Five Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing an Injury Lawyer

There are more than 1,000 personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyers in the Kansas City area. Choosing one while injured, hurting and stressed can feel overwhelming – especially if you’ve never needed a lawyer before. While deciding who might serve you best, there are specific red flags that may signal you to keep looking for the right lawyer to protect your rights, health, finances and future.

Red Flag #1 – The Law Firm Rarely Goes to Court

This is a big one, because insurance companies know which law firms rarely, if ever, go to court and which ones regularly do and win their clients’ cases. Law firms that don’t go to court have a different focus – they want to settle cases quickly, so they can take their fee. It’s a cash-flow emphasis, rather than one that is focused on maximum medical improvement, coverage for future medical treatment, and getting maximum compensation for the client.

Red Flag #2 – You Don’t Speak with a Lawyer First

If the law firm filters its calls from injured people with intake specialists and investigators, this is an indicator of a volume-focused law firm. Their non-lawyers make judgements about potential cases, before asking a lawyer to call you back. You should be able to talk with a lawyer right away, or within hours if calling in the evening or on a weekend.

Red Flag #3 – Inexperienced Lawyers

Some law firms hire large numbers of inexperienced lawyers in order to keep expenses down, while still being able to process high volumes of cases as inexpensively as possible. For some law firms with more than 40 lawyers, the average years of experience is less than 10 years. Further, some firms are known to pass around cases, so that young attorneys can get experience with different types of cases.

Red Flag #4 – Not Headquartered Here.

Many law firms who have their main office in other cities, have created small satellite offices in Kansas City, usually staffed with inexperienced lawyers. It takes decades of experience to know the courts, the judges, the jury pools, the doctors, the opposing counsel, that affect your case, whether they are directly involved or not.

Red Flag #5 – Guarantees

Law firms really can’t promise or guarantee results. Even their past performance shouldn’t be relied upon. If a lawyer offers a guarantee of any kind, you should keep looking for the right lawyer. There aren’t any guaranteed outcomes. Every case is unique. Reputations, reviews and referrals are often a good guide.

These red flags matter. Any of them can have a negative impact on your experience going through the injury claims processes, addressing setbacks, and maximizing your outcome.

It is wise to be cautious when choosing a personal injury lawyer because it can protect your health, your finances, and your future. Make Edelman & Thompson your first call, and the benchmark by which other firms are measured.

We have the resources, willingness and track record to stand up for you in court if needed. We have highly experienced lawyers who will speak with you right away. Founded in Kansas City in 1994 and having four other offices in surrounding communities (Independence, Gladstone, Lenexa and Olathe), Edelman & Thompson’s focus of service is Kansas City.

We won’t guarantee anything; yet our reviews and our record of having more injury case wins in Kansas City courts than any other firm since 2011 give us tremendous confidence that we can deliver great results for you.

Call 816-561-3400.

FAQs

Does my case need to go to court to be successful?

No. An experienced lawyer at a law firm that has a winning courtroom record can achieve a successful settlement without going to trial.

Why do 99% of cases settle, without going to court?

Both sides would like to avoid going to court if at all possible because it is a “winner takes-all” gamble that is ultimately in the hands of jury. You could end up with zero compensation – and your lawyer could end up with no fee – despite significant time and expense.

If 99% of cases settle, why is a firm’s record in court relevant to my case?

Insurance companies will give their best settlement offers to a law firm that has shown willingness to go to court and has a proven record of success in front of juries.

How can I know if a law firm is a “volume” injury firm?

There are at least three common signs:

Lots of inexperienced (less than 10 years) lawyers.
You have to explain your case one or more times before speaking with a lawyer.
Heavy, constant advertising, which often reflects a high-volume, cash-flow business model.

Can a personal injury lawyer guarantee a settlement or outcome?

No. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer can explain the factors that affect case value and provide a realistic range based on similar past cases. This is particularly true for workers’ compensation cases where each state provides formulas for compensating specific injured body parts.

How soon should I speak with a personal injury lawyer after an injury?

Sooner is always better. It costs nothing to call and begin to understand the process and how things may play out for you. Just don’t hire a lawyer until you’ve taken time to look for red flags and compare your options.