The medical, financial, and emotional burden of a personal injury incident is overwhelming for victims. Securing legal representation should reduce some of that stress, but how do you know if a lawyer is any good? There are certain signs to look for upfront that indicate an attorney is trustworthy, experienced, and will do everything possible to win your case.  

5 Signs of a Good Lawyer

Recognizing a trustworthy, reputable attorney isn’t that hard. If they check off all of these boxes, you’re probably in good hands. 

They Work on a Contingency Basis 

A good lawyer’s priority is not to make money for themselves; it’s to get clients the money they deserve. An initial consultation shouldn’t cost a dime, and the only goal will be to evaluate your case and determine whether or not you have a chance of receiving compensation. If a lawyer believes legal action will benefit your case, they will work on a contingency basis. This means they will receive a percentage of your total compensation only if your case is successful. They will also stress that you won’t owe them anything if you don’t receive a settlement.  

They Don’t Make Promises or Guarantees

If you’re not sure how to tell if a lawyer is honest, just listen to what he or she says in your first meeting. Even attorneys who have been in the industry for decades can’t guarantee they will win a case, especially before gathering evidence. They can be honest about how they plan to build a strong case and can tell you they will fight to get you the justice you deserve. But again, they can’t make promises. If you see signs in their ads or office that say “100% of our clients win their cases,” run the other way. 

They Show Compassion for What You’re Going Through

Some lawyers just seem icky right from the start. Unethical attorneys might even text or call you even though you don’t know them and didn’t ask them to. They make you feel pressured to hire them and instill fear that if you don’t, you won’t be able to win your case. 

How do you tell if a lawyer is honest? They seem more interested in your well-being than in taking your money. A good, empathetic lawyer asks first about how you are feeling, and if there is anything they can do to help you feel better. They have relationships with medical and mental health professionals and will refer you to those who can help you heal. Not only can this kind of compassion put your mind at ease; it allows the attorney to have a better understanding of what you’re dealing with. This is highly beneficial when navigating negotiations with opposing insurance companies, attorneys, and judges. 

They’ve Won Other Cases Like Yours

One of the main signs of a good lawyer is that they can point to scenarios very similar to yours, and tell you how they were able to help those clients. Perhaps another parent’s child was bitten by a dog and the lawyer was able to prove the dog had shown aggression before, resulting in a substantial settlement from the owner. Maybe another client had severe headaches and memory loss after a car accident and was able to successfully sue the at-fault driver for causing a traumatic brain injury. A good personal injury lawyer will have a long list of successful cases including slip-and-falls, car and truck accidents, and even airplane crashes they can point to so you can feel confident they can win your case.

They Return Your Calls and Emails

Even the busiest attorneys find time to communicate with their clients. Once they agree to take your case, there may be a week or so in which they are taking time to gather evidence, send a demand letter, speak with insurance companies, and do other tasks that go into making a claim. But there should never be more than two weeks that go by without receiving an update from your attorney, and you should always feel comfortable contacting them. Your questions and suggestions are never stupid; after all, this is your case! If you call and leave a message, you should receive a call back by the next day. The same goes for emails. And your attorney should always send follow-up emails after important verbal conversations to summarize discussions and verify you are both in agreement with how to move forward. 

If You Don’t See Signs of a Good Lawyer With Your Legal Team, Contact Us

As attorneys who have been practicing personal injury law in New Mexico for many years, Samuel and Jessica Kane are passionate about seeking justice for injured clients. Our priority is to help you heal and to help you understand why you deserve compensation for your injuries. We never charge for a consultation, and if you decide to hire us, we will do everything in our power to keep you informed throughout the settlement process. 

Don’t settle for a lawyer who does not have your well-being at heart. Contact Kane.