Construction accidents are common in the city. Construction companies are required must codes and regulations regarding their work site safety. However, not all construction sites are created equal, so you may have to dig to find a reputable professional lawyer who can handle your case. Construction law is an ever-evolving science, and lawyers keep up with these changes with their projects becoming more frequent and complicated due to the various contracts involved. The longer you let the construction company take care of things, the less likely they’ll be willing to help you.
If you get harmed on a construction site, there’s a good chance your case has already get handled by one attorney who failed miserably at getting you closer to recovery than before. The time it takes for them to get back to you and how much effort they put into your case correlates with how much they charge for services rendered. So don’t be afraid to look for a lawyer if nothing seems right from the start, but don’t dismiss too quickly.
Lawyers can charge anything, depending on their experience and the value of your case. So be sure to ask around before handing over any cash unless this interests you as an individual. You can take legal advice from a Chicago Construction Accident Attorney.
What to consider when seeking a construction accident lawyer
If you’re looking for a construction accident lawyer, you want someone with experience. You want someone who can ensure that your case moves forward and can take on any obstacles that seem to be in the way of your case.
The best way to determine how successful this person is at getting their clients the money they deserve is by asking other people who had hired them. You can ask whether or not they were satisfied with the work that got done, what obstacles get encountered, and how much time it took to get back to them.
Moreover, you also want someone who speaks your language. If you don’t speak legal terms fluently, then having someone explain terms and responsibilities back and forth will only frustrate your cause more than it already is. Finally, make sure whoever you hire can handle more than just construction accidents.
Construction accidents are not always physical injuries but could also stem from negligence, so make sure they understand all angles of your case before you sign on the dotted line.
Experience
To find a good construction accident lawyer, you need to look for one with a lot of experience. They must have at least years of experience in construction law. The number of years they have is not the most important thing, but rather the quality of their work and their ability to fight your case on your behalf.
You also must ensure they are members of an accredited organization like the American Bar Association or the National Bar Association. It will be important if you ever refer them out as expert witnesses in court.
If your attorney has the working experience, they understand that it takes time before you get a settlement or payout for issues. It is why you must find a lawyer who has been doing this for a long time.
Good Reputation
A good reputation is an important aspect you should consider when picking your construction accident attorney. You don’t want to engage someone who has caused others to sue them for malpractice, and you don’t want the lawyer making a name for themselves by successfully suing companies. Therefore, make sure that the lawyer has a reputation for being an expert in their field before committing to them and that they have a good relationship with their peers.
Smart lawyers know how to market themselves and spread word of mouth, making them more likely to gain more clients. It is part of their work ethic and not just along marketing strategy. Part of what makes someone successful is their ability to separate what they need from what they don’t need, leading to better gains.
You might come across a Construction Accident Attorney Chicago specializing in wrongful death cases. These lawyers handle cases where construction workers were killed on site when it wasn’t entirely their fault. Their cases are usually looked at more closely because of the number of deaths on construction sites over the last few years. It would give them an edge if your case were one of theirs, given how much easier it may be to win against a company or individual than if another lawyer handled it.
Getting recommendations
It’s best to ask around for recommendations to find a lawyer that has a good reputation or one that specializes in construction accidents. There are plenty of lawyers. Some get better suited for your case than others.
Generally, lawyers with more experience will have more clients and better connections with construction companies to resolve your case faster. It is also important because you want to ensure your case doesn’t fall through the cracks. If a lawyer is too busy or inexperienced, they may be unable to handle it, leaving you with nothing.
Moreover, don’t be afraid to ask the attorney questions about their past cases and how they get resolved. Ask them what legal advice they would give you if the situation gets reversed and you were the client. It’s important not to hire someone who is too confident in their abilities because this leads to “overconfidence.” It can mean they’re overconfident in their chances of succeeding, which is not well for your case.
Meeting with a potential lawyer.
If you’ve found a lawyer that seems like a good fit, it’s time to schedule a meeting. First, ensure that your potential attorney is willing to meet with you at the same location where your case will get settled. They need to review your documentation and evidence and interview you directly. If your injury occurred on sites A and B, you should verify that your potential attorney is willing to meet with you at site A or nearby.
Moreover, if they cannot see you in person, they can request an initial conference call via Skype or another video chat software with one of their representatives. It’s your choice what kind of contact information and environment you prefer for resolving this matter, so be sure to decide beforehand.
Making your decision
The first step to finding a construction accident lawyer is figuring out what you are looking for.
- Do you want someone who specializes in construction law?
- Do you want someone with a personal injury or workers’ compensation background with years of experience handling these cases?
Ask yourself what kind of case you are looking for, and then narrow your search.
Conclusion
Construction accidents are frequent in Chicago, so it’s important to be prepared and ensure your case is handled properly by a reputable attorney.
A reputable Construction Accident Lawyer Chicago can work on the terms of your contract with the construction company to ensure you’re getting what you deserve.
If you want to find a good attorney, ask around and see who has done similar projects in the past or start looking for one specializing in construction cases. It may take some time, but if you’re serious about getting justice for yourself, do your research and find the best attorney for your case!