Questions to Ask Your Injury Lawyer
When you have been injured, an injury lawyer is your best resource for getting a fair settlement and helping to get your life back on track. Your lawyer can help you understand the law as it pertains to your case, and negotiate with insurance companies and government agencies to get the compensation you need.
When choosing an injury attorney, there are a few key questions you should ask. These questions will help you determine whether the lawyer is right for your case.
1. What Experience Do You Have With My Type of Case?
When deciding which injury lawyer to hire, you should consider their prior experience. An experienced injury lawyer will have worked on cases similar to yours, and have the skills necessary to successfully handle your case. An experienced injury lawyer can also guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and provide valuable insight into what to expect from your case.
2. What Are My Legal Fees?
An important consideration in determining who to hire for your personal injury claim is the cost of legal services. Ideally, you should choose an injury attorney who works on a contingency basis, meaning that they will only charge for their service if they win your case. This is a common practice, and nearly all lawyers who specialize in personal injury work on this basis.
Additionally, you should find out what the lawyer’s fees are for bringing your case to trial and if there is a fee if they lose your case. This will help you plan for your budget and avoid unexpected expenses.
3. What If I Am Partially to Blame for My Injury?
Many people worry that they cannot seek compensation if they were partially to blame for their accident, but this is not the case. New York is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that you can recover damages from the other at-fault parties even if you are partly responsible for the incident. An experienced injury lawyer can help you navigate this complex law and determine all parties who may be liable for your injuries.
4. What Are Your Expense Reimbursement Policies?
While most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, sometimes it is necessary to take a case to trial. If this happens, you will want to make sure that your attorney is comfortable in the courtroom and has trial experience. You will also want to find out what the lawyer’s policy is on expense reimbursement if your case is lost.
5. What Other Types Of Injury Do You Handle?
In addition to assisting with personal injury claims, some injury attorneys are experienced in handling Social Security disability and workers’ compensation cases. If you have been hurt on the job or by a defective product, it is important that your injury attorney has extensive knowledge of the laws governing these types of claims.
When selecting an injury lawyer, you should be able to trust that they will handle your case with the care and attention to detail that it deserves. A good injury lawyer will listen to you and be a partner in your recovery.