Don't hire a personal injury attorney until you ask 10 questions!

by: JonD.Alexander,Esq.
Total views: 26 | Word Count: 595

1. How long have you been in practice? While many young attorneys have the potential to become accomplished trial lawyers, you do not want your case handled by a novice.

2. Do you have malpractice insurance? Attorneys, like other professionals, should maintain a policy of professional malpractice insurance. Accidents and mistakes do happen, and a wise attorney will recognize this probability (even if very unlikely) and protect himself and you with a sizeable malpractice policy.

3. Have you taken cases like mine to trial or settlement, and if so, how many? An accomplished attorney will have taken several cases like yours to trial and/or settlement. This answer is an indicator of the prospective attorney's experience and skill.

4. What percentage of your practice is devoted to cases like mine? The prospective attorney should spend at least 75% of his or her time on cases like yours.

5. Who will be working on my case, you or junior associates, and if other individuals will be working on my case can I meet them as well? Oftentimes attorneys utilize the indispensable aid of younger, more inexperienced attorneys. Their help can save costs, but you should ask to meet them. While you may feel overwhelmed or confused by the subject matter, do not underestimate or neglect your judgment when evaluating an attorney candidate or his employees.

6. Do you have a policy regarding communication with clients, for example if I call with a question and leave a message, will you make your best efforts to contact me within 24 hours? One of the most common complaints from clients is that attorneys routinely neglect to return calls. Make sure that your attorney explains his policy regarding phone calls. And get his response or policy in writing within your retainer agreement if possible.

7. Will you take the time to explain all of the legal concepts, court procedures, fee arrangements, retainer agreements, billing practices, and payment of costs to me? This question is important because these matters can be time consuming and obtaining an affirmation from your attorney will set the tone. You will demonstrate that you are aware that the subject matter might be foreign to you but that you are willing to learn and be involved in your case to the best of your ability.

8. Do you have a strategy that you employ for cases similar to mine? Your prospective attorney's answer will demonstrate his organizational skills and whether or not he is familiar with the subject matter implicated in your case.

9. What is the likelihood of a quick settlement or trial? Beware the attorney who promises a quick settlement or trial. However, your attorney should be able to provide a well reasoned estimate of the time necessary to reach disposition of your case.

10. Do I have a case, what do you think my chances are for receiving a successful judgment or settlement? This question should be asked with the understanding that your attorney might inform you that you have no real chance of recovery. Sometimes people are hurt, injured, or suffer injustice and there is no legal remedy. A good attorney will provide you with his strategy for your case which explains your role, the steps he will take, and the likelihood that you will be successful at trial or settlement.

To contact a personal injury attorney now please visit http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com the attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions and provide expert advice and take your case today.

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