5 Areas to Talk About with the Lawyer You’re Considering
In the aftermath of a serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, families often find themselves navigating unfamiliar legal territory while also dealing with grief, uncertainty, and overwhelming questions. One of the most critical decisions you will make during this time is choosing the right attorney to represent your case.
But how do you separate true trial-tested professionals from those simply buying billboards and web traffic?
Today, legal advertising is everywhere: TV, radio, social media, buses, benches. Everyone seems to boast of million-dollar recoveries and perfect track records. Yet, behind the noise, very few lawyers can back it up with actual courtroom experience and real results.
The truth? The insurance company evaluating your case knows the difference. They assess not just the severity of the injury, but also the reputation and trial-readiness of your lawyer. If your attorney isn’t known for going the distance, they’re not a threat. And if they’re not a threat, the offer on your claim will reflect that.
So before you sign any agreement, take a step back and ask these five essential questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know.
5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Lawyer
1. How Long Have You Exclusively Handled Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Cases? What Are the Results of Your Most Serious Cases?
It’s one thing to say you do injury law. It’s another to do nothing else for decades.
At William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., founding attorney William D. Shapiro has practiced law exclusively in the field of catastrophic injury and wrongful death since 1979. Over his career, he’s been repeatedly recognized by legal industry authorities, including:
- Super Lawyers – Top 100 in California
- Lawyer of the Year – US News & World Report
- Best Lawyers in America
- Trial Lawyer of the Year – multiple bar associations
In just the last five years, our firm has obtained verdicts and settlements including: $53M, $52M, $37M, $26M, $10M, $10M, $6M, $6M, $4M, and more. These aren’t promises. These are proven results.
2. Are You Really a Trial Firm? Are You Board Certified or Recognized as a Specialist in Civil Trial Advocacy?
Not all lawyers try cases. Some just negotiate settlements. But when liability is contested or damages are disputed, you want a lawyer who’s not afraid of the courtroom, and has the credentials to show it.
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. has tried countless jury trials over the past 46 years. We are:
- Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Certified by the State Bar of California as Specialists in Civil Trial Advocacy
These aren’t marketing gimmicks. These are professional honors earned through decades of hard-fought litigation.
3. Are You a Member of the Nation’s Most Prestigious Trial Lawyer Organizations?
Membership in elite trial lawyer organizations isn’t given. It’s earned through experience, results, and peer recognition. If a lawyer is a member of even one of the following, that’s impressive. William Shapiro is a member of all four:
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- American College of Trial Lawyers
- International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- International Society of Barristers
These groups require not just a minimum number of jury trials, but also a demonstration of professionalism, civility, and integrity. They reflect the highest level of trust a lawyer can receive from peers and judges alike.
4. What Experience Do You Have Handling Cases Like Mine?
No two cases are identical, but experience in similar matters is essential. Has the lawyer handled cases involving:
- Transportation collisions (auto, motorcycle, bus, train, or plane)?
- Dangerous public or private property?
- Defective products?
- Medical malpractice?
- Wrongful death caused by negligence or reckless conduct?
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. has decades of experience litigating thousands of such cases. From holding government agencies accountable to challenging multinational corporations, we’ve fought, and won, against the most powerful defendants.
5. Does the Firm Have the Financial Resources to Litigate Through Trial?
High-stakes litigation is expensive. Expert witnesses, investigators, court filings, depositions. It adds up fast. If a firm is stretched thin, they may push for a quick, undervalued settlement.
At William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., our successful track record has allowed us to build a foundation of financial strength, so we can go toe-to-toe with even the most resource-rich defendants. We never settle just to get a case off our desks. We prepare every case for trial and push for the maximum recovery our clients deserve.
Choose Your Lawyer Wisely
Choosing a lawyer for a catastrophic injury or wrongful death case isn’t about who has the biggest ad budget. It’s about who has the skill, integrity, and experience to fight for your family when it matters most. Before you decide, ask the hard questions. The right lawyer won’t hesitate to give you honest, proven answers.
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. is ready to talk. Let’s have a real conversation. Contact us today at 909-890-1000 for a confidential consultation.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.