If you experience a personal injury due to somebody else’s recklessness or neglect, you have every right to seek compensation for your medical bills, property loss, and missed wages. Naturally, you will want to choose a personal injury lawyer who can work with you, offering passionate representation while helping you navigate the personal injury claims process. Not all personal injury attorneys are created equal, so it’s always wise to do some due diligence before hiring someone. Start by asking the right kinds of questions.
What Should You Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney?
1) How much is this going to cost?
The majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t have to pay anything unless (or until) they win your case. At that point, the usual rate for a personal injury attorney is somewhere between 20 and 40 percent. But of course, you’ll want to confirm all of these details in advance.
2) What kind of experience do you have?
You have every right to work with a personal injury attorney who’s been around the block a few times and has real-world experience fighting for the rights of their clients. Don’t hesitate to ask your attorney how long they have been practicing, and specifically how long they've been focusing on personal injury cases.
3) Have you handled personal injury cases like mine before?
The personal injury field encompasses a wide range of case types, from car accidents to motorcycle wrecks. If you’re dealing with something a little more specific, like a boating accident or a pedestrian accident, you may want to confirm that the attorney has some experience with that type of case.
4) How often do your cases go to trial?
It’s a common misconception that personal injury lawyers do most of their work in the courtroom. Actually, most personal injury cases are settled before making it to trial, which is almost always in the client’s best interest. Always ask about the attorney’s rate of settlement vs. making it all the way to trial.
5) What difficulties does my case present?
While you want an attorney who conveys confidence, you don’t want someone who’s just going to tell you what they think you want to hear. Seek a lawyer who is willing to shoot straight with you, letting you know of any obstacles or problems they anticipate in your case.
6) How will you keep me updated on the details of my case?
Establish clear expectations for communication with your attorney. In particular, make sure you know who’s going to be your point of contact: Your actual lawyer? A paralegal? A secretary?
7) Can I talk to a past client?
A good personal injury attorney should have droves of satisfied clients, ready to sing their praises. Don’t hesitate to ask for testimonials or referrals and be cautious about any lawyer who cannot deliver them.
8) Is my case really worth it?
Often, moving ahead with a personal injury claim is well worth it for the compensation you might receive. In some cases, though, the potential for compensation may not be worth the trouble. Your attorney won’t be able to see the future or to tell you exactly how much money you stand to make, but they should be able to provide you with an honest assessment of the case and its merits.
Talk with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, TX
Ready to find a qualified personal injury attorney in the Houston area? At McLaurin Law Firm, we are always happy to answer any questions about our services or our legal expertise. Reach out to us whenever you’re ready to discuss the details of your personal injury case.
