Kan Dail
If you are considering putting in a claim for compensation, many things may go through your thought process. The period of making a claim can be stressful, and you want to reduce this stress in any way you can, from the cost of a lawyer to looking at their expertise and experience. The list of questions you may have may feel endless and, at times, overwhelming.
To make sure that you select the right (and best) lawyer for your claim, you need to follow an action plan. When you do this, you can compare lawyers quickly and easily and find the ones that will work positively with you (and for you).
Use Reviews and Recommendations
To kickstart this action plan, you are going to need to seek reviews and recommendations from others. Reach out to friends and family and see who they have used before. Also, start searching online for positive and true reviews of lawyers that can handle your claim. When you are utilizing reviews and recommendations, you must look at the context.
Some negative reviews can be left incorrectly and tarnish a brand’s shining reputation. If you have any issues surrounding the validity of a review, then reach out to the lawyer or their office and seek clarity. You may also find it beneficial to utilize recommendations from work colleagues or acquaintances, especially if they have put in a claim that is like you.
Look at Accreditations
After checking out recommendations and reviews, it is then time to look at accreditations. What accreditations do a lawyer or firm hold, are they valid and are they up to date? All lawyers should be accredited and reputable within their local area and within their area of specialization. If a lawyer or firm is not willing to share their accreditation or credentials, then move your search on.
Choose a Dedicated Specialist
Now that you are aware of the accreditation a lawyer should possess, it is time to look at the specialists. For example, if your claim concerns your vehicle, choose a lawyer with this specialism. If you feel that you have a claim relating to a vehicle and its emissions, then you will probably not be alone, you can visit dieselemissionclaims.co.uk for more information.
When you get a dedicated specialist (or team of specialists), you get abundant expertise. You need a lawyer who understands the complexities of the area you claim. Broad advice and knowledge are OK, but it is not going to help you win your claim. So, if you seek medical compensation, ensure they have specialist experience and knowledge in this area. If a lawyer is not a specialist (or the firm does not have a specialist that you require) then continue with your search.
Only Go with the Best
No matter the size of your claim, you need to always push for the best lawyers. You should not feel that you must compromise within your search. If you do not feel that you are going with the best (or selecting the best), then carry on searching.
If you are not getting good communication from a lawyer, and you feel that you are being kept in the dark, then this is not acceptable. How a lawyer or firm behaves in those early days and meetings may signal how they will behave when representing you and your claim. It may mean that they do not give 100% to your claim.
Review Past Cases and Wins
Unless a lawyer is inexperienced, they will have had past successes or failures at some point. Looking at past cases and reviewing them is important. If a lawyer has had a poor run lately, then what is this telling you? Is it signaling that you must continue your search, or is it telling you that they have had a spate of poor cases and bad luck?
Remember that just because a lawyer has had losses and poor cases does not mean they are a bad lawyer. If a lawyer or firm has had a lot of successive wins, look at their winning formula, and make sure it will be replicated in your claim and case. For example, if you are assigned a lawyer from a team, you need to know if you will be assigned the lawyer that has won several cases recently or the new lawyer that was sitting in to gain experience.
Clarify Terms of Payment/Fees
Lawyers should be clear and concise about their terms of payment and their fees, including any additional costs. Some lawyers and firms may offer no win, no fee. If this is the case, then just clarify what this entails. Does it include initial consultations and follow-up reviews or appointments? If a fee or payment structure is not discussed at an initial consultation/appointment, then follow this up. Make sure you understand what you may be paying for, when, and why.
If you do not feel that a lawyer or their firm is being clear with their fees and payment structure, then look at alternative providers. You do not want to be worrying about costs accruing all the time, and you do not want to get any nasty shock bills after a claim has been settled (in or outside of court).
Availability
To narrow down your search, you are going to have to consider what availability a lawyer or firm has. For example, are they able to hold a video conference/meeting with you when you want? Is there a waiting list to use their service? How much time do you dedicate to your claim, and how long are you prepared to wait for their advice and guidance? If a lawyer or firm is ready immediately for an appointment, then you must query this, too, as it may signal they have a poor track record. Similarly, if you feel the wait is too long, then question it; the lawyer or firm may have taken on more cases than they can handle.