You’ve sustained an injury and are dealing with overwhelming medical bills. Meanwhile, the person or company responsible for your injury hasn’t paid what they owe you. You might be wondering whether you should hire an attorney to handle your case.
Here’s what you should know about how to find the right attorney and what to expect from the attorney-client relationship.
How do I find an attorney?
You can find an attorney through referrals, referrals, and more referrals. Friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors may know of an attorney who fits your case.
Court records such as those for civil cases in certain jurisdictions may reveal lawsuits involving an injury that is similar to yours.
You can also consult an internet attorney directory, such as Attorneys.com, or the bar association website for your county or state.
Don’t limit yourself to working with an attorney from a large national firm; small firm attorneys and solo practitioners can better serve your needs, especially if you’re looking for personalized service.
Many personal injury attorneys only do plaintiff litigation (representing victims) and don’t do much defending (representing defendants).
What to look for in an attorney
You should look for an attorney who you feel comfortable with and who has your best interests at heart. An attorney who is interested in your case and who listens to you is far more likely to meet your needs and win your case.
You should ask attorneys you’re considering to answer these questions:
How many cases similar to mine have you handled?
How much do you think my case is worth?
How would you treat my case personally?
What results have you obtained for clients similar to me?
How much will you charge me?
What are the possible results of my case?
How to negotiate attorney fees
You should feel comfortable about the amount you’re asked to pay. While attorneys cannot advertise their fees, they are required to provide a written fee agreement, so make sure to read it carefully.
Some states have fee schedules for certain personal injury cases, which can be used as a guide. For example, the amount may be reasonable if it’s close to the fee schedule amount.
You may be able to negotiate the fee based on the length and difficulty of the case, whether the attorney agreed to take a reduced fee before taking the case or even if the attorney will not get a fee if you win the case.
While it’s difficult to negotiate fees before a lawyer accepts your case, you can ask them to reduce their fees if they agree to do so. If the attorney won’t charge you, it could be a sign they believe in your case and the value of your claim.
What is the attorney’s track record?
Check if the attorney has been successful in cases similar to yours. You can do some research online or ask for referrals from family or friends. You may also be able to contact the Better Business Bureau to see if the attorney has any complaints or settlements.
What types of services an attorney will provide
An attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence and paperwork for your claim. They will also negotiate with the other party’s insurance company or the person who caused your injury.
If necessary, your attorney will take your case to court and/or arbitration. If necessary, for your case. They will also negotiate with the other party’s attorney, gather and present witnesses, and litigate in court if necessary.
Attorneys will also make sure all procedures are followed correctly, make sure you’re well-informed of the progress of your case, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will make sure you’re compensated for your injury, compensate you for medical bills, and compensate you for lost wages or income.
What fees an attorney will charge
Most attorneys charge a percentage of the compensation awarded (or settled on) in a case. The percentage an attorney charges will depend on their experience and the time it’s estimated the case will take to resolve.
For example, a new attorney may charge 25 percent, while an experienced attorney may charge 15 percent. Or an attorney may charge a flat fee for a certain aspect of your case, such as filing a claim with the insurance company.
While some attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do, others will charge a fee upfront, usually a percentage of the case value (again, calculated based on factors such as the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience).
How to get details about a potential attorney
You should ask to review the attorney’s file on your similar case to understand how they resolved the case. You should ask about the results, and be specific about what you’re asking (such as settlement or verdict, amount, and injuries).
You should also ask about the attorney’s success in taking cases to trial (if that’s what you want to do). You should ask about the attorney’s track record in terms of the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience how many years they’ve been practicing, and how many cases similar to yours they have handled.
What to look for in an attorney
You should choose an attorney who will work hard on your case, be willing to take the case to trial if necessary, and be willing to discuss your expectations and goals for the case. You should feel comfortable talking with the attorney and be willing to ask questions.
In particular, you should ask about their success in reaching settlements and taking cases to trial, whether they meet with clients in person in Los Angeles, Orange, or San Bernardino counties, how much the case is likely to cost you, and how the attorney will communicate with you regarding the case.
You should also be wary of an attorney who pressures you into making a decision quickly, or who makes promises they can not keep.
How to communicate with your attorney
You should be able to easily get in touch with your attorney about the case. You should also be kept informed about the progress of the case and what actions your attorney is taking.
If you have questions or concerns about these things, you should bring them up immediately so that you’re not surprised later.
What to expect from an attorney
Your attorney will explain to you the process for pursuing your case, as well as what you can expect from the legal process and how long it might take.
Your attorney will also agree with you about what goals for the case you want to achieve, and how much work and expense those goals are likely to require. Your attorney will also agree with you about whether you want to reach a settlement before going to trial, and if so, how much you’re willing to settle the case for.
Your attorney will pursue the case as efficiently as possible to achieve the most favorable outcome possible given the facts of your case. If it becomes necessary to go to trial, your attorney will prepare you for that and advocate strongly on your behalf.
Wrapping up
In summary, selecting a lawyer to help you with your Injury case is no easy task. But If you know what to ask a lawyer, you can easily choose the best lawyer for your injury case.
Dear reader in this article I have tried to answer some basic questions that people got in their minds while selecting lawyers. If you follow the afford mentioned tips and read this complete guide you will easily find your best lawyer.
One thing always keeps in mind If you do not feel comfortable while talking to your attorney will be not able to deal with your case properly with the lawyer.
So, make sure that the lawyer you have chosen is very helpful and that you do not hesitate to share your information with your lawyer. If you find this article helpful, please share it with your friends. Thanks for reading…