The recent case of a Houston personal injury lawyer accused of defrauding clients out of millions of dollars is a timely reminder about the importance of doing our homework when considering hiring a lawyer.
A few points from our Legal Consumer Guide . . .
- Ensure you initiate the first contact. If you have been hurt and a lawyer calls you first, that should be a red flag. They could be violating rules of professional conduct by contacting you, and that is not the kind of lawyer you want representing you.
- Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints against the lawyer you are considering. The State Bar of Texas website is a good source for this.
- Shop around. Talk to more than one lawyer about your case. Every lawyer is different and may have differing opinions on how to handle your issue.
- Don’t be pressured into quickly signing an agreement. Make sure you have made your final decision on representation before signing anything.
A lawsuit is not always the best option. Make sure you hire a lawyer who will look at every possibility. Your lawyer should explain all options to you and help you make the right decision for your case.
Being a smart legal consumer can be the best weapon against lawsuit abuse.
For more from our Legal Consumer Guide, click here.
