After a preventable injury, you may be considering hiring a personal injury lawyer. When deciding on which one to hire, here are the top questions to ask to help with your search.
Will you be the attorney handling my case? It is critical to know who exactly will be handling your claim and their level of experience.
How many cases do you typically handle at a time? If a personal injury lawyer takes on too many cases at once, yours may not receive the attention that it requires to be successful.
How long have you been practicing personal injury law? Some claimants prefer someone with extensive experience, or you may not mind an attorney who is just starting out and hard working.
Have you ever taken on a personal injury case similar to mine? What was the outcome? It can help knowing that your attorney has experience successfully handling a case similar to yours.
How much will I pay for your representation? Although it is the attorney’s responsibility to discuss pricing, make sure you know the exact terms of your arrangement. Most personal injury lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you should only pay if you win.
Do I pay if I lose my case? You will typically not be responsible for paying for their representation, but they may require you to pay for court costs, and other case expenses.
How many of your cases have been taken to trial? It is in your best interest to hire a lawyer with trial experience in the event that your claim must be taken to court.
How long do you think it will take to resolve the case and receive compensation for my injuries? Some cases can take years, depending on injury severity and unique circumstances. An attorney cannot give an exact answer but can give you an estimated timeline based on cases similar to yours.
Will my case need to go to trial? An attorney should explain when a case may head to trial and can also address any concerns you may have about ending up in court.
What do you think the outcome of my case will be? An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to lend their professional opinion but will not guarantee a specific outcome.
Are there any potential hurdles you see in my case? You need an attorney who is upfront about potential issues and options for overcoming them.
What is my case’s value? An attorney cannot offer an exact answer at this point, and can only give you an estimated value once they fully assess your losses. However, they may be able to give you an idea based on their experience.
Can I contact you at any time if I hire you? Consistent communication is critical, so it is essential to know how often you will be updated about your case.
Has your license ever been revoked or suspended? It can feel awkward asking this question, but it is essential to know that you are hiring an attorney who has integrity and respect for the legal profession.
Do you have references? A personal injury lawyer should happily supply a list of references, as speaking to a few past clients can give you an idea of how they work and their track record.
