What is the importance of legal industry recognition when selecting an injury attorney?  How can a non-legal person know which awards genuinely honor excellence in the legal profession, and which awards are more for show?

The key to this question lies in the fact that not all personal injury attorneys are alike.  There are unfortunately many attorneys who take personal injury cases who have never successfully tried a personal injury case to a jury verdict.  They settle all of their cases with the insurance companies.

Payment on an injury claim essentially comes down to three things for an insurance company: the amount of the policy, the severity of the injuries (and the impact this has on a person’s life) and the associated risk to the insurance company.  Juries are the source of greatest risk for an insurance company.  They know if an injury case is placed before a jury they face a much stronger risk of paying more than if an attorney simply settles the case.

Insurance companies monitor all attorneys and know the lawyers with proven trial skill who are willing and able to put your case before a jury if necessary.  The legal industry monitors this as well.

The most exclusive awards the legal industry offers honor a small percentage (top 5 – 10%) of attorneys for excellence in their work.  Recognition such as Super Lawyers and ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates) are based upon exceptional skill and achievement and require an invitation to join.  Each recognizes top attorneys in their field based upon an exclusive selection process.

The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates honors those who have actually achieved a multi-million dollar verdict for a client.  Martindale Hubbel’s “AV Peer Revew Rated” “signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience.”

AVVO is a popular directory for legal consumers and bases their awards upon the feedback of actual clients.

Now you know more about the difference between a trial attorney and most lawyers who settle all their cases, as well as the importance of legal industry recognition when selecting an injury attorney.  The attorneys at HLH have been recognized for their work in Louisville and across Kentucky by the legal industry.  If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident we invite you to review the recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call (866) 583-9701 for a free consultation.