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Ten must-ask questions before hiring a personal injury attorney.

1. How long have you been practicing law in this state? An inexperienced attorney should not have full file responsibility for your case. Accomplished trial attorneys often employ younger attorneys to assist them, but they should be playing a supporting role rather than handling your case.

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. How many cases like mine have you taken to trial and/or settlement? This number is a bellwether indicating the attorney's familiarity and experience with cases like yours.

4. How much time do you devote to cases like mine, that is, what percentage of your law practice focuses on this area of law? The attorney you retain should devote at least 75% of their practice to area to your case's subject matter.

5. Who will be working on my case, you or junior associates, and if other individuals will be working on my case can I meet them as well? Oftentimes attorneys utilize the indispensable aid of younger, more inexperienced attorneys. Their help can save costs, but you should ask to meet them. While you may feel overwhelmed or confused by the subject matter, do not underestimate or neglect your judgment when evaluating an attorney candidate or 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. How will you explain to me all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payments of costs? The answer to this question will demonstrate the time and "bed-side" manner of your attorney. These questions are often time consuming even though very important. Your attorney should explain to you, in detail, all of the above subject matter areas thoroughly. By expressing your willingness to be involved in the case you will set the tone that you want to be involved in your case and are willing to learn.

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.

To contact a personal injury attorney now please visit http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com the attorneys listed here are ready, willing, and able to answer your questions and provide expert advice and take your case today.

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