Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a big decision. This one could affect your financial future and peace of mind. You need to take the time to meet with a few attorneys and ask questions.
What should you look for during this time? You want someone who knows the law, treats you with respect, communicates clearly, and genuinely cares about getting the best possible outcome for you.
So, what questions should you ask a personal injury lawyer? Here is a list of 10 questions to bring to your initial consultation.
Do You Exclusively Focus on Personal Injury Cases?
You will want someone who focuses on this area of law. Not all practices are the same. For example, family law is completely different from personal injury law. When you find someone who makes that their focus, they will be more familiar with the process, insurance company tactics, and how to build a convincing case.
In short, you need to know how much of their practice is devoted to injury claims.
Have You Handled Cases Like Mine Before?
Every accident is different. For example, if you were hit by a commercial vehicle or injured due to a defective product, you want an attorney who has worked on similar cases. Their experience can give you confidence that they know how to handle the details that matter in your situation.
What Kind of Results Have You Achieved?
While no lawyer can promise a favorable outcome, you can ask about their track record. You want to see if they have secured solid settlements or verdicts in similar cases. Their history of results can help you feel confident that they know how to get things done.
Who Will I Be Working With?
Sometimes, the lawyer you meet at your consultation is not the one who will end up working on your case. Make sure to ask if they will personally oversee your case or if it will be passed on to someone else at the firm. This is also the time to find out who you will contact with any questions and how often you can expect updates.
How Do You Get Paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. With that, you do not pay anything upfront. The lawyer will only get paid if they win your case.
You always want to ask what percentage they take and whether that is before or after case expenses are deducted. When you know about these fees, it can help avoid surprises later.
Can You Estimate What My Case Is Worth?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you an idea of what your case might be worth.
This is based on your injuries, the impact on your life, and similar past cases. With this information, you can set realistic expectations from the beginning.
What Challenges Do You See in My Case?
You want a lawyer who’s honest with you, not someone who just tells you what you want to hear.
You may want to ask what potential issues they may see developing in your case. A good attorney will be upfront about any weaknesses and explain how they plan to address them.
How Long Will This Take?
No one wants their case to drag on forever. Make sure to ask how long they think it might take to resolve things. While timelines can and will vary, your attorney should be able to walk you through the steps and give you a ballpark estimate.
Will This Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before going to court, but not all of them. You may want to inquire if the attorney is comfortable going to trial if necessary and whether they have had success in the past.
You want someone who will not back down if that’s what it takes to get fair compensation.
What Do You Need from Me?
Building a strong case is a team effort. Your lawyer will need to get information or documents to set the foundation for the claim. This can include medical records, accident reports, or photos from the scene.
You want to know what is needed so that you can collect them for the case.
Remember, you’re not just hiring a lawyer…you’re choosing a partner to stand by your side during a tough time. Make sure it’s someone you trust to have your back.
At Forbes Law Offices, we are ready to fight for you. Reach out and schedule a consultation with our firm.
