How To Find a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minnesota
Accidents happen every day despite our best efforts to stay safe. A reckless driver may hit your car on the roadway, you may slip in an icy parking lot, or a dog may bite your child in the neighborhood.
When someone else’s negligence seriously injures you, protecting yourself can be challenging without the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. But how do you choose an attorney?
In this post, Minnesota’s experienced personal injury attorneys cover how to find a personal injury lawyer, including what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to choose the right one for you.
Finding a Local Personal Injury Attorney
The first step in how to find a personal injury lawyer near you is conducting an initial search.
Ask Around
If you have a friend, family member, neighbor, or colleague who has worked with a personal injury attorney, ask whether they had a good experience and outcome.
Talk to Lawyers You Know
If you’ve worked with lawyers on other legal matters (like taxes or divorce), ask whether they can recommend a personal injury attorney. Many lawyers have a tight network of professionals they know and trust.
Do a Google Search
An online search can lead you to individual personal injury firm websites, Google Business Profile listings, and your state bar association. Online reviews by past clients can also help narrow your options.
Choosing a Local Personal Injury Attorney
Once you have your shortlist, set up some initial consultations. The following questions can help you decide whether an attorney is the right fit:
- What is your practice area? Ideally, you want to hire a lawyer who practices personal injury law and has experience with your type of case (such as car accidents or medical malpractice).
- Do you have trial experience? Although many personal injury cases settle before trial, it is ideal to have a lawyer who can represent you in court if necessary.
- What is your success rate? Experience is great, but does the attorney have a track record of success to back it up?
- What is your fee structure? Some law offices charge a flat fee or work on an hourly basis. However, many personal injury attorneys work on contingency, which means they charge a percentage (typically 33%-40%) of the amount you collect from the at-fault party.
When asking these questions, pay attention to what the lawyer says and how they communicate. You will be making important decisions together, so you want someone who listens and explains the process clearly.
Injury Victim? Contact Us for Legal Assistance
If you’re researching how to find a personal injury lawyer, you or a loved one has likely been hurt in an accident. For more information or to schedule a case consultation, contact Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis today.
We will happily answer questions about your legal rights and our law practice to ensure we are the right firm for you.
We recommend contacting us as soon as possible after your accident. The personal injury statute of limitations restricts your window to file a case. Call us today at 715-268-6130.
