Online reviews are the new word-of-mouth. Whereas you used to have to ask for recommendations from others or trust local ads, you can now do an internet search for a business and receive ratings from actual customers. That last detail is why online reviews are important when looking for an injury lawyer in Bucks County; actual Pennsylvanians can testify to an attorney’s quality. However, reviews can tell you a lot more than just whether a lawyer is good or bad.
Client Treatment
Most people do not go to the trouble of writing a review unless they were treated very well or very poorly. An injury law firm’s treatment of their clients could be reflected in how they are spoken of online. Some traits and keywords you may want to prioritize are:
- Accessibility
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Ethics
- Timeliness
A personal injury attorney can offer you little help if they are too hard to get a hold of and do not keep you informed. Reviews can shed light on how quickly a firm replies to phone calls and emails, whether help is accessible through multiple channels, and how often a client had to follow-up versus the firm reaching out.
All of these traits boil down to one umbrella term: reliability. You want a lawyer you can rely on to properly file your suit, monitor your case, bolster your claim with evidence, and keep you in the loop throughout the process.
Look for Substance
Reviews that highlight specific aspects of a customer’s experience provide a richer view of the firm. Even good reviews are not helpful if they are vague. Consider longer reviews that name individual people in the firm and how they treated a client. Be on the lookout for specifics, as reputable reviewers will likely detail the practice area of their case and how the firm aided them.
Mentions of Staff
Keep in mind that you are not going to be working with one lawyer. Law firms employ many staff members who will interact with you throughout your case, including:
- Receptionists
- Paralegals
- Assistants
- Clerks
- Online support
You want to work with a firm where all employees are part of a larger support system, offering communication and empathy. If a negative review calls out poor front office behavior, you may want to be wary.
Lawyer Responsiveness
Some online review platforms, such as Google and Facebook, allow businesses to provide one-on-one responses to reviewers. These replies can demonstrate if a firm is directly engaging with clients and answering questions when necessary.
Read the Good and the Bad
You will likely encounter a few negative reviews even for the best businesses. In those cases, lawyer responsiveness can speak volumes about a firm’s commitment to its clients. Some negative reviews can nonetheless highlight a firm’s positive aspect if a staff member uses it as an opportunity to reach out, address concerns, or clarify.
Online Presence
Having online reviews at all tells you something, while a complete lack can seem out of touch at best and sketchy at worst. This does not mean a small-town personal injury attorney is bad if they do not have an outlet for online reviews. However, reviews are a crucial tool to evaluate not only how a firm is engaging with its customers and community but also their accessibility through all possible channels, including email, site messaging services, and social media.
Check Reviews in More Than One Place
Not all review sites are created equal and gathering information from a number of sites can give you a better image of a firm’s quality. Some possible resources include:
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau
- Avvo
- Martindale-Hubbell AV ratings
- NOLO
Google, Yelp, and Facebook are a great starting point for a big picture of your options. For more specificity, you can check Avvo, NOLO, and the BBB. Martindale-Hubbell can provide reviews from other attorneys, allowing you to see how a lawyer ranks among their peers.
How Many Reviews Is Enough
Reading reviews has become a natural part of selecting any business, with 82% of people opting to consult them, according to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey. Moreover, the average person reads about ten reviews before deciding on a business. When choosing a lawyer to represent you after you have been injured, you do not want to skimp on your research. Reading reviews provides a more accurate view of how you will be treated before you even pick up the phone or walk in the door.
Put Us to the Test
The team at Cordisco & Saile LLC wants to exemplify why online reviews are important when looking for an injury lawyer in Bucks County through our own online presence. Please check out our client reviews and testimonials to learn more about how we could handle your personal injury case, and then give us a call to get started: (215) 642-2335.
