Los Angeles has hundreds of highly respected law firms handling cases of personal injury. Many are one-man operations, but there are larger firms as well. Regardless of the size, most are competent, and dedicated to obtaining the best deals for their clients either through settlements or through trial and verdict.

Once the victim or his people choose a lawyer, either with the help of friends, the Bar Association or other sources, the lawyer's background can be checked through organizations that provide such services.

In the field of personal injury law itself, there are different areas of specialization. If the firm that the victim contacts does not handle his type of case, he is usually directed to the appropriate attorneys. Normally, the initial consultation is free.

The lawyer background check may reveal that a particular attorney invariably goes in for settlements. This could indicate a tendency to make a quick buck. But such a judgment could be wrong. In settlements, the client should understand the net value concept. In simple terms, this means the worth of 'X' amount in hand today compared to 'X+', say, two years later. The important question is whether the law firm concerned is willing to take the case through the trial stage if the settlement offer is unfair.

After the law firm that is approached studies the case, it may sometimes decide not get involved. There could be various reasons for this. But once the case is accepted, an agreement about the fees and costs has to be reached. For personal injury cases, contingent fees are common practice. This means that the law firm gets paid from the claim that is granted; it is usually expressed in terms of percentage. If the claim is disallowed, the firm doesn't get paid for its services. Some insist on the client bearing the costs in the event of rejection of the claim, but others may waive such costs. Clarify before signing up.

There are several firms which advance the costs on the client's behalf. Some of them also arrange medical attention on a loan. It is to be reimbursed when the case reaches its conclusion. To some extent, such commitment indicates the firm's confidence in the case it takes up.