There is a very real difference in the expertise, legal knowledge and the experience of a specialized attorney as compared to a general attorney. Some specialized attorneys focus on one or two areas of practice, while general attorneys may seem to offer legal representation for everything from family law to criminal defense.
In Minnesota, if you are injured due to the negligence or the actions of another party or parties, hiring a personal injury attorney is essential to proving your case. While most of these types of cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation prior to having to go to court, having an attorney to represent your best interests is a significant factor in maximizing your settlement. In the event the case has to go to litigation, an attorney familiar with the case can provide the best representation.
Focus of the Practice
A specialized injury attorney should offer a focus on personal injury and on related types of cases, such as Workers’ Compensation injury cases. When looking for an attorney, narrow down the search and ask for references specifically in the area of personal injury.
It is also easy to check the names of the attorneys that you receive from people you know. Look online at legal review sites for Minnesota attorneys and choose one that is highly rated by past clients.
Meet in Person
A top injury attorney provides a free initial consultation, allowing the attorney and the client to determine if there is a case and if the case is a good match for the attorney’s background and experience.
While it may be possible to have this meeting over the phone, it is highly recommended to meet with the attorney in person. This allows you to evaluate the attorney and to ask questions, something that is not always easy when the meeting is done over the phone.