If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision or due to someone else’s negligence, you might wonder where to go. What are your legal rights?
What are your options? What can and can’t the insurance companies involved do? What can you do? Who can you turn to for help and relevant advice? A personal injury lawyer can help you to navigate this difficult situation.
Here are five things you need to know in choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case.
1. Finding the right personal injury lawyer for your case will depend on the specific facts of your case.
There is no perfect personal injury lawyer for everyone, but a lawyer or law firm may be right for you. Selecting a personal injury lawyer is an individualized process.
2. There are many factors to consider in choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case.
There are many factors to consider, including:
- The reputation of the law firm
- Is the law firm well-respected in the community and before the courts? Have they received positive reviews and feedback? Have they received any awards or praise for their work?
- The level of experience of the law firm when it comes to dealing with accidents and injuries like yours
- There are many types of personal injury cases and claims. Not every personal injury lawyer or law firm will deal with every individual kind of injury case. For example, some law firms may not handle medical malpractice, product liability, or WCB cases.
- How comfortable you feel with the lawyers at the firm and their support staff
- Do they make you feel respected and listened to? Do you think that you can comfortably ask them questions and get the answers that you need?
3. Don’t be afraid to do your research.
This might be the first time you have ever had to look for a lawyer, and you might be uncertain about where to start looking. Choosing a lawyer to represent you, advocate, and stand up for your rights is a big decision. Don’t be afraid to do your homework and look into the different personal injury lawyers and law firms practicing near you.
A simple search engine query can be an excellent place to start to give yourself a sense of the different firms and personal injury lawyer options near you. You may also want to ask your friends, family, doctor or physiotherapist for referrals or personal recommendations. Others in your social circle may have had experience with personal injury matters and may be able to provide you with the names of the lawyers they consulted or retained.
You can also visit the Law Society of Alberta’s website. The Law Society maintains a directory of lawyers in the province, which may help you locate a personal injury lawyer near you. The Law Society of Alberta also offers a lawyer referral service, which can provide you with the names and contact information of up to three lawyers who can help you.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Once you have narrowed the list of potential lawyers and law firms or think you have found the right personal injury lawyer or firm to take on your case, don’t be afraid to ask the right questions. There is no such thing as a bad question. Personal injury matters can significantly impact your life. You deserve to be well-informed and have all the information you need to decide which lawyer or law firm you want to retain.
For example, don’t be afraid to ask about the retainer’s details and read any retainer or contingency fee agreement in depth. Don’t be afraid to ask the lawyer what it means if you don’t understand something in the retainer or contingency fee agreement. Remember that the retainer or contingency fee agreement is a contract you will be entering with the lawyer or law firm, and you deserve to know what you are agreeing to in that contract.
You may want to ask prospective lawyers or law firms about their experience in dealing with cases and injuries like yours. You may also want to ask the lawyer about their practice philosophy or their practice for responding to client communications and questions.
At the end of the day, the injuries you have suffered can significantly impact your life. Selecting a personal injury lawyer or law firm to represent you is an important decision and you should feel comfortable asking questions and getting the information that you need to make that decision.
5. Many lawyers will meet with you for a free initial consultation.
Many personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation where you can arrange to meet them at their office to go over your situation’s basic facts and get a rough outline of your options going forward. This can be a valuable opportunity to meet with the lawyers at law firm that you are considering retaining, ask the questions that you need to to make your decision, and get an overall “feel” for the lawyers and the law firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage do lawyers typically take for personal injury cases in Alberta?
Personal injury lawyers in Canada, including Alberta, typically take about 30-35% of the final settlement as their fee on a contingency basis. This can vary depending on the case’s complexity and whether it goes to trial.
What is the standard contingency fee for personal injury lawyers in Edmonton?
The standard contingency fee for personal injury lawyers in Edmonton aligns with the general practice in Alberta, which is typically around 30-35% of the settlement amount.
Are there any caps or limits on contingency fees for personal injury cases in Alberta?
Specific caps or limits on contingency fees in Alberta were not detailed in the sources. However, it is common practice for contingency fees to be agreed upon in a written contract between the lawyer and the client, outlining the percentage and other terms.
What should I expect regarding settlement amounts for personal injury cases in Edmonton?
Settlement amounts in Edmonton can vary widely based on the injury’s severity, with caps on minor injuries due to the Minor Injury Regulation. For more severe injuries and damages, settlements can be much larger and include compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.
How are lawyer fees structured in case of a settlement or court award in Alberta?
Lawyer fees are typically structured as a percentage of the settlement or court award. This is paid out of the settlement amount if the case is successful. There might be additional costs for disbursements which should be discussed with the lawyer upfront.
What are the qualifications and experience I should look for in a personal injury lawyer in Edmonton?
Look for a lawyer who has extensive knowledge of personal injury law, a track record of settling or winning cases, and who can provide client-focused service. It is also beneficial if they have experience dealing with insurance companies and court systems in Alberta.
How can I verify the track record and success rate of personal injury lawyers in Alberta?
You can verify a lawyer’s track record and success rate by asking for references, looking at online reviews, checking their standing with the Law Society of Alberta, and reviewing any published case results on their website or through legal databases.
Are there any unique laws in Alberta regarding personal injury claims that I should be aware of?
Yes, Alberta has specific laws, such as the Minor Injury Regulation, that cap the amount for minor injuries. It is important to consult with a lawyer to understand how these laws might affect your claim.
What are my rights as a client when dealing with personal injury lawyers in Edmonton?
As a client, you have the right to be informed about all aspects of your case, including the likelihood of success, possible compensation, and any fees or costs associated with your claim. You should expect transparency and the ability to make critical decisions regarding the conduct of your matter.
How does the resolution process for personal injury claims work in the Alberta legal system?
The resolution process typically begins with the filing of a claim and can involve negotiations with insurance companies. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to mediation or trial. Personal injury claims can be settled at any point before the official verdict, and most cases are settled out of court
The information this website provides does not constitute legal advice and should not be construed as such. Moustarah & Company does not guarantee that this information is accurate or up to date. As a result, should you require legal advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a lawyer.