Having to consult and hire a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case can stressful. Personal injury matters can take time to resolve depending on the specifics of the case. Generally speaking, you may need to be in contact with your attorney for one to three years. In some instances, the case can stretch longer. It’s important to do a good amount of research before selecting an attorney. In this post, I will discuss several questions that future clients should be asking an attorney during their consultation.
Before we begin, I want to remind you that if you or a loved one has been the victim of negligence and is seriously injured due to an accident, The Heslin Law Firm offers free consultations. I will sit down with you, discuss your case, and let you know what the best course of action is. Call 215-332-0300.
1. How many years of experience do you have with serious injury cases?
It’s a good idea to ask the attorney you’re sitting down with if they specialize in the type of case you have. Be sure to ask what percentage of the cases they handle are personal injury matters and how successful they have been in getting their clients compensation. Many attorneys have a general practice firm, but having a lawyer that specializes in your situation is the best way to go. You should also ask if your case will be handled by the attorney him or herself, or if it will be passed down to someone like a paralegal or other employee.
2. How long have you been practicing law?
Don’t be afraid to ask for a little bit of history. It may be in your best interest to find out where the attorney attended school, when they started their firm, what kind of honors they have, etc.
3. Do you have a history of large settlements?
Whether you’re employing the legal help of a small law firm or a large one, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask if they have a history of somewhat large settlements for severe injury cases. For instance, attorney Gary Heslin won a large settlement in a SEPTA accident case. He was able to get his client $1.5 million for the injuries they sustained while riding their moped into a pothole that should have been fixed.
4. What kind of fees are there?
Most personal injury attorneys that specialize in car accidents, slip and falls, and the like will handle their cases on what is called a contingent fee basis. Be sure to ask the lawyer what the contingent fee covers and that their fee is carefully explained before hiring. Experienced personal injury lawyers won’t charge if there is no recovery.
5. Will the attorney provide copies of documents and paper work?
A good severe injury attorney will make his or her file available to the client whenever possible. Attorneys shouldn’t be afraid to allow the client to seek a second opinion as well.