Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney

Injuries happen, as much as we’d rather they didn’t. Usually, when you get hurt, all you need is a band-aid, a few things from your first-aid kit, like disinfectant, cotton wool, and a bandage, or a trip to A&E for the treatment of more serious injuries. With the first two, you’ll likely be able to go about your day as normal afterward. Going to A&E, however, means you’ve been hurt badly enough that going about your regular schedule might prove difficult.

Serious injuries can prevent you from working and hinder your ability to earn an income. Treating them can be costly, particularly if you cannot access your insurance. If your injuries have been caused by someone else, then they’ll have to compensate you. You’ll need the services of a personal injury attorney to help you navigate insurance claims and ensure you’re suitably compensated for your injuries.

Before choosing a personal injury attorney, you must be certain they’re the right person to represent you. You can do this by conducting interviews. Here are some questions to ask your potential personal risk attorney:

1. What is your fee?

Personal injury attorneys get paid a contingency fee. They only receive payment once you’ve received a settlement from your lawsuit. The percentage they receive as payment is between 33 percent and 40 percent. However, you do not pay a fee if you lose your case.

Besides the contingency fee, there are other costs and expenses, such as court filing fees, transcripts, and expert witness fees. These costs and expenses are incurred during your lawyer’s investigation of your case, and you will likely be expected to pay them.

Be wary of lawyers who offer to take on your case for less than the typical minimum contingency fee. They might be unable to deliver on their promise of a good job. You’re paying to win, so you want to avoid choosing a personal injury attorney just because they’re cheap.

2. Will the contingency fee increase if the case goes to trial?

Your attorney’s contingency fee might increase if your case goes to trial. Ask your attorney about this to be sure.

3. What are your thoughts about my case?

You want someone who can tell you honestly what they think about your case. Cases vary from person to person. As such, they are handled differently in each situation. Is it possible for you to win the lawsuit? Will it be a lengthy process? Be sure to ask these questions to have an idea of whether or not you have a chance of winning the case.

Ask your attorney what areas might create difficulties for your case and how you can address them. If you shouldn’t go ahead with your lawsuit, your lawyer should be able to tell you so.

4. How can you help me win my case?

Lawyers have strategies they use to win cases. Ask your lawyer how they plan to help you win yours. After listening to the details of your situation, they should be able to devise a strategy to help you win your lawsuit potentially. Difficulties can be detrimental to the success of your lawsuit, so you want someone who can handle unexpected difficulties in your case.

5. Can you take on my case?

You want an attorney who can give their full attention to your case. An attorney with a backlog of cases may not be able to devote their time and attention to yours fully. As such, they are not an ideal choice. Choose a lawyer you know can give your case the attention it deserves.

Large firms are typically the preferable option because they have more people on hand to work on your case.

6. Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

An attorney with experience handling personal injury cases is ideal. You can find out about your attorney’s expertise by asking about previous cases. Sometimes cases end up in court, and while you may be unsure whether or not yours will, it would be good to have an attorney with courtroom experience. To that effect, you’ll want to know how many cases they’ve won in court.

7. What role do I play in the lawsuit?

Speak to your lawyer about what your role will be in the case. Do you want to be fully involved and informed of every step, attending meetings and receiving frequent updates? Or would you prefer to let your lawyer take care of everything?

Be sure to communicate with your lawyer about how involved you want to be so that you’re both on the same page.

8. Who will handle my case?

When it comes to firms, it might seem like the first person you speak to will represent you, but this isn’t always the case. You want to be sure who’s handling your case and whether they will continue to handle it if it goes to court. It is also important that you’re able to contact someone at the firm for updates or with questions.

9. Whom can I reach out to with questions?

Whom do you contact regarding questions about your lawsuit? Your lawyer, their assistant, or a secretary? Besides knowing whom to reach out to with questions, you’ll want their contact information. Let them know the best way to get in touch with you.

If you wish to be updated regularly on the case, let them know. Receiving information regularly from your lawyer can make you feel more involved in the process.

10. How long will it take to resolve my case?

Your attorney cannot tell you immediately how long it will take to resolve your case, but they should be able to give you an idea of how long it might take. The time frame of the resolution of your case depends on factors such as the court calendar and the case’s complexity.

11. Will my case go to trial?

Your case may or may not go to trial, depending on whether you can settle out of court. You don’t want a lawyer who will tell you with certainty that you can settle out of court. Rather, you want a lawyer who’s prepared for the event that you end up settling in court.

12. Can I get in touch with a previous client?

While there may be information about your attorney and their accomplishments online, it would be a good idea to ask if you can get in contact with past clients. Websites are informative, but they may have embellishments.

Your lawyer should be able to provide you with the contact information of one or two former clients. By checking their satisfaction, you can have an idea of whether or not the lawyer you’re interviewing is the one for you.

If you need a Denver injury lawyer, don’t just hire one without interviewing them first. You must make your choice based on the information you’ve gathered. You need an attorney who can fully represent your interests and help you get compensation within as short an amount of time as possible.