WSIB Lawyer Skip to content
Trial Tested Injury Lawyers

How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

Whether you have been injured by someone in an accident or caused the injury, a personal injury lawyer can help. Regardless of your situation, it’s crucial to understand how to choose a personal injury lawyer to represent you and help you navigate your case.

Below, you’ll learn how to choose the right lawyer for your case.

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Make sure to begin your research as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that you have plenty of time to find a great lawyer before your statute of limitations runs out.

Before you begin researching a lawyer, make sure you know as much about your case as possible and that you have any documentation you’ll need on hand. Your personal injury lawyer will use this information to determine whether you have a strong case.

Immediately after your accident, write down everything you know about your case, including both major and minor details, so it’s fresh in your memory when you talk with a lawyer. Don’t forget to gather medical bills and documents, citations or arrest records, photos you took at the accident scene, and written statements of witnesses.

Step 2: Choose Criteria for a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you need to work with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. By choosing a specialist, you’ll ensure that your lawyer has successfully handled other cases like yours. These types of lawyers often have trial and negotiation expertise, deeper knowledge of medical problems that result from accidents, and a strong understanding of negligence law and torts.

Other criteria you should investigate include:

• Strong reputation
• Years of experience in personal injury law
• No disciplinary record (no disbarments, suspensions or complaints can be found online)
• Experience with trials
• A strong track record of wins

Step 3: Gather Personal Referrals

After you’ve determined what is important to you in a personal injury lawyer, it’s time to gather referrals from your family, friends and coworkers. Referrals from people you know are important because they are more likely to be honest. Make a list of these referrals and hold onto it. Remember that although personal referrals are important, you will want to wait until you’ve done more research before hiring a lawyer.

Step 4: Conduct Research through a Variety of Avenues

There are many ways to gather more information on your lawyer, including Internet searches, specialized online legal services, and the telephone. Using a combination of methods will often give you the clearest sense of the right lawyer for your case.

Read any background information on the lawyer’s website and try to get a sense of their expertise, personality and track record. Make note of the firm’s size and whether the entire firm specializes in the area of expertise you’re looking for.

If a general Internet search isn’t your preferred method of information gathering, use a web service designed to connect you to a good lawyer. Make sure to evaluate the website to ensure that they have a reputable method for selecting the lawyers on their site, since some of these services will list any lawyer who pays for a listing. More reputable options include OTLA and Canadian-Lawyers.ca. Some of these websites, such as Lawyers.com, provide ratings and contact information for lawyers in the community.

Finally, talking on the phone to bar associations and law firms can give you a stronger sense of the firm’s personality. Many local bar associations also offer lawyer referral services and can help you find a lawyer who is close by. Law firms will also have the ability to answer specific questions you may have.

As you complete this process, take notes so you remember which lawyers seem like the best choice for your needs.

Step 5: Create a List of Top Lawyers

Review your notes and make a top ten list of the lawyers that seem like the best fit for you. If you feel confident moving forward with fewer than ten choices, that is fine. Assess how much time you have available to meet with lawyers in person as you decide how many to include on your list. If you decide to choose fewer lawyers, make sure you are still diligently conducting the process.

Step 6: Determine Which Questions to Ask

Before you sit down to meet with a lawyer, draw up a list of questions. Consider asking about experience with your specific type of case, fee structures, statutes of limitations, how many lawyers will work on your case, communication methods, the strength of your case, and success rates. In addition to these general areas of consideration, create your own list of questions that you need answers to.

Step 7: Set up a Consultation

Once you’ve gathered your questions, evidence, and documentation regarding your case, contact each lawyer on your list to arrange a one-on-one consultation. Most initial consultations are free, but make sure you ask whether this is true so you aren’t surprised if you are charged a fee.

During your consultation you’ll discuss your case, questions and evidence, and get a clear sense of your rights. Remember that meeting with a lawyer does not require you to hire that lawyer. Take your time to ensure that you make the right choice. Finally, take notes during the consultation so you can remember the pros and cons of each lawyer.

Step 8: Evaluate Your Needs and Feelings

Before you hire a lawyer, take the time to carefully review and consider each candidate. Make sure you feel comfortable with your choice, that the lawyer has a strong reputation and credentials, and that your personalities and goals are compatible. You should always feel that your lawyer will be available when you need them and that they are willing to fight for your rights.

You should also make sure you understand and are comfortable with the fee structure. All lawyers have slightly different fee structures, so make sure to review the fees before you commit. In personal injury cases, most lawyers take cases on a contingent fee basis rather than charging an hourly rate. In this scenario, the lawyer does not get paid unless they win your case. Typically, contingent fees amount to 1/3 of your settlement or judgment.

Step 9: Ask Follow-Up Questions

If there is still more you need to know about your final candidates, contact them with any follow-up questions you have. This is especially important if one lawyer addressed something that another didn’t, such as a concern about your case.

Step 10: Choose Your Lawyer

Now that you have considered all of your options, it’s time to hire your lawyer. Choose the personal injury lawyer that feels like the best fit for you. At the time you hire the lawyer, ask for the fee agreement in writing. The lawyer will list all of the services you will be provided, and how you’ll be charged.

Hopefully, you now have a clearer understanding of how to choose a personal injury lawyer. Speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case to understand your rights and learn more.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is a general guideline made available for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal advice for the reader’s specific situation nor in general. By reading our blog and website content, the reader acknowledges the above and understands there is no lawyer-client relationship created between you and Himelfarb Proszanski through this content. To get specific legal advice, we encourage you to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers to clarify the legal aspects of your situation.

Timing is Critical. Help is Free.

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

Timing is Critical. Help is Free.

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

OUR CLIENTS

What They Say About Us

Sherene AlySherene Aly
16:02 23 Mar 24
I was very pleased with my decision to retain David and his team for my case. Melissa Gizzo was simply amazing and was able to secure a fair settlement for me.
T TT T
17:46 16 Feb 24
Experienced and excellent law firm. Their lawyers are wonderful, articulate, dilligent, amicable, calm, respectful, responsible, resourceful and have good human and customer relationships Especially DAN HOLLAND 👌 He is an amazing lawyer as regards dealing with any of the Accident case.I was involvedIn an accident in 2019 February. He was God sent as he dutifully and relentlessly worked hard until the case was settled
LizLiz
22:43 18 Jan 24
I highly recommend Dan Holland as a disability lawyer. His commitment to my case made the process seamless. Dan's clear communication and ability to simplify complex legal matters made it easy for me to understand every step. He demonstrated genuine concern for my best interests, making him not only a skilled attorney but also someone easy to talk to.Dan’s support extended beyond legal expertise; he alleviated my stress during the long-term disability case. His calm approach and unhurried demeanour ensured that there was no rush in our collaboration. This, coupled with his dedication, made the entire experience more manageable, fostering confidence in his ability to handle the case with meticulous care.I wholeheartedly endorse Dan for anyone seeking a lawyer who not only gets results but also prioritizes your peace of mind.
Neeshanth SritharanNeeshanth Sritharan
21:49 01 Jan 24
My mom was involved in an accident impacting her daily life and ability to work. Dan Holland has worked with us during the duration of our case and has been helpful in fighting for her and supporting us, and organizing the things we needed. Our family is incredibly grateful of the outcome Dan was able to obtain for us. I would highly recommend him!
Faiza HamidFaiza Hamid
01:26 22 Dec 23
I'm so happy I chose Mena Brar and her team represet us . We could not ask for a better team she is so kind, loyal, and honest. she spoke to me as an equal and made me feel as if my case was definitely important and that I deserved to be fairly compensated. I appreciate you. Did it for me and how this will help me get back on track with my life. keep helping others. You are doing amazing works, Mena Brar. I wish you all the best.
Brenda FurtadoBrenda Furtado
23:38 12 Dec 23
Many thanks to Silene Malhao for settling my husband's TORT claim and to Mena Brar for settling his accident benefits claim. These ladies made themselves available any time we had a question. They were very understanding and compassionate. We were completely taken care of throughout this process. We would definitely recommend this team to friends and family!
ShaunaShauna
15:52 06 Dec 23
We are so happy that we had David and his team represent us. We couldn't have asked for a better team. Not only is David incredibly skilled and experienced, he is kind and compassionate and it is clear how much he cares for his clients. Megan was also absolutely amazing to work with and was always on top of everything and there to answer any questions we had! Thank you!
Andrew CoutoAndrew Couto
23:10 21 Nov 23
I'm so happy I chose David as my lawyer. I spoke to a few lawyers before finding David and I noticed majority of them spoke to me in a way that felt demeaning or that my case wasn't big enough or important enough to take. One phone call with David and my opinion on lawyers changed. He spoke to me as an equal and made me feel as if my case was definitely important and that I deserved to be fairly compensated. The whole process was wonderful. From dealing with David's law clerk Ingrid whom is an amazing and kind woman to his legal assistant Melissa whom is another amazing kind and talented young woman. I was so stressed about this case but from day 1 they helped ease that stress and always answered all my questions promptly and respectfully. I couldn't believe David got me to mediation within 6 months of being cut off my LTD and got me a settlement way beyond my expectations. I can't say enough good things about this law firm but I guarantee you that if you need a lawyer to fight for you David is your guy! . Believe me when I say this is the law firm for anyone dealing with personal injuries especially LTD denial claims. Thank you so much to David, Ingrid and Melissa you truly don't know how much I appreciate all you did for me and how this will help me get back on track with my life. Keep helping others you guys are doing amazing work! I wish you all the best!
Rose RegazziRose Regazzi
21:15 11 Oct 23
I sustained a relatively painful injury, affecting me long term.I wouldn't otherwise had pursued it, as it involved a relatively large corporation, but felt it necessary to do so. However, many lawyers were daunted, with one, who actually referred me to HIMPRO.I was connected with Dan Holland, who reviewed the case, provided with me realistic expectations, sound advice and had a willingness to move forward and represent me.His calm and professional demeanor, brought me to a place of reassurance. His ease in addressing all facets of this process, clearly demonstrated a wealth of experience. There was never any hesitation, when being challenged, and felt my best interest was always in the forefront.This case has since been resolved, to my complete satisfaction.Without reservation, HIMPRO (and Dan Holland, in particular), would be the only firm I would recommend for these type of cases.
js_loader

HIMPRO BY HIMELFARB PROSZANSKI LLP

HIMPRO is a leading law firm with full service personal injury and disability insurance lawyers. We have been recognized by Best Lawyers and assigned the highest rating, AV Preeminent, from Martindale-Hubbell. We provide a combined century of trial experience which has led to the successful settlement of over 10,000 cases with combined settlement value in excess of 3/4 billion dollars. Our mission is to win your case. At HIMPRO by Himelfarb Proszanski LLP we build winning cases. That’s the HIMPRO Advantage™.

CONTACT

LOCATION

Toronto Disability Lawyers
480 University Ave
Suite 1401
Toronto ON
M5G 1V2
(416) 599-8080

Brampton Disability Lawyers
2 County Ct Blvd
Suite 400
Brampton ON
L6W 3W8
(905) 595-6760

Hamilton Disability Lawyers
1 Hunter St E
Ground Floor
Hamilton ON
L8N 3W1
(905) 777-8002

Kitchener Disability Lawyers
22 Frederick St
7th Floor
Kitchener ON
N2H 6M6
(519) 772-7659

Oshawa Disability Lawyers
21 Simcoe St S
Oshawa ON
L1H 4G1
(289) 634-5554

Back To Top