Results Month
May 17, 2022Interview with Malcolm Simpson, Managing Partner of Walker Morris LLP
May 18, 2022Have you recently been hurt because of someone else’s negligence or ill will? You need to contact a personal injury lawyer. Some people get hurt and move on with their lives. However, they have to bear the burden of medical expenses, deal with lost income, and suffer pain on their own. This is something you should consider avoiding.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, at your workplace, or by a defective product, you could sue the party at fault. Here’s what to expect during your first consultation with a personal injury lawyer:
The Attorney Will First Listen To Your Story
The first thing your injury lawyer will do is listen to your case’s details. To understand your claim better, they’ll:
- Want to know when, how, and where your accident happened
- Ask whose fault you think it was and why
- Inquire if you have the names or contacts of witnesses
- Want to understand the losses, damages, pain, and suffering caused by your accident
- Need copies of your medical records, hospital bills, and accident report
As you provide these details, it’s vital to be honest with your attorney and not leave anything out. Giving this information to Wagners Lawyers or other reputable attorneys will help you know if you have a valid case and how much compensation you deserve.
They’ll Will Explain The Legal Process That Follows
Once the attorney determines that you have a valid case, they’ll describe to you the legal process and tell you the evidence to present. Additionally, they’ll analyze if there are weaknesses in your case. This may be your negligence that may have also caused your accident or already existing injuries you might have had at the time of your accident. If there are any of these issues, your attorney will look for ways to strengthen your claim.
If your case involves an insurance company, your lawyer will explain some possible outcomes. Also, they’ll tell you what could cause complications or delays in getting a settlement. Besides that, they’ll explain what might lead to your case advancing into a lawsuit and what to expect then.
They’ll Tell You How Much Compensation You Deserve
Some people handle their injury claims on their own to save on legal fees. It may not be a wrong approach to consider if it’s allowed in your state. However, an excellent attorney can better determine the settlement amount you deserve.
In your first consultation with your lawyer, they could provide an estimate of how much compensation might be fair for you. They consider the losses, damages, and pain you’ve suffered from your accident. Also, they’ll take into account the future financial and non-financial losses you might experience.
They’ll Explain Your Role In The Lawsuit
As your lawyer fights for you, there are certain things you must do to strengthen your claim. These will be explained to you by your attorney in your first consultation. They might ask you to:
- Visit your doctor regularly and take your medication as advised. Doing so will help demonstrate the severity of your injuries and how your treatment is progressing after your accident.
- Not disclose details of your case to anyone or on social media before it is finalized. This helps because you may say something that could hurt your case.
- Be transparent with them. You might share something valuable to your claim. Even though you may have done something that could have contributed to the accident, it’s advisable to be honest with your lawyer. They might formulate the best strategies to defend you.
As a client, helping your attorney could significantly impact your case. By doing what your injury attorney asks of you, you could help them achieve the best outcome for your claim.
They’ll Tell You Their Fees
After discussing everything else, your attorney will tell you their charges. To many personal injury lawyers, contingency fees are common. It means that the attorney will charge you depending on your claim’s outcome. If they win your case and a settlement is awarded to you, they’ll take a certain percentage as their fee. If they don’t, you might not have to pay them anything.
Before leaving your lawyer’s office, ensure you fully understand their charges. Though a majority might work on a contingency fee basis, some may ask you to pay for filing, court, and administrative expenses. If the attorney doesn’t win your case, you might be required to cater to such charges. It’s best to ensure you understand your lawyer’s fees before agreeing to work with them.
Conclusion
If you’ve suffered physical, emotional, or financial strain due to someone else’s negligence or ill will, it’s best to talk to a personal injury lawyer. In your first meeting with them, they’ll listen to your story, explain the legal process that will follow, and evaluate how much compensation you deserve. Additionally, they’ll tell you what to do and not do before your case finalizes and how much their charges are.
Before choosing a lawyer, ensure they’re reputable, well-experienced in personal injury cases, and have a good track record of success. Such professionals may raise your chances of winning.