When hiring a lawyer, it is important to find a lawyer that specializes in the areas of law that you need help in. Even more specifically, you want to hire a lawyer that has experience in your specific type of lawsuit. For example, some lawyers specialize in medical malpractice, dog bites, car accidents, or construction accidents or disputes.
Choosing a lawyer that specializes in your specific area of need means they will have a more comprehensive understanding of the industry and the knowledge of applicable laws and regulations. This will provide a significant advantage when moving forward through the court system.
Hiring a lawyer for a case involving a construction company is a prime example of this because there are specific laws and regulations that applied to construction companies that are not existent or relevant in other industries.
According to recent reports, in 2015 alone, the American Arbitration Association dealt with 551 construction industry cases with claims of $500,000 or more. This does not include cases with claims of less than $500,000, and this does not include cases that went to court. These were all high money cases that were settled through arbitration. It is essential to go into these types of cases with a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer, who is looking out for your best interests.
Within the construction industry, alternative dispute resolution, which includes arbitration is the preferred method of conflict-management. It takes an average of eight months for cases to be settled through this method.
Historically, cases settled through arbitration have resulted in claims ranging from $23,000 to $232,000. There are also bench trials and jury trials depending on the specific case and the state it is filed in. Each state has their own rules that must be followed when filing a lawsuit. For example, in Texas, a breach of contract claim must be filed within four years or the claim becomes invalid.
If you are wondering “do I need a lawyer?” It is best to contact a law firm and explain the situation to them. Not wanting to take on cases that aren’t worth their time, they will give you an honest assessment of the potential for your case. It is important not to wait since many different types of cases do have time limits on when you can file a complaint.
If you are wondering where you can find a lawyer to hire, you can start by asking for personal referrals. Once you have a couple recommendations, do a little research to see what you can learn about the law firms. For example, you can look up cases they have represented, how many cases they have won and how many they have lost.
Finally, when you’ve narrowed it down to one or two firms, you can meet with each one to explain your situation to see when they say. You may feel more comfortable with one over the other, or you may feel that one will be more aggressive or invested in your case than the other.
Due diligence is important when hiring a lawyer. You don’t want to get tied into an agreement with a lawyer that isn’t going to fight for you.
