Don’t hire a personal injury attorney until you ask 10 questions!
1. How long have you been practicing law in this state? An inexperienced attorney should not have full file responsibility for your case. Accomplished trial attorneys often employ younger attorneys to assist them, but they should be playing a supporting role rather than handling your case.
2. Do you have malpractice insurance? Attorneys, like other professionals, should maintain a policy of professional malpractice insurance. Accidents and mistakes do happen, and a wise attorney will recognize this probability (even if very unlikely) and protect himself and you with a sizeable malpractice policy.
3. How many cases like mine have you taken to trial and/or settlement? This number is a bellwether indicating the attorney’s familiarity and experience with cases like yours.
4. How much time do you devote to cases like mine, that is, what percentage of your law practice focuses on this area of law? The attorney you retain should devote at least 75% of their practice to area to your case’s subject matter.
5. Who will be working on my case, you or junior associates, and if other individuals will be working on my case can I meet them as well? Oftentimes attorneys utilize the indispensable aid of younger, more inexperienced attorneys. Their help can save costs, but you should ask to meet them. While you may feel overwhelmed or confused by the subject matter, do not underestimate or neglect your judgment when evaluating an attorney candidate or his employees.
6. Do you have a policy regarding communication with clients, for example if I call with a question and leave a message, will you make your best efforts to contact me within 24 hours? One of the most common complaints from clients is that attorneys routinely neglect to return calls. Make sure that your attorney explains his policy regarding phone calls. And get his response or policy in writing within your retainer agreement if possible.
7. Do you routinely take the time yourself to explain to clients all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payment of costs? Your attorney should answer in the affirmative, as these matters are integral to your case. By asking this question, you are demonstrating that you are willing and able to learn about your case and be completely involved.
8. What is your method or strategy for handling cases like mine? Your attorney should have a streamlined process for “working-up” cases like yours. The level of detail contained in the attorney’s process will demonstrate his organization skills and familiarity with the subject matter and law of your case.
9. How long do you think my case will take before we reach settlement or go to trial? Be wary of an attorney who promises quick settlement or resolution, but your attorney should provide you with at least an estimate of the time required to reach disposition of your case.
10. What is the best way for me to help you in order that we reach a successful outcome in my case? And, most importantly, in your expert opinion do you believe that I have a case or is my situation just one of those unfortunate cases with no real chance of recovery? (This question should be asked with the knowledge that terrible things do happen and sometimes there is no legal recourse). Not all wrongs have a legal remedy. Your attorney might recommend that you not pursue your case. This is probably the most important question to ask and the most difficult answer to hear, but a quality attorney will provide you an action plan to handle your case that outlines your participation and the likely chance of victory.
To contact a personal injury attorney now please visit http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com the attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions and provide expert advice and take your case today.
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