After being seriously hurt in an accident, it is important to find reputable and aggressive personal injury representation at a trusted law firm. This will give you the best opportunity to recover the full and fair compensation you are owed in order to pay for hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. When it comes times to sit face to face with a potential personal injury lawyer, it is helpful to know what questions to ask before choosing them to represent your claim. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for interviewing a personal injury lawyer.
Interview Questions for Personal Injury Lawyers
The most effective method for choosing a group of law firms to interview is word of mouth. Personal recommendations and referrals are a great way to find law firms that have provided good service for people you know and trust. You can also do online searches using reputable web portals like Yelp and Google+. These portals provide contact information, credentials, recent customer reviews, and company descriptions of practice areas and more. It is a comprehensive way to learn about a law firm before giving them a call. Credentials to look for include licensing, 10+ years of experience, history of successful cases, and customer reviews.
Top 10 Recommended Questions to Ask:
What are Your Practice Areas?
- Be sure they represent cases like yours.
Which Practice Areas Do You Specialize In?
- It is better to choose a lawyer that has actual experience in your particular type of accident.
How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
- Experience is vital in the personal injury field. Look for at least 10 years' experience.
How Many Cases Have You Represented That Were Similar to Mine?
- Experience is key in a personal injury lawyer. Be sure they have represented other cases like yours.
Do You Only Settle Cases Out of Court?
- If a lawyer only settles out of court, you cannot expect the fullest recovery possible. Choose a lawyer that will go to trial if need be, and has experience doing so.
Will You Take Cases to Trial or Do You Refer Clients to a Trial Lawyer?
- There's a term called "clearinghouse" lawyers. Avoid lawyers who only settle cases hurriedly for quick turnarounds, or refer you to other lawyers.
What is Your Track Record for Verdicts and Settlements?
- No matter how much experience a lawyer has, their track record might not always be great. Choose a lawyer who has actually won several cases and settlements.
Do You Personally Handle My Case, or Will it Be Passed On to Another Person?
- A lawyer may interview really well and hit all your check points, but then they pass your case onto another professional in their firm. Choose a lawyer who will actually be working on your case themselves.
Can You Explain Your Contingency-Fee Payment Plan in Detail?
- There are some fees associated with big lawsuits. Talk to the lawyer about all the potential fees you may face even on a contingency-fee plan.
Do You Have the Proper Financial and Workforce Resources to Take On My Case?
- Big cases may require a lot of resources, such as expert testimonies, investigations, medical specialists, and more. A lawyer should be able to fund this type of case and have connections for all the proper personnel resources.
Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski
