5 Times You Need to Hire a Lawyer and How to Do So Do you need to hire a lawyer? How can you be sure? If you're like most people, you know when you've been wronged or when you're in over your head. In truth, you can file a lawsuit for just about any reason. The question is whether or not you have a strong enough case to successfully sue for compensation. On the flip side, if you're the target of a lawsuit, failing to hire a lawyer could result in a massive financial loss. In criminal cases, not hiring a lawyer could have even worse consequences, like going to jail. We're here to clear a few things up. Keep reading for a quick guide on five situations that call for a lawyer and how to find the best legal representation for your case. Examples of When to Hire a Lawyer The biggest question people find themselves asking is whether or not their circumstances dictate the need to hire a lawyer. We recommend erring on the side of caution, rather than risking the consequences of inadequate legal support. Most lawyers offer free case evaluations, so you don't have anything to lose. Here are some common examples of situations that call for professional legal representation. 1. Personal Injuries Personal injury claims are some of the most common lawsuits in today's society. This includes a wide range of accidents, such as: Car accidents Work-related accidents Defective products Dog bites Slip and fall accidents Property liability accidents Medical malpractice If you find yourself in a situation like this, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, pain, suffering, emotional trauma, medical expenses, and more. You need to learn how to how to hire a personal injury lawyer to build a strong case and get the maximum payout. Conversely, learn when to hire a workers comp lawyer if you were injured at work. In most cases, employers carry workers comp insurance. However, you should hire a lawyer if the insurance is refusing to cover your expenses or is settling too low. 2. Divorce When a married couple parts, it can be incredibly messy. Trying to divide the couple's assets evenly is complicated. This problem is compounded if the couple shared a business or has a lot of money in shared assets. Just as importantly, if the married couple has children, it's common for them to fight over physical and legal custody. You need to hire a lawyer to protect your parental rights and ensure everything is separated evenly. Even amicable breakups can turn nasty. 3. Lawsuit Defense If you're the target of a lawsuit, you must hire a lawyer to get adequate legal defense against the plaintiff's claims. Whether you're being sued as a business owner or as a private citizen, failure to get expert legal counsel could result in crippling losses. In many cases, you might have insurance to cover the costs of being sued. However, there are limits to what your insurance is willing to pay out and what you're liable for. 4. Wrongful Death Losing someone we love is one of the greatest tragedies in life. There are no words to describe the pain and emotional trauma involved. However, these feelings can be exacerbated if you lost your loved one due to someone else's negligence or willful actions. In this case, you have substantial grounds to file a lawsuit. You deserve to be compensated for your loss and the guilty party should be held liable. If the loved one you lost was also a provider for your family, you also need to think about the financial logistics of their absence. You need compensation to make sure you can make ends meet and continue to provide a suitable life for you and any other members of your family. 5. Criminal Defense Finally, if you're being charged with a crime or violation of the law, you need to hire a lawyer to defend you. This is especially important if you're fighting the charges, have expensive fines, or are facing jail time. The right criminal defense attorney will help you mitigate the charges and/or prove your innocence. Regardless of your circumstances, it would be unwise to go to court without legal representation. How to Hire a Lawyer Now that we talked about the common reasons why you might need to hire a lawyer, let's discuss how to find the best lawyer for your case. Whether you want to hire a lawyer online or meet your prospective attorneys in person, you need to know what to look for. The lawyer you hire will have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. Find Client Reviews Start your search by Googling lawyers in your area. Make sure you dictate which type of lawyer you're looking for. For example, if you need a lawyer for criminal defense, sitting down with a personal injury lawyer will be a waste of your time. Once you have a list of prospective legal experts, visit each of their websites to find client reviews and testimonials. This will tell you everything you need to know about their competence, experience, expertise, communication skills, and more. Sit Down for a Free Case Evaluation Before you hire a lawyer, you must sit down for a free consultation or case evaluation. Use this time to learn as much as you can about your case. However, you should also use this time to determine if the lawyer is a good fit for you. You're looking for a lawyer who listens to you without interrupting and is willing to answer questions and address your concerns. They should also be knowledgeable and confident. To get started, contact this law group to schedule a consultation today. Consider Pricing and Fees One of the most important questions you need to ask is "How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?" The answer to this question depends on the type of lawyer you're hiring and their personal fees. For example, personal injury lawyers typically charge a contingency fee. In this case, they get paid a percentage of your winnings if, and only if, you win your case. Otherwise, they handle all of the court fees and other expenses. Other lawyers will charge a flat fee for something simple, like a divorce. Some lawyers charge hourly fees for more complicated services, like criminal defense. Talk to various lawyers to find the most affordable pricing. However, remember that cheap doesn't always mean better. Looking for More Valuable Information? Are you looking to hire a lawyer for your case? If so, don't waste any more time. Follow the steps listed above to determine if you need a lawyer and learn how to find the best one for your case. The sooner you reach out for help, the better. And if you're looking for more valuable insight into legal, personal, or professional issues, stick around for a while. Read through some of our other blogs to find more tips and advice.