Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer by Yourself vs Going Through a Law Firm? Which is Better?

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Independently

The Advantages –

You will Receive Personalized Attention – Working directly with an individual lawyer usually means that they can handle your case personally from start to finish. A single lawyer would generally handle a fixed number of cases at a given time. This means you can develop a stronger one-on-one relationship with the lawyer.

Potential Savings in Overall Cost – Certain independent lawyers may have lower overhead costs than large firms. They might charge less overall, or be more flexible with their fees.

Flexibility in Approach – An independent lawyer may tailor their strategy to your specific needs without the bureaucracy or policies of a larger firm.

Disadvantages –

Potentially Limited Resources – Solo practitioners of law may lack some financial and staffing resources necessary to handle complex or high-value cases requiring extensive litigation. They may also not have access to expert witnesses, medical consultants, or advanced technology often needed to build cases.

The Risk of Work Overload – If your lawyer has a heavy caseload, your case may potentially not receive the attention it deserves.

Limited Backup in Some Instances – If your lawyer is unavailable due to illness or other unforeseen reasons, your case may face delays without sufficient backup.

Hiring a Law Firm

The Advantages –

Access to a Wide Range of Resources – Experienced Personal Injury Law firms often have teams of attorneys, paralegals, and more staff for support. Various teams are allocated for conducting research, gathering evidence, and preparing cases. These staff also usually have established relationships with expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals.

Expert Team Collaboration on Cases – At a law firm, multiple lawyers can collaborate on your case, bringing diverse expertise and perspectives on your situation.

Reputation and Influence – Large, well-known firms may carry more weight with insurance companies and opposing attorneys. Their reputation can potentially lead to quicker or larger settlements.

Great for Avoiding Delays – If your lawyer is unavailable, another team member can step in for your case without needing too much time to catch up with the particulars of your case. This helps ensure continuity for your legal representation.

Disadvantages –

Less Personalized Attention – There is a chance that your case might be assigned to an associate or junior lawyer rather than the partner you initially meet. You may also feel like just another client among many, even if you are receiving legal services of the highest quality.

Potentially Higher Costs – Larger firms may have higher contingency fees. This is a percentage of your settlement for your claim. Higher overheads and number of resources used may usually be the reason.

Getting a Standardized Approach – Some firms might follow a cookie-cutter strategy for handling cases rather than a fresh approach tailored to your unique circumstances.

Key Considerations to Make When Filing Personal Injury Claims in the New York State

No-Fault Insurance Rules – In New York, for motor vehicle accidents, your own insurance usually covers initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. This system may simplify claims for minor injuries. However, they may complicate serious injury cases. A lawyer or firm experienced with New York's specific laws is crucial.

Adhering to the Statute of Limitations – In the state of New York, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of injury. However, other deadlines may apply based on your case: e.g., for claims against a municipality. A seasoned legal professional is vital to keep track of these deadlines.

Consider Your Legal Professional’s Experience with Negotiations – Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Whether you decide to choose an independent lawyer or a firm, prioritize their success rate and reputation in handling personal injury claims in New York.

Final Thoughts – Hiring an Individual Lawyer vs a Law Firm

Choose an Independent Lawyer if you value personalized attention – especially if you have a straightforward case that doesn't require extensive resources.

Make Sure to Opt for a Law Firm if your case is complex and involves catastrophic injuries. Or you need to access a broad network of resources and legal expertise.

In either case, make sure your lawyer or firm specializes in personal injury cases and has a proven track record in the state of New York.