The Paul Powell Law Firm understands that you have many choices when it comes to legal representation. Whether you choose our team or not, we want every prospective client to be comfortable with the choice that they make. There are many considerations to make when seeking a personal injury attorney. To help you make the best choice for your situation, here’s a guide on how to choose a personal injury lawyer.

Preparing for Your Personal Injury Lawyer Search

The first step in finding the best personal injury attorney for you is preparation. If you’re going to choose a law firm to represent you, then you’ll need to understand your situation as best you can in order to find a lawyer that you’re comfortable with. Before you start calling personal injury firms, our team suggests the following.

Creating a Summary

Write a concise single-page document that accurately sums up your accident and the injuries that you’ve suffered. This document should include specific dates, times, people or witnesses, places, and other relevant information. Photos or videos that support your claim should be included with your one-sheet summary.

Having a List of Questions Ready

Create a list of pertinent questions that will help you choose a personal injury lawyer. These questions should be as much about how the law firm you’re considering treats its clients as they are about the quality of services provided. If you found a potential personal injury lawyer through advertising or a website, then be sure to ask questions about any claims they make. For example, The Paul Powell Law Firm’s claim of “More Lawyer. Less Fee.” isn’t just a catchphrase, but a fact documented by the State Bar. Example questions include:

• What experience does the lawyer have with your particular personal injury claim? 
• Have they had success representing clients that have been involved in accidents similar to yours? (Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, etc.)
• What percentage of their caseload is dedicated to handling your type of personal injury claim?
• How long have they been in practice?
• What is their track record of success?
• What are their rates and fees, and how are they structured?
• Are there any additional costs above lawyer fees (postage, filing fees, copy fees, etc.)?
• Do they carry malpractice insurance? If so, how much?
• Can they provide references from other clients?
• Do they provide written fee agreements or representation agreements?
• What is their process to inform you of developments in your case?

Creating a “Must Have” List

Write down a short list of important attributes and qualities that you’re looking for in an injury attorney. Be sure to include deal-breakers as well. It’s important to know what you want and what you don’t want when you choose a personal injury lawyer. Having such a list will help narrow down your search and accelerate the process of finding the best lawyer for you.

• For example, is price a major issue for you? Or are you willing to pay a little more for the right lawyer with a credible and successful track record?
• Are the lawyer’s personal ethics important to you, or do you want a go-getter type mentality that will do whatever it takes to get the job done?
• Is response time, reputation, background, years of experience, etc. important to you? 

Doing Research to Best Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

The legal industry is vast, full of thousands of firms that specialize in hundreds of areas of law. So, now that you’ve organized your thoughts on paper and considered what you want in an injury attorney, the next step is researching the field. By whittling down your choices you’ll find the best personal injury lawyer for your needs. The Paul Powell Law Firm suggests:

• Making sure that you choose a firm that specializes in the area of law pertaining to your injury claim.

• Asking family or close friends for referrals or recommendations. They may have some personal insight that could save you time in your search and help you avoid making a bad decision.
• Using credible online resources to begin your search to find the right lawyer. Consider starting with your state or local Bar Association’s websites for a list of personal injury lawyers near you. Google reviews can help you get a baseline of a firm’s reputation, while Yelp can provide personal accounts with more detailed information.
• Researching a lawyer’s background information, such as education, experience, track record, availability, pricing, and performance. LegalMatch.com is another great online resource when it comes to getting an overview of a specific lawyer’s background and history.
• Asking lawyers that you have personal or professional relationships with about injury attorneys that you’re considering. Lawyers network and tend to know each other’s reputation. 

Making Initial Contact with a Personal Injury Firm

Okay, your documents are ready and you’re armed with information after doing some research. Now is the time to start reaching out to personal injury attorneys that you’re considering. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Decide if you prefer an initial telephone call, a video call, or an in-office meeting. Some people prefer to contact the law office by telephone for expediency, while others want a face-to-face consultation to get a feel for the person they’ll be working with. There is no right or wrong here; it’s about what’s most comfortable and effective for you.
• Whether you choose to speak via call or face-to-face, have your documents and questions ready. This will save you time, which is essential when pursuing a personal injury claim.
• Many personal injury firms offer free consultations. Take advantage of this and use as much time as they’ll give you. Be wary of firms that charge for initial consultations; this could be a waste of your time and money.
• If you’ve made contact with a personal injury firm and they haven’t gotten back to you within one business day, then move onto the next one. Your time is valuable and should be respected.

Knowledge and Preparation Will Help You Best Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

When it comes time to choose a personal injury lawyer, refer back to the initial list of values you created and trust your instincts. Reflect back on your experiences while researching and contacting the lawyer. Did they provide prompt and courteous responses to your questions? Do you feel comfortable working with them? Is the lawyer’s experience and background compatible with your legal needs? Are you comfortable with their fees and representation agreement? 

There are many qualified lawyers out there, so never discount your feelings about this professional relationship and what you’ve experienced during your search. By taking the steps above into consideration, you can be confident in making an informed decision and selecting the lawyer with the right legal skills and personal qualities that will best serve your needs.

The Paul Powell Law Firm hopes that you’ll consider us for your legal needs. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and to schedule your free consultation. You can get in touch with us by phone at

The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Accidents happen. Whether it’s a slip and fall at the grocery store or a car accident on the highway, injuries can leave you feeling shaken, confused, and overwhelmed. Medical bills pile up, work becomes difficult, and the path to recovery seems long and uncertain. In these situations, you might be wondering if you need a personal injury attorney. 

Yes, you do need a personal injury attorney and Paul Powell can help. Our team of personal injury lawyers has helped hundreds of clients win compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party and even filed wrongful death claims for those that have lost loved ones in an accident. 

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When You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Besides a car accident or slip and fall, there are other scenarios where you might need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. Our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys provide examples of additional injury examples below that we represent. 

Workplace Injuries

Employers often prefer to defer your injury claim to a state’s workers’ compensation department than deal with you directly. This minimizes their exposure and precludes questions arising about their potential liability. Your best option is to discuss your situation with a qualified Nevada personal injury attorney. 

Accidents During Leisure

Injuries from sports, pools, or even at a friend’s house can be serious and impact your life significantly. An attorney can help determine if there’s a case for compensation based on insurance coverage or negligence claims.

Injuries Caused by Falling Objects 

Getting struck by falling merchandise in stores is more common than you think. Big box stores, home improvement centers, and grocery stores are all potential hazards. Products can be precariously placed, be pushed off by other customers, or even fall due to faulty shelving. The consequences can be severe, ranging from heavy object injuries, cuts from broken glass, or even head injuries.

Injuries Caused by Foreign Objects 

Getting hit by a foreign object can happen anywhere. This isn’t something many people think about until it happens, but getting hit by a foreign object is a common personal injury that many dismiss as a “freak accident.” If it happens to you then you need a personal injury attorney. From poorly maintained parks with malfunctioning equipment to falling rogue architectural elements, these incidents can cause significant injuries and you deserve compensation if it was the fault of a negligent party.

Concert and Event Injuries

Big events equal big crowds and increased exposure to incidents and accidents. People get pushed, shoved, and fall. In certain circumstances, even deadly crush injuries are possible. Additionally, pyrotechnics malfunctions, concession stand mishaps, and even misconduct by others can pose a threat.

Slip and Falls

Never discount the inherent danger of slipping and falling. These accidents are quite common and are often the results of:

• Uneven flooring
• Slippery surfaces 
• Poor maintenance
• Misplaced obstacles
• Frayed carpeting
• Unsecured rugs or mats
• Poor lighting or visibility

Slip and fall accidents can result in very serious injuries ranging from head injuries, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and more. 

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a fact of life for many drivers. The saying goes, “there are two types of drivers: those who have been in an accident and those who are about to.” The prevalence of auto body shops and the massive insurance industry highlights this fact.

But what should you do if you’re the unfortunate victim of an accident, especially one where you’re injured? Here’s the key: Seek legal counsel immediately. After a car accident, you need a personal injury attorney to be your advocate, ensuring that you receive the proper medical attention and explore all legal options for compensation. 

Boat Accidents

You wouldn’t think that boating accidents would be as big a deal as they are out here in the desert, but they are more common than many people believe. With Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and Lake Mohave so close, Clark County sees a fair share of boat crashes. Boating accidents often involve alcohol, unsafe activities, high speeds, overloading, and distracted driving.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are notoriously dangerous due to the lack of protection they provide compared to cars and other vehicles. A motorcycle accident can be much more impactful, leaving lasting physical and emotional damage. This vulnerability applies to both riders and those involved in collisions with motorcycles. A personal injury lawyer can help if you were either injured in a motorcycle accident as a rider or if you were injured by a motorcycle. 

Bicycle Accidents

Much like motorcycle riders, cyclists lack the protection of cars and trucks, making them more susceptible to serious injuries. Even though bicycle accidents are often less severe than motorcycle wrecks due to their lower speed, they can still cause significant injuries and disrupt your life. Many bicycle accidents involve negligent drivers who fail to yield the right of way or are distracted. After a collision involving a bicycle, you need a personal injury attorney to investigate the accident and hold the at-fault party accountable.

Pedestrian Accidents 

Distracted driving, busy intersections, and unexpected situations can all lead to a terrifying reality: pedestrian accidents. These accidents are common in Las Vegas and are often attributed to distracted drivers or pedestrians. A collision involving a car and a pedestrian leaves pedestrians vulnerable and often with serious injuries. 

Defective Products

We’ve all seen class action lawsuits over tobacco, asbestos, medical products, and various chemical agents. But sometimes it never occurred to some of us that a defective product situation loomed right in our home. If you were injured while handling or using a product, talk to a qualified attorney.

Public or Private Transportation Accidents

Public and private transportation options are supposed to be convenient ways to get around town. Unfortunately, accidents and unexpected situations can happen to passengers while riding on buses and trains, as well as while riding in rideshare cars, taxis, and limousines. Whether it’s a slip and fall on a bus, or an accident caused by a negligent driver in a limo, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages.  

Unfortunately, some transportation providers might try to exploit passengers. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and hold them accountable.

Wrongful Death

The sudden loss of a loved one is devastating. If their death was caused by negligence, recklessness, or a wrongful act, you may have legal options. You need a personal injury attorney to explain your rights and potential avenues for compensation. Your wrongful death lawyer will hold the responsible party accountable and help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and even the pain and suffering of losing your loved one.

Contact Paul Powell

When you need a personal injury attorney, look no further than Paul Powell. Know that Paul Powell cares about you and yours. He always has and he always will. With 20 years of practice in greater Las Vegas, Paul Powell has earned a reputation for stellar results and will never take more than you receive from your case, and he guarantees this in writing—The Paul Powell Law Firm: More Lawyer. Less Fee. In fact, over 75 of our cases resulted in settlements or jury verdicts of at least $1 million.

Start today by contacting our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers for a free consultation. Call

The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.