If you have been involved in a construction accident, you probably have questions about your legal options and rights. For instance, you may wonder whether you have a case for compensation, if you should hire a construction accident attorney, and how to find a qualified attorney for your case.
Construction accidents are often much more complicated than other personal injury cases because there are typically many parties on a worksite, including employers, vendors, manufacturers, and other laborers. Identifying these parties and their relationships to each other, their duties, and who may be liable for negligent acts takes a great deal of work and a firm understanding of the law. This is why most construction accident victims consult with a construction accident attorney before they decide how to proceed with their case. A lawyer can help you untangle the web of liability and understand your options and legal rights.
However, the success of your case depends in part on your lawyer’s skill, determination, and willingness to fight for their clients. You need to choose a lawyer who not only is committed to your case but also has the right experience. Here’s how you can find a construction accident attorney who can help.
Decide What Kind of Lawyer You Need
Because construction accident cases are complex, you may want to do some thinking about your situation and what you need from your lawyer. For example, what was your role in the accident? If you are a worker or bystander injured on a construction site, you will need a lawyer with a different set of skills and experience than if you are the owner of a construction company. In most cases, injured workers and bystanders will be looking for a personal injury lawyer with experience in construction site accidents.
Additionally, if you are a worker, whether or not your employer holds workers’ compensation insurance may influence your decision to hire one law firm over another. Some lawyers specialize in workers’ compensation claims and disputes, while others focus primarily on representing victims in cases with no workers’ comp insurance policies.
Review Their Credentials
Before you consult with a construction accident lawyer, be sure to read their reviews on Google and Yelp. Attorney rating directories like Avvo and Super Lawyers are also a great place to look for reviews and ratings.
Additionally, make sure to visit their website. Most attorney websites include testimonials, a list of their services and areas of expertise, educational resources, and a list of notable verdicts and settlements. Pay close attention to information that highlights their experience with construction accidents. While the website will obviously be designed to show the firm in the best light, visiting will give you some sense of their experience and professionalism.
Check That They Offer a Free Consultation
While you’re reviewing the attorney’s website, look to see if they provide a free case consultation. Most accident attorneys offer case evaluations at no cost so that both parties can assess whether they are a good fit for one another.
If an attorney charges you for an initial consultation, that’s usually a red flag. Offering free consultations is a fairly standard practice among construction accident attorneys, so if a firm does not provide this service, it could be a sign that they are not as professional, experienced, or trustworthy.
Ask About Their Experience with Construction Accidents
A consultation is your best chance to evaluate your construction accident attorney. This is your opportunity to ask them about their experience with cases like yours. They should be able to give you a high-level overview of similar settlements and verdicts.
The right lawyer will also ask you questions about your case. They’ll use your responses to decide whether or not your case is a good match with their experience and specialization. They should also help you weigh your options for your next move and recommend resources for more information and support where possible.
Ultimately, trust your instincts. If something feels off during your consultation, it’s perfectly acceptable to go with another law firm.
If you are looking for an experienced, dedicated construction accident attorney, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our team at FVF. Our team has helped hundreds of accident victims protect their legal rights and pursue the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. Contact us today to learn more.
