Choosing an attorney can be a daunting experience. You want to choose someone who has years of knowledge and experience and specializes in the sector of law you need. This means if you have been arrested, you will need a criminal lawyer, but if you were injured while enjoying a worldwide cruise, a maritime attorney will be the best choice, understanding maritime law and how cruise ship protocol works.
The first step to choosing an attorney is to start searching for firms that work within your local area. Chances are you will need to visit the firm, so try and look for firms that are based close to your home or work. Speak to family and friends and see if they have anyone they can recommend, if not you will find a wide number of specialist attorneys on the internet.
It’s advisable to choose a few attorneys you feel are a good match to meet your specific needs. Hold interviews. Identify if they offer a free first consultation and take advantage of this. Sitting down and meeting with the lawyer can help you pinpoint which ones you feel will provide you with the highest level of service and support throughout the process.
The initial interview isn’t only a chance for the lawyer to learn more about your specific case, but is a chance for you to identify if they are the best choice for you moving forward. This means that you need to conduct the consultation as an interview, the lawyer is interviewing for the job to take on your case and help you win your claim.
Start by asking them everything you need to know. This can be their experience in this specific niche of the law industry, how long they have worked in the industry and their success rate when it comes to claims. It’s also advisable to take this opportunity to find out about their fees and whether they bill you an hourly fee or they take payment should they win the case, thereby reducing the risk to you and only making you pay their fees in the event that you win the claim.
It’s always advisable, especially when choosing an attorney that works in maritime law and you have had an accident on a cruise ship to ask how they think you case will go. Getting legal advice on whether it’s worth your while claiming can help you decide whether to proceed or not. Remember if you were injured while on vacation which has left you unable to work and losing income, while paying high medical costs, then you have every right to claim against the cruise company.
Ensure the lawyer you choose understands maritime law. Remember cruise ship law is very detailed and complex and it’s imperative that when you choose an attorney they have the knowledge on the procedures to follow to ensure your claim stands a chance and you can be awarded compensation for your experience.
Identify if the lawyer has a team that works with them. Most lawyers will have a team made up of paralegals and assistants, they should all work together to ensure deadlines are met and that your claim is a top priority, ensuring you receive the service and support you expect.
When you choose an attorney, ensure that they are focused on helping you reach a speedy resolution. While claims can vary in time length until they are finalized, you want someone who will work with you, keeping you informed every step of the way so you always have your finger on the pulse and know exactly what is going on at all times.