Check Reviews and Testimonials

Why Reviews and Testimonials Matter When Choosing a Lawyer

Picking the right serious injury lawyer is a big deal. You don’t want to guess. You want someone you can trust—someone who knows what they’re doing, and who actually cares about your case. But with so many lawyers out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

That’s where reviews and testimonials come in. They're like little windows into the experiences of other people who were once in your shoes. These folks had real problems, worked with that lawyer, and are now sharing what it was like. Their feedback can help you avoid bad choices and find someone who’s a good fit.

What’s the Real Difference Between Reviews and Testimonials?

Let’s clear this up. These two words sound similar but aren’t quite the same.

Reviews: Usually found on public websites like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. These are written by former clients (and sometimes unhappy people) and often give honest, unfiltered opinions.
Testimonials: These are hand-picked by the lawyer or law firm. They’re often posted on the lawyer’s website or in their ads. They’re almost always positive, and they highlight the good stuff.

Both are helpful. Just remember—reviews tell you what people really think. Testimonials show you what the law firm wants you to see. You need both to get the full picture.

Where You Can Find Real Reviews

You don’t have to search all over the internet. These are the most common and trusted places to check:

Google Reviews

Just search the lawyer or law firm’s name on Google. Look for the star rating and read through the comments. These reviews often include stories about how the lawyer treated the person, what kind of case it was, and whether the outcome was fair.

Yelp

Yes, it’s not just for food and salons. Many people use Yelp to share their legal experiences too. It’s especially helpful if you want to see how law firms handle communication and follow-through.

Avvo

This is a legal site that gives ratings and reviews for lawyers in every state. You can learn where the lawyer went to school, what kind of law they practice, and what clients and other lawyers say about them.

Facebook Reviews

Some law firms have business pages where past clients leave comments and recommendations. It’s a good place to see how a law firm interacts with the public too.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

If the law firm has been around a while, check their BBB rating. You can see if there have been complaints and how they were handled.

What a Good Review Looks Like

Not all reviews are helpful. Some are just, “Great job!” or “I had a bad experience.” What you really want are detailed stories. Look for reviews that answer questions like:

Did the lawyer return calls or emails?
Was the staff friendly and helpful?
Did the lawyer explain things clearly?
Was the client happy with the settlement or trial outcome?
Did the case take a long time, and was that explained?
Did the lawyer seem to actually care?

The more detailed the review, the better. You’re trying to picture what your own experience might be like.

What to Watch for in Testimonials

Testimonials are usually all positive, but that doesn’t mean they’re fake. Many people are genuinely thankful for the help they received, especially after something as life-changing as a serious injury.

Look for:

Real names (first names are okay)
Specific details about the case
Emotions—did the person feel heard or supported?
How the lawyer helped the person through a hard time

If every testimonial sounds the same (“They were the best!”), that’s not very helpful. But if the person talks about their situation and how the lawyer stepped in and made a difference, that’s a great sign.

How to Spot Red Flags in Reviews

Not all reviews will be glowing—and that’s okay. Even the best lawyers have a few unhappy clients. But you should pay attention if you start seeing patterns like:

“They never called me back.”
“I didn’t feel like they cared.”
“I had to chase them for updates.”
“They pressured me to settle fast.”
“They didn’t explain anything.”

One or two negative reviews might not mean much, but if a bunch of people say the same thing, that’s something to think about. You want a lawyer who respects their clients and communicates well.

Using Reviews to Prepare Questions

Reading reviews doesn’t just help you pick a lawyer—it also helps you ask better questions when you talk to them.

For example:

If someone said, “This lawyer always kept me updated,” you can ask:“How often will I get updates on my case?”
If a review said, “They explained everything in a way I could understand,” you can ask:“Can you walk me through how my case would work?”

This helps you test if the lawyer is really as helpful as people say.

Why Civil Rights and Serious Injury Cases Deserve Extra Attention

If your case involves a civil rights issue—like police misconduct or mistreatment in jail—or a serious injury like brain trauma or permanent disability, it’s even more important to read reviews.

You want someone who:

Has taken cases like yours before
Understands trauma and respects survivors
Doesn’t back down when things get tough
Can deal with government agencies or big insurance companies

Look for reviews that mention cases similar to yours. If someone had a hard case and the lawyer helped them win, that says a lot.

Can You Trust All Reviews?

Let’s be real—some reviews might not be 100% true. Sometimes unhappy people leave reviews that are unfair. Other times, reviews might be written by friends or even staff trying to make the firm look better.

So how do you tell?

Too many perfect 5-star reviews with no details? Be careful.
All negative reviews? That’s also a red flag.
Balanced reviews with both pros and cons? That’s usually more honest.

Use common sense. If a review sounds too good—or too bad—to be true, it might be.

Talk to Real People if You Can

If you have a friend or family member who’s hired a serious injury lawyer before, ask them what the experience was like. Personal referrals are often more trustworthy than anything online.

Ask things like:

Did the lawyer keep their word?
Were they easy to talk to?
Did you feel supported?
Would you hire them again?

Even one personal recommendation can go a long way.

Why Reviews Save You Time and Stress

Let’s be honest—dealing with a serious injury is hard enough. The last thing you need is to hire the wrong lawyer and then feel stuck or ignored. Taking a little time to read reviews can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

It can help you:

Avoid lawyers who are unresponsive
Find someone who actually fights for clients
Feel more confident when you make that first call
Know what to expect during the process

It’s kind of like checking restaurant reviews—except the “service” here could change your entire future.

How to Make a Shortlist From Reviews

Once you’ve looked at reviews and testimonials, write down a list of 2–3 lawyers who stand out to you. Then:

Visit their website and read about their team.
Check if they focus on serious injury or civil rights cases.
Make sure they’re based in Illinois and handle cases in your area.
Call and ask for a free consultation.
Ask them questions based on what you saw in reviews.

This gives you a better chance of finding the right fit—someone who’s good at their job and good with people.

What to Do If You See a Mix of Good and Bad Reviews

It’s totally normal to find some mixed reviews. Not every client has the same expectations or experience. What matters most is how the lawyer responds to feedback.

Some firms respond to reviews online. If they do it respectfully—even when someone is angry—that’s a good sign. It shows they care about client experience and want to make things right.

If a firm ignores all bad reviews or argues with people, that’s not a great look.

Use Reviews to Know What to Expect

Reading reviews can also help you prepare for what’s ahead. You might learn that:

The process takes longer than you thought
Medical records are super important
The lawyer fights hard but explains things slowly
Some lawyers offer home or hospital visits

Knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and feel more in control during your case.

FINAL THOUGHTS

When you’re choosing a serious injury lawyer, don’t skip over the reviews and testimonials. They give you real insight into what it’s like to work with that person or law firm.

Read the stories. Look for patterns. See how past clients were treated. Then use that info to ask better questions and make smarter choices.

A great lawyer will have more than just five stars. They’ll have real people saying, “This person helped me when I needed it most.”

That’s who you’re looking for. And you’ll know it when you find them.

Alpha Book Publisher