How to Choose an Attorney

Serving the Entire State of Maine

As a victim of a personal injury, you depend on financial damages being awarded to you for medical expenses, lost income and the emotional and physical pain you will endure. Choosing an attorney that can secure a successful outcome for your case and can maximize damages and compensation for you and your loved ones is not a trivial matter.

Choose an attorney that specializes in personal injury and who not only has experience, but a favorable track record, preferably with cases similar to your own. A general lawyer, no matter how good he or she may be in other legal areas, may not have been able to keep up with the most recent developments in the personal injury laws that apply to your case. This could cost you not only in terms of the amount awarded, but also in the amount of time it will take to secure it. Ask for client references and contact them.

Although most personal injury cases are settled out of court, the attorney you choose should have trial experience in the event your case does end up in court. An attorney with a successful trial record is also more likely to secure a larger settlement since they will be more willing to fight for your case.

Because most personal injury cases are settled out of court, your attorney should be competent dealing with insurance companies and their corporate lawyers, who seek to pay you the least amount possible. Do not minimize the importance of selecting an attorney that respects you as a client and is sensitive to the personal needs of you and your family. After all, you are paying your attorney for a service and you should be satisfied with the quality of the service he or she provides. In order to serve clients efficiently most attorneys have a staff to assist them, so it is important that you feel comfortable not only with the attorney, but also with the staff members who will be serving you. At Lowry & Associates we are very fortunate to have a top-notch staff with many years of experience in personal injury law and who also have a deep concern for the well being of our clients. You might ask: does the attorney's office promptly return phone calls? Do they keep you informed of developments in your case on a timely basis? Is the attorney or his or her staff willing to meet with you face-to-face at the office or at your home? Do you personally feel comfortable with him or her as the professional who will be your trusted advisor?

Finally, you should consider the costs involved. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, usually between 30-40% of your final settlement. This means that the attorney takes the risk that the case may not result in any recovery and makes it possible for you to retain the attorney without paying any fees at the beginning or as the lawyer is working on the case. One advantage of such an arrangement is that the attorney has an added incentive to work hard for you since his or her compensation will be directly proportional to the compensation you will ultimately receive. The attorney should also be willing to discuss up-front all terms of your agreement which should be in writing.

If you are considering a personal injury attorney in Maine, contact the experienced trial attorneys at Lowry & Associates. Our personal injury attorneys will provide you with a free initial consultation, so contact them today.

We treat our clients like family

1.800.999.LEGAL (5342)