Securing compensation for losses and injuries after an accident is not as easy as it sounds. If you do not know how to go about it and what to do, it could become really difficult. This is why it makes sense to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can represent your interest and ensure a quick settlement with the insurance company.
However, hiring a lawyer is not easy either. You should not file a lawsuit without consulting an attorney and you should not hire the first attorney you come across. In order to ensure that you are making the right choice, there are some crucial questions you should ask. Let’s take a look at them.
What are your charges?
The fee structure is one of the most important questions to ask any attorney you are keen on working with. A lot of lawyers charge a contingency fee which means you have to pay a fee only when you recover the money damages in your lawsuit. Some also charge you an hourly consultation fee. The Barnes Firm injury lawyers, experienced lawyers in Los Angeles, state “Many lawyers require you to pay a fee whenever you consult them while many will ask you to make the payment at the end of the lawsuit.
Hence, before you proceed, understand the lawyer’s fee structure and then decide if it fits your budget.” Ask the lawyer who will handle the out-of-pocket costs if your lawsuit fails.
Have you worked on cases similar to this one?
It is important that you work with a lawyer who has experience handling cases similar to yours. Do not assume that they have tackled a case like yours in the past. You need to ask them about their experience and case results. Depending on the type of accident you have been involved in, you need an attorney who has worked on a similar lawsuit. If you were in a car accident, you do not want someone who excels in slip-and-fall accidents. Choose a lawyer who is an expert in handling cases like yours.
How much time will you be able to give for my case?
Some lawyers take up several cases at the same time and then sit on the case while they also keep signing up new clients. This way, they are unable to pay attention to the case they are working on. You must ask the lawyers about the time they can set aside for your case right now.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
It is natural to want to get done with the case at the earliest and you can ask your attorney about how long it often takes for a similar case to be resolved. No two cases are the same and there are many factors which decide how long it takes for the case to close but lawyers can give you a rough idea about the same. Choose a lawyer who is committed to resolving the case at the earliest possible under any circumstances.
Who will take the case?
When you work with a firm, many lawyers have the experience and qualifications to handle your case. Firms like to give complex cases to their senior partners but there are also instances when the firm promises that you will work with a senior lawyer, but you never see them once the agreement is sealed. Be very clear about this and ask who the contact person will be and whom can you speak with whenever you want updates about the case. Ask more about the qualifications of the lawyers who will handle your case.
What is the case worth?
Experienced lawyers will have a basic idea of what a case is worth, and they can provide an estimate while explaining all the factors that could impact the verdict or settlement offer. Do the research and then consider the lawyer’s claims. You might not get a direct number or answer from the lawyer, but they can provide a fair idea. Stay away from those who make the estimates seem totally unrealistic.
Can you refer me to a past client?
Only when you speak to a past client, you will know how well the lawyers have handled similar cases. Do not hesitate to ask the firm for references and they will also provide you with contact details for a couple of former clients. Do not rely on the website testimonials or promotional messages alone and speak to a past client to know more about the lawyer.
No matter the type of personal injury you are involved in, remember to ask these questions to an attorney before you decide to work with them. A professional lawyer will be happy to answer all your questions until you are satisfied.
