Ryan Findlay | March 28, 2025 | Personal Injury
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
After an accident, hiring the right personal injury lawyer can have a big impact on the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can help you get the compensation you need while guiding you through the legal process.
Of course, choosing a lawyer can be overwhelming and unfamiliar. How do you know who to choose?
Here are five important tips to help you find the right personal injury lawyer.
1. Look for Experience With Cases Like Yours
Not all personal injury cases are the same. A lawyer who handles mostly medical malpractice or slip and fall cases may not be the best choice for a serious car accident or long-term disability case. It’s important to find a lawyer who has real experience with cases like yours.
Look for someone who’s handled cases involving similar injuries or accident types. A lawyer familiar with the details of your kind of case will know what evidence to collect, how to negotiate with insurance companies, and what kind of compensation is fair under Ontario law.
Ask about their past results. Have they handled a case like yours before? What share of their practice is dedicated to this area of law? What kinds of outcomes have they achieved for clients?
2. Check Their Reputation
The lawyer’s reputation among peers and past clients can tell you a lot about how they handle cases. Look for online reviews from past clients on Google and check legal directories. Pay attention to what people say about their communication, professionalism, and results.
3. Ask About Their Fees
Personal injury lawyers generally accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This type of agreement means you benefit from legal representation without an upfront retainer, and the lawyer is only paid if your case is successful.
They are paid as a percentage of your settlement or award with an average contingency fee of around 33%. However, this fee may depend on the complexity of your case, how your case is resolved, and other factors.
Be sure to clarify:
- What percentage the lawyer will take if you win
- How the fee may change in different scenarios
- Whether you’ll need to pay any costs upfront
- How case expenses like expert witnesses and court fees are handled
- Whether you will owe any costs if your case is not successful
A good lawyer will explain their fees clearly so you know exactly what to expect.
4. Meet With Them for a Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for how they communicate.
A good lawyer should be:
- Friendly and professional
- Able to address your concerns and questions
- Honest about your case without giving you unrealistic expectations
Pay attention to how they treat you. Are they rushing through the meeting? Do they seem genuinely interested in helping? They should take the time to listen and explain things in a way that makes sense.
5. Choose Someone Who Communicates Well
The legal process can be confusing, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and medical bills. You need a lawyer who is easy to reach and keeps you informed about your case.
Before hiring a lawyer, ask:
- How often will you update me on my case?
- Will I be dealing with you directly?
- Who else may be working on my case?
- What’s the best way to reach you if I have questions?
A lawyer who is hard to reach or doesn’t explain things clearly might not be the best choice for your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away if You’ve Been Injured By Someone Else’s Wrongdoing
Injuries can be incredibly difficult to deal with, and there is often a limited period of time to receive compensation. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer is an important decision. You want someone with experience, a good reputation, and strong communication skills.
After the consultation, you should feel confident with their ability to handle your case and negotiate on your behalf. Call a lawyer today to make sure your rights are protected.
If you need legal help with a personal injury case, contact the team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Hamilton, ON
20 Hughson St S #510, Hamilton, ON L8N 2A1
(905) 522-9799
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Brantford, ON
325 West St #102a, Brantford, ON N3R 3V6
(226) 401-5433
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Burlington, ON
2349 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7R 2E3
(289) 512-0829
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – St Catharines, ON
55 King St Suite 207, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3H5
(289) 301-9496