If you need legal help for an injury resulting from an accident, whether it be motor vehicle, motorcycle, boating or slip and fall, here are some tips to help you find the best lawyer in Kelowna, Okanagan, B.C. or anywhere:
Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation. Interview the lawyer to assess:
– Is the lawyer communicating with you on a level that you understand?
– Do you feel comfortable talking to the lawyer?
– Is the lawyer considerate of your injuries and loss?
– Do you feel this is a person you can rely on and trust?
– Does the lawyer have the experience or expertise to handle your claim? How many years of
experience does the lawyer have?
– Does the lawyer ever represent ICBC for the defendant, or driver at fault? If so, be aware
that the lawyer may not want to risk compromising a relationship with ICBC, which could
limit your claim.
– Is the lawyer capable and prepared to take your case to court, if necessary? If so, what
courtroom experience does the lawyer have?
– Does the lawyer have certified mediation training?
– What is the lawyer’s specific knowledge of your type of injury or injuries in a medical
sense? For example, does he/she know the medical diagnosis for fibromyalgia? Do they appear
to be knowledgeable about soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, or psychological trauma?
– How much will the lawyer bill you? What is a percentage or contingency fee? What about
expenses or disbursements incurred by the law firm? What about your out-of-pocket expenses?
Personal injury law often requires the input of numerous experts, such as medical experts, neuropsychologists, accident reconstruction experts, occupational/vocational therapists and economists. These experts, including your own family doctor, charge from hundreds to thousands of dollars for their medical opinion. It is important that your lawyer not only know what type of expert opinion will be required, but also has the resources to fund their cost until the case is resolved. You do not want a lawyer who is not prepared to hire and fund the experts required to properly prepare your case.
Sometimes, an MRI is required, but waiting times are often long and can delay matters. Does your lawyer have the ability to skip the wait, expedite your MRI and if needed, fund the cost?
Don’t be afraid to research the lawyer’s legal reputation. Ask around, study the lawyer’s website, do Google searches, scrutinize the reviews. Remember, you are looking for a lawyer to best serve your needs for your injury claim. Lawyers specializing in family matters, real estate transactions or business law may be great lawyers, but are not the best lawyers in Kelowna to look after your vehicle accident claim.
Comments are closed