Most people with potential injury claims have no experience navigating the legal system. Though they require assistance, they do not know the first thing about how to find a personal injury attorney to properly represent them.
Initial consultations provide a perfect opportunity for injury victims to interview lawyers and learn legal basics. Armed with that information, these clients can proceed to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their next steps and who to hire for legal services.
Information to Bring to the Consultation
Prepare any details about your case that you want to discuss with the lawyer. Given that the process is still in its earliest steps here, the lawyers you consult with will not need everything you have about your case. Nevertheless, the more information you bring, the more likely it is that the attorney will thoroughly understand your case.
With that in mind, many clients will provide potential lawyers with the following:
- Medical records
- Accident reports (if the case involves something like a car accident)
- Financial records showing costs and losses sustained due to the injuries
If you have questions about what you should bring to your consultation, in particular, it’s best to ask the person who schedules your appointment.
Preparing Questions for Your Attorney
The first appointment you have with a personal injury attorney will usually last 30 to 60 minutes. In addition to thoroughly preparing the information you wish to discuss, you’ll make the most of the allotted time by crafting a list of questions you want to touch on as well.
The following questions are commonly asked during initial consultations:
- How much do you charge?
- Who will handle my case?
- How strong is my claim?
- What experience do you have in cases like mine?
- How much compensation do people get for similar injuries?
- What information do you need from me?
- How will I receive updates about my case?
Remember, your first consultation is your opportunity to interview the lawyer and decide whether to hire them for your case. Having your most pertinent questions answered will help you choose the lawyer who is best for you and your case.
Understanding the Legal Process
Injury cases often involve complicated legal issues like negligence and non-economic losses. With that in mind, expect to discuss both substantive law and the claims process with the lawyer in order to fully understand what your case involves.
That information is valuable for two reasons. First, you’ll have a better idea of the strength of your case. Lawyers have an ethical obligation to provide you with an objective assessment of your case, but reasonable minds can differ. With a basic understanding of substantive law, you can evaluate whether you want to proceed in the face of any risks your case may face.
Second, understanding the claims process will help you determine the timeframe for resolving your claims. Your lawyer will not be able to predict how long your case will take. But by understanding the process yourself, you will know where you are at each stage and what steps remain.
What the Attorney Will Consider When Evaluating Your Case
A personal injury attorney will often look at the following factors in evaluating cases:
- Evidence showing the other party’s negligence
- Whether the other party has insurance
- Your role in contributing to your injuries
- The losses you suffered
- Whether you missed any deadlines
If a lawyer declines to represent you, discuss their reasons so you can raise them when you speak to other lawyers. For example, if a lawyer declines your case because you missed Texas’s two-year statute of limitations, bringing up that issue with other lawyers might lead to one finding an exception to the rule that extends the deadline.
Financial Expectations
You can expect to discuss the value of your case during your initial consultation. The compensation you can recover will depend on the losses you incurred. These losses include economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. They also include non-economic losses that attempt to capture the reduction in your quality of life due to your injuries.
Beyond losses, you should always be ready to discuss how much you will pay for a lawyer’s services as well. Fee disputes are some of the most common disagreements between clients and their lawyers. You should discuss fees early in the case to avoid these disputes.
Most injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, which is calculated at the end of the case and based on the compensation recovered for you. Contingency fees reward lawyers for the results they produce. The more they get for you, the more they get paid.
Confidentiality and Trust
Do not be afraid to ask questions during your consultation, even if they might embarrass you or expose you to liability. Lawyers are professionals who have experience dealing with all kinds of situations. Furthermore, it is their ethical duty to keep confidential everything you discuss.
FAQ
Do All Personal Injury Lawyers Offer Free Consultations?
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to new clients for a few reasons. For one, free consultations are a good way for the lawyer to get new cases. Alongside that, injured clients often need their resources to pay for medical bills and living expenses while they recover.
What Will the Lawyer Tell Me During a Consultation?
A lawyer will usually cover three areas during your consultation: the law firm and how it handles cases, your case and the compensation you can recover for it, and finally, the steps for hiring the lawyer and starting your claim.
How Should I Prepare for a Legal Consultation?
You should make a list of questions you want to discuss and gather any documents the lawyer may need to answer them, such as medical records, accident reports, and financial records.
Contact Us to Schedule Your First Consultation
Your free consultation will give you the information you need to move forward with your case. Contact Ramsey Law Group for a free case evaluation to learn more about your case and how we can help you.