How To Choose A Lawyer In Chicago
Friday, March 25, 2005
You should be forwarned, all lawyers are not all alike
Like other professions or trades, law is a diverse field and no one lawyer can be knowledgeable in all areas of the law. If you've been struck by a motor vehicle or in a car accident then you should have a lawyer that specializes in that. Generally these types of lawyers would call themselves a personal injury attorney. Much like doctors, lawyers can be general practitioners who cover a variety of the more common areas of law such as civil litigation, real estate and general business matters. Other lawyers will specialize in one area of the law such as matrimonial law or criminal law, or in a field of law such as business law. There are even lawyers that specialize in licensing of styrofoam containers !
You'll find that lawyers, just like plumbers, airline pilots or motorcycle racers also have different experience levels, and that relates directly to how long they've been doing it and where.
Any lawyer brand new to Chicago is not going to be your best lawyer if you need an attorney for a Chicago matter. Imagine if your attorney can't find the courthouse !
So ask yourself, what kind of lawyer might you need ?
Before you choose a lawyer, you need to know what type of law you're talking about. You don't phone an electrician to fix a leaky bathtub and you wouldn't get a patent attorney to defend you in a murder trial, unless you had some exclusive on the method you used. Expert lawyers may charge more than a general practitioner and of course they're worth it. More experienced lawyers often charge more than junior lawyers. Just remember that you need the right lawyer at the right the level of the legal issue you're facing...
A lawyer that insists on writing with crayons or consults with psychics to determine the best course of action would generally not be considered the best professional of choice.
But how do you find a lawyer ?
Finding lawyer is always a challenge. You may know one or more lawyers socially but if you've met them at a bar, rather than The Bar, they might not be your best choice. If you feel confident about them based on your past interactions, meet with them and discuss your legal situation with them. If you don't know a lawyer socially, or if you do but feel it inappropriate to become professionally involved with a friend, then look to other sources - or ask them to recommend someone.
The best source in a personal injury matter, if you're in Chicago or Illinois is naturally this site. We'll put you directly in touch with the lawyer most suitable for your situation.
Frequently any personal injury is going to entail demonstrating negligence. There must be some party directly responsible for any injury you suffered. Sticking your finger in a light socket is not generally the type of injury that would involve any other parties negligence but your own. So take a moment and understand how negligence might relate to any injuries you've suffered.
A person is negligent when he or she fails to act like the standard "ordinary reasonable person". For instance, a person walking down the street carrying an arc welding device, might not be considered to be a reasonable person. Of course the critical issue in many cases is just how an "ordinary, reasonable person" was expected to act in the particular situation that caused the injury.
For example, an ordinary, reasonable person can travel along any Illinois Interstate, which has a posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour, at 65 miles per hour. However, if dense fog is present, the same ordinary, reasonable person would be expected to reduce his/her speed of travel. Suppose someone crashes into your car while driving at 55 or 45 or 35? Would that be what the standard "ordinary reasonable person" should have done?
The determination of whether a given person has met their "ordinary reasonable person" standard is often a matter that is resolved by a jury after presentation of evidence and argument at trial. Sometimes the matter is pretty cut and dry. If you enter a monkey house even though signs are posted that you should not enter the monkey house, it's unlikely you'll be able to seek damages should you be attacked by a baboon in the process.
The most important thing you can really do right now is utilize our exclusive instant online evaluation system to determine if you do indeed have a case. We're here to help you understand what your legal options are and if you do have a case, we'll make sure that you receive courteous and professional service - and help match you the very best Chicago attorney for the task at hand. It's that simple.
