There is a familiar adage often attributed to Abraham Lincoln that goes, “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” What Lincoln probably meant was that representing yourself in a legal case carries a large amount of risk. That is certainly true if someone is involved in a criminal matter, but having the right legal counsel on your side is also extremely important for a civil complaint.
That’s why choosing a local Charleston attorney is a critical decision that can make or break your personal injury case.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC have helped hundreds of clients since the firm was formed in 1998. Our diverse team of lawyers and support staff has the extensive depth and breadth of legal experience to provide guidance and support for clients who have been involved in the following practice areas:
- Car accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Truck accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Wrongful death
- Dog bites
We also represent clients in many other matters that all have one thing in common: The desire to be compensated for losses caused by someone else’s actions. Why is it important to choose a local Charleston attorney for your personal injury claim? Consider the following:
Direct Communication
When you have a question about your claim, it is important that you get an answer in a timely manner. Retaining the services of a local attorney will provide you with more direct access to your attorney.
That includes the ability to meet face-to-face in the offices.
Lower Costs
If you hire an out-of-state lawyer from a large firm, they will most likely charge you for hotels and meals when they travel to meet you or for court appearances. Those charges will be deducted from your final settlement. Those charges won’t be added to your final settlement with a local attorney.
Familiarity with the Opposing Counsel
If your personal injury claim involves taking the matter to court, it is a safe bet that your DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC attorney will be familiar with the opposing counsel.
Those relationships can be a benefit when it comes to advancing settlement talks.
Better Understanding of Potential Outcomes
When an attorney has spent most of their career dealing with local courts and attorneys, they have a stronger understanding of the potential outcomes.
It is also important that your attorney understands who might be sitting on a jury. That is how you make adjustments in a presentation that will generate empathy with that jury.
What Questions Should You Ask a Local Charleston Attorney?
As you consider hiring a local lawyer, you will have the opportunity to meet with them to discuss your case and get some very important questions answered. It is a good idea to write down your questions, so you don’t forget any.
Here are a few questions to ask in your first meeting with DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC:
What fees should I expect to pay?
One of the most important questions you will ask is how much it will cost you to pursue a claim with a local attorney. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, asking that question is free. There won’t be any charge during our first consultation to discuss what happened to you.
If we agree to work together, we will provide our services on a contingency basis. That means you won’t have to pay us a dime until you receive a settlement. We will deduct our fees from that settlement amount, and you’ll have a full accounting of what you can expect.
We never hide fees or add surprise charges.
Do you have any experience with my type of personal injury?
It is important that your attorney has experience handling your specific case. Our lawyers are a diverse group who have experience helping clients with all types of personal injury claims. We will always match new clients with the attorney who specializes in the relevant practice area.
What are the possible outcomes?
You will obviously be curious about the outcome of your case. While there can never be a guarantee of an outcome, we can provide you with all possible scenarios, from the best to the worst. We’re always upfront with our clients. We also won’t take on a case unless we’re confident of a positive outcome.
Will I have to go to trial?
Going to trial in a personal injury claim is often the last resort for obtaining a fair settlement.
First, you need to work through the insurance claim process. When the insurer denies a claim or offers a lowball offer that doesn’t cover your losses, we might recommend filing a civil complaint. That puts the insurance company on notice that we’re not backing down. The resolution will be in the jury’s hands.
Of course, we’ll always aim to reach a settlement through negotiations without going to trial.
Making the Right Call for a Local Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to another person’s negligence, you should not have to pay for anything related to that accident. Obviously, that includes your medical expenses, lost wages, and any property damage.
It also means that you’re entitled to be compensated for pain and suffering that the accident has caused you.
The attorneys at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, understand how important it is to help our clients find a fast and fair resolution. We want to help you get your life back on track.
Call to set up your free consultation today. Let’s talk about what should happen next.
