Hiring a Lawyer After
a Tragic Accident
It’s a scenario in which no one wants to find themselves. A
loved one has been killed in an accident and you need to hire a fatal injury
lawyer who is experienced in the field of making damages claims. Having to make
such a pragmatic decision in the face of the emotional and financial tensions
that arise from such a terrible event can be overwhelming. But it must be done.
It is essential to learn your legal rights quickly and be
prepared to pursue a claim, if warranted. The Ontario Limitations Act stipulates a number of time limits for mounting legal actions and the clock
starts ticking on them very quickly. A lawyer who has great experience in fatal
injuries can ensure you meet those deadlines.
Who is the Right
Lawyer for Your Claim?
It’s possible that someone you know has used a personal
injury lawyer and can give you an informed recommendation. Good word-of-mouth
is often a reliable guide.
The practice of law is very focused on individual fields.
Gone are the days when a lawyer had a general practice and did everything from
wills to litigating injury cases. The Law Society of Upper
Canada posts a referral list on its website – lawyers in different regions
of the province with whom you can meet and have an initial free consultation. This
excellent option enables you to determine if you have a claim – and with no
obligation to further use the services of that particular lawyer.
In addition to word-of-mouth and the Law Society’s list,
many personal injury lawyers advertise online. Their websites run the range
from sophisticated and informative - to flashy and shallow.
Here are some hints to choosing among them:
·
- Did you
learn something from the site? The best ones contain information and
articles on personal injury law, with attention paid to the diverse areas within
the field. In fact, a good website may have articles posted on the exact claims
scenario in which you find yourself. Additionally, does the site include
biographies and professional information on the firm’s lawyers?
- Consider
geography. You may need to confer with your lawyer in person. Is the firm
nearby? Alternately, if you are unable to go to the lawyer – will the lawyer
come to you?
- Does the
lawyer speak your language? Ontario is a multicultural province
and a quarter of its residents speak a language other than English at home.
What language are you most comfortable speaking – and can your lawyer speak it
with you?
- Does a Claim Always
Go to Trial? After a catastrophic event, the last thing place you will
want to be is in a courtroom, litigating your claim. The question often arises
– do personal injury claims always go to trial? The answer is no. The vast
majority of claims are settled pre-trial. If the case is cut and dry, it is
likely to be resolved with the insurance adjuster.
Others can be resolved after
an examination for discovery or even at pre-trial. The basis of personal injury
case resolution in Ontario is negotiation. A fatal injury lawyer can handle that for you, on a contingency basis. Find a fatal injury lawyer that
can assist with your damages claim and get the compensation you deserve.