Questions to Ask a Prospective Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury cases can vary from dog bites to car accidents. They typically involve negligence by one party that results in injury to another party. However, the laws vary by personal injury case type. Therefore, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if you have been injured by someone else’s negligence. During your search for a personal injury lawyer, find a lawyer in your jurisdiction, such as an Oakland personal injury lawyer, and ask the following questions.

What is Your Experience?

When you ask this question, you are looking for the lawyer’s education and certifications as well as their professional experience. You need to know how many years the person has worked on personal injury cases, particularly your type of personal injury. In addition, you should find out whether and how long the lawyer has been licensed to practice in your state.

Your lawyer will be negotiating with insurance companies and may even go to trial. Therefore, you should ask about their negotiation and trial experience. You may ask for their record of successful negotiations and trial outcomes as well.

What Are My Legal Options?

Personal injury cases can be complicated, and each type is affected by different laws. For example, your case may be subject to a statute of limitations. Therefore, after you discuss your case with your attorney, ask what your legal options are. For example, do you have to file a lawsuit or can the case be settled out of court?  

What Assets Are at Your Disposal?

If your case must go to court, you need to know what resources a work injury lawyer can deploy to improve your case’s chance of a favorable outcome. For example, does the lawyer have investigators, paralegals, or lawyers that will help with your case, and can the lawyer afford to take the case all the way to court? You may also ask whether a specific lawyer will work on the case or if it will be passed to another attorney within the firm.

What is My Case Worth?

Your lawyer should conduct a case evaluation prior to accepting your case. The attorney should give you an idea of the type and amount you should receive based on the evidence in the case. You may need to provide additional information or documents to the legal team to strengthen your case.

Your best bet can be to reach out to an attorney. When you visit here at the professional’s website or in person, see how he gives you an idea of the type and amount you should receive based on the case evidence.

What Are My Costs?

Although most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, where they do not receive payment unless you receive a settlement, you may still owe the lawyer if your case does not go your way—for example, outside costs, such as court fees and investigation charges. You should ask your lawyer about any fee that you may owe even if you lose your case.

How Long is The Process?

If you are receiving hospital bills or cannot work due to an injury, you need to know when you should expect a decision in your case. Many personal injury cases take 12 months or more for resolution, but your lawyer can give you a more accurate time frame.

Your lawyer works for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your claim, the process or your costs and awards.

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