Everyone has seen the local commercials: a well-dressed attorney filmed in front of a library of law books imploring the audience to call a certain 800 number if they’ve been the victim of an accident. But personal injury lawyers don’t just deal in slip-and-fall cases. Lawsuits run the gamut from auto accidents to defective consumer products to deficient medical care and more. This means that those who have been victims of injury often have legal recourse. And because 96% of personal injury lawsuits are settled pretrial, there’s an abundance of attorney options out there. The trick is in knowing just how to pick the right one.
To this end, the potential plaintiff should go into any preliminary meeting at a law office with his or her eyes and ears open, and they’re questions ready. Here are some such crucial questions folks looking to make a personal injury claim should make sure to ask.
How much experience does the attorney have?
All cases are different, and not every lawyer has the requisite experience trying certain cases – no matter how big their advertising budget. It’s important to ask if the lawyer has tried the specific type of case in question, and whether they have had much success. Don’t be scared to control the direction of the consultation, and don’t be scared to contact previous clients, if they happen to be available.
Also, be wary of what’s called the “meet and greet.” Oftentimes a person will walk into a law office and be met by someone who they assume will be their lawyer, but is only there for the initial consultation. Make sure the person sitting across the desk is the same person who will be handling the case.
Is the attorney too busy to commit fully to the case?
Hiring a proven, popular attorney is certainly the right idea, but unfortunately many other people likely have that exact same idea. Some attorneys stretch themselves too thin with clients and wait a year or more after signing the client up – just until the statute of limitations has expired – to file their case. Needless to say, this does the client little good. Simply ask the attorney if he or she has the available time required to devote to the case.
What is the contingency fee?
Those with good cases can expect to find an attorney who will take their case on a contingency basis. That means they do not get paid unless there is a monetary recovery. These fees vary, but typically run between 25% and 40% of the final award. The stronger the case, the more power the client has to negotiate a lower contingency fee.
What are the extra costs in case of a loss?
Sometimes lawyers will charge for costs advanced or out-of-pocket fees, even in the event of a loss. It is incumbent on the client to ensure he or she will not be held responsible for such costs should they fail to win a monetary judgment.
What is the case worth?
It’s important not to leave an initial consult without some idea of what the case is worth overall. Most lawyers will not be able to give a specific figure, but any reputable attorney will be able to provide a general estimate or spectrum, as well as explain the obvious variables.
While knowing what to ask is vital, it can also cut down on search time to know which office doors to walk through in the first place. That’s why Georgia residents should opt for the professionals at Blasingame, Burch, Garrard and Ashley when considering a personal injury lawsuit.
To this end, the potential plaintiff should go into any preliminary meeting at a law office with his or her eyes and ears open, and they’re questions ready. Here are some such crucial questions folks looking to make a personal injury claim should make sure to ask.
How much experience does the attorney have?
All cases are different, and not every lawyer has the requisite experience trying certain cases – no matter how big their advertising budget. It’s important to ask if the lawyer has tried the specific type of case in question, and whether they have had much success. Don’t be scared to control the direction of the consultation, and don’t be scared to contact previous clients, if they happen to be available.
Also, be wary of what’s called the “meet and greet.” Oftentimes a person will walk into a law office and be met by someone who they assume will be their lawyer, but is only there for the initial consultation. Make sure the person sitting across the desk is the same person who will be handling the case.
Is the attorney too busy to commit fully to the case?
Hiring a proven, popular attorney is certainly the right idea, but unfortunately many other people likely have that exact same idea. Some attorneys stretch themselves too thin with clients and wait a year or more after signing the client up – just until the statute of limitations has expired – to file their case. Needless to say, this does the client little good. Simply ask the attorney if he or she has the available time required to devote to the case.
What is the contingency fee?
Those with good cases can expect to find an attorney who will take their case on a contingency basis. That means they do not get paid unless there is a monetary recovery. These fees vary, but typically run between 25% and 40% of the final award. The stronger the case, the more power the client has to negotiate a lower contingency fee.
What are the extra costs in case of a loss?
Sometimes lawyers will charge for costs advanced or out-of-pocket fees, even in the event of a loss. It is incumbent on the client to ensure he or she will not be held responsible for such costs should they fail to win a monetary judgment.
What is the case worth?
It’s important not to leave an initial consult without some idea of what the case is worth overall. Most lawyers will not be able to give a specific figure, but any reputable attorney will be able to provide a general estimate or spectrum, as well as explain the obvious variables.
While knowing what to ask is vital, it can also cut down on search time to know which office doors to walk through in the first place. That’s why Georgia residents should opt for the professionals at Blasingame, Burch, Garrard and Ashley when considering a personal injury lawsuit.