Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

When it comes to personal injury cases, understanding the process is key. It’s important to know what questions to ask a personal injury lawyer that will help you get a better idea of what to expect throughout the process. Ktenas Injury Attorneys is here to help you every step of the way.

The following questions should be asked of your experienced personal injury lawyer regarding your legal representation during the initial consultation. Call Ktenas Injury Attorneys today at (312)-300-2515!

What Are Your Fees?

Personal injury law firms with a good track record often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if they receive monetary damages. This eliminates upfront costs and provides a benefit for personal injury accident clients who only pay if they win their case.

The percentage of the award that goes to the lawyers also varies, usually between 25% and 40%. Depending on the specifics of your case, your experienced lawyer may even be able to negotiate a lower rate for their services. Be sure to discuss these fees with your potential lawyer beforehand so that there are no surprises later down the line.

If I Lose, Will I Be Responsible For Any Case-Related Costs?

Knowing the costs of a personal injury claims case is important. These costs include court fees, expert witness fees, and administrative services. Some lawyers may pay these costs and take a contingency fee agreement, but it's important to clarify who will pay if the case is lost. Some lawyers require repayment of prepaid expenses upon loss.

Always discuss case-related costs and financial obligations with a personal injury attorney before signing any contracts. Understanding potential costs can help you prepare for an unfavorable outcome.

Have You Tried Any Personal Injury Cases Similar to Mine to Juries Before?

Selecting a lawyer with extensive legal experience and a record of success in a particular type of personal injury case is crucial. Some attorneys may claim a general level of experience with personal injury law, but lack experience in a specific situation, like slip-and-fall accidents.

To ensure your lawyer has the necessary extensive experience, ask about their experience and successful trials in cases like yours. Requesting examples of past successful trials can help you make an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about previous clients, look at client testimonials and outcomes.

How Much Time Do You Have Available to Dedicate to My Case?

It's important to know if a personal injury lawyer can devote enough time to your case. Some lawyers may take on new potential clients but not have enough time for existing ones.

You should stress the urgency of your case and ask when it will be filed with the court. This lets you know progress is being made and when deadlines must be met. If a lawyer has no other active cases, they can dedicate more resources to yours and complete the fair settlement process efficiently.

Learn More: Check Out these Crash Statistics from the Illinois Dept. of Transportation

However, if a lawyer has multiple active cases, it may take longer to gather information and develop strategies. Knowing the lawyer's time commitment helps gauge the expected maximum financial compensation resolution timeframe.

What is the Average Duration for Resolving a Case Similar to Mine?

The time it takes to resolve a case depends on many factors including the type of accident, the complexity of the facts, the insurance company, and the availability of witnesses. It's hard to give a precise estimate for civil court cases, which can take months or even years to conclude.

To get a better idea of the timeline for your case, speak with personal injury attorneys who have handled similar cases. It's important to choose a lawyer committed to resolving your case quickly and efficiently in a certain time frame so you can move on with your life.

What is the Percentage of Successful Outcomes in your Trials?

Your experienced injury attorney may not have control over whether your case goes to trial. Settlement negotiations may not be successful, so your lawyer must plan for a potential court battle. Your legal team must conduct a thorough review of the evidence, police reports and speak to witnesses to prepare.

Knowing your lawyer's legal action success rate at trial is crucial before choosing them. Some lawyers won't share this information, but it's important to evaluate who will represent you in court. Keep in mind that success rates vary depending on specific cases, so do your research before deciding.

Can You Provide an Estimate of the Value of My Case?

When speaking with a personal injury lawyer, it can be helpful to ask about the potential value of your case to make an informed decision about pursuing legal action. A skilled lawyer can assess all factors and provide a range of maximum compensation settlements or verdicts. They can explain complicating factors and review the evidence and medical expert records.

It is good practice for victims to research and make informed decisions. Comfort with the lawyer's opinion is important and judgment should be used when evaluating claims. Beware of personal injury firms that make promises without credible data.

Who Will Handle My Case?

When choosing representation for an accident lawsuit, it's important to ask who will handle it. You don't want to be misled by someone who won't be working on your case. Find out who you'll have contact with and who will supervise less experienced associates.

Accident victims should have a clear idea of who they can turn to with questions and concerns. Senior partners may be present, but make sure someone at a similar level is overseeing your case. Knowing who is handling your case will give you peace of mind, knowing that your rights and interests are being properly represented.

Can You Please Clarify What My Involvement is in the Lawsuit?

One of the most important questions to ask a personal injury lawyer is, “Can you please clarify what my involvement is in the lawsuit?” This question helps the potential client understand their role and expectations during the legal process.

Your role in a personal injury victim lawsuit is to be active and informed. Give your lawyer all relevant information, like medical treatment records, witness statements, and evidence. Attend all legal proceedings and stay up-to-date. If you want to be more involved, talk to your lawyer. Some prefer a hands-on approach, but lawyers may limit participation. Establish a relationship with your lawyer and communicate clearly throughout the lawsuit.

Call Ktenas Injury Attorneys Today for Any Other Questions!

Do you have any other questions for a personal injury lawyer? If so, then call Ktenas Injury Attorneys today! Our experienced team of attorneys is here to answer all your questions and provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

At Ktenas Injury Attorneys, we understand that no two personal injury cases are the same. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your case and develop a custom strategy for achieving the best possible outcome. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our office today!