Personal Injury Lawyer Virginia Beach
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have been offering complimentary legal advice to injured victims since 1985. Whether your search for legal representation is just beginning, you already retained a lawyer, or you have had your personal injury case turned down by another law firm, we never charge potential clients to review their claims.
With over 64,000 personal injury law firms nationwide, even a rudimentary internet trawl for a local personal injury attorney will generate thousands of results. With that in mind, it can be challenging to know who to hire in order to ensure the most favorable outcome in your case. Perhaps you have already hired an attorney, but have a nagging feeling that they don’t have the necessary skill and experience to secure you the compensation you deserve, or maybe you feel like they just aren’t doing a good job.
Our Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers can provide the tailored legal guidance you need to pursue the full compensation you are entitled to and give you the strongest possible opportunity for a successful recovery. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
5 Lawyer “Red Flags”
They Don’t Return Emails and Phone Calls
Lack of communication is the biggest red flag that you have chosen the wrong law firm to partner with. Your lawyer should be willing and able to discuss your case. If your emails and phone calls repeatedly go unreturned and unanswered, you should strongly consider seeking a second opinion from a different firm.
When you are seriously injured, the one thing guaranteed to make a bad situation worse is a lawyer who is too busy to pay attention to you or who fails to address your questions with care and concern. You should also be worried if your lawyer is always unavailable and the only member of staff returning your phone calls is a paralegal.
At the very least, you need to be able to schedule a phone call with your lawyer so you can be updated on your case’s progress.
You Are Not Kept Informed About Your Case
Have weeks or even months passed since you heard from your attorney? If so, you need to reconsider your legal team. An experienced and reputable lawyer will make sure you are fully up-to-date with what is happening regarding your case.
Although many personal injury cases involve extensive litigation, you shouldn’t have to call your attorney and inquire about your claim. In a personal injury lawsuit, communication is vital. It is in your best interests to choose a law firm that provides detailed, routine updates about your case’s progress.
Failing to be proactive in keeping you informed about your claim could be an indication that your lawyer has neither the resources nor the time required to pursue full and fair financial compensation for your damages.
They Make Guarantees and Promises
No personal injury lawyer should ever promise you a specific outcome to your case. Although the United States legal system relies heavily on precedent, the results of one case do not guarantee similar results in your case.
A reliable, qualified attorney should always be straightforward about your case’s strengths and weaknesses. They should not try to mislead their clients into believing that the outcome of one case is a guarantee that theirs will see a similar result. Not only is this unethical but it also violates the Virginia State Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 7.1: Communications Concerning a Lawyer’s Services.
They Want Payment Upfront
It shouldn’t cost you anything to find out whether you have a valid wrongful death or other personal injury claim.
Generally speaking, hiring a Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer should mean that you don’t have to:
- Pay for your initial legal consultation
- Sign a retainer that is unclear about legal fees or generally ambiguous
- Pay anything out-of-pocket
- Pay any fees unless your case is successful
The majority of personal injury law firms accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only owe money if damages were successfully recovered on your behalf.
They Show Little Concern or Interest in Your Case
If you have lost a loved one or are severely injured, you need a lawyer who cares about you, your family, and your case. If you contact the firm and your lawyer is not familiar with the facts of your case or the support staff doesn’t know who you are, you should strongly consider seeking different legal representation. The lawyer you partner with can make a world of difference in the results of your case. You should feel comfortable working with them and they should always conduct themselves professionally. If they don’t care about you or your case, they are probably not going to fight very hard for the damages you need and deserve.
4 Green Flags to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
When hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you, you need to ensure that they are committed to you and your best interests.
When choosing an attorney to hire, you should consider:
- Transparent billing practices: Do they explain how a contingency fee works? Do they answer your questions openly and honestly?
- Prompt communication: Does the firm promptly respond to emails and text messages? Do they return your phone calls?
- No disciplinary actions: Has your lawyer ever faced disciplinary action by the state bar?
- Proven results: Does your chosen law firm specialize in personal injury cases? Does your lawyer have a comprehensive list of prior case results?
No one should ever feel like their attorney does not think their case is important. If you have doubts about your current legal representation, contact the Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced member of our legal team.
All We Do Is Injury Law
The dedicated Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp offer all potential clients a free initial consultation. During your interview, we will discuss the facts of your case, answer any questions you have, and ensure you understand your rights.
Our experience, attention to detail, and commitment to our clients are how we achieved a $3.5 million settlement for the surviving family of a 25-year-old man who sustained fatal burn injuries when his vehicle was rear-ended by a flatbed truck. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (833) 997-1774 or fill out the contact form on our website. We serve clients throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton.
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