Finding the best Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer can be a critical decision that significantly impacts the outcome of your case and your overall experience during the legal process. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall incident, medical malpractice situation, or any other type of personal injury scenario, having the right attorney by your side can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. The following is a comprehensive guide on how to find the best Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer for your needs. For more detailed information regarding your situation, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp.
Research and Referrals
Begin your search by conducting thorough research online. Look for reputable law firms and individual attorneys specializing in personal injury cases in the Virginia Beach area. Seek recommendations from friends, family members, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with personal injury lawyers. Referrals from trusted sources can provide valuable insights and help narrow down your options.
Experience and Expertise
When evaluating potential attorneys, prioritize those with extensive experience and expertise in handling personal injury cases similar to yours. You want an attorney whose practice focuses only on personal injury law and deeply understands relevant statutes and case precedents. “All we do is injury law” is our firm’s slogan, and we are committed to fighting for our clients to recover what they deserve from negligent parties. Our firm NEVER represents the at-fault party.
Consider Experience and Track Record
When considering attorneys for your case, prioritize ones with extensive experience and a proven track record of success. Inquire about the attorney’s past case results, including settlements and verdicts obtained for clients with similar injuries or circumstances. An attorney who has successfully litigated cases and negotiated favorable outcomes can provide you with confidence in their ability to advocate for your rights.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have obtained more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts in our over thirty years of practice in injury law.
Credentials and Professional Associations
Verify the credentials and professional affiliations of prospective lawyers. Look for attorneys board-certified in personal injury law by reputable organizations, such as the American Board of Trial Advocacy or the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Membership in prestigious legal associations, such as the American Association for Justice or the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, can also indicate a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development. Other ranking services to watch for include the following:
Best Lawyers® – Purely Peer Review®
Best Lawyers boasts a purely peer-reviewed lawyer rating system and historically had an official relationship with U.S. News and World Report. In 2023, the parties announced a split, and U.S. News plans to roll out its own new rating system. Nonetheless, Best Lawyers has a solid, well-known rating system based on reviews by attorneys and judges, so the system is rooted in a solid, reputable foundation.
Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
This is probably the most established peer-reviewed lawyer rating system, every lawyer is familiar with Martindale. Lawyers anonymously rate other attorneys they are acquainted with, and “A V” is the highest rating an attorney achieves.
Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The final published list represents no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state. The lists are published annually.
Avvo Ratings
Avvo is a popular website featuring lawyers from all over the U.S. and is a more recent lawyer rating system available to consumers. The rating is calculated using a mathematical model, and all lawyers are evaluated on the same set of standards. All lawyers are treated equally. The model used to calculate the rating was developed with input from hundreds of attorneys, thousands of consumers, and many other legal professionals who understand the work attorneys do. Ratings fall on a scale of 1 (Extreme Caution) to 10 (Superb), helping you quickly assess a lawyer’s background based on our rating.
Our Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys with Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have consistently been included in all of these organizations year after year.
Client Reviews and Testimonials
Read client reviews and testimonials to gain insight into past clients’ experiences with the attorney or law firm. Websites like Google My Business, Yelp, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell are valuable resources for accessing unbiased reviews and ratings. Pay attention to feedback regarding communication, responsiveness, legal expertise, and overall satisfaction with the representation provided.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we are grateful for every Google 5-star review our clients have provided us. Diversity, inclusion, and equal rights are all critical to our mission: winning for our clients.
Initial Consultation
Schedule an initial consultation with the attorney to discuss your case in detail. Most Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers – including our firm – offer free consultations, during which you can assess their suitability for your needs. Use this opportunity to ask questions about the attorney’s experience, approach to handling cases, fee structure, and estimated timeline for resolving your claim. Pay attention to how the attorney listens to your concerns, provides clear explanations, and demonstrates genuine interest in your case.
Fee Structure and Billing Practices
Inquire about the attorney’s fee structure and billing practices upfront to ensure transparency and avoid surprises later. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect a percentage of the final settlement or verdict if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Clarify the percentage fee and any additional expenses or costs associated with your case, such as court filing or expert witness fees.
Personal Compatibility
Consider the personal compatibility and rapport between you and the attorney. Trust and open communication are essential components of a successful attorney-client relationship. Choose an attorney who makes you feel comfortable, respected, and confident in their ability to advocate for your rights and interests.
Local Knowledge and Resources
Select a personal injury lawyer who understands local laws, court procedures, and insurance practices in Virginia. A lawyer familiar with the local legal landscape and has established relationships with judges, prosecutors, and other attorneys may have a strategic advantage in navigating your case effectively.
About Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyers
Founded in 1985, the Virginia Beach personal injury law firm has restricted its practice exclusively to personal injury law. For over a decade, Richard N. Shapiro has written the annual review of the top civil justice stories each year on the national Legal Examiner blog network. The law firm is listed as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News, and the firm features personal injury Super Lawyers, lawyers with high Avvo ratings, and lawyers with other top, best Virginia Beach, VA personal injury law rankings.