Have you been injured through no fault of your own? Are you wondering if you have a lawsuit that is worth pursuing? Since every case is different, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney before you make any definite plans. But before you consult with any lawyers, here are some questions that you should ask:
What should I bring? Before your initial meeting, make sure you talk to them or their staff so that you have a clear understanding of what they need from you. Ask them if you should bring along photos of your injury or, if applicable, if they want to see the defective item that caused your injury. They may also want to make copies of any correspondence from the opposing side, as well as police reports, your insurance information, and any diaries or records you've written about the incident. Some lawyers may want you to scan everything into your computer and email them to their office, while others prefer printed paper. If that's the case, make sure you bring in copies rather than your originals.
Who can I talk to about the case? Some lawyers will ask you not to answer calls or letters from the other side. They may also caution you that insurance investigators might contact your friends or neighbors, so you should avoid discussing any particulars with those people. Depending on your case, some attorneys will even ask for you t avoid social media, so that you avoid posting any information that could be beneficial to the other side. While some of their requests may seem odd, a good personal injury attorney will be happy to discuss exactly why you should or should not take a particular course of action.
If you and I disagree on the settlement, who makes the final decision? A personal injury attorney may prefer to work for a quick and efficient ending to cases. This helps both the attorney and client find resolution. It also ends the client's financial and emotional strain of being involved in a lawsuit. If you want to take a stand on your principles and hold out for a trial, make sure you examine yourself and your motives for wanting to push the issue into a trial status. If you're positive you won't settle, make sure you discuss this with any attorney before signing on as their client.
How are you and your employees paid? Some personal injury attorneys work on an hourly basis and are paid regardless of the resolution of the suit. Others work on a contingency basis, and don't get any payment unless there's a successful outcome. Make sure to ask if the attorney will arrange for your doctor visits and other expenses to be covered until you have received compensation from the other side. By doing that, you won't end up with with a pile of past due bills. Also, make sure to ask if the lawyer charges for the initial consultation. You don't want to be hit with surprise fees in the middle of a lawsuit or just after its successful conclusion.
For more information, talk with a law firm like Gartner Law Firm about your injury.
Share