- What type of lawyer do you need?
You may not know where to start and that’s okay. If you were involved in an auto accident you may need a personal injury attorney. A work accident, a worker’s compensation attorney. A divorce, a family law attorney. When first seeking out an attorney, a quick Google search can help you narrow down what type of lawyer you may need to help you in your situation.
- What questions can I ask an attorney I just met?
Most injury attorneys will offer a free consultation for you to meet with them either in person or over the phone to go over the details of your case. If you’re unsure if you even have a case, a quick phone call to the office can help set you on your path. Reasonable questions for an attorney can include:
- What type of law do you practice, or do you handle __ cases?
- How much experience do you have in this area?
- Are you available to take on new cases?
- What are the possible outcomes for my case?
- What options do I have if I don’t want to go to court?
Don’t feel like you have to settle for the first attorney you call. Shop and ask around for referrals. Once you feel like you’d like to proceed, you can schedule a more formal consultation to review your case and discuss next steps with the attorney.
- Do I have to pay for attorney fees up front?
Most injury related cased do not require fees up front. But it’s still an important and realistic question to ask. Most Injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless they win your case. It works to your advantage to have the attorney on your side because they’ll want to do all they can to make sure they get you fairly compensated.
- What will my experience be like?
Each injury case is nuanced. From doctors to insurances, each claim and situation is different. Be patient with the process. As you look to establish your relationship with an attorney, don’t settle. Do your homework and ask about their experience, so you have the confidence to know that they’ll go the extra mile to help you win your case.
- You have a settlement, now what?
If you’ve been in an accident and have tried to navigate the situation yourself, you’ll likely receive a settlement offer from your insurance company. But is it a good offer? You can ask an attorney for their professional advice. They can be an objective party and help you determine what is fair for your situation.
