Ten must-ask questions before hiring a personal injury attorney.
1. How many years have you practiced law? Your prospective attorney should not be a novice. Younger attorneys, however, might be utilized to perform some of the work on your case but they should not be given full case management authority.
2. Do you maintain a malpractice liability policy? Attorneys, like doctors, should have a policy of professional liability insurance, as accidents and mistakes, unfortunately, do 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. What percentage of your practice is devoted to cases like mine? The prospective attorney should spend at least 75% of his or her time on cases like yours.
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. How quickly do you typically return client phone calls? Some attorneys are notorious for failing to return client phone calls. In fact, this complaint usually tops the list of all client complaints about their lawyers. Your attorney should have a policy whereby he returns client calls within 24 hours, absent unusual circumstances. Be sure to have your attorney put this requirement in your retainer agreement, to ensure compliance.
7. Do you routinely take the time yourself to explain to clients all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payment of costs? Your attorney should answer in the affirmative, as these matters are integral to your case. By asking this question, you are demonstrating that you are willing and able to learn about your case and be completely involved.
8. How do you think my case should handled, that is, do you have a set strategy for cases like mine? Again, this question will demonstrate (1) whether your prospective attorney is familiar with your case’s subject matter and (2) his organizational skills.
9. How long before we reach trial or settlement in my case? An attorney who promises settlement or recovery almost immediately should be avoided. Yet your attorney should be able to provide a reasoned estimate of the time required to reach the conclusion 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.