Key Question To Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring
When you’re injured in an accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. However, getting compensated for the losses sustained can be very challenging. In fact, you may need the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your interests in the negotiations with an insurance company. But selecting the most qualified one can be a challenging experience. If it’s your first time looking for an attorney, here are the key questions you may need to ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring them.
- How long have you been in the practice of law?
It’s important to consider the lawyer’s valuable years of experience in the practice of law. By doing this, you’ll be able to know how knowledgeable they are in dealing with personal injury lawsuits. Keep in mind, asking the attorney about the areas of law they specialize in can help you determine whether they’re the right legal counsel for your situation.
- Have you handled personal injury cases similar to mine before?
Personal injury cases cover a variety of circumstances, which is why it’s crucial to ask a potential lawyer about his familiarity with matters which are similar to yours. Bear in mind, not all attorneys have the same line of experience. For example, if your claim centers on car accidents, you should less likely work with a lawyer who has only dealt with slip and fall accident cases.
- What are your fees?
Inquiries about the attorney’s fees are essential. Many times, most personal injury lawyers charge their services on a contingency basis. It means that you’re not required to pay until such time that you receive payment for damages in your lawsuit. There may be instances that you may shoulder additional costs related to the case, which is why it’s a good idea to inquire the prospective lawyer about the potential charges to be informed of what they may cost you.
- How much time will you spend on my case?
It’s understandable that many lawyers handle several cases each day. That’s why knowing how much time they can devote to your case matters the most. As filing of a lawsuit involves time, hiring an attorney who can get the work done for you as early as possible can increase your chances of getting favorable results once the case is finished. At some point, inquire as to when your lawsuit will be filed.
- Usually, how long does it take for my case to be fully resolved?
While there can be no exact time as to when your case will most likely be resolved, it’s an excellent idea to ask the lawyer themselves. Although there are many factors to consider that can affect the resolution of the case, the lawyer should still be able to give an estimate. Make sure that they can work on your lawsuit as quickly as possible considering the underlying circumstances.
- What is the worth of my case?
Personal injury cases vary depending on various factors, which is why don’t hesitate to ask a potential lawyer about the worth of your case. In this line of discussion, the lawyer should be able to provide a scale that explains your standing in the case. Try to ask how liability and other legal issues can impact a verdict. That way, you’ll be able to come across and be mindful of lawyers who provide unrealistic estimates about the circumstances of your case.
- Can you give me a list of references?
Don’t think twice to ask a prospective personal injury lawyer for a list of references. Remember, firsthand experience from other clients can help you gain an idea as to how they navigate certain cases. If possible, try to speak with a former client and ask about how the attorney works with their lawsuit.
- Who will personally handle my case?
Inquire who at the firm will be personally handling your injury case. Be specific as to who will be your contact and who can you communicate once the lawsuit has commenced. Verify whether less experienced attorneys will manage your case and if it’s yes, ask if there will be a knowledgeable one who can supervise them. Doing so can go a long way in protecting your best interests.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer doesn’t happen in one click. It’s an essential decision you have to analyze before making an informed decision. With the examples mentioned earlier, it’s best to weigh your options carefully. You can take advantage of several experienced law firms like Techmeier Law Firm that can provide with you legal assistance from start to finish. However, it’s best that you don’t rush things and make sure to come up with the right lawyer of your choice who can offer you a satisfying working relationship.
Sandra Preston
Sandra Preston is a writer contributing for Techmeier Law Firm Milwaukee. Her penchant to write pieces that aim to help people understand aspects of the law have made her articles not just informative, but friendly in tone as well. Her writing is just as approachable as her, and she spends a lot of her free time organizing parties for her friends.
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