Accidents seldom come with any forewarning, leaving victims unprepared and unsure about how to proceed. When you or someone you know is injured there can be a great deal of uncertainty as to what to do next, and a number of very important decisions will need to be immediately made. One important consideration involves selecting a personal injury attorney and ensuring they will be able to guide you to a successful end to your case.
There are a few essential questions to ask a personal injury attorney at the onset to make sure the right person is retained for the job.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Personal Injury Attorney
- Has your personal injury attorney taken cases similar to yours in the past? How many? What were the outcomes?
It is always important to inquire about the personal injury attorney’s prior cases similar to yours and the outcomes of each. Attorneys will likely not provide specifics about their prior cases due to attorney-client privilege, however they should at least be willing to provide general details to demonstrate their ability to achieve results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, however the goal here is to gain an understanding of what the attorney is capable of doing for you and your case. - What is your level of courtroom experience?
An attorney that rarely goes to trial could be a sign that they routinely look for quick payoffs rather than doing whatever is necessary to achieve the highest and best results for their clients. This can be due to a number of factors ranging from laziness, to inept ability to try a case, or simply taking on too many clients at a time and not having the resources to do what is needed for each client. - How long does the personal injury attorney think it will take to resolve your case?
Time is an important consideration in bringing any personal injury case to completion. As stressors such as medical bills, doctor visits and time out of work pile up, it is important to obtain a projected timeframe as to when compensation could possibly be paid for injurie - Who will perform the work on my case?
A majority of personal injury attorneys do not handle every component of a client’s case. Attorneys assign tasks to secretaries, paralegals, and associate attorneys to prepare letters and legal documents and act on your behalf. Retaining an attorney that delegates work to staff members may not sit well with you, however not only is this very common, it can work to minimize legal fees and expedite progress. - Does the attorney work on a contingency basis or charge hourly fees?
A vast majority of plaintiff-side personal injury attorneys work under contingency fee agreements. This means they don’t get paid until there is a settlement or favorable outcome reached, at which time they receive an agreed-upon portion of the monies you receive in compensation. Under an hourly fee agreement the attorney is entitled only to invoiced amounts for time and costs involved in handling your case, which can quickly become expensive and may be a sign to move on in your search for the right personal injury attorney.
Other Important Questions to Ask
- How often will you communicate with me about my case?
- Will I be able to speak directly with you if I need you?
- How many cases are you currently handling?
- Do you have time to handle my case?
- Are you able to provide references from some of your past clients?
- Have you ever been suspended from the practice of law? If so, why?
The questions above are just some of the many questions you may want to ask a personal injury attorney as it pertains to your case. Ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable and confident with the attorney you are consulting with. Retaining the right attorney is perhaps the most critical consideration in receiving a successful outcome to your personal injury case.