Five Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident, receiving the compensation you deserve can be difficult. Rather than going it alone and navigating the tricky situation of negotiating with insurance companies, personal injury attorneys can help you achieve the results you deserve according to your unique situation.
Before you ever file a lawsuit, you should consult with a reputable attorney. Here are some of the important questions you should ask as you search for the right personal injury attorney to represent you.
What are your fees?
Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency, which means you won’t pay a fee for their services unless you receive compensation for your claim. If you’ve recovered financial damages through your claim, the lawyer usually takes between 25 and 40 percent of the award. Shopping around for the lowest fee isn’t advisable. Instead, look at an attorney’s reputation by reading online reviews or getting recommendations.
Have you tried personal injury cases similar to mine?
Every personal injury case is unique, featuring special circumstances that can affect the chance of you winning your claim. Before retaining an attorney, always ask if they have direct experience dealing with cases that are similar to yours. For example, you may not want to choose an attorney for a medical malpractice case when their specialty is slip and falls or car accidents.
How long does it take to resolve a case like mine?
While there can be some unexpected setbacks that can delay your case, you should always ask for a ballpark estimate regarding the expected length of your case. Your potential lawyer should be able to give you a rough estimate of how long it may take to for you case to reach its resolution.
Will my case go to trial?
In general, be wary of an attorney who wants to end your case early with a settlement. Your attorney should fight for you and be fully prepared to take your case to a trial before a jury. In this situation, you’ll have enough evidence and information to support your claim and get the most favorable results possible.
A good follow-up to this question would be to ask what the attorney’s success rate is at trial. You want to be completely sure that your personal injury attorney has the experience and capability to win your case, and a track record of success is a great indicator.
What’s my case worth?
Personal injury attorneys who’ve been in the business long enough have a general idea of what your case is worth. They’ll take a look at your individual situation, including medical records and other documentation, to explain how various factors can impact a settlement or verdict. Use your best judgment and be wary of attorneys who propose estimates that seem unrealistic.
If you’ve been injured, qualified personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Ruben J. Padron, PA today. We’ve been assisting clients with personal injury claims since 2005, ensuring that every case is handled with the utmost professionalism.
Categorised in: Personal Injury Attorney