Ten must-ask questions before hiring a personal injury attorney.
1. How long have you been in practice? While many young attorneys have the potential to become accomplished trial lawyers, you do not want your case handled by a novice.
2. Do you have a policy of professional liability insurance? Like doctors, attorneys should maintain a malpractice insurance policy in the event that mistakes occur.
3. How many cases like mine have you taken to trial and/or settlement? This number is a bellwether indicating the attorney’s familiarity and experience with cases like yours.
4. How much time do you devote to cases like mine, that is, what percentage of your law practice focuses on this area of law? The attorney you retain should devote at least 75% of their practice to area to your case’s subject matter.
5. Will you utilize the assistance of younger attorneys or paralegals on my case? Younger attorneys and paralegals are often used to perform important tasks, but should play a limited role in your case. However, it is important that you ask to meet them and use your personal judgment to evaluate them. Even though the subject matter and law governing your case might be foreign and unfamiliar you should not discount your ability to size up an attorney candidate and his staff.
6. What is your policy regarding returning client phone calls? The most frequent complaint of clients is unreturned phone calls. Your attorney should have a 24 hour turnaround on client phone calls, absent unusual circumstances. It would be best to have this policy written into your retainer agreement with the attorney to ensure compliance.
7. How will you explain to me all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payments of costs? The answer to this question will demonstrate the time and “bed-side” manner of your attorney. These questions are often time consuming even though very important. Your attorney should explain to you, in detail, all of the above subject matter areas thoroughly. By expressing your willingness to be involved in the case you will set the tone that you want to be involved in your case and are willing to learn.
8. Do you have a strategy that you employ for cases similar to mine? Your prospective attorney’s answer will demonstrate his organizational skills and whether or not he is familiar with the subject matter implicated in your case.
9. What is the likelihood of a quick settlement or trial? Beware the attorney who promises a quick settlement or trial. However, your attorney should be able to provide a well reasoned estimate of the time necessary to reach disposition of your case.
10. In your expert opinion do you believe that I have real chance for recovery or is my situation just an unfortunate one with no real chance of success? You should, of course, ask this question even though it may be difficult to hear the answer. Sometimes there is no legal remedy when a person is hurt, injured or suffers an injustice. Your attorney might, in fact, recommend that you not pursue your case. A quality attorney will provide you with a plan of action that outlines your participation, the steps he will take, and the likelihood of a successful recovery.
To contact a personal injury attorney now please visit http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com the attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions and provide expert advice and take your case today.
