One child dies every hour from an unintentional injury in the US – that’s one in five deaths. Unintentional injury deaths in children decreased by 11% between 2010 and 2019, but these injuries are still a leading cause of death. As a parent, one of the most difficult situations you may face is having your child injured due to someone else’s negligence. 

According to Mark Anderson, a Dallas personal injury lawyer, if your child has been hurt or killed in an accident, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation; that’s why picking the right lawyer to handle your child’s case is extremely important. 

Ask People You Trust for Referrals

One of the best ways to find an experienced personal injury lawyer for your child’s case is to ask people you trust for referrals. Talk to family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors who have used a personal injury attorney before. Ask them about their experience and if they would recommend the lawyer. Personal referrals can help you find an attorney with a good reputation who has experience handling cases like yours.

Research the Lawyer’s Background and Credentials

There were 179,508 personal injury lawyers as of 2023. Once you have a few potential lawyers in mind, take time to thoroughly research their backgrounds and credentials. Look for attorneys who concentrate their practice on personal injury law. Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state. Check their educational background, years of experience, track record with similar cases, professional accomplishments, and peer review ratings. Make sure any attorney you consider has the necessary expertise to handle your child’s case effectively.  

Schedule Consultations and Interview Lawyers

It’s wise to schedule initial consultations with at least two or three top candidates. This allows you to interview them in person and get a feel for their legal style. Prepare questions in advance to ask during the consultation. Some important things to inquire about are their case strategy, how they will communicate with you, and their views on settling vs. taking a case to court. Pay attention to how knowledgeable and confident they seem regarding child injury cases. Go with your gut feeling on which lawyer makes you feel most assured they can win compensation for your child.

Understand How They Charge Fees

During the consultation, be sure to discuss fees and billing practices. Most personal injury lawyers only get paid if they recover money for you. However, there may be upfront costs for expenses. Get all fee arrangements in writing before agreeing to hire an attorney. Make sure you understand the percentage they will take from any settlement as well as any expenses you may be responsible for.

Check Former Client Reviews

To get insights into what a lawyer is like to work with, read through online reviews from their past clients. Sites like Google, Yelp, or Avvo allow clients to leave feedback on their experience. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view. Look for red flags like poor communication, lack of empathy, missed deadlines, or settling too quickly. Positive reviews mentioning successful verdicts, compassion, and good guidance are preferable.

Choosing the right lawyer to pursue your child’s personal injury claim is critical. Do your homework so you can find an attorney who is the best match for you, your child, and your case. With an experienced and dedicated lawyer fighting for your interests, you have a much greater chance of receiving the maximum compensation your child deserves.