Key Takeaways
- If a company has harmed you, you may consider suing them.
- To hire a lawyer, gather recommendations and schedule consultations to help you choose the right one.
- If you’ve suffered a personal injury in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida, contact Lambrou Law.
Imagine you’re driving down the highway, and another car hits you, pushing you into the guardrail. The guardrail is supposed to protect you, but it was faulty–and never replaced. The situation just got so much worse because a company provided a bad product.
If a company has harmed you due to a defective product, workplace misconduct, or another serious personal injury, you may be considering legal action. But suing a business is not like filing a simple insurance claim. Companies often have powerful legal teams on retainer, so you need a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side.
At Lambrou Law, we focus on personal injury claims and understand the unique legal challenges of taking on corporations. They may feel like Goliath towering over you, but we are here to guide your slingshot and knock them out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right lawyer to protect your rights and help you seek justice.
Step-by-Step Process of Choosing a Lawyer
1. Identify the Nature of Your Claim
Before hiring an attorney, it’s important to understand the type of case you’re dealing with. Legal issues vary widely, and different types of attorneys handle various claims. Identifying the nature of your dispute will help narrow your search and ensure you find a lawyer with the right specialization. For example, say you hired someone with a non-compete clause. Then, if they leave you to work for your competitor (and take your ideas with them), you would need an intellectual property lawyer.
Here are common practice areas that require a lawsuit:
- Breach of contract: Hire a contract or business litigation attorney;
- Fraud, deceptive practices, or consumer issues: Seek a consumer protection or commercial litigation attorney;
- Employment disputes: Choose an employment lawyer;
- Intellectual property infringement: Look for an intellectual property attorney;
- Personal injury: Find a lawyer experienced in personal injury law against companies.
2. Gather Recommendations
Start by asking trusted friends, family, or professionals if they’ve worked with a lawyer who handled a similar case. If you don’t know someone personally, local bar associations can also provide referrals.
- Ask for referrals from people who’ve filed lawsuits against companies;
- Use state or county bar associations for vetted lists;
- Check online legal directories, such as Super Lawyers.
3. Look for a Proven Track Record of Success
Hiring an attorney with a strong record of successful outcomes is essential, especially when suing a company with substantial resources. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they can indicate the attorney’s experience and effectiveness in similar cases.
- Look for verdicts or settlements involving corporate defendants on Justia or the firm’s results page;
- Confirm experience in negotiating with or litigating against large organizations;
- Ask about specific wins in cases similar to yours.
Additionally, they should have trial experience and be willing to go to court on your behalf if necessary.
4. Consider Client Reviews and Schedule Consultations
Reputation matters both in and out of the courtroom. A respected attorney is often more persuasive with opposing counsel, judges, and even juries. Researching a lawyer’s reputation can also give you insights into their ethics, professionalism, and communication style.
- Check online reviews on Google, Avvo, or Best Lawyers;
- Look for testimonials specific to cases against businesses or corporations;
- Ask if the attorney can provide references from past clients.
Many lawyers offer free consultations. This is your opportunity to explain your case, ask questions, and get a feel for the attorney’s style and strategy. Bring documents related to your case and ask how they would approach your claim. While speaking with them, gauge their responsiveness and willingness to listen. This can be key to ensuring they will listen to your needs as your case progresses.
If you’re dealing with a personal injury claim in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida, contact Lambrou Law for a free consultation.
5. Ask the Right Questions
Don’t be afraid to dig into details. A good attorney will welcome your questions and answer them honestly. This helps you assess whether they’re the right fit for your situation. While you should tailor the questions to your specific case, you can use these as a starting point:
- How much will it cost to hire you?
- What kinds of cases like mine have you done before? What were the results?
- What are the weak points of my case?
- Which attorney or staff member will handle my case? How can I reach them?
- What is your assessment of my case?
6. Prioritize Communication and Accessibility
You’ll want an attorney who communicates clearly, returns calls, and keeps you informed. A lawsuit against a company can be a long process, and strong attorney-client communication allows you to stay updated and at ease throughout. When taking consultations with attorneys, ask them the following questions:
- Do they respond promptly to emails and phone calls?
- Are they willing to explain legal terms in plain language?
- Will you have direct access to the attorney or only to paralegals?
Before the call, look through their Google reviews–that can also be a helpful way to glean this information.
7. Match With Their Comfort Level and Personal Fit
You should feel comfortable with your attorney. After all, you’ll be trusting them with sensitive information and relying on their advice during a stressful time. A strong personal connection can make the process more manageable. After your first consultation with the potential attorney, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you feel heard and understood?
- Does the attorney seem genuinely interested in your case?
- Are they patient when answering your questions?
Your lawyer should have strong communication skills, show compassion toward you, and persevere through difficult circumstances.
8. Ask About Their Fee Structure
Legal fees vary widely, and understanding how your attorney charges is vital. There are several common legal billing methods that lawyers use to charge for their services, including:
- Hourly: A set rate for every hour;
- Flat Rate: A single, predetermined fee for a specific service;
- Contingency Fee: You only pay if your case settles or wins.
Most personal injury lawyers, like Lambrou Law, work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay a percentage of the amount recovered. A potential lawyer should always be upfront about how they bill for their services. If not, that can be a red flag. Additionally, ask about out-of-pocket expenses. The client frequently covers court filing fees, messenger and postage fees, and other common services.
9. Evaluate and Decide
After meeting with a few attorneys, compare your impressions. Think about how well they understood your case, how transparent they were, and how confident you felt in their abilities. Follow up with any additional questions that come to mind after your consultation. If you still have trouble deciding, consult close friends for an unbiased opinion.
“The Lambrou Law Firm is an exceptional firm…” – Lambrou Law Client
At Lambrou Law, corporate negligence is unacceptable. If you’ve suffered a personal injury in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida, we want to hear from you. With decades of experience holding companies accountable, we have the courtroom skills and client-first philosophy needed to guide you through every step.
Whether your case settles or goes to trial, we’re prepared to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today and learn how we can help.
