What questions should I ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring them?
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    What questions should I ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring them?
    Updated:02/09/2024
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    1 Answers
    StormWalker
    Updated:06/04/2024

    Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a significant decision that can influence the outcome of your case. Here are essential questions you should consider asking.

    1. What is your experience with personal injury cases?
    • Inquire about how many years they have practiced personal injury law.
    • Ask about their success rate in similar cases.
    • Request examples of past cases they have handled and the outcomes.
    2. Do you specialize in any specific type of personal injury case?
    • Identify if they handle vehicle accidents, slip and falls, product liability, medical malpractice, etc.
    • Specialization may indicate a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved.
    3. How do you structure your fees?
    • Ask if they work on a contingency fee basis.
    • Inquire about any additional costs that could arise during the case.
    • Clarify the percentage they will take from the settlement or award.
    4. What is your approach to handling cases?
    • Discuss how they plan to investigate and gather evidence for your case.
    • Ask about their negotiation strategy with insurance companies.
    • Understand their stance on going to trial versus settling.
    5. Who will handle my case?
    • Determine if the attorney you are speaking with will be your main contact.
    • Ask about the team members who will assist and their qualifications.
    6. How long will my case take?
    • Understand the potential duration of your case from start to finish.
    • Inquire about factors that could delay the process.
    7. What is the likely outcome of my case?
    • Get their opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
    • Discuss potential compensation based on their experience.
    8. Can you provide references?
    • Ask for testimonials from past clients.
    • Request contact details of former clients who can share their experience.
    9. What resources do you have access to?
    • Inquire about expert witnesses or investigators they can consult.
    • Assess whether they have the necessary resources to build a strong case.
    10. What strategies do you employ if negotiations stall?
    • Explore their readiness to go to trial if required.
    • Ask about their backup plans to ensure your interests are protected.
    Statistical Data on Personal Injury Claims
    Type of Case Average Settlement Amount Success Rate (%)
    Car Accidents $15,000 70%
    Medical Malpractice $250,000 50%
    Slip and Fall $20,000 60%
    Product Liability $100,000 65%
    Mind Map of Key Considerations
    • Case Experience
    • Specialization
    • Fee Structure
    • Case Handling Approach
    • Main Contact
    • Timeline
    • Outcome Expectations
    • References
    • Available Resources
    • Negotiation Strategies
    Upvote:734