AVOID BLIND JUSTICE.
It is very comforting to work with a professional who is not only good at what they do, but who actually enjoys doing it. In the medical profession, it’s sometimes called the doctors bedside manner. The doctors easy presence puts the patient at ease and allows for the patient to have confidence in the physicians care.
Sometimes its like watching a professional athlete execute an outstanding performance on the field - all the while making it look easy and effortless, and all while knowing deep inside that behind that stellar effort are countless hours of study, preparation, practice and experience.
This is also true for lawyers, and for trial lawyers in particular. There are many things lawyers can’t (and don't) learn in law school. Important things that only years of experience can teach. Listening. Questioning, Investigating. Counseling. Litigation discovery skills. Trial work. And negotiating. Knowing what to do now, what to do next, and what not to do, all to guarantee the best possible result for the client, within the framework of the facts of that particular case and the applicable and controlling law. Each of these skills are acquired through years of hands-on practice and experience.
When you select a personal injury lawyer, find a lawyer whose easy demeanor and confident manner instantly puts you at ease. Look for their concern. Listen how they answer your questions. Remember that there should never be a question too foolish to ask. Recognize that once retained, your conversations with your lawyer are legally privileged and only between you and your lawyer. You should be totally comfortable with the lawyer you retain and always confident that he or she is putting your best interests first.
Select a lawyer who has a proven track record and who is well regarded in the legal community where they practice. A proven track record and a good reputation within the legal community does not come easily.
Select a lawyer who is a trial lawyer. Recognize that all cases have the potential to go to trial, though statistically now less than five percent do. Anticipate that your case may have to go to trial. Cases are hard fought by both sides. Your lawyer will put much time and effort into the case. I guarantee that to you it will seem like an eternity and to the lawyer it will never seem to be enough time. The reason for this is that your lawyer will be not only working with you, but will also be working with the court, the attorneys who represent the other parties in the case, lay witnesses, expert witnesses, and insurance companies. There are a lot of procedures that need to be followed in a lawsuit. That process is what is commonly called "litigation". Many lawyers call themselves "litigators". Generally the litigator is very well versed in the procedure of discovery and often is a tenacious adversary - in discovery. The litigator however rarely is a trial lawyer. A trial lawyer is a lawyer who actually goes to court on a regular basis and actually tries cases. Like most people, you probably have little or no interest in having to go to court, take the witness stand and testify. I understand this. But what you must understand is that all cases must be prepared for trial, not just so that they can be tried if necessary, but to assure the best outcome for you at the end of the case. Choose a lawyer with real trial experience to assure you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Choose a lawyer who is willing to personally go the distance with you.
If you have been seriously injured because of the fault of another, I invite your call to discuss your situation.
CONSULTATIONS ARE WELCOME, FOR AS LONG AS NECESSARY, AND ALWAYS WITHOUT CHARGE.
Thank you.
JOHN S. SAWICKI, ESQ.
DIRECT DIAL: (908) 255-3455
EMAIL: mailbox@sawicki-esq.com