If you have been injured and are contemplating hiring a lawyer, it could be difficult to know what to look for. When hiring an injury lawyer, you should consider the following 6 things:

Experience

Personal injury is a unique area of law. Look for an injury lawyer who has experience in the field and who has successfully handled cases similar to yours. For example, if you were injured in a slip and fall case, look for a lawyer who has a high success rate in slip and fall cases. Their website should specify their areas of practice, and you may discover additional resources highlighting their expertise in the field. If you cannot find the information on their website, ask the lawyer during your initial meeting.

Reputation

It is important to look for an injury lawyer who is in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. Reviews of their former clients can also provide you with information about the lawyer’s reputation. Ensure that the lawyer has no current restrictions on their practice. This information can be found on the Law Society of Ontario’s website: https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal/lawyer-and-paralegal-directory

You can also verify whether the lawyer is a Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation. The Law Society of Ontario’s Certified Specialist Program recognizes lawyer licensees who have met established standards of experience and knowledge requirements in one or more designated areas of law and have maintained exemplary standards of professional practice. A list of Certified Specialists in Civil Litigation can be found on the Law Society of Ontario’s website: https://www1.lso.ca/specialist/#/specarea-list/cvl

Client Focused Approach

Find a lawyer who will work collaboratively with you to achieve the best possible resolution for your case. Consider whether a team is assigned to your file. This team can include a second lawyer, a law clerk, and a legal assistant. By finding a team of legal professionals dedicated to your case, you are guaranteed to get the legal support that you need and deserve.

Resources

You want to consider the resources that the injury lawyer and their law firm have to handle your case efficiently. These resources encompass not only human resources but also the financial ability to retain expert witnesses, find the appropriate treatment providers, and cover all expenses associated to your case.

Legal Fees

Before hiring an injury lawyer, you want to make sure that you understand the retainer agreement and the fee structure proposed by the lawyer and their firm.  Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. With a contingency fee agreement, your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case. Typically, the legal fees will represent a percentage of the amount that you receive. This arrangement can be advantageous for you if you do not have the financial means to pay legal fees upfront.

Free Consultation

Many law firms offer a free consultation before signing a retainer. Speak with the lawyer who will be assigned to your file. This will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your case, ask questions and raise any concerns you may have. An initial consultation may also help determine if you and your lawyer are compatible and will be able to work collaboratively on your case.

At Burn Tucker Lachaîne, we offer bilingual services and practice exclusively in personal injury and long-term disability. Our lawyers have extensive experience and a high success rate in cases involving motor vehicle collisions, slip and falls, wrongful death, and disability insurance claims. The partners at Burn Tucker Lachaîne are also certified by the Law Society of Ontario as specialists in civil litigation. If you retain our services, a legal team is assigned to your case to ensure collaboration and support throughout the duration of your matter.

If you have been injured and are looking to hire a lawyer, schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers by calling 613-706-2362 or emailing us at info@burntucker.com.