6 Important Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Published on: 19 July 2018 Last Updated on: 22 June 2021

The worst has happened. You got injured on the job, or your spouse hurt you in a fight.

Something happened to you while you were at the dentist, or you had a severe reaction to a latte.

Regardless, health care is expensive. There’s a chance that you’re not able to cover the bill.

You start wondering if there’s some other way to pay for your medical expenses. You talk to your company or ask for compensation. But no one is willing to do anything.

If this sounds like you or someone you love, it’s time to consider legal action. You can contact a personal injury lawyer who will help you get what you deserve.

But before you hire anyone, check out our six questions to ask a personal injury lawyer.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Sometimes we get hurt, and it’s because of our own stupidity. But there are times when the blame rests on another party. This can be an individual, a company, or even a doctor. When this happens, it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer.

There are many different kinds of lawyers who can help you. Choosing the right one depends on the personal injury questions you have.

Most personal injury lawyers can handle a car crash case. But what happens if there are many parties involved or if there is severe damage? You’ll need a lawyer with more experience in your type of case.

If a doctor injured you, then hire a lawyer with experience in medical malpractice. At least they need to know about medical procedures and misdiagnoses.

If you got hurt by a piece of machinery, then look for a lawyer with a background in corporate and negligence law.

Do some research into the nature of your case. That way you’ll be able to find the right personal injury lawyer for your needs.

What Information Do I Need Before I Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Keep in mind that scheduling a consultation with a lawyer is not the same as hiring them. You’re asking them in-depth questions about their background and career. You’d do the same for any contractor or real estate agent.

But before you sit down with a lawyer, it will help you to have a few things prepared.

First, you’ll need to record the details of your case. Write down everything that’s related to what happened. Describe the events in the order they happened, and be as detailed as possible.

If you need help, think of the 4 W’s. Who was involved? Where did the accident happen? When did it take place? What were you doing? In fact, what was everyone doing?

Try to be as factual as possible. If you lie, it will come out in court. Then you’ll be in trouble.

Gather any evidence you can. This includes things like:

Police reports, tickets, arrest information, and toxicology results
Eye-witness reports
Photographs and videos
Bills, receipts, medical records, and any diagnoses

Getting all this information in one folder will help you and the personal injury lawyer.

6 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer is as personal as hiring a doctor or a therapist. It’s an expensive service, and you want to make sure you have the right lawyer for you. So check out our six questions to ask a personal injury lawyer before you hire them.

1. Have You Taken a Case Like Mine Before?

This is one of the most important questions to ask an attorney before hiring them. You want to make sure your case is in good hands, so don’t be afraid to ask about their experience.

Your lawyer should have years of experience working with cases like yours. It’s also important that they have experience winning cases, or making successful settlements.

Ask them for a reference list of all their cases. They should also have endorsements from past clients.

If your internal radar goes off, you can look up an attorney’s disciplinary records online. Some states need a lawyer’s bar number to do this. But other states like Georgia will list the lawyer’s name.

2. What is Your Opinion of My Case?

In other words, does this personal injury attorney think you’ll win?

This is one of the more dubious questions to ask a personal injury lawyer, but it’s an essential one. Their answer will help you make your decision about whether to hire this attorney.

You want them to give you an honest answer, of course. No decent lawyer wants to waste their time on a hopeless case, even if you are paying them.

They should give you an objective opinion about whether you’ll win your case based on the evidence you’ve given them.

That said, ask this question with an open mind. It’s easy for the victim of an accident to think they deserve compensation. If a personal injury lawyer is telling you it won’t happen, there might be some merit in that.

3. Will My Case Go to Trial?

Only 4%-5% of personal injury cases go to trial. That means there’s a good chance your case will settle out of court.

But no matter what the odds, a good personal injury lawyer will prepare to go to trial. In fact, it’s a red flag if the lawyer starts talking about settling out of court from the get-go.

Trials can be long and expensive for you. But if you have to go to court you want a lawyer who’s experienced. Ask them about their record in court, and whether the case won by a judge or jury.

Your lawyer should also be able to give you a timeline of how long a court proceeding takes.

While each case is unique, an experienced lawyer knows how things go at the local courthouse.

Regardless of whether you go to court, you need to talk with your lawyer about your level of involvement. Some people want to be at every meeting and deposition, but most lawyers won’t allow it. It’s often best for you to stay on the sidelines and trust your lawyer.

4. What are Your Fees?

This is another important question to ask an attorney. If you can’t afford this lawyer, then you’ll need to look for someone else.

A typical personal injury lawyer earns money based on contingency fees. That means you won’t pay any fees unless you win money damages in the lawsuit.

Once you do win the case, the personal injury lawyer will take a percentage of the money. This can range from 25% – 40% of anything you win from the lawsuit.

While this is a great incentive for your lawyer to win your case, it might not be the only bill. There are other costs you should ask about, like case-related costs. These are also known as “out of pocket” fees. Ask your lawyer about these fees, and who will pay them in case you lose.

Do not work with a personal injury lawyer who charges by the hour. These kinds of payment plans can get expensive in personal injury cases.

5. How Much is My Case Worth?

An experienced personal injury lawyer should give you an estimate on how much your case is worth. They’ll base this estimate on cases they’ve already won or worked on.

Most personal injury lawyers won’t give you a hard number to work with, but instead give you some kind of range. They need to explain how the different factors in your case will affect the bottom line.

You can also ask them point-blank whether they’ll make more for you than their competitors.

After all, this isn’t only about getting justice for you. It’s also about who’s going to pay your medical bills.

Money is always hard to talk about, but you have to do it. You can discover more about discussing your case worth by doing some research. Make sure that you factor in the lawyer’s contingency fee when you talk about how much you can make.

6. Who is Handling My Case?

This question is vital if you’re working with a large law firm. This is because that lawyer you spent all that time getting to know? He might not be the one representing you in court.

This might help you because you’ll have a larger team working on your case. Lawyers all specialize in different things. If your case is a complicated one, there’s a good chance it’ll get passed around the firm.

But that’s why it’s important to know who is handling your case, and why. You want to know who you need to contact in each situation. You should also ask about the track record of every lawyer on your case.

If your lawyer has less experience than the one you spoke to, ask about who is supervising them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice your concerns.

Want More Tips About Hiring a Lawyer?

We have lots of informative blog posts on our site about the legal field. If you want to know about questions to ask a personal injury lawyer or other legal tips, check out our blog.

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Maximizing Your Workplace Injury Claim: Workers’ Compensation Counsel

Suffering an injury at work can initiate a challenging battle for fair compensation. The laws on workplace injury are complicated. Employers and insurance companies often try to push back against claims. This complexity often necessitates the expertise of a lawyer well-versed in the relevant laws.They can stand up to employers who don't want to pay. These professionals can secure the rightful compensation an individual deserves following a workplace accident. Individuals who sustain injuries should not navigate this process alone. It is advisable to reach out to an experienced workplace injury attorney. In this article, we will explore the most effective approach to handling workplace injuries. I. The Strategic Advantage of Workers’ Compensation Counsel Injured workers who have lawyers get paid five times more. This shows the big benefit of hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. With their help, even average settlements are around $20,000, says the Bureau of Labor. How can lawyers significantly impact complex claims? They know all the specific state laws. They use this to structure claims to get the most money. Lawyers find ways to get extra benefits. They avoid technical issues that could cause denials. Since lawyers know the process, they speed up approvals and stop problems early. Regardless of whether you consult workers' compensation lawyers in Los Angeles or New York, having an expert on your side significantly increases your chances of securing a favorable outcome. The attorney also advises on the long-term impact of injuries on income. They factor in all losses beyond just medical and missed wages to get full pay. Without this big-picture view, you might settle for too little leaving out future issues. II. Claiming Full Benefits: The Lawyer’s Playbook While the financial prospects with a lawyer seem promising, they do not come unchallenged. Employers and insurers, armed with their own legal teams, are prepared against counterclaims.This highlights the crucial role of your legal counsel in countering resistance from employers and insurers. In such scenarios, lacking proper legal representation could be the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement. Seasoned attorneys use proven tactics to secure comprehensive coverage of medical expenses and lost income. They obtain medical evidence demonstrating the extent of disability, proving that injuries arose from work duties. Lawyers also calculate lost wages accurately, accounting for overtime, bonuses, commissions, and benefits. Another avenue attorneys pursue is to classify injuries as occurring cumulatively over time. This triggers additional coverage under “occupational disease” provisions. Evidence must establish that workplace exposures, rather than non-work-related factors, directly led to the condition. It takes skill to overcome employer resistance. Lawyers know the rules to challenge unfair denials and offers. If employers say the injury didn't happen at work, attorneys prove otherwise. They gather witness statements and evidence of unsafe conditions. Lawyers also disprove false claims that misconduct caused the accident. III. Countering Employer and Insurer Pushback Navigating through the resistance of employers and insurers is a nuanced battle, often requiring an attorney's intervention. With intimate knowledge of claim regulations, lawyers challenge improper denials and suspensions. They also counter unacceptable settlement offers using evidence and legal arguments. If employers contest that injuries did not occur on the job, attorneys marshal facts proving otherwise. This may involve gathering witness statements, employment records, and evidence of unsafe conditions. Lawyers also rebut allegations that misconduct like intoxication or horseplay caused accidents. When insurers refuse medical treatments, attorneys file appeals and present medical justification. If employers wrongly claim preexisting conditions are to blame, lawyers compel evidence disproving this. Insurers denying occupational disease claims face demands to accept physician diagnoses confirming work-related causation. IV. Settlement Negotiations: The Art of the Deal With attorney fees typically ranging from 10% to 20% of the settlement, we now turn to the art of the deal. Here, the attorney's expertise and financial incentive align to pursue the highest settlement possible, a win-win for the attorney and client alike. Negotiating settlements is a complex process. Attorneys carefully consider all present and future damages. This includes treatments needed, impact on earnings and earning capacity, disability ratings, vocational rehabilitation costs, and estimated life expectancy. Counsel also considers leverage points. Evidence solidly proving liability strengthens demands. Poor safety procedures, previous OSHA citations, and other incidents demonstrate negligence. Lawyers also assess insurers’ appetite to avoid litigation, which entails public exposure and the risk of paying more. Ultimately, your attorney's goal is to secure a settlement that truly compensates you, based on medical assessments rather than arbitrary formulas. If initial offers fall short, determined counsel will pursue maximum recovery through hearings or court proceedings. FAQs: Navigating Your Workers’ Compensation Journey Understanding settlement money dynamics gives insight into your lawyer's moves. But you likely still have questions. Below we address common injured worker questions to demystify the process and show the big impact of hiring an attorney. How can a workers’ compensation attorney influence the outcome of my claim? Lawyers use expertise to maximize benefits under the law and proof. They stop rule violations by employers and insurers that could void rights. Counsel also balances against experienced opposing legal teams aiming to limit payouts. What steps should I take if my employer disputes my injury claim? Contact a lawyer right away. Disputes often lead to denied claims without fast help. Lawyers respond strongly with irrefutable proof of job-related injuries. This makes employers back down from baseless objections. How do workers’ compensation attorneys negotiate higher settlements? Attorneys negotiate vigorously by substantiating long-term income loss, substantial medical requirements, and liability for negligence. Big potential jury verdicts create leverage. Counsel also shows a readiness to go to court if required, driving fair settlements. Key Takeaway Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer levels the playing field when filing your claim. Their know-how with complex laws helps overcome employer resistance to get you maximum benefits. With a strategic attorney partner, you can focus fully on getting better. Your lawyer handles all the legal complexities for you. Don't leave any money on the table. Call a trusted local workers' compensation attorney in your area today. Discuss your unique situation and options. An attorney will advise if they can help get more benefits.Having an exceptional lawyer on your side can make all the difference in ensuring you receive proper compensation. Don't delay – you deserve full and fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation with a workers' compensation attorney today. Read Also: What Is Considered A Personal Injury? 5 Common Types Of Personal Injury Cases Top 10 Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys

Probate Fees 101: Breaking Down The Different Costs Of Probate In NSW

Probation is a vital legal process for handling the estate of a deceased person. In New South Wales (NSW), understanding the various costs associated with probate is crucial for estate administrators. This article aims to provide a detailed view of the different expenses involved in the probate process in NSW. We will delve into each component, offering insights to help you navigate the cost of probate NSW. What is Probate? Probate is a legal process necessary to ensure that the wishes of a deceased person accomplish according to their Will. It involves presenting the Will to the Supreme Court of NSW to verify its validity and to grant the executor the authority to administer the estate. This process can be complicated and also time-consuming, but ensuring that the estate is distributed fairly and following the deceased's wishes is essential. If you have recently lost a dear one and are unsure about the probate process, you should seek the advice of an extremely qualified and highly experienced legal professional who can guide you. Understanding Probate Fees Probate fees can include a range of expenses incurred during the probate process, which is the legal procedure of administering a deceased person's estate. Some of the costs of probate NSW may include legal, court, and executor fees. The complexity of the estate can play a role in determining the overall cost of probate, as more complex estates may require more time and resources to manage. The specific services required during probate can also impact the total cost. For example, if the estate involves disputes or challenges to the Will, this can increase the overall cost of probate. Court Fees One of the primary expenses in the probate process is the court fees. When filing for probate in NSW, one must pay an application to the Supreme Court. The fee is calculated based on the estate's value, determined by the gross value of the deceased's assets. It is essential to gather accurate asset valuations to determine the appropriate cost of probate NSW. Executor's Commission The estate executor, responsible for administering the assets and distributing them according to the Will, is entitled to receive a commission for the offered services. The commission is usually a portion of the estate's value and is subject to court approval. This commission compensates the executor for their time, effort, and responsibility in managing the estate. Legal Fees Engaging a solicitor or a law firm to assist with the probate process is common practice. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and the services required. It is advisable to obtain a detailed breakdown of the legal fees before engaging legal professionals. The legal fees typically cover services such as reviewing the Will, preparing and filing probate documents, communicating with beneficiaries and creditors, and providing legal guidance. Accountant Fees When it's about managing the financial aspects of the probate process, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of an accountant. They can provide valuable expertise in ensuring accurate financial reporting and preparing estate tax returns. Additionally, they can offer sound advice on complex financial matters related to the estate. The cost of probate NSW charged by accountants will depend on the services provided, with hourly rates or a percentage of the estate's value being the most common payment structures. Ultimately, enlisting the services of an accountant can help ensure that the probate process runs smoothly and efficiently, giving you peace during a potentially stressful time. Valuation Fees To accurately determine the value of the deceased's assets, it may be necessary to obtain professional valuations. Valuation fees can apply to properties, investments, collectibles, and other valuable assets that form part of the estate. Professional valuers assess the fair market value of the assets, considering factors such as current market conditions, asset conditions, and demand. These valuations are crucial for estate accounting and distribution purposes. Advertising and Notice Fees As part of the probate process, placing advertisements or publishing notices in newspapers to notify potential creditors and beneficiaries is often required. These advertising and notice fees can vary depending on the publication and the duration of the advertisement. Giving public notice ensures that any interested parties can come forward with any claims against the estate or assert their rights as beneficiaries. Other Miscellaneous Costs Apart from the fees mentioned above, there is also another miscellaneous cost of probate NSW. These include postage, courier fees, photocopying, and document certification charges. These smaller costs can add up, so it is important to record all these expenses for accurate accounting purposes. Maintaining detailed documentation of every expense is advisable to ensure transparency and accountability. Summing Up Probate fees in NSW encompass a range of costs essential to an estate's successful administration. Understanding these expenses is crucial to effectively manage the probate process, from court to legal and accountant fees. By breaking down the different costs, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights to navigate the complexities of the cost of probate NSW. Probate fees in NSW can be significant but essential to ensuring a smooth and legally valid estate administration. By being aware of the various expenses involved and seeking professional guidance, you can navigate the probate process with confidence and efficiency. Probate Consultants offer their services at reasonable prices and ensure their clients can relax while they complete all the court formalities. So, contact them and provide a worry-free grant of the probate procedure. Read Also: 10 Estate Planning Tips to Help You Prepare for the End 5 Easy Estate Planning Tips to Help You Plan for the Future Surviving Loss: What to Do With an Estate After You Lose a Loved One

Top 10 Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys

When you are pursuing a lawful claim, you need a lawyer or attorney who will support you and handle your case with full determination. You need an attorney who will suggest you or tell you the most significant things, which you will need in your side, while lawful claiming. Selection of the best Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorney can be of great help for you. This is one major reason why individuals and groups looking at personal injury lawsuits and compensations claims turn to experts like The Sawaya Law Firm. Being legal pioneers, they have been able to extrapolate compensation and claims from the toughest of opponents, including some of the biggest businesses and insurance companies. Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys main motive is to provide justice for their clients. In the United States, an attorney is the synonyms of a lawyer. Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys handle cases like car accidents, construction accidents, premises, and many more. They fight hard for all their clients in the case in front of the court to prove the innocence of the person for whom the attorney fights for. . Top 10 Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys Now here we will see the top five Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys, from whom you can take their services to fight your cases. Let us have a look at it in detail. 1. Bradford Pelton This Bradford Pelton has more than 30 years of experience in this field and helps the clients to obtain compensation for any damage or injury cases. In the metropolitan areas of the Colorado Springs, the Bradford Pelton serves his services. He even helps his client to provide social security and workers’ compensation claims. Areas Of Specialization of Bradford Pelton are as follows:- He helps those people who are injured in car, Fall accidents, job site, Negligence, Dog bite cases, and Product liability. 2. Donley Law P.C. This firm especially focuses on the personal cases of a person. They use special strategies to get justice for their clients or obtain compensation for an accident. Many people in America, the services of this firm to handle their cases. Most of the time, the attorneys bring positive results to their clients. He is one of the best among Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys to get through with. Workplace injuries. Car accident cases. 3. Green Law Firm, P.C. Another one of the top-rated firms is this green law firm, p.c. they take all the cases of Colorado Springs people. Mostly the legal claim is to fight for those people who have lost their nearest and dearest one in a car, motorcycle, and truck accident. Even they fight for their clients that they will get compensation for physical and mental sufferings, and funerals. Let's boil down his areas of core specialization in brief:- Mental sufferings & funerals. Motorcycle accident cases. Death accident cases. 4. James A Reed Pc He serves more than 40 years for the clients of Colorado Springs. He takes cases like dog bites, automobile accidents, fall accidents, assaults, and many more. His job is to bring justice and compensation for his all clients. The areas of his specializations are as follows:- Dog bites. Fall accidents. Automobile accidents. Assaults. 5. Law Office Of Jeremy Loew This firm is known for its handling cases like the victim of a motorcycle accident, dog bite, and other cases. Whenever you are planning to seek the assistance of the best personal injury lawyer the selection of the colorado springs personal injury attorney can make sense to you. The areas of his specializations are as follows:- Motorcycle Accident cases. Dog bites. Serious personal Injury cases. 6. Alan C Shafner Shafner is one of the best colorado springs personal injury lawyers whose assistance can help you a lot. He is one of the super lawyers of the state on whose services you can rely upon. Since 2019 to 2022 he is handling personal injury cases. He has a total of 43 years of total legal experience in this field. He provides free consultation. Shafner charges on the client to client basis. On average he charges as per the standard rate of the state which is 33% of the final settlement fees. Areas of his specialties are as follows:- Premises liability accidents. Car accidents. Nursing home abuse & Neglect. Wrongful death cases. Catastrophic trucking accidents. Dog bites. General negligence. Burn Injury. 7. Joseph Ramos He is also one of the most well-known and best Colorado springs personal injury lawyers of the state to provide you the maximum support. In 2009 he got a license in Colorado to practice the personal injury laws. Some of the core areas of his practices are as follows:- Wrongful death cases. Construction accidents. Animal Bites. Motor Vehicle Accidents. Brain Injury. Trucking accidents. Slip & Fall accidents. He charges the fees from the clients as per the country's standards. It can make things easier for the clients to approach him faster. 8. Micheal M Clawson Micheal M Clawson is one of the best colorado's best personal injury lawyers to deliver quality services to his clients. Since 1994 he has been one of the best licensed super lawyers to look forward to at your end. Some of his core areas of specialization are as follows:- Aviation accidents. Car accidents. Bicycle accidents. Catastrophic Injuries. Defective products. Drowning Accidents. Truck accidents and Wrongful death. Apart from it there are many more areas of his specializations which you can get by visiting his official website of Micheal M Clawson. 9. Jeffrey R. Hill Since 1995 Jeffrey R. Hill has been one of the best colorado springs personal injury lawyers to deliver you quality services. Some of the key areas of his specializations are as follows, which you must know at your end before hiring him. Some of them are as follows:- Automobile crashes. Preventable falls. Serious death injury cases. 10. Lance M Sears Lance M Sears is one of the best super lawyers of Colorado spring Personal injury cases to provide quality support to their clients. In 1975 he got the license to practice personal injury cases in Colorado. Some of the Core areas of the specialization of this lawyer are as follows:- Auto & Truck accident. Personal injury cases. Wrongful death. Snowboard accidents. Brain Injuries. Important Notifications For all the names, the lawyers charge free consultation fees, and after winning the cases, they can charge you up to 33% of the final settlement fees as per the state norms. FAQ( Frequently Asked Questions) 1. What Percentage Do Most Of The Personal Injury Lawyers Take? As a general rule of thumb, a personal injury lawyer charges 33% of the final settlement of the cases. 2. Why Do You Require A Personal Injury Lawyer? They can help you to recover you from the personal injury claims within a shorter span of time with proper legal procedure. 3. How Can Personal Injury Lawyer Help You? hey can help the lawyers to recover the financial injuries compensation and mental injuries. Final Take Away Hence, these are some of the best colorado springs personal injury lawyer to make your life easy in personal injury cases. The mentioned names of the injury lawyers are the best in the lot to deliver you with quality services. Feel free to share your opinions, views, and ideas to get things done in the right order. You can contact them if you feel problems in regards to your personal injury cases. Read Also: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident that wasn’t my Fault? Personal Injury Attorneys Denver 7 Things You Should Know About DUI Charges: Can You Go to Prison as a Result? What if Multiple People are to be Blamed for your Injury?

6 Important Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

What Information Do I Need Before I Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

6 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer