What to look for in a personal injury layer
Do online research:
The internet is one of the best places to find a lawyer these days. Just type “personal injury lawyer Ontario” or “Ontario personal injury lawyer” in the search box and the links to the websites of several lawyers based in Ontario will appear. You can visit each website to check out the services offered by the lawyer. You will also find several referral services that direct you to the lawyers in your area. Make a shortlist of the lawyers and call the Law Society of Upper Canada to check their background.
Ask your friends, colleagues and associates:
A very good way to find a personal injury lawyer is to ask your friends, colleagues, associates and acquaintances. Some of them may know a reputable lawyer or two that they can recommend. In fact, this is the way most people hire lawyers. After a lawyer’s name has been recommended to you, do some research to check the lawyer’s background before giving him or her a call.
Scan local newspapers and magazines:
Scanning the local newspapers and magazines is also a good way to find personal injury lawyers in Ontario. There are occasionally news and articles about personal injury cases and the lawyers who have successfully represented the claimants or plaintiffs. Check their background on the internet to know more about them before contacting them.
Interview each lawyer on your shortlist:
After you have made a shortlist of personal injury lawyers, visit the office of each and interview them to assess their ability and your comfort level. Ask them how long they have been working in the field, the number of clients they have successfully represented, whether they have handled a case similar to yours before and whether they will be handling your case personally or delegate it to someone else. You should only hire a lawyer if you feel that he/she is capable and that you can trust him/her. You should also see if the lawyer is willing to spend time with you and is respectful of his or her clients and will be responsive to your questions throughout the case.
Consider the nature of the law firm you require instead of an individual lawyer:
Depending on the nature of your claim, you may need lawyers in other specialty areas.. If you need a variety of specialized expertise, consider what the firms on your shortlist can offer.
Many personal injury lawyers in Ontario work on a contingency basis, which means that they will charge you a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount if they win your case.