How to evaluate a personal injury attorney
Personal Injury - March 3, 2026 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
When thinking about how to evaluate a personal injury attorney, focus on whether the lawyer has handled cases like yours, whether they are prepared to take a case to trial if necessary, and whether the firm has the resources to properly prepare your claim. The way a case is built and presented can influence how it progresses and how it resolves.
These aren’t the only three things you should consider, though. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers offer advice on how to evaluate a personal injury attorney that is right for you. Every personal injury case is different, so the lawyer that is just right for your case may not be the best lawyer to litigate another type of claim.
Most personal injury lawyers offer a complimentary initial consultation. They use this time to determine your eligibility for filing a personal injury lawsuit, but you can also use this consultation to vet the lawyer’s ability to meet your needs.
How can you verify a personal injury attorney’s qualifications?
First, verify that the attorney is licensed and in good standing with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The ARDC maintains public records showing whether an attorney is licensed and whether any disciplinary action has been taken.
Look on the “About Us” page on each lawyer’s website. It has attorney bios and often professional accolades. You can also review the attorney’s background, including years of practice and case experience.
How much experience should a personal injury attorney have?
Some lawyers choose to specialize in one or two types of personal injury cases or may earn a Board Certification from their state’s Bar Association. Others handle a broad range of personal injury matters. For high-value cases, or cases involving complex legal or technical issues, like medical malpractice or those that might set a legal precedent, it’s usually better to choose a personal injury lawyer who concentrates on these claims.
Some good questions to ask in your initial consultation are:
- How many cases like mine do you handle each year?
- Have you handled cases involving multiple defendants?
- What potential challenges do you see with my case?
Experienced lawyers can often identify weaknesses in your case just from the brief overview you’re able to give them in the consultation. Good lawyers will be realistic about the strength of your case. And, the answer to the last question can show just how much experience this lawyer has with your type of case.
Does the law firm have the resources to handle your case?
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront legal fees. Instead, the lawyer advances the costs of preparing the case and receives a percentage of any recovery
It’s reasonable to ask how a firm prepares complex cases and whether it has access to investigators, medical experts, or other specialists when needed.
Some questions you can ask:
- What kind of resources do you have to fight my case?
- What percentage of your cases go to trial versus settling?
- Will you be handling my case personally, or will it be passed to a junior associate?”
What are warning signs when choosing a personal injury attorney?
You’re going to be sharing very personal information with your lawyer. Pick someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Conflicting communication styles, a brusque demeanor when you voice a worry, or a general disinterest in your pain and worry are signs to move on to another lawyer.
Other warning signs may include:
- Ineffective communication or difficulty reaching them
- Pressure to accept a settlement before you feel fully informed
- No proven track record of success
Get experienced guidance for your personal injury case in Chicago
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates represents injured individuals throughout Chicago and Illinois. Our team handles a wide range of personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and other cases involving significant injuries. If you would like to discuss your situation, call (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation.
