There are a lot of choices when hiring a personal injury lawyer in chicago. Many lawyers welcome personal injury clients although their practice does not focus on such claims. Here are some questions to ask the lawyer you are considering hiring:
1. Are you going to personally handle my case? Many larger law personal injury law firms have lawyers who focus on bringing the client in but don't otherwise handle their claim. It is fair to ask who you will be talking to you when you have a question. Will a lawyer call you back or a paralegal? Will the lawyer take your calls or a secretary screen them? Who will take depositions if the case is litigated? Who will attend the appearances in court? Big firms have advantages and disadvantages too. Get to know how the process is handled there. You need to be comfortable with the lawyer you hire and know whether he or she is the person you will be dealing with.
2. What types of cases do you handle? Does the lawyer handle personal injury cases as well as commercial litigation, criminal cases, divorce and estates? There are many issues which can complicate a personal injury claim. Lawyers who specialize in one practice area often (but not always) are more familiar with the issues which will affect the value of your claim.
3. Have you taken cases like mine to trial? Rarely does a plaintiff want to take a case to trial at all costs. Most parties want the best settlement available. Sometimes a case can't be settled and must be tried. A lawyer who has taken cases like yours to a jury will better understand the roadblocks and strengths of your personal injury claim and may be more likely to reach the best settlement on your behalf. There is an old saying that if you prepare a case for trial it will settle and if you prepare a case to settle it will be tried. Make sure the lawyer you hire knows his way to the courthouse, just in case.
4. Have you handled cases involving injuries like this before? The type of injury and need for medical care often drives case value. Every case is different and the value is driven by a number of factors. A lawyer who is familiar with the issues and the types of doctors and medical care involved can be an asset to you and your case.
5. What do you charge? Is the attorney one-third of the amount recovered or does it increase if the case must be litigated? Some lawyers increase the fee to 40% if the case must be arbitrated or litigated. One-third of the total amount recovered is the most common attorney fee. No retainer is typically required.
6. Will your office handle my case from beginning to end or refer it somewhere else if the case doesn't settle? Some lawyers try to settle cases and if they don't settle send the cases to lawyers who handle the litigation of the case. This may impact whether the lawyer is interested in settling the case without litigating the case and involving another lawyer who would receive a share of the fee. It is a fair question to ask your prospective lawyer.
Part of choosing a lawyer is getting a feel for the lawyer and his or her office. Meet with the lawyer. Don't be afraid to ask good questions. You will have to deal with your lawyer through a process which may be stressful and unfamiliar. Find a lawyer who will walk with you every step of the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment