Courtroom reality shows have been a popular television genre since “The People’s Court” premiered in 1981. In these programs, “real people” present their small-claims cases before a judge for a ruling.
Typically, small claims cases are handled without attorneys, which makes for compelling TV.
However, when you get involved in a serious accident or case of medical malpractice, having a skilled personal injury lawyer as your advocate is essential.
In a personal injury claim, there is too much at stake to leave to second-guessing.
An experienced personal injury attorney will prove to be an invaluable guide to provide you with the support and information you need to pursue your claim. Your choice of an attorney can make all the difference between prevailing and ending up stuck with medical bills and lost wages from an accident that wasn’t your fault.
You choose your attorney with confidence. The following guide outlines the best approach to selecting your attorney.
Why Local Experience Matters for Louisville Injury Claims
Kentucky’s court system includes a Supreme Court, a Court of Appeals, a Circuit Court, and a District Court, with 150 judges across various districts. Each of the state’s 120 counties has a District Court, which is part of 60 judicial districts and 57 judicial circuits.
Would you know where to file your claim in that network? Your attorney should know where to file and all the relevant filing deadlines.
A local attorney is also crucial for gathering evidence. They should have a connection with law enforcement to access crash reports and surveillance footage. It also helps to know the layout of the roads and streets around Louisville, especially if you’re dealing with a car accident claim that requires reconstruction.
Your local attorney should also have established relationships with doctors and other potential experts who can support your case. An attorney who is from the community will also understand juries.
They will appreciate local attitudes and customs that will put them in a better position to present a strong case.
Qualities of a Top Medical Malpractice Attorney
One of the most challenging types of personal injury is a medical malpractice claim.
Your choice of attorney for this kind of claim should have a deep understanding of what a medical standard of care should be. They should also have a network of medical professionals across all specialized areas to provide expert testimony.
It is also important to have a proven track record of success in medical malpractice cases. The results demonstrate that an attorney handled medical malpractice lawsuits effectively.
You want to look at past settlements and recognition in the legal industry.
Evaluating Experience in Kentucky Car Accident Cases
One of the most important aspects your personal injury lawyer must have is the ability to handle Kentucky’s pure comparative negligence laws. This is vital in a car accident case where you might be found partially responsible.
A skilled attorney will be able to bolster your claim to minimize any amount of blame that the insurance company might try to shift to you. Your attorney also needs to understand the importance of Kentucky’s insurance laws as they apply to car owners.
That includes Kentucky’s insurance mandates. The goal should always be to fight for the maximum amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation
Your pick for a personal injury attorney should provide a free consultation that will provide you with an opportunity to discuss your case. More importantly, that consultation will allow you to ask the potential attorney questions that will help you make your final decision.
Here are some of the questions you could ask:
How much will it cost to hire you?
Money is an important factor in deciding on a personal injury attorney.
You’re talking to them because you’ve already suffered financial losses. You don’t want to add to those bills. An attorney will either work on a contingency basis or on a billable-hours basis. With the contingency plan, you wouldn’t pay any costs unless your attorney secures a settlement.
Their fee would then be deducted from the settlement, but that amount is one you’ll know up front.
What are the weaknesses in my case?
Your personal injury attorney must be honest with you. They should be able to communicate the strengths and weaknesses of your case to establish the prospects of success.
You should also be told about the challenges you might face so you’re fully prepared.
How will we communicate?
It is essential to have open communication with your attorney. You should always feel comfortable asking questions and getting progress reports. Some of that communication can be handled via phone or email. The key is to work with an attorney who will keep you informed every step of the process.
Why McCoy & Hiestand, PLC Is the Perfect Pick for a Personal Injury Attorney
You will be working with a personal injury attorney for the duration of your claim process.
That could be anywhere from a few months to over a year. You want to have an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable. Those are the exact qualities you’ll find with every attorney at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC.
We have been helping the residents of Louisville and the surrounding areas take on the big insurance companies for decades.
In that time, we’ve secured millions of dollars on behalf of our clients who were hurt by another party’s negligence. We also have a growing list of satisfied clients who are happy to share their experiences with our firm.
Most importantly, we have a deep understanding of the strain that a personal injury claim can put on you and your family. We want to help you find a fair and fast resolution so you can move on with your life. When we take on a case, we see it through to the end and provide compassionate support along every step of the journey.
If you’ve suffered due to someone’s negligence, we want to hear from you.
Call to schedule a free consultation, and let’s see how we can work together.\
