Before Hiring The Wrong Personal Injury Lawyer Ask 10 Questions!

By: Jon D. Alexander, Esq.


1. How many years have you practiced law? Your prospective attorney should not be a novice. Younger attorneys, however, might be utilized to perform some of the work on your case but they should not be given full case management authority.

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. How will you explain to me all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payments of costs? The answer to this question will demonstrate the time and "bed-side" manner of your attorney. These questions are often time consuming even though very important. Your attorney should explain to you, in detail, all of the above subject matter areas thoroughly. By expressing your willingness to be involved in the case you will set the tone that you want to be involved in your case and are willing to learn.

8. How do you think my case should handled, that is, do you have a set strategy for cases like mine? Again, this question will demonstrate (1) whether your prospective attorney is familiar with your case's subject matter and (2) his organizational skills.

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. What is the best way for me to help you in order that we reach a successful outcome in my case? And, most importantly, in your expert opinion do you believe that I have a case or is my situation just one of those unfortunate cases with no real chance of recovery? (This question should be asked with the knowledge that terrible things do happen and sometimes there is no legal recourse). Not all wrongs have a legal remedy. Your attorney might recommend that you not pursue your case. This is probably the most important question to ask and the most difficult answer to hear, but a quality attorney will provide you an action plan to handle your case that outlines your participation and the likely chance of victory.

Take your first step now; contact a personal injury attorney at http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com. The attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions, provide expert advice and take on your case today.


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