5 Questions to Ask During a Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney

Many people will go through life without ever hiring a lawyer. Even those who have hired lawyers in the past might not know what to expect when they are hiring a personal injury lawyer. But when you have been injured due to the negligence or intentional acts of a person or business, you will probably need an attorney with experience in injury cases.

Most injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Here are some questions you should ask during an initial consultation with an injury attorney.

Questions About the Lawyer and Law Firm

The initial consultation is your opportunity to screen a lawyer and their law firm to determine your ability to work with them. Here are some of the issues you should discuss.

How Much Are Your Fees?

Many states allow lawyers to have a lot of discretion in setting their fees. Make sure that you talk about fees at the initial consultation. No one benefits from misunderstandings about how the lawyer charges or what the charges will include.

Most injury lawyers charge a contingent fee. A contingent fee has a few characteristics:

No fee unless you win or settle
No fee upfront
The fee is a percentage of your compensation

Discuss how the lawyer calculates their fee and what costs might be added on. If you feel comfortable with the lawyer, ask for a copy of the lawyer’s contingent fee agreement.

How Should We Communicate?

Talk to the lawyer about their availability to talk to you about your case. Most states require that a lawyer keep you reasonably informed about your case. But “reasonably informed” is subject to interpretation. Understand when you should expect to receive updates on your case.

Discuss how you should reach out to the law firm if you have questions about your case. Ask if you can get the email or phone numbers of the lawyer and the lawyer’s staff.

Lack of communication is one of the most common client complaints. Make sure the lawyer understands your expectations for updates and other information about your case so that you can avoid any misunderstandings.

What Kind of Experience Do You Have?

You should ask about the lawyer’s experience in cases that are similar to your case. Although every case differs, a lawyer who has handled similar cases will understand:

The laws that govern your case
Insurance company practices that are relevant to your case
The potential value of your case

Keep in mind that the lawyer might not have handled a case with identical facts to yours. But a lawyer who has experience in similar cases can apply that prior experience to your case.

Questions About Your Case

You should also discuss your case with the lawyer. This allows the lawyer to understand whether the case fits their practice. The lawyer can ensure that the firm will have the time and personnel required to handle the case properly.

This also gives you the chance to tell the lawyer your story and ask questions about the merits of your case. The lawyer might prefer not to discuss your case in detail until they can review all of the evidence in the case. But you can ask about the outcomes the lawyer has obtained in similar cases.

Some specific issues to discuss with the lawyer might include:

What is the Value of My Case?

The value of any case can be difficult to pinpoint. Whether a case settles or goes to a jury, reasonable minds can differ about fair compensation for an injury.

But you should discuss the factors that go into the value of the case, including:

Past and future medical expenses
Past and future lost income
Pain and suffering

A lawyer might be reluctant to comment on the merits of your case until they have a chance to review all of the facts. But a lawyer might be able to explain generally what you will need to have a good chance at a settlement or damage award.

The lawyer should also discuss any problems with your case, including the defenses that the at-fault party might raise. For example, California employs the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. This allows a jury or claims adjuster to reduce compensation if the victim bears a share of the fault for the injury. Not all states follow this exact law, including some of the other states we represent nation wide.

What Do You Suggest for a Legal Strategy?

Based on your discussion, the lawyer may set out a proposed legal strategy. Under California’s Rules of Professional Responsibility, you have the final say in the legal strategy. Thus, the lawyer must explain the risks and benefits of the possible strategies so that you can make an informed decision. But again, not all states follow this exact law, including some of the other states we represent nation wide.

You will probably not need to decide which strategy to use at the initial consultation unless the statute of limitations is impending. But discussing strategy will give you time to think about your goals and whether the lawyer’s strategy meets them.

Hiring an Injury Attorney

The decision to hire a personal injury lawyer is consequential. You should use the initial consultation to ensure that you can have a comfortable working relationship with a lawyer. You should also make sure that your values align. For a free consultation with a friendly and experienced injury lawyer that will provide trusted counsel, contact The Law Brothers® firm. We give your legal issues the personal attention they deserve. We Fight. You Win. They Pay.

Practice Areas

The Law Brothers^® have successfully litigated in the following personal injury practice areas

What Our Clients Say

Honestly can't say enough positive things about the Law Brothers! I got into a severe car accident at the end of 2016 and they've been with me every step of the way ever since. Almost 4 years! I want to thank everyone there especially Caitlyn, Shawn, and Yasmeen. They have been responsive, helpful, and reassuring and I don't know what I would've done if I didn't have the legal support that I was able to get along the years. They are super professional and really helped me get through this hardship in my life. I would definitely recommend!!!

Ivonne K.

Last year I contacted your law firm when I got into a car accident. the gentleman that handled my case, his name was Cesar. Cesar was very helpful and compassionate about my situation. He helped me get my car fixed very quickly and was super patient with me. He answered all of my questions and ensured me that everything will be taken care of. Once my case was settled I ended up getting more than I was expecting, which was amazing. I highly recommended Cesar and this law firm to anyone that needs help.

William Charlton

I was a client to the Law Brothers firm for about a year, the staff is really nice and professional. I would get updates on the case status and when I did call I would usually get a call back within 24 hours. I really appreciate the work that was done for me. I got the most out of my settlement and when I called to have a break down of the costs, Genesis was very patient and gave me a break down on all of it. I will definitely recommend this law firm to friends and family, as well as call them in the future if needed (hopefully not soon).

Erendira Landa

I had gotten into an accident and had no idea what to do. Friends and family recommended I get a lawyer since I was not at fault. I found this firm and I was beyond impressed. They handled everything for me from car insurance questions to finding doctors for me to visit. After my accident all I had to do was make appointments with various doctors to help with my pain. I give five stars because this firm went above and beyond and continued to follow up with me. I highly recommend if you are in need of a lawyer to use them.

Jacqueline D.

The team at the Law Brothers we’re amazing! I am not the kind of person to seek legal counsel, but I was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle and the driver’s insurance was avoiding my attempts to get reimbursed. They were able to not only get a settlement that replaced my motorcycle, but they found me physical therapy which was close to my work. Now I am back to where I was physically before the accident and I am able to ride a motorcycle again. They were always responsive to my texts, calls, and emails. They even would systematically check to see how I was healing and if the support they linked me to was satisfactory.

Charles Mortensen

This law firm is a team of miracle workers! The Law Brothers Law Firm saved me from suffering at another law firm from Century City. My case manager Jonathan was able to gather all the details from my accident ( literally within a week! ) and keeping me updated consistenty to keep me at ease. They work diligently and keep at it until your case is completed. I went through a car accident that almost took my life away but thanks to the higher power and the Law Brothers, you won't even hesitate to choose them because I felt trust and integrity throughout my case and I feel happier in my life, which in my opinion, matters the most at the end of the day.

Jason Avelar

What Our Clients Say

Ivonne K.

William Charlton

Erendira Landa

Jacqueline D.

Charles Mortensen

Jason Avelar

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