While no parent wants to think about their child being hurt, it can and does happen. A child dies every hour in the US because of an unintentional injury: that’s one in five kids. The most common non-fatal injuries were falls or being struck.
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Choosing the right lawyer to represent your child after they have been injured can feel overwhelming. You want someone like Jill Kolodner, who will fight tirelessly for your child to receive fair compensation to cover their medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. Follow these tips to find the best attorney for your needs.
Experience with Child Injury Cases
When interviewing potential lawyers, ask specifically about their experience handling child injury cases similar to yours. An attorney who regularly takes on cases involving injured minors will understand the unique legal issues and situations involved. They may have relationships with experts like pediatricians who can strengthen your case. For example, drownings are the most common cause of accidental death in children aged 1-4, so if your child was hurt in a public swimming pool, you need an attorney who can handle such a case.
Compassion and Care
The right lawyer should demonstrate genuine compassion for you and your family. Share some details about your child’s injury, their recovery process, and how it has impacted your lives emotionally. Gauge whether the lawyer seems personally invested in getting a good outcome for your child or just interested in your case as another job. An attorney who cares will work tirelessly in your family’s best interest.
Resources and Reputation
Choose a personal injury firm with ample resources to thoroughly investigate your child’s injury claim, determine all sources of compensation, and build a strong case. Ask about the reputation and track record of success the lawyer has in achieving settlements and jury verdicts in similar child injury claims. Bigger firms may have more leverage in negotiating with insurance companies.
Comfort Level
You want a lawyer with whom you can speak openly and honestly about sensitive subjects. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to and asking questions of your prospective attorney. Also, consider compatibility with their communication and personal style. This person could be by your family’s side for months or years so ensuring a good interpersonal dynamic is crucial.
Commitment to Your Goals
The right lawyer for your child’s case should demonstrate a genuine commitment to fighting for your family’s best interests whether that involves negotiating an adequate settlement pre-trial or taking the case to court in pursuit of a jury award. With cases taking anywhere from 2-3 years to complete, you need to work with someone you can trust. Share your specific goals and expectations. Ensure your attorney explains a clear strategy aligned with those goals rather than trying to push you to settle for less than you want or deserve.
Legal Expertise
While compassion is essential, legal expertise is critical to building a strong personal injury claim on your child’s behalf. Thoroughly research candidate attorneys’ educational backgrounds, bar admissions, professional affiliations, speaking engagements, and more to determine their qualifications in personal injury law.
Contingency Fees
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency meaning legal fees are a percentage of any final settlement or court award in your case. Typical contingency fees range from 33 percent to 40 percent. Understand precisely the lawyer’s percentage should your child’s case settle or result in a favorable jury verdict. Reputable attorneys will not ask for any payment upfront.
Choosing the personal injury attorney to pursue your child’s best interests after a serious injury requires diligence and care. But the right lawyer can help your child secure compensation to cover all current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other hardships. Use these guidelines to find the best legal expert for your family.
