When you meet with a personal injury lawyer after an accident, chances are you are feeling confused and vulnerable. In most cases, you have never had to hire a lawyer for a personal injury case before. Yet you need to make sure you are hiring the right lawyer for representation. Not only will the lawyer ask you questions to determine the feasibility of your case, but you should ask the lawyer some pointed questions of your own so you can be sure of making an informed decision. You may even choose to interview more than one lawyer. Here are some questions that you, as a client, deserve answers to.
Do you practice personal injury law exclusively?
Just like physicians, lawyers specialize as well. You want a lawyer who is well versed in personal injury law and doesn’t just dabble in it. Ask if the lawyer is a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.
Have you handled cases like mine before?
You want to make sure you have the most experienced lawyer in your type of case. The more experience your lawyer has with your particular personal injury, the more likely you are to get a fair outcome and compensation.
How many of your personal injury cases have gone to trial?
Many personal injury cases never go to trial, but if yours does, you want someone with trial experience. A lawyer willing to go to trial is willing to push for your rights. If you are unhappy with a settlement, you want a lawyer who is willing to go to trial for you.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
Personal injury cases can take years. If your lawyer responds with a quick and easy answer, chances are he or she is not being totally honest with you or not had much personal injury experience.
What is your caseload right now?
You want your case to get the appropriate attention it deserves. An overworked lawyer may not have as much time for you as you would like.
How often will we be communicating and who will answer my questions?
If your initial consultation is being handled by a paralegal or agent, this may be a warning sign. You want personal attention and access to your lawyer as much as possible.
What are your fees?
Personal injury lawyers typically charge contingency fees. That means that there are no fees unless a case is won. Some charge an upfront retainer. You are entitled to know those numbers.
Can I speak to some of your past clients?
A lawyer should be happy to provide you names of past clients. If the lawyer is unwilling to do so, you should consider going elsewhere.
Have you ever been suspended or faced disciplinary action?
Obviously, the answer to this should be “no”.
In the case of being represented for a personal injury, you want the best legal representation possible. Your lawyer should be forthright and make you comfortable. If your intuition is telling you that the fit is not right, it may be in your best interest to go elsewhere.
If you have been injured in an accident or require any personal injury representation, the team at AB Personal Injury Lawyer would be glad to sit down with you for a free evaluation of your case. We have protected the rights of our clients in Sault Ste. Marie, Trenton, Chatham and the surrounding areas and look forward to protecting yours.