Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

When it comes time to choose a personal injury lawyer there are a few specifics you should look for.  If you have been injured in an accident, you will want to have your medical bills covered and receive compensation for wages loss and other expenses or losses.  With so many lawyers advertising on television asking you for your personal injury claims, how do you know which one to choose?  You can make that decision by asking just a few short questions.

Question Number 1:  Is the lawyer you are considering hiring a qualified specialist for personal injury claims?  Personal injury claims is a specialty career but within there are still more specialists.  There are those who are qualified for car accidents, worker's compensation injuries, or negligence.  You would be surprised to know that unless your lawyer specialized in the particular claim you have, they may not be up-to-date on laws that apply to your injury claim.  Dealing with accidents and medical procedures require your lawyer to be familiar with medical terms about your injury.  Some lawyers may specialize in worker's comp cases and will stay alert for any new developments in worker's comp laws in your state.  Many times, if you are a union member, they will recommend an attorney that specializes in union injury claims.  It may cost you more funds if your lawyer is not up-to-date on the laws that deal with your injury. 

Question Number 2:  What fees will your lawyer take from you?  When you sign a contract with a lawyer it is an agreement that they will take your case and get all necessary fees from the opponent and not take from your lump sum compensation.  If a lawyer has a problem with that, maybe you should look for another lawyer.  Ask if you will be charged for incidental charges such as fax costs, staff charges, and telephone charges.

Question Number 3:  Will you be liable for incidental fees that would be apart from the percentage they will get from your settlement?  You will need to ask if you will be charged for depositions, faxing charges, or other fees that will be incurred during the investigation of your case.

Question Number 4:  Will your lawyer be willing to go to court if the other party does not want to settle before a court date?  Your lawyer should be skilled in negotiating but also be able to hold his own in a courtroom if it should come to a trial.  Be sure your lawyer is willing to take a settlement if you want one, or take it to court if that is what you want. 

Question Number 5:  What happens if you lose your case?  How will the lawyer be paid?  If your lawyer is paying all expenses for medical aid, a procedure, and medications, is he willing to insure your claim against the chance you may lose?  These are important questions to have answered because if you lose, it will not be your lawyer who will be responsible for the medical and hospital bills.