If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, it’s a good idea to get a consultation from a personal injury law firm about your case. In many cases, the full effects of getting hurt are not immediately evident. If you choose not to take legal action or at least see which options are available to you, the resultant expenses could be substantial.
Knowing what to ask a lawyer during the first meeting is crucial. Then, you can make an informed decision about whether the professional has the knowledge you need to assist with the case.
Do You Specialize in Personal Injury Cases?
Workplace fatalities often make the headlines, but it’s important for people to realize that workplace injuries are substantially more common. According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for every person that dies, 129 get emergency room treatment.
The significant number of injuries has caused a need for lawyers to create entire law firms that only deal with personal injury cases. In other cases, they may have dedicated departments for people who need personal injury-related assistance.
When you evaluate a lawyer to help you, it’s important to inquire whether personal injury is one of the practice’s main areas of focus. If it is, you can feel confident that the people who listen to your case will have the experience that helps them provide trustworthy guidance.
Will You Assist Me on a Contingency Basis?
Although there are established guidelines about court fees, some people still fear potentially high legal fees and decide not to hire personal injury lawyers because they think the ultimate cost will be too high. If you’re worried about that too, consider that the expenses you incur from having to pay for treatments and other needs based on an injury caused by negligence may be even greater.
Fortunately, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means that you only pay fees to them if you win, and the amount comes out of what you receive from a successful outcome in court. Knowing that you don’t owe anything up front could give you peace of mind when you need it most.
How Long Have You Been in Business/Practicing?
It’s also smart to ask a lawyer at a law firm how long that practice has been operating and how long the specific lawyer assigned to your case has been in the law profession. Get state-specific details, too. For example, if you need a Nevada personal injury lawyer, find out the length of time your legal professional has been licensed there.
Have You Dealt With Cases Like Mine?
During your legal consultation, a lawyer will listen carefully to the specifics of your case and give relevant advice. Take time to ask if the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours. Although you won’t get any guarantees about how your case will turn out, it could help you feel at ease to know that the person you hire has assisted other clients in situations that are like what you’re facing.
If you keep these questions in mind while assessing which lawyer to hire, the overall process should be smoother than expected. Then, you can start making decisions about how to handle the future, especially concerning your legal needs.