What to Look for When Choosing a Miami Medical Malpractice Attorney
Although you may have never needed a Miami personal injury attorney, you likely have seen many attorney advertisements. From billboards to radio jingles to television commercials, it seems there are advertisements for Miami personal injury attorneys everywhere. So, if you are planning on making a personal injury claim in Florida, you are probably wondering how to choose the right attorney for your case.
Because the injury attorney you choose will invariably influence the outcome of your case – including the recovery you ultimately obtain – you should choose your personal injury attorney carefully. Do not hire the first name you see on a billboard, commercial, or another advertisement. Instead, research injury attorneys near you and try to identify one with the knowledge, experience, personality, and qualifications that you feel best fit your needs.
So, how do narrow down the options? Here are some things to consider.
1. Experience
An attorney’s experience matters a lot. Period. The landscape of personal injury law is incredibly complex and riddled with landmines for the uninitiated. In many cases, there is a direct correlation between the results obtained by a personal injury attorney and that attorney’s knowledge and experience. For example, there are highly technical laws, statutes, and regulations that apply differently to cases involving: medical malpractice, defective products, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, car accidents, workers compensation, and tractor trailer/commercial vehicle accidents. Some personal injury attorneys may be more experienced in one area rather than another. Do not assume all personal injury attorneys in Miami handle the same types of cases.
Since many personal injury attorneys in Miami will offer free consultations, take advantage and speak with different attorneys to learn more about their views on your case, prior experience, and results in similar cases. Ask about the law firm’s case load, experience with your particular type of case, who you would be working with, how attorney’s fees and costs will be paid, and whether the law firm has a track record of achieving results with similar kinds of cases.
2. Trial Experience
We understand that most individuals making personal injury claims hope their case gets resolved without a trial. However, the threat of trial is one of the major reasons that cases get settled. Therefore, it is always wise to also ask about an attorney’s trial experience. If you can retain an attorney who defense lawyers and insurance companies know can take your case to trial if needed and effectively present the facts of your personal injury claim to a jury, then you will be better situated to negotiate and settle your case. Although most personal injury claims and lawsuits are settled before trial, there is always a small percentage which proceed to trial. If your case gets that far, you want to be confident that your personal injury attorney has the knowledge and experience to win.
3. Partners, Associates, “Case Managers,” Paralegals, and Assistants
Larger law firms sometimes have various people handling separate aspects of a personal injury case. Perhaps a lawyer or partner will only become meaningfully involved in your personal injury case if it cannot be settled without a lawsuit. Or, maybe your questions are first directed to a case manager or paralegal instead of an attorney. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this type of arrangement, that is not how we operate. At Viñas & DeLuca, your case will always be handled by one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, no matter the stage of your case. Whether your case is settled without a lawsuit, during litigation, or following a trial, it will be handled by one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our lawyers are always available to answer questions, explain the claim or litigation process, and update you on the status of your claim. We do our best to remain accessible to our clients, return calls promptly, and walk clients through each stage of their claim.
Discuss Your Case with a Miami Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one believe you may need a personal injury attorney in Miami, and wish to speak with one of our Miami injury attorneys, then please complete our Contact Form to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. Or, you can chat with us online or reach us 24/7/365 by calling (305) 372-3650. With over 35 years of combined legal experience handling personal injury cases, we know what it takes to win.