December 9, 2025 | Personal Injury
Finding the right legal representation after an injury can feel overwhelming. Whether you suffered harm in a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or another incident, these tips can help you make an informed decision. The attorney you select will play a crucial role in your recovery and financial compensation.
1. Verify Their Experience in Personal Injury Law
Not all attorneys practice personal injury law, and among those who do, experience levels vary significantly. Look for a lawyer who focuses primarily on personal injury cases rather than someone who practices multiple areas of law.
When evaluating potential attorneys, ask important questions about their background, such as:
- How many personal injury cases have you handled?
- What is your success rate with settlements and verdicts?
- What kinds of personal injury cases do you have experience with?
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law in Pennsylvania?
In addition, look for an attorney who has represented clients with cases similar to yours. No two cases are the same, but lawyers who have experience with your type of accident or injury case will be more likely to understand the nuances involved.
2. Understand the Fee Structure They Use
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This payment arrangement means you pay nothing up front, and the attorney only receives compensation if they win your case. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
On the topic of a lawyer’s payment structure, key questions to ask include:
- Does the percentage change if my case goes to trial rather than settling?
- Who pays for case expenses like filing fees, expert witness costs, and medical records?
- Will expenses be deducted before or after calculating the attorney’s percentage?
- Are there any circumstances under which I might still owe fees even if you lose?
Understanding the fee structure helps prevent surprises and allows you to plan financially. A reputable attorney will provide a clear, written fee agreement that outlines all terms before you sign.
3. Assess Their Communication Style and Availability
Effective communication between attorney and client is essential throughout your case. During initial meetings, evaluate how well the lawyer listens to your concerns and explains legal concepts. Do they use plain language or confusing legal jargon? Can they break down complex issues into understandable terms?
To ensure you stay informed, ask about their communication policies through questions like:
- Will I work directly with the attorney or primarily with paralegals and staff members?
- How quickly can I expect responses to calls and emails?
- What methods do you use to update me on my case?
- How often will you provide updates on case progress?
Personal injury cases can take months or even years to resolve. You need a personal injury attorney in Scranton who keeps you informed about developments, returns your calls promptly, and makes you feel valued throughout the process.
4. Research Reputation and Reviews
Today’s technology makes researching attorneys easier than ever. Read online reviews from past clients to learn about their experiences. Look for patterns in feedback rather than focusing on single reviews, whether positive or negative.
Take multiple steps to verify an attorney’s standing and reputation, including:
- Check their standing with the Pennsylvania Attorney Disciplinary Counsel
- Verify they have no disciplinary actions or ethical violations
- Review recognitions from professional organizations like Super Lawyers or the National Trial Lawyers
- Ask the attorney for references from past clients with cases similar to yours
- Search for news articles or case results involving the attorney
Professional recognition indicates peer respect, though these should not be the sole factors in your decision.
5. Evaluate Resources and Trial Readiness
Personal injury cases require substantial resources to investigate, gather evidence, and potentially proceed to trial. Ask whether the firm has the staff, technology, and financial resources to develop your case thoroughly.
Important questions to ask about their firm’s resources include:
- Does your firm have in-house investigators and paralegals?
- Can you afford to hire expert witnesses in multiple specialties?
- What percentage of your cases go to trial versus settling?
- Have you taken cases to trial in the past year?
- Do you have courtroom experience before Pennsylvania judges and juries?
Insurance companies often settle cases more favorably when they know the attorney is prepared to go to trial. While most cases settle, you want a lawyer who has courtroom experience and is not afraid to take your case before a judge or jury if necessary.
Contact Our Scranton Personal Injury Lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for a Free Consultation
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878