Hiring your personal injury attorney can be a daunting process. There are many factors to consider, and the risk of choosing the wrong attorney is high. That’s why asking the right questions before making your decision becomes all the more critical. The following are some basic and straightforward questions to ask before deciding on an injury attorney. There are ten of them, so get the pen out, make some notes, and see if they fit the attorney in question, as well as what is expected of him or her in the case. Ask away; trust me, you will not be disappointed.
1) What’s Your Contingency Fee?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you will only pay the attorney if you receive monetary damages. Generally speaking, these fees will run from about 25% to 40%. Because these types of contracts are out in the open for negotiation, it is good to ask what the percentage is right away and clear up all terms.
2) Am I Responsible for Advanced Case Costs if We Lose?
In addition to contingency fees, a more substantial fee that some attorneys may charge includes advanced case costs. Usually, these costs are deducted from the client’s share in the settlement. For better assurance of not being burdened with unexpected financial obligations, be sure to ask your attorney if they will cover such expenses in full when a case is lost.
3) Have You Worked on These Types of Cases Before?
Experience matters. A lawyer with past success on similar cases should be able to pursue your claim with skill. Inquire about results in other cases, what kinds of cases they handled, and if possible, a few references from former clients.
4) Do You Have the Time to Work on My Case Right Now?
Big law firms handle many cases together and put your case at the end of the list. A delay in action may cause a delay in compensation. Go for an attorney with time for your case, not even leave you without attention for a while.
5) When Will My Lawsuit Be Filed?
Some lawyers wait until a filing deadline is close before they file the lawsuit. Inquire whether your case can be filed within a specific timeframe, like two weeks, to avoid unnecessary delays that may negatively affect your case.
6) Will My Case Go to Trial? And If It Does, When?
In most cases, personal injury cases settle before going to trial, but an effective attorney is always ready to go to trial. If your attorney seems confident that the case will settle, press them on the issue of what factors could prompt it to go to trial and what the time frame might be.
7) What Is My Case Actually Worth?
Your attorney should be able to estimate the total case value according to liability, medical costs, and other factors. Although no lawyer can promise a better outcome, they should know the range within which a fair settlement would fall.
8) Will You Be the Lawyer Handling My Case?
Sometimes, the lawyer who initially meets you may not be the one who deals with your case in the long run. Ensure you know who will serve as your main point of contact and confirm that the person you trust will handle the case.
9) What Will My Participation in the Lawsuit Look Like?
Understanding your role in the case is fundamental. Some clients prefer to be very actively involved, while others may not want to take much of a role at all. You should ask your attorney about your involvement in the case and their needs from you during the process.
10) Will You Get Me More Money Than Other Attorneys? And Why?
Your goal in a personal injury lawsuit is to maximize your compensation. Ask your lawyer how they plan to achieve the best outcome for you. Compare their strategy with other attorneys and choose the one that offers the best path to success.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Manhattan will be a tough choice to find, but these essential questions will ensure you are going down the right path. Whether you like it or not, the personal injury lawyer you select can be the key to your case, so you need to take your time to choose wisely to increase your odds of getting compensated.