If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering if you have a legal case. It can be difficult to know where to start, but talking to apersonal injury lawyeris a good place to start. They can advise you on your options and help you decide if filing a lawsuit is the right move for you. But before you do that, here are some questions to ask them.
1. Do you handle cases like mine?
Personal injury lawyers vary widely in terms of the types of accidents they accept as clients. Some might only take on workers’ compensation claims, while others will help you with your slip and fall case but won’t take onmedical malpracticecases. It’s important that you find someone who has experience and can help you effectively and efficiently.
2. What is your initial consultation fee?
If you’re in pain and don’t know where to turn, you might feel pressured to use the first attorney you find, even if their rates are high or they charge for an initial consultation. While it’s true that most people who file a lawsuit use an attorney, it’s good to be informed and not just go with the first person you come across. Working with someone who offers a free initial consultation is better because it helps you determine if you have a case or not.
3. How much do you charge?
You should always ask how much an attorney charges for their services, as well as what those fees include. You need to know if they will charge you hourly, or if they work on a contingency basis. If they are charging an hourly rate, ask them how many hours of work are included in that fee. A good attorney will give you a ballpark estimate on their fees before you hire them. You should also ask if the lawyer plans on sending out any bills during the course of your lawsuit—and what those might look like.
4. What percentage of cases that go to trial result in a victory for the plaintiff?
Not all personal injury lawsuits end with a winner and a loser—some are settled out of court, which can be a win-win for both sides. But it’s important to know if yourLas Vegas NV personal injury lawyerhas a history of going to trial or tends to settle cases.
5. How long will my case take?
Some personal injury lawsuits can be finalized fairly quickly, while others could drag on for years. It would be nice to know what you’re getting into and how long your specific case might take before you start the process, but unfortunately, that’s not always possible. You can ask an attorney how long they think your case might take, but keep in mind that it’s hard to know for certain.
6. What are the next steps in my case?
It’s important to ask what you can expect in terms of further action. Your attorney should lay out a clear plan for what needs to be done, and by whom. If you don’t get a straight answer from the personal injury lawyer you choose, or if they aren’t forthcoming with information or don’t seem knowledgeable about your case, this could be a warning sign that it’s time to look elsewhere.
7. Do you have any references I could talk to?
Finally, it’s always a good idea to ask if the personal injury lawyer will provide references for previous clients. Even if you aren’t set on this person being your attorney—after all, everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves—it’s always interesting to hear what others have had to say about the legal help they received.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next—especially if the impact of your injuries is significant. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to answer all of your questions and put you on the path towards a better future.
