Finding the right personal injury lawyer for your case can feel like an overwhelming task. But, by asking the right questions, you can ensure that you choose a lawyer who is right for your needs. We have created a list of questions below to help you know just what to ask in order to choose the best lawyer for you.
Step 1: Initial Questions
These basic questions are useful to ask personal injury lawyers during an initial consultation. They will give you an overall sense of whether the lawyer is a good fit for your case.
• What kinds of law do you specialize in? How much experience do you have with cases similar to mine? (Ask about how many cases and what the results were.)
• How do your fees work? Is there an hourly rate? If you utilize contingent fees, how much do you take? Will you put your fee structure in writing?
• What is the statute of limitations for my case?
• Will my case be handled by only you, or will others also participate?
• What is your track record with the ethics committees and bar associations? (Ask about discipline, suspension, or disbarring.)
• Can you provide an estimated time frame for resolution of my case?
• Do you have insurance with your firm?
• What methods will you use to communicate with me about how my case is proceeding? How often can I expect to hear from you?
• How much of my input will you take into account as the case proceeds? Will I be able to offer suggestions and know that you will take them seriously?
• What are your feelings about whether I have a strong case?
• Is it common to go to trial in cases like mine?
Step 2: Further Questions Regarding Experience and Trials
Once you have asked your initial questions, consider whether you have a clear sense of the personal injury lawyer’s experience level. If you need to know more, the following questions may help.
• Can you describe your track record for personal injury cases over the past five years? How many have you won and lost?
• What are the qualifications and skills of other members of your firm who will assist you with my case? How much of my case will they handle versus how much you will handle?
• Can you give me examples of three major personal injury cases you’ve handled in the last five years? Can you describe the outcomes and whether these were settled during a trial, or during verdict or judgment?
• How much of the work that you do is in service to injured people? How much of the work that you do is in service to insurance companies?
• How many years of experience do you have as a personal injury lawyer?
• Do you have former personal injury clients I can contact as a reference?
• Are you connected with healthcare providers in the community who help you with personal injury cases for your clients? May I contact one for a reference?
• Do you work with a team of illustrators to help explain important pieces of the case?
Step 3: Further Questions about Reputation
Knowing that your lawyer has a strong reputation is crucial to choosing the right lawyer for your case and feeling confident as you proceed. These are good questions to ask personal injury lawyers when you need a clearer sense of their reputation.
• Are you a member of any professional legal organizations in Canada, or have your abilities as a lawyer been praised by other professionals? Have you received or been nominated for any awards?
• Can you describe any professional speaking engagements or programs you have headed within the legal field in recent years?
• Can you tell me about any writing you have published that is related to my case or to personal injury law? Have you done any writing for the government or law societies about personal injury law?
• Have you held an official position with any major Canadian trial lawyers association?
Once you have a sense of what to ask your potential future lawyer, you can begin contacting area professionals to set up consultations. Consult with a personal injury lawyer today.
