Search:

Don't hire a personal injury attorney until you ask 10 questions!

1. How long have you been in practice? While many young attorneys have the potential to become accomplished trial lawyers, you do not want your case handled by a novice.

2. Do you have malpractice insurance? Attorneys, like other professionals, should maintain a policy of professional malpractice insurance. Accidents and mistakes do happen, and a wise attorney will recognize this probability (even if very unlikely) and protect himself and you with a sizeable malpractice policy.

3. Do you routinely take cases like mine to trial or settlement, and if so how many? This answer will demonstrate your prospective attorney's experience and familiarity with cases like yours.

4. What percentage of your practice is devoted to cases like mine? The prospective attorney should spend at least 75% of his or her time on cases like yours.

5. Will you be working on my case alone or do you routinely have junior attorneys assist on matters like mine? Junior associate attorneys often perform work on many matters for more senior, accomplished attorneys. You should, however, ask to meet these attorneys in order to evaluate them. The subject matter of your case and the laws governing it might seem foreign and unintelligible but you should not ignore your own personal judgment when it comes to sizing up a prospective attorney and his employees.

6. How quickly do you typically return client phone calls? Some attorneys are notorious for failing to return client phone calls. In fact, this complaint usually tops the list of all client complaints about their lawyers. Your attorney should have a policy whereby he returns client calls within 24 hours, absent unusual circumstances. Be sure to have your attorney put this requirement in your retainer agreement, to ensure compliance.

7. Do you routinely take the time yourself to explain to clients all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payment of costs? Your attorney should answer in the affirmative, as these matters are integral to your case. By asking this question, you are demonstrating that you are willing and able to learn about your case and be completely involved.

8. How do you think my case should handled, that is, do you have a set strategy for cases like mine? Again, this question will demonstrate (1) whether your prospective attorney is familiar with your case's subject matter and (2) his organizational skills.

9. How long do you think my case will take before we reach settlement or go to trial? Be wary of an attorney who promises quick settlement or resolution, but your attorney should provide you with at least an estimate of the time required to reach disposition of your case.

10. In your expert opinion do you believe that I have real chance for recovery or is my situation just an unfortunate one with no real chance of success? You should, of course, ask this question even though it may be difficult to hear the answer. Sometimes there is no legal remedy when a person is hurt, injured or suffers an injustice. Your attorney might, in fact, recommend that you not pursue your case. A quality attorney will provide you with a plan of action that outlines your participation, the steps he will take, and the likelihood of a successful recovery.

Take your first step now; contact a personal injury attorney at http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com. The attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions, provide expert advice and take on your case today.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Retaining an attorney can be a daunting task, before employing the wrong person visit us to find qualified personal injury lawyers who are ready, willing, and able to take your case today. Powered by the Internet Marketing Boutique Don't reprint the same version as everyone else. Get your own unique content Personal Injury artic

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License, which means you may freely reprint it, in its entiretly, provided you include the author's resource box along with LIVE VISIBLE links (without "nofollow" tags).