It would be best to make a crucial decision while choosing the best personal injury lawyer. Severe injuries often result in substantial medical bills, lost wages, and a decline in the overall quality of life.
With so many lawyers, how can you determine who will best fit your case? Here are five key questions to ask every potential lawyer.
Have you ever encountered a situation like mine?
Personal injury attorney might specialize in several case categories. For example, one lawyer may have extensive experience with car accident cases, while another focuses on medical malpractice claims. You can determine whether a lawyer has specialized experience by asking this question during your initial consultation.
You may be sure your attorney will be ready to handle your lawsuit if you choose one with substantial expertise in handling similar cases. It also means they will likely get you the most compensation possible for your injuries.
In addition to this, ask who will be handling your case. It will let you know whether it will be a senior attorney or an associate. Generally, senior attorneys have more experience than associates.
How Much Will Hiring You Cost?
Most personal injury lawyers are compensated on a contingency basis, which means they are only compensated if they are successful in their case and are not required to be paid up ahead. This arrangement can be a good fit for clients with limited resources.
Some expenses are standard, while others can add up quickly. However, it’s essential to understand your lawyer’s fees before hiring them. Also, ask about the lawyer’s policy on expense reimbursement in most cases.
Asking questions and requesting testimonials from past clients can be an excellent way to assess an attorney’s ability. Remember that past results don’t necessarily indicate future outcomes, but a lawyer with experience handling similar cases should have an advantage over general practitioners. Find out who will be handling your lawsuit as well.
How many situations like mine have you handled?
Just because a lawyer practices personal injury law doesn’t mean they have experience with your case. Different cases require significantly different expertise. Typically, attorneys focus on specific practice areas, such as car accident lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, and nursing home abuse and neglect cases.
It’s also important to ask how many of these cases went to trial. Although it is always preferable to settle out of court, you must ensure your lawyer can skillfully and persuasively argue on your behalf in front of a jury if necessary.
Ask your potential attorney how often they have taken cases to trial and how they have fared in those trials. It is a critical question since your future legal advice will significantly impact how much money you get for your losses and injuries.
What Challenges or Problems Do You See in My Case?
Every case has its unique challenges and issues that must be addressed. A good lawyer will be able to provide insight into what they see and how those could impact your outcome.
A great lawyer will work hard to get you the best resolution possible in your case. It means that they will need to keep you updated on its progress. Ask them how they will do this and their expectations for communicating with you.
Ask what they think about your preferences and how those may affect the timeline for resolution. For example, you prefer a more active role and frequent meetings or phone calls. Or, you might be ok with more of a passive approach and only occasional updates.
Do You Ever Take Cases to Trial?
A personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses a reasonable offer, taking the case to trial is often the only option.
While many skilled lawyers choose to settle cases outside of court, it is vital to determine whether a lawyer has adequate jury trial experience in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. It is a common misconception that all attorneys have extensive jury trial experience, but this is not always true.
Ask the attorney how they handle trial preparation and what they expect of their clients. Some attorneys may prefer that their clients play an active role in the process and require frequent meetings and phone calls, while others may be happy with less interaction.