Top Five Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
After being in a car accident, you may be faced with the task of finding the right lawyer for you. To help you guide you through the process, here are the 5 Top Questions to ask an attorney in your personal injury case:
• Will you be the actual person handling my case?
At some larger firms, during your initial consultation, you will have a quick meet and greet with your lawyer, yet never see them again. During your first meeting, ask who will be your contact? And ask who will be the person handling your case? Many firms will route you to the paralegal, even if you would like to speak with your attorney on a certain issue. Make sure that you have access to your lawyer when you need them.
• What is your contingency fee?
Most personal injury lawyers will not require you to pay for any attorney’s fees out of your pocket. The typical fee ranges from 25-50% of the ultimate recovery. You are paying for an attorney’s skill and competence. Don’t just go with the cheapest lawyer out there. You want the best lawyer, not the cheapest.
• Will I be responsible for any costs?
In addition to the contingency fee arrangement, there will be a section concerning costs. In every case, there are costs associated with bringing a personal injury claim. This can range from fees your lawyer is charged to get your medical records, to the filing fee if a lawsuit needs to be filed. Ask who will pay these costs up front? Most attorneys will pay these costs up front and recoup these costs at the end of your case.
• What percentage of your practice is devoted to personal injury cases?
Many lawyers have a main practice area and just do personal injury on the side. Depending on your case, these lawyers may not have the experience to properly handle a personal injury case. You have the right to know your attorney’s experience in handling personal injury cases.
• Do you have the time necessary to actually work on my case now?
Some lawyers try to get as many clients signed up as possible. However, they don’t have the time or staff necessary to work all of their cases. Especially if their main focus is a different area of law, their personal injury cases may get put on the shelf. Make sure your lawyer has the interest and time to devote to your case.
Next time, we will discuss a recent Nevada Supreme Court case on employer’s liability for acts of its employees.
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