Finding a personal injury lawyer is a big decision to consider as it could impact your case and compensation amount.
When finding a personal injury lawyer, it is essential that you research lawyers or a firm that are specialists in spinal cord injury – that way, you know your advisors know about dealing with SCI and experience in achieving the best results for your case or claim.
What leads to a spinal cord injury claim?
The most common causes of spinal cord injury are falls, road traffic accidents, sports and activities, and incidents of violence. Because the aftermath of spinal cord injury can be life-changing, finding a personal injury lawyer that can win the claim that you deserve will at least take the financial stress away.
Spinal cord injury can also occur due to failed medical procedures, in which the medical facility would be responsible for the damage. The right lawyer will rightly judge who is at fault and from that file a personal injury action. It is important to recognise that making a claim is perfectly acceptable and if the law states the person or company at fault is responsible for covering the reasonable legal costs.
Considerations when finding a personal injury lawyer for spinal cord injury
A degree in law doesn’t necessarily equate to having the right qualifications when handling a spinal cord related incident. Selecting a personal injury lawyer that does not have experience in dealing with such could tamper with the outcome of your compensation.
Working with a spinal cord injury specialist is crucial to your case – they will know what bases need to be covered, whether that’s all available rehabilitation options or what you are entitled to and have an in-depth understanding of spinal cord injury law.
Spinal cord injury specialists can also help calculate your settlement value based on factors in addition to the loss of function, such as the severity and long term impact of your injury on your care, accommodation and employability, as well as the psychological or emotional issues that occur. Having this expertise at hand can help to increase your chances of a greater compensation claim.
How much do your personal injury lawyers know about the law?
As we mentioned previously, being a lawyer and having knowledge of the law are surprisingly two different things. The law is incredibly complex and can also change and adapt at any time. The right personal injury lawyers will ensure they are fully equipped with the latest knowledge and will answer any concerns or queries in great detail rather than indistinct explanations.
Do your personal injury lawyers specialise in spinal cord injury?
Lawyers who specialise in spinal cord injury will have a good understanding of your needs and requirements on a medical level. In comparison, to a standard personal injury lawyer, those who specialise in spinal cord injury will know estimated costs, prognoses and criteria points. They will ask the right questions in court to get the compensation you deserve. With plenty of experience in the field, they will have strong connections to medical providers to support you with recovery.
When selecting a lawyer, it makes sense to appoint someone who has plenty of years of experience. However, as long as they have litigation experience similar to your case you can feel confident in achieving the best results.
Is your personal injury lawyer committed to your case?
Your lawyer should share the same passion for your case as you. It is perfectly reasonable to expect a personal injury lawyer, especially when specialising in spinal cord injury, to take great care in getting the best results and answers. Their efforts will go far beyond a paycheck, they will see the true value in your case and will want as much justice as possible.
Honesty is the best policy
The right personal injury lawyer will be honest throughout the entire process, even if it is something you might not want to hear. Any weakness you present throughout should be considered and commented on where necessary to prevent harming your case. Honest lawyers will also let you know of any unreasonable expectations you may have. Even if you are not so happy to hear when you might be wrong, it pays to be honest, and trusting in your lawyer’s honesty is the best step.
Levels of specialist skills
Not every case requires going to trial. Most cases settle through negotiations but if the insurance companies or the defendant are being difficult, you will need a lawyer who can eloquently state your case in a trial environment.
Effective communication is non-negotiable, take note of how your lawyer communicates with the opposing counsel and how they relay information to you. If your lawyer lacks confidence and can’t make a compelling argument, it’s probably time to look for someone else to fight your case.
The proof is in positive reviews
Firstly, researching a lawyer’s previous case history and the settlements or verdicts on their record in cases similar to yours is crucial to get an idea of your outcome. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for this information and the right lawyer will happily express their success. Chambers & Partners, and The Legal 500, also produce rankings detailing the best solicitors in personal injury and medical negligence which is a good starting place. You can then ask about their specific experience in spinal cord injury claims and decide whether they will best meet your needs.
Investing in a specialist personal injury lawyer is essential if you want representation with expertise. Aspire Law is the only law firm in the UK with dedicated spinal cord injury lawyers, dealing exclusively with spinal cord injury claims. This makes us different from other law firms in several ways.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you.
