4 Questions to Ask a Potential Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring Them

Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, have a claim for medical malpractice or have been injured at work, the services of a good lawyer can help you get the compensation that you deserve. When it comes to personal injury claims of any kind, it’s uncommon for people to represent themselves and win their case, unless you have legal experience and know-how. So, how do you go about choosing the right lawyer for your situation? Recommendations from family and friends can be a great way to get started, but it’s important that you find a lawyer who’s the right fit for you. Asking these important questions before deciding can help.

#1. Current Case Load:

Whilst your lawyer is handling your case, it’s crucial that you’re aware that they’ll likely also be handling other cases at the same time. As a result, they may often be limited when it comes to the amount of time that they have available to dedicate fighting your case. It’s a good idea to ask your potential lawyer how many cases they expect to be handling at the same time as yours and how this compares to their average caseload at any given time. Ask them how much time they expect to have both dedicated to your case and for one on one contact time with yourself.

#2. Previous Experience:

No good lawyer will withhold information about their previous experience when you ask them. If you’re expecting to spend the next few weeks or months fighting a personal injury case in court, you’ll want to have somebody by your side who is experienced in their field, like Smiley Injury Law. Before you decide on the right lawyer for you, it’s a wise idea to ask them questions about their past experience; ask about how many personal injury claims they have fought and won in the past, along with any qualifications and other relevant experience that they may have.

#3. Fees and Expenses:

Before you take a lawyer on board, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the fees and expenses that they charge beforehand. Many personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency basis when it comes to client claims; this means that if your case is lost, you will not have any fees to pay – although bear in mind that you may be expected to cover court costs and other associated fees, so it’s important to get as much information on this before you choose your lawyer.

#4. Possible Alternatives:

Depending on the type of personal injury case that you are involved in, your lawyer may be able to suggest possible alternatives to going to court. For example, if the other party has already admitted fault, they may be willing to provide you with an out-of-court settlement, which is often a preferred alternative compared to attending court for weeks. Mediation may also be a good alternative to consider if the other party is willing to do so. This is often much less formal and more conversational than attending court, with both parties talking to come to a conclusion that works well for everyone.

Choosing the right lawyer is essential to getting the outcome that you want from your personal injury case.