One of the first questions to ask your lawyer for a personal injury case is how much experience they have in trial. While most personal injury cases settle before a trial, many laypeople don't bother asking this question. However, an attorney who has tried cases before should be able to point out any unique issues that can be particularly difficult. You should also ask about their client-relationship. It is better to have an attorneys who shares your perspective than to have an attorney who is just trying to get a quick settlement.
A law firm that floats their senior partners in front of potential clients is not worth hiring. Choosing a lawyer who is familiar with the court system and case type will help you avoid wasting time and money on an attorney who doesn't know their way around a case. It's also a good idea to ask for the firm's contact details, including email addresses, phone numbers, and a link to their website.
Your attorney will also want to know about the nature of your injuries and how much time it's been since the incident. He will also want to know about any medical history that you have had prior to the accident. If you're still in the hospital, he or she may also want to consult with your family members, as they can testify at trial. In addition to medical records, your lawyer will want to know about your employment history, any divorces, and any other criminal history.
Another important question to ask your lawyer is whether he or she has any conflicts of interest. A lawyer with no conflict of interest should not charge you for their services if you are not awarded a settlement. However, some lawyers may absorb part of the costs while signing up new clients. Be sure to ask about your lawyer's fee structure before hiring him or her. If you are considering hiring a lawyer for a personal injury case, it's imperative that you get started on the case as soon as possible.
Experience. If you have a car accident or another type of personal injury, you may not need a lawyer with experience in that area. However, if you have a rare medical condition, you'll want to ask whether your attorney specializes in that field or focuses on general practice. A generalist will treat you as a "cookie cutter," whereas a specialist will be more specialized in the legal field of your injury.
Knowledge of the law. A personal injury attorney with experience handling cases of the same kind as yours will be able to provide you with the best possible representation. It's also helpful to consult with an attorney who specializes in a specific type of attorney injury so that you can ensure the best possible outcome. It's also useful to ask how long they've been in practice, and how successful they've been.
