Choosing an Attorney for Your Personal Injury Claim

If you have been injured due to the actions or negligence of another person, you may be considering pursuing a personal injury case. It is important to choose the right attorney for your case. Your search is likely to begin online, where you will be able to read about the attorney’s specialties and reviews from clients who have posted after their case was complete.
Once you have narrowed down your list of possible attorneys, you will want to speak with the attorneys, requiring you to call and to meet in person. This contact will be helpful in showing you which attorneys might be a good fit for your case. In particular, you should be looking for professionalism, personal attention, and experience.
Professionalism
Perhaps the most important step in your search for a lawyer to represent you in your personal injury case is ensuring that he or she is a member in good standing with the Georgia Bar Association. This will help you to avoid wasting time on attorneys who are not licensed in the state. Once checking with the Bar Association, you may also check with the American College of Board Certified Attorneys. Board certification is no guarantee, but can be another sign of a professional, effective attorney.  
Most reputable attorneys will also offer you an initial consultation, sometimes with a time limit, without charge. This consultation allows the attorney to evaluate your case and provide you with answers to your questions.
Personal Attention
When you call to schedule, take note of how long it takes to get an answer or how long you spend on hold. This can be a good indication of whether or not your potential attorney is overwhelmed with cases. If an attorney or his or her staff is rude, changes appointments frequently, or passes you on to a paralegal or other assistant, keep looking for an attorney who can give you more of his or her time.
You should also note that some attorneys may be licensed in Georgia but hold their main office in another state. Although this is not necessarily a reason to pass on an attorney, it does indicate the need for more questions. How often is the attorney in your area? Will you be able to meet in person or will the attorney’s out of state office require you to communicate primarily by phone or email? All of these questions will help you to determine the level of personal attention you will receive.
Experience
Although you want an attorney who can provide your case with the attention it deserves, you also do not want to be that attorney’s only case. You may be able to find some information about the attorney’s experience online, but you will most likely need to ask the attorney in person. Issues you should ask about include:

• Win rate
• Number of similar cases
• Years of experience

An experienced attorney will also be able to discuss with you the potential outcomes of your case in your first meeting.
Contact an Attorney
As you begin your search for a personal injury attorney, be certain to meet in person and ask questions. This is an important decision, and you want the most experienced attorney by your side. Contact the attorneys at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today to schedule a consultation.