It’s important to find a personal injury law firm or lawyer you trust. It’s important to find one that is qualified, trustworthy, and within your budget, if you have been injured in an accident.
With that said, it will take some research before you make the final decision on who to work with. So, before anything else, make sure to look into these questions to ask before you hire an injury lawyer.
- What cases does the lawyer handle?
There are lawyers who are general practitioners, doing a bit of everything, which includes personal injury practice. There may also be medical malpractice cases or lawsuits against drug manufacturers.
If they don’t do the type of work you need to be done regularly, then you may be at a disadvantage. It’s best to find a specialist who works in the field you need them for, which are personal injury lawsuits.
- How long has the lawyer been working in the field?
Those who work on personal injury lawsuits for the injured would charge the same fee regardless of how long they have been practicing for. So, for a similar fee, you can get a lawyer who has had 1-2 years of experience, or one that has had 20 years of experience.
And of course, just like hiring someone in any other field, it’s best to find someone who is well-equipped with both knowledge and experience from years of practice and studying.
- Does the lawyer try lawsuits in court or settles out of court?
This is another important question to ask, though not many laypeople think of asking this. A way to get a good result out of your case in settlements is to have the insurance company know that you’re ready and willing to try the case in court. For lawyers who opt to settle usually, then you’ll probably have a substantial discount on the case.
- What is the lawyer’s track record of settlements and verdicts?
The longer the success list of a lawyer, then obviously, the better it would be for the client. Insurance companies that defend personal injury and malpractice cases would know who the attorneys are in the area that would go into court to try cases. They will use that information to determine the risk, which is why one of the first questions insurance adjusters ask about is who represents the plaintiff.
- “Who will actually handle my case?”
Even when you’re wowed with the lawyer you met; you still have to ask this question. This is because some lawyers may end up giving the case for someone else to work on. It’s important to know that the lawyer you’re talking with will be the one handling the case, or at least the one your case will be assigned to.
While there’s nothing wrong with having more lawyers on the case, it’s still crucial to know who they are.
- How long will the case take?
Your case isn’t the only one the lawyer will work on, especially when they are well-known for their success. They’ll be handling dozens or hundreds of cases simultaneously! So, while no one can predict the exact time it takes to resolve a case, asking this will help you know how your case will be prioritized.
- What is the lawyer’s success rate?
This will have you know how successful the lawyer is. Of course, the higher the rate, the better, but also notice the way the lawyer answers this question so you get a better insight on how they work and view your case.
- Has the lawyer ever been censured or disciplined?
It’s important to know if the lawyer has been against disciplinary action or censure. This affects their reputation and will help you know what to expect if you do work with them.
You can find out the lawyer’s status with some research of your own, but it’s best to ask the lawyer himself to see how they answer the question if they own up to mistakes, justify their action, or will explain it away.
- Can the lawyer provide preferences?
Ask the lawyer if you can talk with former clients. If they are willing to share this and the outcome of former cases, it can tell you a lot. But if they hesitate or are reluctant, then this might be concerning their reputation and success rate.
Again, you are better off with an experienced lawyer who has a good success rate and happy clients.
- What are the lawyer’s fees?
And of course, it’s important to know how much you should allot for the lawyer’s fees. Most lawyers would work on a contingency fee, only getting paid for a successful case. Others would charge out-of-court costs regardless of what the verdict is, while others work on both payment types.
When working on contingency fees, inquire about the percentage they take from the money received and other additional costs.
Wrapping It Up
I hopethat you learned more about how to find the most suitable injury lawyer for you based on these questions. So, make sure you ask these questions as you interview the lawyers you have narrowed down to find one to work on your case now.
Do you have questions or want to share your tips and experiences on choosing a suitable injury lawyer? Share them in the comment section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated!