There are thousands of attorneys in the state of Arizona that practice in the area of personal injury, many of whom aggressively advertise to potential clients. You may see their ads on billboards next to the highway, online, in the phonebook, or on TV, offering you a free consultation and telling you that they will get you the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries.
With so many options, you may be confused about what qualities to look for in an attorney when you are seeking representation after an accident. Here are some of the issues to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer.
Past Case Results
While each case is different, it is important to consider how an attorney has resolved cases similar to yours in the past. Personal injury cases that do not go to trial often involve a significant amount of negotiation and those that do require skill in the courtroom to resolve favorably. How a particular lawyer has done in the past may speak to his or her skill in both of these areas.
A Reasonable Fee Arrangement
Most personal injury cases are handled through a contingency fee arrangement, in which the attorney is paid (if at all) a percentage of the total recovery in a case. A typical contingency
fee is one-third of the recovery, but many attorneys use a sliding scale to charge fees depending on how the case is resolved. For example, if a case settles upon the first demand made by your attorney, he or she may charge 20 percent of the settlement amount, while if the case goes to trial, he or she will charge 33 percent of the award.
Accessibility
One of the most common complaints that legal consumers have regarding their lawyers is that they are unable to reach them and that their calls and emails often go unreturned. If you are the type of person who is happy to let someone handle your case and only contact you when it is necessary, accessibility may not be an issue. If you are like most people, however, you would like to be in the loop regarding the status of your case and understand what exactly it is that your attorney is doing for you. Always consider whether a particular attorney seems like he or she would make himself or herself accessible – ask whether you can have their personal cell phone number, their personal email and whether they pick up their own phone or have a secretary or answering service manage their calls.
If you have been hurt in an accident that you suspect was caused by the negligence of another person, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers, call Torgenson Law today at 602-759-001 or send us an email at asktheattorney@torgensonlaw.com.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
