Ten must-ask questions before hiring a personal injury attorney.
1. How long have you been in practice? While many young attorneys have the potential to become accomplished trial lawyers, you do not want your case handled by a novice.
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. What percentage of your practice is devoted to cases like mine? The prospective attorney should spend at least 75% of his or her time on cases like yours.
5. Will you be working on my case alone or do you routinely have junior attorneys assist on matters like mine? Junior associate attorneys often perform work on many matters for more senior, accomplished attorneys. You should, however, ask to meet these attorneys in order to evaluate them. The subject matter of your case and the laws governing it might seem foreign and unintelligible but you should not ignore your own personal judgment when it comes to sizing up a prospective attorney and his employees.
6. How quickly do you typically return client phone calls? Some attorneys are notorious for failing to return client phone calls. In fact, this complaint usually tops the list of all client complaints about their lawyers. Your attorney should have a policy whereby he returns client calls within 24 hours, absent unusual circumstances. Be sure to have your attorney put this requirement in your retainer agreement, to ensure compliance.
7. Will you take the time to explain all of the legal concepts, court procedures, fee arrangements, retainer agreements, billing practices, and payment of costs to me? This question is important because these matters can be time consuming and obtaining an affirmation from your attorney will set the tone. You will demonstrate that you are aware that the subject matter might be foreign to you but that you are willing to learn and be involved in your case to the best of your ability.
8. Do you have a strategy that you employ for cases similar to mine? Your prospective attorney’s answer will demonstrate his organizational skills and whether or not he is familiar with the subject matter implicated in 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.
Take your first step now; contact a personal injury attorney at http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com. The attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions, provide expert advice and take on your case today.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.