When you’ve been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your suffering. However, attorneys aren’t interchangeable. The right attorney for your case will depend on a number of factors, including their legal experience, costs, how they communicate with you and more.
Don’t hire the first attorney you find on Google. Select a few potential lawyers to contact. Ask about the issues below—then go with the attorney who inspires the most confidence.
- Some attorneys have been practicing certain types of cases for decades, which is often a good sign. However, newer attorneys can also be a good fit. Ask the lawyer how long they’ve been practicing, whether they’ve handled this type of case before and what kind of results they’ve gotten. If they’re a newer attorney, inquire about whether they have mentors or supervisors at the firm, and how confident they feel about their ability to handle the case.
- Fees and fee agreements. Many personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency basis, which means they won’t get paid unless you win your case. They usually take a percentage of your settlement or award, and that could change based on whether the case settles before trial.
- Additional costs. There are often additional costs associated with litigation, such as paying for expert witnesses. Ask the lawyers who is responsible for those costs, and if you’re expected to pay, what kind of payments they accept.
- Number of lawyers at the firm. It’s important to know who you’ll be working with. Will it be the attorney you’re speaking with, or will they farm the case out to another attorney at the firm? Can you expect other lawyers to assist with the case or do they prefer to work solo?
- Support staff. What kind of support staff does the firm have? Some lawyers are solo practitioners, and handle all administrative tasks as well as their legal duties. You may want to choose a lawyer who focuses all their attention on the legal portion.
- Communication style. Find out how (and when) the attorney prefers to communicate. How will they let you know what’s happening in your case?
- Theory of the case. Finally, ask the lawyer what kind of legal theory they think they’ll use, and what they expect the outcome will be.
Discuss Your Case with an Ohio Accident Attorney Today
Have you been injured thanks to an accident, medical malpractice, workplace accidents or a defective product? I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at 877.944.4373 today to discuss your case with me.