Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming. The key is to remember you are the client. Here are some questions to ask personal injury lawyers you are considering.
As much as the legal profession denies it, law is an old boys network. The more experienced an attorney, the better. Ask how long the attorney has been practicing, how many trials they have had and how many they have won versus lost?
Obviously, providing quality services is also important. Make sure to ask the attorney if they have ever had a complaint lodged against them by a client. Also ask if they have ever been disciplined by the bar. The "bar" is the licensing entity in each state. Most have an online site that you can use to read up on your attorney.
Specificity is also important when choosing an attorney. It is great and all that the prospective attorney has done hundreds of trials, but has he or she tried a case covering the same subject matter as yours? Trying 100 car accident cases doesn't help a lawyer prepare for their first medical malpractice trial.
Not to be negative, but ask about malpractice insurance. People are often surprised to learn that attorneys in most states are not required to carry it. They are also not required to tell you most of the time. Ask for a clarification up front and an explanation if they are not carrying it.
As odd as it may sound, you need to also ask who is going to be working on your case. Many lawyers hire a small army of paralegals. Paralegals can do a lot of work, but they are not attorneys. Many people have been frustrated by law firms when they realize there case is essentially being handled by a paralegal instead of a lawyer.
Finally, make sure you are comfortable with your attorney. Remember, they work for you, not the other way around.
No comments:
Post a Comment