Long story short, most lawyers are not created as equals and some lawyers may not have the legal prowess to snag a victory for your case. So what does this mean for you? Well, this means that hiring the wrong lawyer can leave a profound mark on your future – as well as your family’s.
So before you pursue further action with your case, it’s important to know that the lawyer (of your choosing) is capable of handling the job you want performed. You’ll need to ask them the hard hitting questions regarding legal advice, how they handle cases, and so much more. Thankfully, we’re providing some information on what you should ask your lawyer’s record before you hire them.
What One Should Ask A Lawyer Before Hiring Them
Sadly, many individuals assume that lawyers are capable of tackling any and all cases that go under their noses, but this simply isn’t true. So when one has this assumption, they usually end up disappointed due to the fact that they don’t receive the results they expect. So given this situation, you’ll want to ask such questions as:
– What kind of cases are they handling on a daily basis? – Many lawyers operate as general practitioners who dabble in just about everything, with personal injury cases being no exclusion. In some cases, they’ll only occasionally work on personal injury cases. This means that if they are not performing this kind of work on a daily basis, the individual who is injured may be at a disadvantage in the event they need to be represented. A specialist in the desired field you need assistance in knows the entire process and is well prepared to fight for you when the time comes. Why? Well, a personal injury lawyer must operate at the highest level possible to provide their client with the results they want.
– How many years has the lawyer spent representing individuals who have been involved in accidents? – No matter how long they have practiced, lawyers who have specialized in personal injury cases perform work for the same fee. However, this can be a double edged sword. This means that a veteran with 20 years in the field has the same fee as a lawyer who only has 2 years in the field. Long story short, experience makes an enormous difference in how a case can turn out. Some firms may claim that they have a collective 60 years in the field, but that doesn’t mean anything if there’s a large staff of twentysomethings. Asking this question is incredibly important, as most veteran personal injury lawyers are more than will to brag about their experiences and most novices spend more time trying to sell you their service.
– Does the lawyer you’re speaking with take lawsuits to court, do they settle out of court, or do they refer your case to other lawyers? – Many individuals never think of asking this, but more should question it in regards to who is handling their case. The main way to get the most out of a settlement is to show an insurance company that you’re ready to take the case to court. If the lawyer you’re speaking with avoids court and always settles, your case might be shortchanging itself. You’ll want a lawyer who is willing to go to court for you and make your case in front of a judge and jury because insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to try cases – and which lawyers won’t. It should also be mentioned that many trial lawyers are willing to settle out of court as well. However, the record of verdicts becomes valuable for all clients whether or not they’ve been settled. Trial lawyers will give you this information if asked.
– What’s the track record of settlements and verdicts for the lawyer? – If the lawyer has an extensive list of successes, the more likely the outcome will be in your favor. Insurance companies know what lawyers are willing to go to court and who will settle, so it’s important to know the lawyer’s courtroom expertise and their verdicts.
– Speak with the lawyer who will be handling the case. – Even in the event you’re impressed with the lawyer you’ve just met, you’ll need to make sure that they’ll be the one who works on your case. Sometimes lawyers will simply pass it on to another lawyer to work on – who might not be as promising as the individual you just spoke with. Just because the lawyer’s name is on the letterhead, it doesn’t mean they’ll be handling your case.
Considering the information above, there’s much to ask your potential lawyer before they handle your case. Thankfully, Bley & Evan’s Law Firm is here to help you avoid all of those issues and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for further information.