Accidents can happen to anyone, and they can throw people off course. Even if they’re minor, they can have serious consequences. If you get injured, you can expect to spend a lot of money on medical bills and lost wages. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another person, you should always consult with a lawyer who has experience handling personal injury cases.
Before you hire a lawyer, it’s important that you thoroughly research their credentials. There are a few questions that you should ask to ensure that they are knowledgeable and capable of handling your case.
1. Will You Be Able to Successfully Handle My Case?
Good lawyers know that they only have so much time and energy to devote to their work. They also believe in their clients and don’t sign them up when they know that the case won’t receive the attention it deserves. One-person law firms are more prone to having issues with time availability. Having multiple lawyers and other experienced staff members is ideal for a larger firm. Make sure that the attorney has the necessary time and energy to thoroughly study your case.
2. Have You Handled Similar Cases Before?
Experience and expertise are important when it comes to handling legal matters. Having these skills will allow a lawyer to successfully handle any type of case. Having the proper amount of experience is also important to ensure that the attorney has the necessary skills to get a successful outcome. Having a strong record of winning cases can indicate that they are dedicated to their work.
3. Do You Think I Have a Solid Case?
It’s easy to assume that your case is going to be a sure win, especially since it’s similar to other cases. However, accidents are different from one another and can be very difficult to prove in court. Having an experienced attorney who is objective and unbiased will allow you to get the most out of your case. They will be able to give you an estimate on how much money you can expect to receive from the case and if it should be pursued.
4. Do You Specialize in Personal Injury Law?
When you get injured and need help from a law firm, it’s best to hire help from a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. Lawyers like Steve A. Bagen and his firm have successfully litigated thousands of cases in Florida. Before going to court, the attorney must have the necessary knowledge to handle all of the complex legal issues involved in your case. They should also be able to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and employers.
Having an attorney’s bio and background information can help you determine if they have the necessary skills and education to handle your case. Most firms will have a page on their website that showcases their achievements.
5. What Are Your Fees?
Usually, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee agreement, which means that they only charge you if they can successfully negotiate a settlement or receive compensation for your injury. High-quality lawyers usually charge around 40% of the settlement. However, they can also reduce their fees depending on the circumstances of the case. Be wary of law firms that promise to provide you with cheap legal services.
6. What Will I Need to Do?
The goal of a good attorney is to represent you in a way that you can’t do yourself. They should know how to effectively communicate with you. Aside from the details of the accident, your lawyer should be able to provide you with comprehensive information about the case. Some lawyers require high involvement from their clients and others do not.
7. Do I Have to Pay if We Lose My Case?
The goal of a personal injury firm is to win for its clients. This means that they only get paid if they can win the case. Aside from the usual fees, some firms require their clients to cover additional costs such as medical records retrieval fees and expert witness expenses. Some lawyers will also ask their clients to cover these additional expenses if the case is lost. Before signing any agreement, make sure that you fully understand what’s included in the contract.
Unfortunately, finding a good attorney can be a tedious process. Having a bad lawyer can make matters worse since they might not be able to provide you with the level of service that you need. You should also make sure that your attorney has the necessary experience and skills to handle your case.