Navigating a serious injury or illness is one of the most challenging experiences many individuals face during their lifetime. When these injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, choosing the right lawyer to represent your interests during this difficult time is the most important choice you will need to make. 

To help you navigate this decision more effectively, we have created a detailed report profiling 10 of the top personal injury firms in the United States, along with a personal injury litigation guide to help you better understand the entire process.

Top 10 Best US Personal Injury Lawyers

These are 10 of the best personal injury lawyers or firms in the country. They represent a diverse range of clients from some of our nation’s key metropolitan areas. Each practice is award-winning, carries a long line of successful cases and has the respect of fellow attorneys in their field. 

SPBMCC: Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. 

New York, NY

One of the most trusted personal injury firms in New York, SPBMCC has recovered over $2 Billion for their clients in the last 10 years alone. In the original September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), the Firm represented 363 injured firefighters and families of firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, pro bono, securing more than $265 million for the plaintiffs for no legal fee. 

Attorneys

• Robert G. Sullivan: Senior Member and Director
• Christopher T. McGrath: Member and Director
• Nicholas Papain: Member and Director
• Frank V. Floriani: Leader of the Product Liability and Complex Litigation Department
• Eleni Coffinas: Leader of the Medical Malpractice Unit

Employee Count: 88

Practice Areas

• Construction and Work Injuries
• Firefighter Law
• Medical Malpractice
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Personal Injury / General Negligence
• 9/11 Related Injuries
• Premises Liability
• Product Liability
• Dangerous Drugs
• Dangerous Medical Devices
• Consumer Products

Ratings

• Google: 4.8/5 Stars
• Yelp: 5/5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

The law firm Sullivan, Papain et al., personifies the type of professionalism that is so rare these days. From the very beginning to the very end, they pursued my case with skill and dedication. While working hard for a settlement, they are quite prepared to go to trial, if they feel that will bring a better result. Their excellent record in court makes it more likely that other law firms will settle. I ended up with a settlement that was more than I expected. The attorney assigned to me, Mark Apostolos, was particularly excellent in every way. I highly recommend Sullivan, Papain et al. and, in particular, Mark Apostolos

Ralph Rosenberg

I was 16 years old when I lost my lower right limb.  By the grace of God, my mother found her way to the office of Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo. Murie Ng provided the professional counsel and personal attention that we so desperately needed. We had the utmost confidence that our case was in good hands. We felt like we were part of a family.  That’s why even though it’s been 21 years since my matter was resolved, this is the only firm I would consult in my time of need.

Esau Venzen

My experience with Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo was excellent. They were understanding of everything I was going through and they helped me with my daughter’s case in a major way. If I had to recommend them to anyone I would and I thank everyone for all their hard work throughout the years.

Samantha Miller

Negative Review

Craig Silverman and Jennifer Laurie sat on the hernia mesh case for 2 years and filed nothing. It’s not looking good for these two. They never would call you back. Only when they felt like calling.

Sharon Carbaugh

Contact

• Address: 120 Broadway, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10271
• Phone: (212) 732-9000
• Website: https://www.triallaw1.com/

Summary

A trusted firm with a roster of experienced and award-winning litigators, SPBMCC represents clients from all walks of life in a range of personal injury and malpractice suits.

Wisner Baum

Los Angeles, CA

Since 1973, WB has earned a reputation for its forward-thinking approach to personal injury law. Known for taking on several high-stakes cases and holding some of America’s most influential Fortune 500 corporations accountable, Wisner Baum has won more than $4 Billion in verdicts and settlements for their clients. 

Lawyers

• R. Brent Wisner: Managing Partner
• Michael L. Baum: Senior Partner
• Bijan Esfandiari: Liability Litigation Attorney
• Timothy A. Loranger: Attorney and Senior Partner
• Monique Alarcon: Medical Device, Pharmaceutical Drug and Consumer Fraud Litigation Attorney

Employee Count: 108

Practice Areas

• Aviation Accidents
• Baby Food Lawsuits
• Class Actions
• Defective Medical Devices
• Personal Injury
• Military Accidents
• Pharmaceutical Drugs
• Toxic Torts
• Truck Accidents
• Whistleblower

Ratings

• Google: 4.8/5 Stars
• Yelp: 3.5/5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

This law firm was great to deal with and I am completely satisfied with how they handled my case. In particular, Frances Phares was exceptional to work with. She was very responsive and made me feel like someone at the firm really cared about the outcome. Highly recommend using this firm should you have the need for legal representation.

Marty E. 

I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a team to represent them. They work as a group and handle each case as if it was their family member.

Tarah Gramza

This is an outstanding Law Firm. They kept me informed throughout my case. One of the few law firms that actually care about the individual.

William Blum

Negative Review

Didn’t return calls for weeks at a time and then wouldn’t answer questions – would advise you find another firm to represent you from my experiences.

Glen Alder

Contact

• Address: 11111 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 1750, Los Angeles, CA 90025
• Phone: 310.909.8212
• Website: https://www.wisnerbaum.com/

Summary

Wisner Baum has the experience and resources to represent clients facing opposition from even the largest and most influential coroporations.

Levin & Perconti

Chicago, IL

Established in 1992 and recognized by Super Lawyers and the ElderCare Alliance, Levin & Perconti has recovered more than a billion dollars for victims of negligence-based injuries and illnesses. WIth a an experienced team of trial attorneys concentrating on a range of personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims, L&P remains one of Chicago’s most respected firms. 

Attorneys

• Steven M. Levin: Founder and Managing Partner
• John J. Perconti: Founder and Managing Partner
• Michael F. Bonamarte, IV: Managing Partner
• Margaret P. Battersby Black: Managing Partner
• Susan L. Novosad: Partner

Employee Count: 37

Practice Areas

• Nursing Home Abuse
• Personal Injury
• Birth Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Automobile and Boating Accidents
• Workplace Injury
• Worker’s Compensation
• Sexual Assault
• Police Brutality
• And much more

Ratings

• Google: 4.8/5 Stars
• Yelp: 3/5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

Many people worked on my case at this firm. They had to push strongly on the facility’s attorney to respond and come to a settlement. They know the SNF industry, laws and regulations. My case was not worth a lot of money but they worked on it to finally get a resolution. They are known to be aggressive in their pursuit of justice and that is exactly what you need for your case.

Nan Delaney

I cannot say enough good things about the team working on my case at Levin and Perconti. When another law firm told me that I did not have a case for the neglect and awful treatment that my mother endured at a nursing home, Margaret Battersby Black was willing to take the case. They kept me informed and most importantly they were very compassionate. Thanks to this team my loving mother got justice and I got some closure. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Sharon Rockaitis

Negative Review

For 7 months I provided all information requested from L&P, and 6 weeks after my sister’s passing I was told Levin & Perconti would not pursue a case. I was heartbroken to say the least, then angered that it would take 7 months for that decision. 

Latawnya R. 

Contact

• Address: 325 N LaSalle Dr Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60654
• Phone: 312.332.2872
• Website: https://www.levinperconti.com/

Summary

With over 200 years of combined experience, Levin & Peconti has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report’s Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms,” Super Lawyers and the American Association for Justice Leader’s Forum.

The Reeves Law Group

Los Angeles, CA

With multiple offices in both Los Angeles and Orange County, along with several additional meeting locations across the state of California, the Reeves Law Group has been winning cases for clients for over 30 years. Recognized in multiple national and regional Top 10 and Top 25 awards lists, Reeves focuses solely on clients suffering from accidents and injuries. 

Attorneys

• J. Derek Pakiz, ESQ: Litigation Supervisor and Lead Trial Attorney
• Robert Reeves, Retired: Founder and Attorney
• Marc Thompson: Attorney
• Maria Amo: Attorney

Employee Count: 11

Practice Areas

• Traffic Accidents
• Premises Accidents
• Serious Injuries
• Dangerous Products

Ratings

• Google: 4.7/5 Stars
• Yelp: 4/5 Stars
• BBB: A+ Accredited

Positive Reviews

About 10 months ago, I was splitting lanes on the 22 freeway in Orange, CA on my motorcycle when a vehicle failed to see me and abruptly turned into me, causing me to crash. I called the Reeves Law Group. Super professional group of attorneys and paralegals! I couldn’t have asked for better or more honest treatment from an injury law firm. 

Dwayne Mixon

I had a terrific experience working with this law firm. I was involved in an awful car accident which I was not at fault. Right from the beginning, they (Reeves) were very professional. They were great at answering any questions I had and managed to get me a very nice settlement for my case. I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Tim Fisher

From the first phone call we knew we were in good hands.The Reeves Law group sent out Blaise Patskowski to our house. Blaise fought the fight for us and didn’t just settle. We were more than happy with our results. We would definitely recommend Blaise and the Reeves Law Group for any injury lawsuit.

Bernadette Mastrosimone

Negative Review

They just like to waste people’s time! Called only to tell me they don’t take cases like mine. If so, they should update their website to reflect that instead of telling me to wait for a lawyer to call me back when I had already explained the case when I first called in. Would not recommend anyone here.

Cindy Z.

Contact

• Address: 1055 W. 7th St. #3333, Los Angeles, CA 90017
• Phone: 1.800.644.8000
• Website: https://www.robertreeveslaw.com/

Summary

The Reeves Law Group has recovered over $250 million for their clients. Their success is spearheaded by the strong leadership of J. Derek Pakiz, often considered to be one of the ten best personal injury attorneys in America.

Goldberg, Persky & White P.C.

Pittsburg, PA

Established more than 35 years ago, Goldberg, Persky & White began with a mission to help working people, especially those dealing with illnesses related to asbestos exposure. Now with offices in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan, Goldberg is one of the largest personal injury firms in their region. assisting clients with a range of personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, toxic exposure and other claims. 

Attorneys

• David P. Chervenick: Member, Executive Committee, Attorney
• Joseph J Cirilano: Attorney
• Jason T Shipp: Attorney
• Diana Nickerson Jacobs: Attorney
• Charles J. McLeigh: Attorney

Employee Count: 84

Practice Types

• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma
• Toxic Exposure
• Dangerous and Defective Products
• Nursing Home Negligence
• Property Damage
• Asbestos Overview
• The Opioid Crisis

Ratings

• Google: 4.3/5 Stars
• Yelp: Not Rated
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

Very polite, respectful, well mannered, blunt and gets the job done…handles issues on hand no matter what the cause is and is willing to work with you financially. Doesn’t get any better than that. You can count on them.

Renee Austin

Goldberg Persky & White PC is a very professional company that we have had the opportunity to work with throughout the last 5 months. They are very experienced in asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits! I highly recommend giving them a call.

Connor Mc Grieb

Negative Review

Critical of their professionalism, quality and responsiveness.

Linda Kratko

Contact

• Address: 11 Stanwix St Suite 1800, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Phone: 1.412.471.3980
• Website: https://gpwlaw.com/

Summary

With a strong reputation for backing the working man and woman, Goldberg remains one of Pennsylvania’s most consistent personal injury firms. They continue to fight hard on behalf of individuals and families affected by asbestos and other wrongful exposure or personal injury claims.  

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys

Irving, TX

In business for over a quarter century, Thomas J Henry moved from local go-to auto and on-the-job accident attorneys to a comprehensive nationally recognized personal injury law firm. On behalf of their clients, the team have litigated against some of the largest companies in the U.S., both Fortune 500 and Fortune 100, and remain dedicated supporters of several causes, like the American Heart Association, The American Red Cross and the Special Olympics. 

Attorneys

• Thomas J. Henry: Founder and Attorney
• Michael E. Henry: Senior-level Attorney
• Roger L. Turk: Chair of the Major Trial Division
• Lesley Panizczyn: Mass Tort Manager
• Russell W. Endsley: Attorney

Employee Count: 625

Practice Areas

• Injury (all forms)
• Accidents (all forms)
• Mass Tort

Ratings

• Google: 4.8/5 Stars
• Yelp: 3/5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

Oh my God when I tell you these people are good! They are actually better than good, they are phenomenal! Very professional and they know what they are doing. As I went through my ordeal, I wasn’t confused or pressured about anything. Thank you, Thomas J Henry Law Firm for all that you did. Kyle, you are the best!

Sonia Thomas

I just wanted to say how impressed I was with the Thomas J Henry law firm and especially my attorney Cephus Richard. I am extremely appreciative of the time and dedication he put into my case and how comfortable and understood he made me feel. The entire team was attentive, continuously in contact, easy to reach, helpful and considerate. Five stars!

TJ Atkins

Negative Review

I wouldn’t recommend this law firm. I lost part of my leg in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t my fault. They told me they’d pay for my prosthetic leg, pay my doctor’s bills and anything else that needed to be paid for but have paid nothing… I don’t even get updated on my case if I don’t call them. And now they only want to settle for basically nothing. This law firm was a waste of time.

Gerald Gonzales

Contact

• Address: 521 Starr St , Corpus Christi, TX 78401
• Phone: 1.866.517.5659
• Website: https://thomasjhenrylaw.com/

Summary

Recently garnering several seven and eight-figure settlements, a few of them among some of the nation’s largest wins in recent years, Thomas J. Henry has earned both regional and national awards and the respect of clients throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff LLP

New York, NY

Recently celebrating their 100th anniversary, Rosenberg has helped New York clients find peace of mind and more than $1 billion in compensation over the past century. Winner of several awards, including Martindale-Hubbell’s Distinguished peer rating and Super Lawyers, Rosenberg covers a variety of accident, injury and malpractice cases. 

Attorneys

• Peter Rosenberg: Partner
• Daniel C. Minc: Partner
• Steven C. Falkoff: Partner
• Robert H. Wolff: Partner
• Gary A. Silverstein: Partner

Total Employees: 27

Practice Areas

• Mass Transit Accidents
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Construction Injuries
• Premises Injuries
• Serious Injuries

Ratings

• Google: 4.7/5 Stars
• Yelp: 5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

This New York personal injury law firm makes clients feel comfortable and they were attentive, professional and knew about the law. Their entire office is amazing and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff for all your legal personal injury needs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx!

Robert C. B.

This office has shown me professionalism and courtesy like no other. From day 1 they treated me like a human being and not like a potential dollar sign. If you need a personal injury firm or know someone who does, look no further than this page! They are the best at what they do.

Daniel M.

Negative Review

They told me to come in so we can discuss my medical malpractice case. After taking notes I was told they don’t handle Orthopedic medical cases. So what is the point of me wasting my time and money to come and see you for you to tell me that? You could have just told me on the phone. Unbelievable.

Hassan Abdelnaby

Contact

• Address: 122 East 42nd St. Suite 3800, New York, NY 10168
• Phone: 1.212.344.1000
• Website: https://rmfwlaw.com/

Summary
With a 95% success ratio across more than 30,000 cases over the past 100 years, Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff LLP continues to gain the respect of clients and peers with its commitment to focused, compassionate legal counsel for accident and injury sufferers throughout New York’s major metropolitan areas.

Stritmatter, Kessler, Koeller, Moore

Seattle, WA

Stritmatter was awarded the Washington State Association for Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished record of legal accomplishments. This tradition extends to the firm’s entire roster of attorneys and legal professionals. WIth a long list of seven, eight, and even nine-figure settlements, this powerhouse Seattle area practice is one of the Puget Sound region’s most consistent and sought-after firms. 

Attorneys

• Paul Stritmatter: Senior Partner
• Keith Kessler: Senior Partner
• Karen Koeller: Senior Managing Partner
• Brad Moore: Senior Partner
• Lisa Benedetti: Partner

Employee Count: 37

Practice Areas

• Automobile and Aircraft Accidents
• Class Action
• Civil Rights
• Premises Liability
• Maritime Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Rideshare Accidents
• Sexual Assault
• Wrongful Death
• Workplace Injury
• Hospital Infection
• And much more

Ratings

• Google: 4.5/5 Stars
• Yelp: 5/5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

My four daughters and I were very fortunate to have had the Stritmatter Kessler Koehler & Moore Firm represent us when we lost my husband suddenly in an accident. I am not sure that there is another firm out there that is as vigilant, knowledgeable and compassionate as this firm.

Kim Panzanaro

I had the pleasure of working with Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore as one of their clients after sustaining an injury from a traumatic accident. The service that I received from Andrew and Debra was authentic and beyond exceptional. I cannot say enough about just how wonderful they both are.

Krista Shull

Professional, caring and willing to fight for you. Dan Laurence is an outstanding attorney that is skilled and passionate about standing up for his clients. Our family was grateful and happy with the outcome of our wrongful death case. I would absolutely recommend Dan to anyone facing this horrible situation.

A.M.

Negative Review

No significant negative reviews found. 

Contact

• Address: 3600 15th Ave W #300, Seattle, WA 98119
• Phone: 1.206.448.1777
• Website: https://www.stritmatter.com/

Summary

Stritmatter, Kessler, Koeller, Moore continues to add to its string of high-value settlements by putting their client’s needs first, and offering superior counsel for a range of individual and class action lawsuits. 

Bostic Law Group, PA

Charleston, SC

Curtis E. Bostic and team represent a broad range of individual, corporate and non-profit clients in four states,including South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Founded over 25 years ago, Bostic continues to apply their expertise, not only in comprehensive personal injury litigation, but in mediation, contract negotiation and business litigation, respectively.

Attorneys

• Curtis Bostic: Founder and Attorney 
• Danielle Walker: Transactional Law and Complex Litigation
• Scott Drescher: Complex Civil Litigation
• Chrisopher M. Ramsey, Esq.: Construction Litigation, Personal Injury, Business

Total Employees: 12

Practice Areas

• Personal Accident or Injury
• Workplace Accident
• Automotive Accidents
• Defective Products
• Workers Compensation
• Aviation Accidents
• Maritime Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Business Law
• Contacts
• Construction
• And much more

Ratings

• Google: 4.9/5 Stars
• Yelp: 5/5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

The Bostic Law Firm handled my case in an excellent and professional manner.  It was so helpful to be able to direct unwanted insurance calls to my attorney and trust that my case was being handled with my best interests in mind. The amount of time and effort that was invested in my case gave me great peace of mind and I would highly recommend turning to the Bostic Law Firm in any situation.

Rebekah Stauffer

Sean Wilson, of the Bostic Law Firm did a great job handling my case. He was extremely professional and gave great counsel throughout the entire process. I’ve since recommended he and the firm to counsel one of my family members. Great all around experience!

Terry Scipio

Negative Review

I have attempted to find the words to help explain the helplessness I feel towards this firm and the negligence is near impossible. They failed me in several cases and quite frankly may have even cost me thousands of dollars as a result.

David Elledge

Contact

• Address: 2236 Ashley Crossing Dr., Charleston, SC 29414
• Phone: 1.843.350.9646
• Website: https://www.bosticlaw.com/

Summary

Bostic is a smaller, comprehensive law firm, honored by peers and former clients alike, for their tenacity, consistency, integrity and focus. This team has been recognized by Newsweek, Leadership in Law, LCA and the American Association for Justice, and works hard to build strong ties with their community. 

Jezic & Moyse

Wheaton, MD

This D.C. area firm handles a variety of litigation matters, including DUI/DWI, immigration and significant criminal defense cases. However, Jezic is widely regarded as one of Maryland’s best personal injury practices, and frequently honored by peers for their integrity and high rate of success. 

Attorneys

• Andrew V. Jezic: Founding Partner
• David H. Moyse: Founding Partner
• Amal Bertrand: Partner, Personal Injury
• Jonathan Carroll: Partner, Personal Injury
• James Hoffman: Partner, Personal Injury

Total Employees: 68

Practice Areas

• Personal Injury
• Workers Compensation
• Medical Malpractice
• Immigration
• DUI/DWI
• Protective Order
• Divorce/Custody
• Criminal Defense

Ratings

• Google: 4.8/5 Stars
• Yelp: 4/5 Stars
• BBB: Not Accredited

Positive Reviews

Andrew Jezic is a special person. Not only is he a great attorney, he is kind and caring. He was truly concerned about his client (me). He is intelligent, well prepared and supported by a great staff. I was impressed at his attention to every detail. 

Lennon M. 

Attorney Moyse is a super expert. He is committed to great service. He knows how to dig to the root of the problem and let the truth come out on its own. I didn’t have to go to the courtroom for my case. At their office I felt valued, my problem was resolved, and all my questions were answered. He is friendly and easy to work with. Everyone in his office is kind to customers and the atmosphere is awesome.

Hilaire

Negative Review

There was a time I would have given this firm 5 stars, but, alas, that is no longer the case.  It seems that one has to be really entangled with the law to get thoughtful and prompt service. Perhaps, I am not a lucrative enough client to be shown the same consideration as one that is facing a life sentence?

M K

Contact

• Address: 2730 University Boulevard W., Suite 604, Wheaton, MD 20902
• Phone: 1.240.292.7200
• Website: https://jezicfirm.com/

Summary

Recognized as one of Maryland’s top 10 lawyers for 2022 and 2023, Jezic and team hold a unique position within personal injury and criminal defense litigation. 

A Guide to Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating the details of a personal injury claim requires research and the counsel of an experienced legal professional. The guide below will help you gain a better understanding of personal injury litigation and the process involved in forming your legal strategy. 

What is Personal Injury Litigation?

Personal injury is any injury to a person’s body, mind, emotions or reputation, as opposed to injury to their property rights. 

Personal injury litigation encompasses a wide field of potential claims. Some common examples include:

Medical Malpractice

• Surgical Error
• Failure to Diagnose a Serious Condition
• Wrongful Death
• Medical Oxygen Deprivation
• Hospital Accidents
• Improper Prescription

Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Automobile Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Uber/Lyft Accidents
• Commercial Trucking Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents

Maritime Accidents

• Personal Craft
• Commercial Shipping
• Swimmer’s or Diver’s Injury from Watercraft

Product Liability

• Design Defect
• Manufacturing Defect
• Improper Warnings about the Product
• Pharmaceutical Drug Interactions

Workplace Injury

• Unsafe workplace
• Faulty equipment or improper use
• Toxic Exposure
• Slips and Falls
• Electrocution
• Long-term Injury from Chronic Overwork 

Premises Liability/Slip & Fall

• Slips and Falls at a Business, Government or other Public or Private use Building
• Injury Incurred at a Residential Home
• Pool Injury
• Electrocution 
• Retail Store Injuries and Accidents
• Faulty Construction: unsafe or non-functioning items like doors, stairs and elevators
• Dram Shop – Alcohol Liability
• Commercial Kitchen Burns
• Gas Leaks
• Damaged Parking Lot
• Unmarked Potentially Threatening Areas: unclear or missing warning signs

Some additional examples of personal injury include:

• Animal Bites and Attacks
• Food Poisoning
• Civil Battery
• Child Battery
• Mass Torts such as Asbestos Exposure
• Psychological Injury
• Permanent Disability
• Aviation Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Among several others

Personal Injury Litigation Essentials

Personal injury law is a form of tort law, which seeks to redress a wrong done to a person and provide relief from the wrongful act. Personal injury litigation refers to legal defenses and remedies in civil lawsuits brought as a result of wrongful conduct. This is based on either intentional tort (a deliberate wrongful act against the plaintiff), or the doctrine of negligence, which requires members of society to act responsibly and avoid putting others at risk. 

When individuals, groups, organizations, companies or other entities act in a reckless, careless or negligent manner which results in personal injury to another, the injured may seek the aid of legal counsel to file a claim and prepare a case against the negligent party. If the plaintiff’s attorneys can prove wrongful conduct on the part of the accused, the plaintiff may seek monetary compensation for the injury. 

One of the many benefits of partnering with a personal injury lawyer is that these professionals usually work on a contingent fee basis. This means that they only collect money if and when you do. They base their fee on the total amount of damages you receive for your case. This frees up many individuals to seek counsel who might otherwise be disqualified because of limited financial resources.

Elements of Personal Injury Claims

There are four primary elements required when forming a personal injury claim. These include:

Duty

Your attorney must prove that the defendant owed you a legal duty of care. For example, drivers owe other drivers or pedestrians a duty to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. Also, homeowners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. 

Breach of Duty

Your attorney must prove that the defendant was in breach of the stated duty, whether by action or inaction. 

Causation

Your attorney must show that the defendant’s breach of duty caused your accident and its resulting injury. The injury must have been reasonably foreseeable, and the breach, either the direct or proximate cause of your specific injury. 

Damages (Harm)

Your attorney must prove harm by showing damages, which may include economic damages (medical bills), non-economic damages (pain and suffering or mental anguish) and punitive damages (damages assessed during the legal process to punish the defendant for negligence). The only permissible remedy for harm is monetary compensation. 

What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer is an attorney who provides legal services to parties claiming injury, either physical or psychological, resulting from the negligence of another person, company, organization, government agency or other entity. 

Personal injury attorneys investigate claims, gather evidence, check sources, negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys, send demand letters, conduct discovery, prepare pleadings and represent their clients at trial. Precisely what duties a personal injury lawyer fulfills varies slightly, depending on the needs of the client and the requirements of the case at hand.

In a personal injury case, breaches of duty, or wrong-doing involve one of the following fault types:

Ordinary Negligence

A kind of everyday negligence, personified by common human error, such as turning right on a red light without looking at oncoming traffic or not realizing you left a garden tool out that could trip and injure someone. 

Contributory and Comparative Negligence

These two legal concepts apply when the individual bringing the injury claim might share in a measure of the fault for the underlying accident. 

With contributory negligence, if the defendant is responsible for even a small measure of fault, they are not permitted to collect damages. Currently, North Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia operate under a contributory negligence system. 

Comparative Negligence is a tort principle used to reduce the amount of damages a plaintiff might recover in a negligence-based claim. This stems directly from the degree of negligence each party contributed to the incident. When an injured victim is partially at fault for the incident, the court may assign a percentage of fault to both parties and adjust recoverable damages to accommodate this split. 

This choice involves one of three forms of comparative negligence, pure comparative negligence, modified comparative negligence or slight-gross comparative negligence. Each one adjusts the amount of damages owed to the victim and each one is permissible in certain U.S. states. 

Vicarious Negligence

Vicarious negligence refers to a situation where one party’s negligence can be passed on to another party (person, business, organization, entity). For example, one person’s parking lot auto collision with another person might be placed on the building’s owner for failing to properly attend to an icy parking lot. 

Gross Negligence

Gross negligence refers to a level of fault that goes well beyond ordinary carelessness. It usually involves recklessness or an extreme disregard for the safety and well-being of others.  Getting drunk and then driving 110 mph through a school zone would constitute this level of recklessness.

How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer

The attorney you select to represent you will have a significant impact on the process and outcome of your case. You cannot afford to neglect the importance of this decision and the necessity for proper research. There are several factors to consider when making your choice. Some of the most important ones include the following:

Experience

Often, lawyers are either generalists or specialists. This means that they either practice several forms of law or focus on one area and build their expertise to a high level within that particular field. 

Sometimes, though, certain firms or lawyers are a mix of the two. They may practice several kinds of law, like divorce, DUI, immigration, contracts and criminal defense, but focus more acutely on one, perhaps personal injury, and build a reputation for their success in that discipline. 

You can choose either an attorney that focuses solely on personal injury or one that excels in multiple forms of litigation. Just make sure that their reputation for integrity and success precedes them, with peers and former clients alike. It is also prudent to seek representation from someone with experience arguing cases similar to yours, whether that be an accident involving a faulty product, toxic exposure at work or any number of other specific scenarios. 

Referrals

You might be surprised to learn of how many people you know who have needed legal counsel in the past. They will undoubtedly have both good and bad stories and a lot of advice to offer. Ask them for referrals for any attorneys who have served them well. This applies not only to close friends and family but to trusted co-workers, colleagues and familiars you regularly interact with through other community or recreational activities. 

Professional Office

Choose a lawyer that has a professional office and who keeps it clean and well organized. A great deal of activities, meetings and resources go into the formulation and management of a case. You want someone who conducts their practice with the utmost respect for you, for themselves and for their working environment. 

Success Rate

Most personal injury cases never go to trial. They are resolved between parties outside of court. However, be sure to hire someone with a long history of successful settlements and one who has argued a few successful cases all the way to a jury verdict. You need someone skilled at every portion of the process. 

Ask your prospective attorney for their success rate (win/loss ratio). If they refuse to provide it, they probably do not have a high one. This is a good sign to look elsewhere. Quality firms will be transparent about their hits and misses and willing to share with you any relevant and permissible information about cases similar to yours. 

Works on Contingency

Legal representation costs several hundred dollars or more per hour. Individuals suffering through the aftermath of an accident are often not in a position to cover these costs. Thankfully, reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingent basis. This means they only get paid when you do. Usual rates are between 25 and 40 percent of awarded damages.

Communication

Throughout the litigation process, you will likely have a great deal of questions. It’s important to team up with a firm that won’t ignore your inquiries, downplay your concerns or take forever to respond. Timely communication is key to forming a successful strategy and realizing a favorable outcome. 

Working Relationship Dynamic

Simply put, make sure you hire someone you get along with. They don’t need to become your friend. Still, the two of you should feel comfortable with each other, interact easily and freely communicate whenever needed. 

Do Your Research and Conduct Several Interviews

It’s usually not wise to hire the first lawyer that comes your way. Get to know a handful of them. Research each firm, read several reviews and ask a lot of questions. Learn about their success stories, their client roster, the way they work and any cases similar to yours. You’ll be working with them during one of the most impactful seasons of your life. 

Best Personal Injury Lawyer for Accidents and Wrongful Death

These types of cases are often stressful and lengthy. You need legal counsel with considerable experience successfully negotiating a range of accident and wrongful death cases. 

Areas of Practice

Skilled personal injury attorneys handling major accidents or occurrences of wrongful death should have experience in the following situations:

• Car and Truck Accidents
• Commercial Trucking Accidents
• Workplace Accidents
• Premises Liability: accidents involving residential homes or properties associated with businesses, governments and other organizations or entities 
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Dog and Other Animal Bites or Attacks
• Maritime and Aviation Accidents
• Drowning
• Bicycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Toxic Exposure
• Wrongful Death: resulting from injury or illness related to another’s negligence or willful wrongdoing

Key Traits of a Good Personal Injury Attorney

While individual personalities and working styles vary, every qualified personal injury attorney should possess certain traits and habits. Some of these include:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the medical field and injuries or illnesses like yours
• Good communication skills and habits
• Extensive litigation experience in a variety of cases
• Specialization in personal injury law
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of state and local laws
• Long track-record of success
• Experience successfully winning cases both in and out of court
• Is a thorough investigator
• Great listening skills
• Genuine compassion and concern

Best Personal Injury Lawyer for Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can leave individuals and families with the astronomical physical, emotional and financial burden of permanent injury, illness and even death. When you’re dealing with something this serious, you need a legal professional with extensive experience handling injury claims, but specifically, a range of medical malpractice cases. 

Medical malpractice is technically a different area of law. However, personal injury attorneys are skilled litigators, usually with a history of medical malpractice suits behind them. They are able to represent you in such cases and will be your primary advocate when dealing with injuries or illnesses that stem from medical negligence.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

• Surgical Errors
• Medical Oxygen Deprivation
• Wrong Prescription or Therapy
• Misdiagnosis
• Not Diagnosing a Serious Illness
• Fertility Clinic Mistakes
• Medical Instruments Left Inside the Body
• Anethstesia Errors: Patient Awake During Surgery
• Childbirth Injuries
• Amputating the Wrong Limb or Removing the Wrong Body Part

The qualities that personify a good attorney for medical malpractice are largely the same as those mentioned above for all personal injury attorneys. Pursue a lawyer with extensive experience, genuine compassion, a tenacious work ethic, years of experience with similar cases, solid research habits, a successful record and great communication skills. 

Additionally, they should possess extensive knowledge of hospital and medical clinic operations, a solid understanding of insurance companies and their practices, the legal requirements and limitations on doctors and nursing staff, and state and federal medical regulations. 

Best Personal Injury Lawyer for Product Liability

Product liability is another corner of personal injury law. If you are in need of counsel for this type of claim, your personal injury lawyer needs to have experience in this specific area of law. Consider only those candidates with a string of successes in injury cases involving consumer or other products.

Examples of Product Liability Claims

• Pharmaceutical Drug Interactions or Illnesses
• Faulty Tools or Appliances
• Fires Related to Malfunctioning Products
• Injuries from Toys
• Manufacturing Defects
• Design Defects
• Marketing Defects: Failure to Warn Consumers Properly of Potential Risks
• Breach of Warranty

Product liability is a nuanced legal practice, involving certain details sometimes not included in other forms of personal injury law. The firm will need to possess noteworthy examples of cases specifically involving defective, malfunctioning, dangerous or problematic products. 

Product liability cases encompass a range of possible injury claims. You may get injured by a failing garden tool or fall from a ladder that inexplicably breaks. Your child may cut themselves on a toy with a sharp edge or a family member might experience electrocution from exposed wiring on a new product. It may even simply be that a manufacturer failed to include a warning about certain potential risks involved with the use of a product. 

In addition to the qualities previously mentioned for other personal injury lawyers, your attorney should have a deep understanding of product design and manufacturing standards, local, state and federal regulations, corporate behavior and other business practices, consumer affairs, marketing practices, safety standards, warranty regulations and other details related to the production, distribution, sale, use and potential liability of consumer products.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Operate

Personal injury cases require considerable experience, resources and time, often months or even years. High-quality personal injury lawyers possess a unique set of skills and personal and professional traits to maximize on their experience. 

They must work effectively with clients and legal professionals. They need to understand how judges and juries think and decide. They need to possess an understanding of the mindset and the work performed by business managers, corporate representatives, government agents, and other individuals involved with your claim.

They will have superior research skills and be able to manage a large volume of information from a range of sources. Personal injury lawyers will use a variety of cases for comparison, those negotiated by their own firm, along with several historical cases handled by other firms that may be applicable to yours. 

When managing cases, personal injury lawyers will interview potential clients, independently investigate the details of the situation, gather relevant documents, conduct interviews, negotiate with insurance companies and other attorneys, mediate if necessary and represent their client in court if the need arises. 

Because personal injury lawyers have to manage a lot of information. they will not share every detail of the case. However, they should remain consistent in their communication with you, especially when it comes to the most important aspects of your case. Quality attorneys will operate with transparency and fully engage with you when you have concerns.

It is important that you understand your rights. Certain protections extend to citizens in a variety of capacities. This includes consumers, patrons, medical patients, employees and partners, and representatives of entities. Regardless of your individual situation, if you experience an accident or illness resulting from any form of negligence, you should seek to protect your rights and your well-being.  

If you or a loved one experience an injury due to the negligence of another party, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. You need to act quickly to give your attorney the best chance of success. When it comes to accidents and injuries, there are ways to fight back and protect yourself and your interests. A great personal injury lawyer will be at the forefront of your legal strategy.