How do I find a good personal injury lawyer - what types of things should I look for?

A: Lawyers have become like doctors. There are few general practitioners left. You should find an attorney who specializes in personal injury. And even then, not all personal injury lawyers are qualified to do all types of case. For example, there are many personal injury attorneys who may be qualified to handle a simple car wreck case, but would not otherwise be qualified to handle a complex medical malpractice case. In some states including Texas, lawyers can become board certified. This means in Texas that the lawyer must have practiced primarily in the field of personal injury for at least five years . must have tried at least 10 cases to a jury, must pass a day long written examination and be endorsed by fellow lawyers and Judges. Also, board certified attorneys have to maintain a certain number of continuing education hours in the field of personal injury law and recertify every 5 years.
In my opinion, board certification is the gold standard and consumers should insist on hiring a lawyer who is board certified in personal injury trial law to handle their personal injury claim. In states that do not have board certification, there are other awards and honors that are significant, such as Super Lawyers which is where other lawyers cast votes on who the top lawyers in their state are for certain specialties, such as personal injury. Lastly, there is an attorney ranking system by an organization called Martindale Hubbell. Lawyers are voted on by their fellow lawyers for ability, which can rank from A, B, C or no rating at all and also voted on for ethics. A high score on ethics indicates a V rating. So, for example, an AV rating is the highest rating one can achieve.

Most all personal injury attorneys charge the same contingent fee. If you are paying the same for the lawyer's services, why wouldn't you search out the most qualified attorney for your case. That doesn't always mean the personal injury lawyer who has the fanciest website or who spends the most money on advertising.

Don't hesitate to contact Kay Van Wey at (800)489-5082 for a free, no obligation consultation.

Van Wey Law serves:

The entire state of Texas, including Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio

The entire state of Oklahoma, including Tulsa and Oklahoma City

Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas

The entire United States for health care fraud, “pill mill” cases, and dangerous pharmaceutical products