliable compensation lawyers are able to know immediately after discussing the circumstance of your claim whether or not your case has reasonable prospects of success. They should be able to give you a firm answer on your chance of success and how long the compensation claim will be likely to take.
If the lawyer that you are consulting does not give you a clear indication of the necessary reports or research surrounding the nature of your claim, it is possible that they are not the right lawyer for your claim. If their response indicates that they are ‘not sure’ about the possible outcome of your case, they may not be the best lawyer for your compensation claim.
It is important to note that regardless of your chosen lawyer’s experience, they will not be able to guarantee you a successful outcome. However, they should be able to offer a reasonable expectation of your likelihood of success.
Do Not Be Hasty
It is recommended that you research a number of different compensation lawyers before you select one. Do not choose based only on convenience or word-of-mouth. Make sure that the lawyer you choose is equipped to meet your needs and you are comfortable having that person represent you as your solicitor.
Remember, compensation lawyers will have the biggest impact on the outcome of your case. Take the time to research a range of law practices to find out which ones have experience in your situation and are best able to offer advice.
If you are trying to choose the best compensation lawyer for your claim, contact Schreuders today. We will provide you with expert knowledge and advice based on years of experience in compensation law so that you can achieve the best outcome for your claim.