Even if you receive one or more referrals, you still have to vet every attorney that lands on your shortlist of candidates.
Tip #1: Free Case Evaluation
This is an important tip for several reasons. An attorney that schedules a free case evaluation is more interested in learning more about your case than taking your money. Second, you get the opportunity to see how a lawyer works. Third, you should come away with an idea about the chances of you winning a civil lawsuit.
A free case evaluation can last between 15 minutes an hour. Present the same information to each attorney that you meet with and then compare their responses.
Tip #2: Amount of Experience
Years of litigating elder abuse cases is what you should look for in a lawyer. An elder care attorney who specializes in financial management issues might not be a good fit for your nursing home abuse case. An experienced lawyer should not only be skilled at litigating nursing home abuse cases, but the attorney also should have developed professional relationships with several civil court judges.
Tip #3: Communication Skills
This is not about how well your attorney presents evidence and argues a case, although that is certainly an important criterion for hiring the best elder care lawyer. You want to answer the following questions.
- Does an attorney return emails and phone calls shortly after receiving them?
- Is the lawyer polite and understanding of your legal situation?
- Do you understand what the attorney is saying?
- Does a lawyer follow through with promises?
Tip #4: Verify Professional Credentials
The database created by your state bar association offers much more than names. You can also confirm that every lawyer is licensed to practice personal injury law in the state where you live. The state bar association database should also include information that concerns any disciplinary action taken against an attorney on your shortlist.
Tip #5: Online Reviews
Online reviews posted by former clients should not be the most important factor in choosing the best elder care lawyer near you. What online reviews can do is provide supporting information for the rest of the research that you have conducted. Check out the rating every attorney on your shortlist has received from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as well.