When you’re searching for a personal injury lawyer it’s important to be thorough, but it can also be a daunting task. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, we recommend that you ask certain questions to find a qualified attorney who meets your specific needs. Asking the following questions can help you make an informed decision and find a personal injury attorney who’s right for you.
How Long Have You Been Practicing Personal Injury Law?
Hiring an experienced attorney is essential, especially if your case is complex. Asking a personal injury lawyer about their education, experience, professional affiliations, and areas of knowledge can provide an overall picture of whether they may be a good fit for you.
Do You Have Experience Handling Cases Like Mine?
Another important question to ask is whether a lawyer has a record of success in handling cases similar to yours. For instance, if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you wouldn’t want to hire a personal injury attorney who has never handled a premises liability case.
Are You Experienced In Taking Personal Injury Cases To Trial?
It’s a good idea to ask if an attorney thinks your case will most likely be resolved out of court or may require litigation. Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. However, if a reasonable settlement agreement isn’t within reach, you may have to take your case to trial to recover compensation. Some attorneys have very little experience taking cases in front of a judge or jury. Hiring a lawyer who is an inexperienced litigator or always settles out of court may result in a much smaller recovery than you may have won at trial.
How Much Do You Think My Case Is Worth?
After hearing your story and the details about your injuries, an attorney should be able to give you an idea of whether you have a possible claim and a range of how much it may be worth.
How Long Will My Case Take?
There’s no way to predict exactly how long it will take to resolve a claim, but a lawyer may provide a rough estimate based on the circumstances surrounding your case. Some can be settled in a matter of weeks or months, while others can take years. The amount of time your case will take depends on its complexity, the extent of your injuries, and whether your attorney is able to negotiate a fair settlement or takes your case to trial.
Do You Have The Time and Resources To Handle My Case?
This is an important question because you want to make sure that the personal injury law firm you choose will devote an adequate amount of time and energy to your case. The lawyer you speak with may not actually be the one who ends up handling your case, and other professionals such as paralegals and support staff will handle some aspects of your claim. Ask which attorney will be handling your case and who your main contact at the firm will be.
What Is My Role In The Case?
Even though you’re hiring an attorney to represent you, there are things you’ll need to provide for your personal injury lawyer. Knowing what’s expected of you throughout the process can help avoid misunderstandings and help things run more smoothly.
Do You Provide References From Former Clients?
Reviews on the internet can be useful, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Ask for references and contact information of former clients. A good personal injury lawyer won’t hesitate to provide references.
What are Your Fees?
Personal injury lawyers typically offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. They also work on contingency, which means you don’t have to pay attorney fees or any other costs upfront. If they win your case, fees and other costs will come out of the settlement you receive. The amount usually depends on the type of case and its complexity. If a personal injury lawyer doesn’t recover any compensation, you will not owe attorney fees. However, it’s important to ask about whether you’ll owe other costs, such as filing fees, medical record requests, and investigator and expert witness fees.
Contact A Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 30 years, Thomas, Conrad & Conrad has helped injured victims throughout eastern Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call our Bath office at 610-867-2900 to schedule a free consultation. You can also schedule a consultation at one of our three additional locations in Allentown, Bath and Topton, Pennsylvania.