Before hiring the wrong personal injury lawyer ask 10 questions!
1. How long have you been practicing law in this state? An inexperienced attorney should not have full file responsibility for your case. Accomplished trial attorneys often employ younger attorneys to assist them, but they should be playing a supporting role rather than handling your case.
2. Do you have malpractice insurance? Attorneys, like other professionals, should maintain a policy of professional malpractice insurance. Accidents and mistakes do happen, and a wise attorney will recognize this probability (even if very unlikely) and protect himself and you with a sizeable malpractice policy.
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. How much time do you devote to cases like mine, that is, what percentage of your law practice focuses on this area of law? The attorney you retain should devote at least 75% of their practice to area to your case's subject matter.
5. Who will be working on my case, you or junior associates, and if other individuals will be working on my case can I meet them as well? Oftentimes attorneys utilize the indispensable aid of younger, more inexperienced attorneys. Their help can save costs, but you should ask to meet them. While you may feel overwhelmed or confused by the subject matter, do not underestimate or neglect your judgment when evaluating an attorney candidate or his employees.
6. What is your policy regarding returning client phone calls? The most frequent complaint of clients is unreturned phone calls. Your attorney should have a 24 hour turnaround on client phone calls, absent unusual circumstances. It would be best to have this policy written into your retainer agreement with the attorney 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. What is your method or strategy for handling cases like mine? Your attorney should have a streamlined process for "working-up" cases like yours. The level of detail contained in the attorney's process will demonstrate his organization skills and familiarity with the subject matter and law of your case.
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.
Take your first step now; contact a personal injury attorney at http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com. The attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions, provide expert advice and take on your case today.
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