Are you on the lookout for the best personal injury lawyer Chicago Il? Finding the right lawyer who can help you can be quite challenging. That’s because all personal injury lawyers Aurora Il claim that they are the best. However, there are few steps you can follow to pick one out of them. Here’s what you need to think about.
Do Your Research
Start by researching personal injury law firms in Chicago. Look for lawyers with extensive experience handling injury cases similar to yours. Check client reviews and ratings on sites like Google, Yelp and Avvo. Also, ask friends and family for recommendations. Shortlist a few lawyers with stellar credentials and proven track record of getting favorable verdicts and settlements for clients.
Consult with Potential Lawyers
Schedule initial consultations with at least 3-4 shortlisted lawyers. Most offer free case evaluations. Come prepared with details of the accident, your injuries, medical bills and other losses. Also carry any evidence like photos, police reports, etc. The consultation will help you gauge the lawyer's level of experience, specialization and success record. See if you feel comfortable communicating with them and confident in their abilities.
Ask Relevant Questions
During the initial meeting, ask them key questions like:
How many years have you practiced personal injury law? How many cases similar to mine have you handled successfully?
Will you personally handle the case or assign it to a junior associate?
What will your fees be and how will you calculate them? Are there any extra charges or hidden costs?
What strategy will you take to build my case and negotiate the best settlement?
Check Background & Disciplinary History
Before finalizing a lawyer, run a background check. Verify their law license, education, certification, disciplinary history if any, and association with recognized lawyer groups. Make sure no major lawsuit or allegation has been brought against them by state bar associations or clients.
Clarify Fees & Sign an Agreement
Reputed personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, charging no fees upfront. Their fees are deducted from the settlement amount if you win compensation. Understand their exact fee percentage, expenses and billing structure before signing a retainer contract. Also clarify how and when you will be updated on case status.
Trust an Established Chicago Injury Law Firm
Look for a law firm that has achieved top settlements for injury victims in Chicago for several years. An accomplished lawyer knows the local laws, court system and case strategies that win maximum payouts. They have good rapport with insurance companies and can negotiate aggressively for fair compensation. A law firm with ample resources will also not hesitate to take the case to trial if needed.