If you’ve been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to find the right personal injury attorney to represent you. Choosing the wrong lawyer could have serious consequences and impact the outcome of your case. To make an informed decision, you need to ask the right questions during your initial consultation.
Here are 11 questions you should ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring them.
1. How Can I Reach You About My Case?
Clear and consistent communication is crucial at every step of the legal process. Ask the lawyer how they like to communicate and their usual response time to client questions. Clarify whether you’ll have direct access to the attorney or if you’ll primarily communicate with their staff.
Knowing how to reach your lawyer and what to expect in terms of communication will help ensure a smooth working relationship.
2. What Kind of Experience Do You Have in Cases Like Mine?
You want someone who has handled cases similar to yours and has a track record of success.
During your consultation, ask the lawyer about their experience in handling cases like yours. Inquire about the number of cases they’ve handled, their success rate, and any notable settlements or verdicts they’ve obtained; this will give you an idea of their expertise and whether they’re equipped for your specific case.
3. How Much Do You Charge?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Usually, the attorney will receive a percentage of your settlement or award.
It's important to discuss the fee structure during your consultation and ensure you’re comfortable with the arrangement. Inquire about any extra expenses, such as court fees or fees for expert witnesses, and discuss how they’ll be managed.
4. Does My Case Have Any Deadlines?
Every legal matter has deadlines, and personal injury cases are no exception. Statutes of limitations dictate the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit.
It’s crucial to discuss any applicable deadlines during your consultation with a personal injury lawyer; this ensures you won’t miss any important filing dates and miss out on seeking compensation for your injuries. An attorney can explain the relevant deadlines and guide you through the necessary steps to protect your rights.
5. What Outcomes Can I Expect from My Case?
While no lawyer can guarantee a specific result, discussing the potential outcomes of your case can help set realistic expectations.
Give the attorney relevant details about your case, such as the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Based on this information, they should be able to provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case and discuss settlement amounts or verdicts.
6. Can You Provide References or Testimonials from Past Clients?
One way to gauge the reputation and client satisfaction of a personal injury attorney is by requesting references or testimonials from past clients. Speaking with former clients or reading about their experiences can give you valuable insights into the lawyer’s professionalism, communication style, and ability to deliver results.
A firm that’s confident in its track record shouldn’t have any issue providing references for you to consult.
7. What Legal Strategy Will You Use for My Case?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to personal injury cases. Every situation is different, so the legal strategy needs to be tailored accordingly.
Ask the lawyer about their approach to handling cases like yours during your consultation. Inquire about their negotiation tactics, willingness to go to trial if necessary, and overall strategy for obtaining a favorable outcome. Talking to them will help you see if they’re a good fit for your case.
8. How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?
The timeline for resolving personal injury cases depends on your case's complexity, the opposing party's willingness to negotiate, and court availability. That said, still ask your lawyer for a rough estimate of how long they anticipate your case will take. An experienced attorney should be able to provide a general idea based on their knowledge of the legal process and their previous cases.
9. Will You Be Handling My Case Personally or Delegating it to Others?
At some law firms, the attorney you initially meet with may not be the one primarily handling your case. It’s important to clarify who will be responsible for your case and your point of contact throughout the process. See if the lawyer will personally handle your case or if it’ll be delegated to another attorney or paralegal within the firm.
10. How Will You Keep Me Informed About the Progress of My Case?
Regular updates on your case's progress are essential for peace of mind. Ask your lawyer how they plan to keep you informed. How frequently will you receive updates? Can you expect written reports or phone calls to discuss developments?
Clear communication and transparency are key to maintaining a positive attorney-client relationship.
11. Have You Received Any Awards or Recognition in the Field of Personal Injury Law?
While not a determining factor, accolades and recognition within the legal community can indicate a lawyer’s expertise and dedication to their practice.
During your consultation, ask them if they’ve received any awards, factors, or professional recognition for their work in personal injury law. These accolades can provide additional reassurance of their capabilities and commitment to providing high-quality legal representation.
Here are 11 questions you should ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring them.
1. How Can I Reach You About My Case?
Clear and consistent communication is crucial at every step of the legal process. Ask the lawyer how they like to communicate and their usual response time to client questions. Clarify whether you’ll have direct access to the attorney or if you’ll primarily communicate with their staff.
Knowing how to reach your lawyer and what to expect in terms of communication will help ensure a smooth working relationship.
2. What Kind of Experience Do You Have in Cases Like Mine?
You want someone who has handled cases similar to yours and has a track record of success.
During your consultation, ask the lawyer about their experience in handling cases like yours. Inquire about the number of cases they’ve handled, their success rate, and any notable settlements or verdicts they’ve obtained; this will give you an idea of their expertise and whether they’re equipped for your specific case.
3. How Much Do You Charge?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Usually, the attorney will receive a percentage of your settlement or award.
It's important to discuss the fee structure during your consultation and ensure you’re comfortable with the arrangement. Inquire about any extra expenses, such as court fees or fees for expert witnesses, and discuss how they’ll be managed.
4. Does My Case Have Any Deadlines?
Every legal matter has deadlines, and personal injury cases are no exception. Statutes of limitations dictate the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit.
It’s crucial to discuss any applicable deadlines during your consultation with a personal injury lawyer; this ensures you won’t miss any important filing dates and miss out on seeking compensation for your injuries. An attorney can explain the relevant deadlines and guide you through the necessary steps to protect your rights.
5. What Outcomes Can I Expect from My Case?
While no lawyer can guarantee a specific result, discussing the potential outcomes of your case can help set realistic expectations.
Give the attorney relevant details about your case, such as the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Based on this information, they should be able to provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case and discuss settlement amounts or verdicts.
6. Can You Provide References or Testimonials from Past Clients?
One way to gauge the reputation and client satisfaction of a personal injury attorney is by requesting references or testimonials from past clients. Speaking with former clients or reading about their experiences can give you valuable insights into the lawyer’s professionalism, communication style, and ability to deliver results.
A firm that’s confident in its track record shouldn’t have any issue providing references for you to consult.
7. What Legal Strategy Will You Use for My Case?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to personal injury cases. Every situation is different, so the legal strategy needs to be tailored accordingly.
Ask the lawyer about their approach to handling cases like yours during your consultation. Inquire about their negotiation tactics, willingness to go to trial if necessary, and overall strategy for obtaining a favorable outcome. Talking to them will help you see if they’re a good fit for your case.
8. How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?
The timeline for resolving personal injury cases depends on your case's complexity, the opposing party's willingness to negotiate, and court availability. That said, still ask your lawyer for a rough estimate of how long they anticipate your case will take. An experienced attorney should be able to provide a general idea based on their knowledge of the legal process and their previous cases.
9. Will You Be Handling My Case Personally or Delegating it to Others?
At some law firms, the attorney you initially meet with may not be the one primarily handling your case. It’s important to clarify who will be responsible for your case and your point of contact throughout the process. See if the lawyer will personally handle your case or if it’ll be delegated to another attorney or paralegal within the firm.
10. How Will You Keep Me Informed About the Progress of My Case?
Regular updates on your case's progress are essential for peace of mind. Ask your lawyer how they plan to keep you informed. How frequently will you receive updates? Can you expect written reports or phone calls to discuss developments?
Clear communication and transparency are key to maintaining a positive attorney-client relationship.
11. Have You Received Any Awards or Recognition in the Field of Personal Injury Law?
While not a determining factor, accolades and recognition within the legal community can indicate a lawyer’s expertise and dedication to their practice.
During your consultation, ask them if they’ve received any awards, factors, or professional recognition for their work in personal injury law. These accolades can provide additional reassurance of their capabilities and commitment to providing high-quality legal representation.
Contact Our New York Personal Injury Firm Today!
If you’re seeking legal representation in New York, contact Field Law Group today! Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.
Call 212-739-7278 or fill out the form to schedule a FREE consultation with our team today!
Contact Our New York Personal Injury Firm Today!
If you’re seeking legal representation in New York, contact Field Law Group today! Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.
Call 212-739-7278 or fill out the form to schedule a FREE consultation with our team today!
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania