Engaging the most suitable attorney is essential to get the ideal outcome of your personal injury case. An attorney is the lifeline of every case. Hence, taking your time to scout out the right attorney can be a game-changer for your case.
“Before engaging an attorney, there are some crucial questions you must ask them to know if they are ideal for your case. Their responses to your questions will help you understand if they can help you get the compensation you deserve out of your case,” says personal injury attorney Arthur Schechter of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys .
This piece highlights seven critical questions you must ask a personal injury lawyer before engaging them for a smooth working relationship:
Question One: What Is Your Specific Area of Specialization in Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law is very vast, with numerous practice areas. Most personal injury attorneys have their specific areas of specialization. Some focus on workplace accident injuries, while others may focus on medical malpractice, premises liability, or auto accident claims.
Hence, the case at hand will determine the most appropriate attorney for your case. For example, you may not get the ideal for your case if you engage an auto accident lawyer for a medical malpractice issue. Even though they are familiar with that aspect of personal injury law, they are not a specialist in it.
Hence, your first question to an attorney should be about their area of specialization. They should have a niche or law area in which they are most experienced. If their niche is inconsistent with your needs, look elsewhere for a suitable one.
Question Two: How Many Cases Similar to Mine Have You Handled?
After confirming their practice area, you will further streamline the questions by asking them how many cases they have handled are similar to yours. You must be specific and not take a generic response like “many” from the attorney. Tell them to mention the particular cases and how long they have happened.
That might be a red flag if they struggle to give specific examples. It would be unwise to allow a personal injury attorney with no specific experience relating to your case to represent you. They may use your case for an experiment.
Since the initial consultation is free for most personal injury attorneys, you can schedule appointments with multiple attorneys. Hastily settling down for any accessible attorney may be an invitation to your loss.
Question Three: What Are the Fees You Charge?
Most personal injury attorneys charge contingently; you pay them a pre-agreed fee after they help you recover damages. However, to avoid confusion, you must agree on the percentage they will take from your award before commencing the case.
Most attorneys charge between 25 and 40 percent of the settlement amount as their fee. However, some may charge a lower or higher amount based on your relationship with them and the specific details of your case.
However, it may be a red flag when a lawyer goes much lower than the standard contingency fee. It may signal their desperation to handle your case despite being unqualified. Thus, the quality should be a concern if the rate is too cheap.
In the same vein, avoid attorneys who want to exploit you through high charges. Such persons are out to milk you dry. They often charge a higher percentage than what the victim will get.
Question Four: Who Bears the Responsibility of Case-Related Costs If I Lose?
Some personal injury attorneys often add case-related costs to their contingency fees, while others separate them. Hence, clarify how your attorney handles case-related costs, especially if the case does not turn out well.
If your attorney says you will be responsible for those costs if your lawsuit fails, it will help you prepare ahead. However, if there is no specific agreement on it, it can be a source of crisis when your case hits a rock.
Question Five: How Committed Will You Be to My Case?
Further, you should inquire how committed the attorney will be to your case. Are they the busy type that will hand over your file to a subordinate?
If it appears that the lawyer is busy and will hardly have your time, you may rescind your decision to engage them. It does not mean their associate will do a poor job, but once you can’t trust the process, do not proceed.
Your preferred attorney must tell you when they will begin with your case. A specific timeline will help you know when to expect feedback from the legal professional. Avoid people who will keep procrastinating your case.
Question Six: What Is Your Success Story?
Engaging an attorney without a history of success is like intentionally throwing away a golden chance. Carefully listen to your potential attorney’s success story in similar cases. They must have handled specific cases relevant to yours.
While their success rate does not guarantee that your case will succeed, it bolsters your hope. Their past success will serve as the foundation for the future. Their experience will guide them when prosecuting your case.
Question Seven: How Much Is My Case Worth?
Apart from knowing the timeline of your case, you also deserve to know its worth. The latter is more important to you because the whole essence of the claims process is to recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Although no lawyer can tell you the specific amount your case is worth, a reputable one can give you an estimate. Also, knowing what your case is worth does not guarantee a settlement. Their response is solely based on similar cases they handled in the past.
Your potential personal injury attorney will consider several factors, such as medical bills, discovery, and liability, to give you an estimate of your case. If an attorney gives you an estimate that is above the roof, it may be a trick to retain you. Beware of such people!
In Conclusion
It is vital to ask relevant questions before engaging a personal injury attorney. To get the ideal out of an attorney, you must open your eyes wide when engaging them. The selection process must be thorough and devoid of emotions.
The process of changing lawyers mid-case is often fraught with difficulty and can be a deeply traumatizing experience for those involved, leading to added stress and potential setbacks. That is why you must do your homework well before your case commences. Asking the questions in this piece will help you make the right decision.