Although nobody wants to fall fail of an accident that is somebody else’s fault, a staggering 1.6 million working people are estimated to suffer from work-related illnesses each year.
If you’ve suffered injuries or illness due to the negligent actions of someone else, you may be eligible for compensation.
If you think your eligible, often the first step of the claims process is finding the right solicitor. If you’re looking for a trustworthy solicitor that’ll fight for your rights, then we’ve put together a handy list of things to consider when choosing your lawyer.
The steps you should take when hiring a personal injury lawyer:
- Look out for cases like yours
Firstly, when starting the claims process it is important to look for personal injury solicitors who specialise in dealing with cases like yours. For example, medical negligence, accidents at work or road traffic accidents.
- Use reviews and recommendations
Do you know anyone who has recently made a claim? If so, often the best lawyers are found through word of mouth. Start by asking friends and family whether they have any lawyers they would recommend.
If not, you can always check on Trustpilot.
- Check their accreditations
Experienced solicitors will be well-known in their field of expertise. Therefore, it’s important to check for their accreditations.
Places like The Legal 500 will list the top personal injury lawyers and are usually a safe bet.
- Look for the payment terms
It’s no secret that legal advice can be costly. As there is no guarantee you’ll win your case, forking out on a lawyer can be a risk.
Luckily, most personal injury solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you’ll only have to pay if you win your claim. Once you’ve reached a settlement, the lawyers will then take their cut. However, if you’re going down this route – make sure to check the small print and the terms and conditions!
In conclusion
The bottom line is that if you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault – you are well within your rights to claim. No matter whether you’ve had a car accident, accident at work or you’ve suffered medical negligence, the first step is to find a trustworthy solicitor.
Although it can be tough deciding which lawyer you trust to represent your best interests, there are a few ways you can minimise your chances of getting the wrong person for the job. By asking around for recommendations, checking their ratings online and accreditations, you can give yourself the best chance of success.