New York City is the largest metropolis in the US. It has six boroughs and a population of over 8 million people. Within this huge urban area, there are scores of injury lawyers in New York City, but selecting the right one for you can take some due diligence on your part.

Internet Search

Most injury lawyers in New York City will maintain an internet presence, since most personal injury law firms depend on a large volume of cases for its survival. An easy search will reveal more than enough injury lawyers in New York City for you to consider.

Even if you are lucky to get a referral from another legal professional or friend, find a law office or attorney in your area or where you work. If you live in Brooklyn, you may want an attorney or law firm there, even if the accident or incident occurred in Manhattan, unless the facts of the accident are peculiar to the accident site. It is more convenient for you to have a competent attorney who is near you. Most experienced injury lawyers in New York City will have a familiarity with the courts in all boroughs.

Also, many attorneys now use social media sites that are linked from their law firm web sites. These include more personal information about the attorney and his or her involvement in community that may make them more amenable to you as a legal representative.

Type of Case

The type of accident you sustained may determine the type of attorney you want. A slip and fall incident, an assault in a parking lot or building, or a fire in an apartment building, usually requires an attorney who has a successful record of handling premises liability cases.

Auto accidents can be handled adequately by any competent personal injury lawyer, but if you were injured by a defective product, medical device, drug, or machinery, then a skilled product liability attorney is essential.

Medical malpractice cases, in matters like birth defects or a failure to diagnose or treat, calls for a medical malpractice attorney. These are difficult and complicated cases that should only be handled by knowledgeable and well-experienced attorneys who practice primarily in this area.

Credentials

The credentials of the injury lawyers in New York City that you could potentially retain is important. More important than the schools the attorney attended, though, is their involvement in the community as well as their reputation for handling cases similar to yours. An attorney who belongs to a number of legal and civic organizations, has published articles on the law, and has a sound reputation as a successful trial attorney is one to seriously consider for your case.

Martindale-Hubbell and New York City Bar Association

Once you have narrowed down the number of injury lawyers in New York City, research them in Martindale-Hubbell, a legal directory that lists and states the background and other information about most lawyers admitted in New York and elsewhere. Also, check out the attorney on the New York City Bar Association website for information about any reported complaints.

Interview the Attorney

Most injury lawyers in New York City will be happy to meet you for a free consultation. Have a list of questions about him or her and about your accident and injuries. If the attorney appears uninterested or has little knowledge about your type of injury, you should look elsewhere.

You should also inquire about the attorney’s trial record and number of cases he or she personally handles. The lack of trial experience and a large volume of cases may indicate the lack of desire to properly prepare your case, and may be more interested in a quick settlement.

Meet the office staff and see if the office is organized and well-kept. If all your questions about your case, the attorney’s experience and interest, and about the fees and costs are adequately addressed, you may have found the attorney for your case.