If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, or have become a victim of medical negligence, then you may be eligible for compensation.
At such a difficult time, we appreciate that you want to enlist the services of only the best, most-reliable personal injury solicitors. In order to achieve this, we have compiled a short guide to choosing a personal injury lawyer.
Decide on Either a Personal Injury Solicitor or a CMC
First, you must decide whether to use a personal injury solicitor or a claims management company (CMC). We would always recommend using an experienced solicitor rather than a claims assessor for two reasons:
1. CMCs do not always enlist the services of a trained solicitor and therefore cannot claim compensation through the courts. That may result in a lower compensation pay-out.
2. CMCs often work on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, which requires you to pay a percentage of whatever compensation you receive to them. This means fees can vary considerably and, should you be awarded a large figure, could result in you handing over thousands of pounds.
At Howells we offer a combination of the two. Our trained team work on a no win no fee basis while providing you with a friendly and experienced solicitor for the duration of your case.
Read more: Making a Personal Injury Claim - Do I Need a Solicitor?
Search for Accredited and Respected Solicitors
Experienced and well-respected solicitors will have accreditations, and are likely to have won awards which recognise their exceptional service. You can search for an accredited solicitor using the Law Society website, Solicitors for the Elderly (for elder abuse) or the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Learn about Howells’ achievements on our awards page here.
Research Specialist Solicitors
Whether you’ve suffered an injury at work or abroad, or have been a victim of medical negligence, it’s essential to enlist the services of a solicitor with experience in a specific area.
For example, Rosalind Davies, Senior Associate and Head of the Howells Personal Injury Department, has a vast experience dealing with road accident claims.
Ask For Recommendations
Reading online reviews from previous clients or asking friends and family for recommendations will aid your research into choosing a lawyer.
This is an effective way to learn about the legal process and the options that may work best for you.
You can read Howells’ testimonials here.
Book an Initial Sit Down
If you would prefer to have a face-to-face meeting before deciding on a personal injury solicitor, this is possible. Get in contact to arrange a meeting and bring a list of questions you would like answered. At this point you may like to briefly discuss your case and the likelihood of a successful compensation claim, the process that would be involved and the costs that would be incurred.
This way you can ensure all your queries are resolved and you can proceed in confidence.
If you’d like to speak to one of our friendly and approachable personal injury solicitors please call us on 0808 178 2773 or fill in our online enquiry form here.
(image: ShelleyC28 under CC BY 2.0)
