Numerous cases related to personal injury have been reported in the US. It may be a road accident that led to the injury. Or perhaps the cause was a workplace mishap. Or it occurred because of any negligence in the medical treatment. Whatever the reason, the victim or a family member of the victim of such an injury may claim compensation if the cause of the incident was the negligence or mistake of someone else.

To handle this kind of claims case you need the help of an expert lawyer. But which lawyer to hire? This is a pertinent question that confuses many. Keep in mind these five points and you are sure to choose the right professional for the case.

Qualification – If your attorney is a qualified one, he would know all about the state laws pertaining to a case. Apart from the personal injury laws, these professionals also need to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the state insurance laws.

You also need to check whether he is a member of the legal associations and organizations and whether he actively participates in legal seminars and such gatherings. This proves his interest and acumen in his particular field.

Specialization – What is the cause of your personal injury? Find a lawyer who specializes in similar cases. He would be able to let you understand the right methods to use in your case, the approximate time required to resolve the issue, the amount you could claim as compensation, the costs, if any, involved, and so on.

License – Only a licensed New York personal injury lawyer could legally represent you. The list of all licensed lawyers is available from the local bar association. All you need to do is check out this piece of information from beforehand.

Experience – Ask about the experience of the lawyer. It is wise to choose someone who has dealt with similar cases for at least a few years. His experience helps him understand which points to highlight in the case. You also need to have a clear idea about the success rate of the lawyer.

There is another related point that you need to know about. Most of the cases related to personal injury are settled out of court. In such circumstances it is necessary that your lawyer can efficiently negotiate the compensation amount with the insurance adjuster. But only a negotiator won't suffice if the case reaches a trial. You need a legal expert who is capable of handling the case in both these situations.

Charges – It is essential to know all about the costs involved in this matter. Otherwise you could end up with financial losses which could not be overcome even if you get the compensation.

Ask your lawyer about the charges in advance. Most lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that they get their fees only if they are capable of getting you the right amount as compensation. This is usually one-third of the amount you receive. If he asks for a particular fee for handling the case, you can think of hiring another lawyer.