What to Look for in a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Are you planning on filing a spinal cord injury (SCI) claim? If so, you may already know that the trajectory it takes—and, ultimately, the outcome it yields—is going to depend on a variety of factors.
While most of these variables are out of your control, there is one major factor you can influence, and that’s the caliber of counsel you retain. Put another way, the quality of your legal team—or lack thereof—is going to have a significant impact on how your case unfolds.
Since you’ve probably never needed a spinal cord injury attorney, though, chances are you don’t know what to look for in one. To help you get started, here are some of the most important qualities to seek in the lawyer who will be representing you:
1. Experience with Claims Involving SCIs
Not all personal injury firms are equipped to handle claims involving spinal cord damage. Because of the catastrophic nature of these injuries, the associated losses tend to add up fast, which can make for especially complicated proceedings.
Before hiring an attorney, ask how much of the firm’s casework involves catastrophic injury claims. While you don’t necessarily need to hire an SCI specialist, you do want to make sure you work with someone who’s familiar with the statutes, precedents, and potential hurdles that might affect your claim.
2. Compassion & Warmth
Although you want your attorney to take an aggressive approach with the opposing party, they should always handle your interactions with care and compassion. You’re understandably vulnerable, and you deserve counsel from someone who recognizes as much.
Your lawyer should put you at ease from day one, so you feel comfortable discussing the most intimate details of your life. After all, that’s the only way your legal team will be able to get a clear idea of all the losses you’ve suffered and, subsequently, help you seek every dollar you deserve.
3. Attentive Service
When issues arise over the course of the proceedings—and you can be sure they will—you deserve prompt resolutions. During your initial consultation, ask how long the attorney will take to get back to you. You should also confirm the best way to reach them. Ideally, they will give you a direct phone number instead of instructing you to go through a secretary.
4. A History of Securing Fair Settlements and Favorable Judgements
Because every spinal cord injury claim is unique, past successes do not guarantee future wins. They do, however, demonstrate a commitment to their clients. If the firm you’re considering has secured sizable payouts for those who turned to them for help, there’s a good chance they’ll put the same effort into your claim.
Discuss Your Case with a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Florida
For help with your catastrophic injury claim, turn to Emerson Straw. We’re determined to go to bat for our clients, and in doing so, we have secured numerous six- and seven-figure payouts for them. To schedule your free initial consultation with a spinal cord injury attorney in Florida, complete our Online Contact Form or call (727) 821-1500.