It can become stressful and overwhelming when it comes time to file an injury claim, especially if you have never had to do this before and are in physical pain. Choosing the right lawyer for your case can help clarify and remove the stress. But who do you choose? Choosing an independent lawyer or a law firm has multiple pros and cons. By the end of this guide, you will know which lawyer to choose and how they can help. If you are in this situation, the injury team at FletcherLawUSA.com will be able to help you.
What to Know About Choosing an Independent Lawyer?
An independent lawyer is a type of lawyer that works solo and not for a firm. This typically means they have more say over the clients they want to serve. An independent lawyer usually has many years of professional experience and know-how.
The Benefits of Choosing an Independent Lawyer
Here are some benefits of choosing an independent lawyer:
1. Lower costs
When you hire an independent lawyer, you pay for their time and services, not high overhead costs.
2. Individualized service
Hiring an independent lawyer will give you more face-to-face time with your lawyer. You’ll know they’re giving your claim their undivided attention without the office politics and incentives usually found in a firm.
3. No overthinking
Sometimes having too many people working on a case, all coming up with their own ideas and plans, can do more harm than good.
4. More specialized
Independent lawyers have the opportunity to pick the type of lawsuits they want to take on and which clients they want to work with.
What To Know About Choosing a Law Firm?
Unlike an independent lawyer, a law firm comprises multiple lawyers, paralegals, researchers, and others who can work on their client’s cases.
The Benefits of Choosing a Law Firm
Here are some advantages of hiring a law firm over an independent lawyer:
1. Plenty of resources
Hiring a law firm to handle your injury claim means you have one lawyer working on your claim and an entire law firm able to work on your case. Firms are also likely to have more experience compared to independent lawyers. Call it collective brain power.
2. They are faster
The more people working on your claim, the faster the whole process of collecting documents and submitting the claim is. Regardless of your case’s nature, you will surely find someone who can guide and direct you according to tested routes at a law firm.
3. Better availability
When you choose to use a law firm to help you with your injury claim, you have access to only one lawyer but a whole team, which means there’s always someone available to help you. In case you need specialized assistance, you do not have to worry about hiring another lawyer. Instead, you can find subject matter experts at the same law firm to provide extra guidance.
4. Same Price
It is a common misconception that law firms offer a higher consultancy fee. However, this is not necessarily true. In most cases, the fee you pay an independent lawyer is comparable to that of a law firm. Not to mention the extra resources and expertise you get access to when working with a firm.
Who Should You Choose?
There is no definitive winner, as it will depend on your wants and the nature of your injury claim. However, hiring a law firm is likely to be more effective and helpful in the long run. Law firms have a higher collective experience and tested structures and processes. Not only does this help in better investigation and case preparation, but working with a law firm also protects you from common challenges victims face in a personal injury claim.
You can also conveniently change lawyers or seek extra guidance without incurring additional consultancy fees. Furthermore, most law firms are run by highly experienced lawyers with years of practice. This means you get access to the best of the best lawyers to seek compensation even if the case goes to trial.
Final Thoughts
Filing an injury claim can be complicated and overwhelming if you don’t know how, and choosing the right lawyer for you will undoubtedly make the whole process easier. This guide will help you make your decision.