Key Questions to Ask When Interviewing Personal Injury Attorneys

Suffering an injury in an accident can be devastating, causing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. While no amount of money can erase what happened, holding the at-fault party accountable and receiving compensation for damages can provide some sense of justice and closure This is where consulting an experienced personal injury attorney becomes crucial

However, not all personal injury lawyers are equal when it comes to skill, experience, and commitment to clients Conducting a thoughtful interview with prospective attorneys is essential to determine if they are the right fit for you and your case This guide explores some of the most critical questions to ask when vetting potential personal injury representation.

Do You Specialize In My Type Of Injury Claim?

Personal injury law encompasses many types of cases – from car accidents to medical malpractice to slip and falls. Not all attorneys have equal expertise across the spectrum. Asking about their specialization helps gauge if they are truly knowledgeable regarding the particular circumstances of your injury claim. An attorney who regularly handles cases just like yours is more equipped to build the strongest argument for maximum compensation.

Sample Question: I was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent truck driver. Do you specifically specialize in auto accident cases involving commercial trucks and drivers? If so, how many similar cases have you handled in the past 5 years?

What Is Your Success Rate For Cases Like Mine?

Understanding an attorney’s proven track record with cases akin to yours provides insight into your chances of winning adequate compensation. Request specifics – don’t let them generalize about personal injury lawsuits in general. Ask for their case win percentage, settlement amounts, and examples of favorable verdicts/ settlements secured for past clients with similar injuries and circumstances.

You said you have experience with premises liability cases. Could you give me some examples of the types of settlement amounts you’ve gotten for clients who were hurt in slip-and-fall accidents? Also, what percentage of those cases did you win compensation for through trial verdicts versus settlements?

Who In Your Office Will Be Handling My Case?

Find out if the attorney will directly manage your case themselves or if it will be assigned to a junior associate or paralegal. While support staff play key roles, you want the expertise and dedication of the lead attorney you interviewed, not an inexperienced proxy.

Sample Question: If I retain you for representation, will you be the lead attorney actively working on my case? Or will a paralegal or junior associate handle most day-to-day aspects? I want to ensure I’m receiving the full expertise of the lawyer I interviewed.

What Is Your Fee Structure and When Do I Pay?

The financial side of things is a major factor. Find out if they charge by the hour or if they take a cut of the final settlement or verdict. Also, find out if there are any fees that need to be paid up front or if they will be taken out of the money you get at the end of the case. Understanding the fee model ahead helps avoid surprise invoices down the line.

Sample Question: Could you please explain in detail your fee structure, payment timeline, and billing process? I want to have full transparency upfront regarding the financial aspects before formally retaining you.

What Steps Will You Take to Build My Case?

A diligent attorney will utilize diverse tactics to maximize evidence supporting liability and damages. Ask about their investigative process, including inspecting accident scenes, interviewing eyewitnesses, consulting medical experts, obtaining official records, etc. Their response reveals their thoroughness.

Sample Question: If I hire you, what specific steps would you take to investigate my claim and build a robust argument for compensation? Are you willing to visit the accident site, speak with witnesses, and consult doctors to substantiate my injuries?

How Will You Determine the Settlement Value of My Case?

Ask them to explain how they look at each case’s specifics to come up with a fair settlement amount to try to reach through negotiations or a trial. Look at specific things like medical bills, lost wages, estimated future costs, the severity of the injury, pain and suffering, and the amount of insurance liability coverage.

Sample Question: How do you assess the appropriate value for seeking settlement in cases like mine? What are some of the key factors you consider and calculate to arrive at a suitable dollar figure? I want to understand how you determine adequate compensation.

Do You Have Strong Relationships With Medical Experts?

Having medical experts like doctors who can explain your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis is essential for validating damages. Find out if the lawyer has longstanding professional connections with reputable medical professionals and experts who can effectively support your claim.

Sample Question: Do you have established relationships with medical specialists who can serve as experts in my injury case, if needed? I want an attorney who can tap trustworthy doctors to explain my health condition and damages in court, should this go to trial.

When Do You Recommend Settling a Case vs Going to Trial?

Most personal injury cases resolve via settlement, but sometimes pursuing a jury trial is the best recourse for maximum compensation. Find out the attorney’s philosophy – are they eager to settle fast or willing to aggressively seek court victory if warranted? Make sure their outlook aligns with your mindset.

Sample Question: Under what circumstances do you advise seeking a pre-trial settlement with the insurance company versus taking a case all the way to a jury verdict? I want to understand your approach and ensure our goals align on resolving my case.

How Responsive Are You to Client Communication?

Obtaining regular case updates provides invaluable peace of mind. Ask about their communication policies – do they take calls/emails from clients daily? Do they have a point of contact on staff to field client inquiries when the lead attorney is occupied? Understanding accessibility prevents anxiety about lack of contact.

Sample Question: If I have questions on my case, will you personally provide prompt responses or is there a paralegal I’d communicate with? Overall, how responsive are you to answering client calls or emails to keep them updated? Open communication is crucial for me.

Can You Provide Client References I Can Contact?

Speaking with former clients who can vouch for the attorney’s skills and attentiveness is extremely telling. Any quality personal injury lawyer should be able to furnish references readily. Reach out to these contacts and ask about their experience working with the attorney.

Sample Question: Are you able to provide contact info for 2-3 former clients that I could reach out to as references? I would love to speak with individuals you’ve represented in the past prior to making a hiring decision.

Do You Have Malpractice Insurance?

While no one expects lawyer negligence, it’s prudent to ask about malpractice coverage just in case. Ethical attorneys invest in policies to compensate clients for potential errors or oversight. The absence of coverage is a major red flag.

Sample Question: For my peace of mind, do you and your firm carry malpractice insurance in the event any legal or procedural mistakes are made that negatively impact my case’s outcome?

Choosing the right personal injury attorney requires rigorous vetting regarding skills, experience, work ethic, communication style, fee structure, and overall rapport. While an intimidating process when injured and vulnerable, taking the time to interview prospective lawyers and asking the right questions helps ensure your best interests are represented. Use this guide to have fruitful discussions that lead you to the perfect partner in pursuing justice.