If you’ve been injured in an accident and are looking to pursue compensation from the at-fault party, you may not know where to turn. Fortunately, Chicago personal injury lawyers can help accident victims file a strong claim that proves a monetary award is owed.
When you find a law firm you’re interested in working with, the first meeting can seem overwhelming. However, in many instances, particularly for personal injury claims, initial consultations are free. The meeting gives the lawyer a chance to learn about you, the accident you were in, and how you’ve been affected. As the potential client, the first meeting will give you a better idea of whether the firm is right for you and if pursuing legal action is the best way forward.
In order to have a productive case consultation, you’ll want to come prepared with as much information about your accident as possible, as well as questions for the attorney. Keep reading to learn about some of the questions you should consider asking.
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1) How many cases like mine has your law firm handled?
Law firms handle a variety of cases, so you’ll want to make sure the attorney you’re working with has some experience dealing with your particular type of accident. For example, if the lawyer you speak with focuses on car and truck accident claims, but you have a potential medical malpractice claim, you may want to consider seeking representation from someone else at the firm or elsewhere entirely. A quality law firm will set you up with the right attorney from the start.
2) What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
All cases have unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to have a general idea of what those are upfront to know if it’s worth your time, money, and energy to pursue the claim. If you were involved in an automotive accident, your strengths could lie in the documentation you have regarding your injuries and losses. If, however, the accident happened in an area where no one else was present and no security cameras were around, your lawyer will have to do some additional investigating to determine the cause of the crash and how the other’s driver’s actions caused it.
3) How will you update me about my case’s progress?
Personal injury claims are complex and multifaceted. While there is a general process all cases go through, individual claims could stay at certain steps longer than others. You’ll want to speak with your lawyer to get an idea of how they will communicate with you. Phone calls and email are common, but your lawyer may also be able to text you updates or communicate with you through video chats. No matter the method of communication, you’ll want to make sure you’re always aware of how your case is going.
4) How much is my case worth?
The value of an injury claim is dependent on the losses a victim has experienced. While your lawyer may not be able to give you a predicted value on your first meeting, they can take a look at your claim and give you an idea of what to expect based on their past experiences. They will be sure to consider both your economic and noneconomic losses, so you’re eligible to receive full and fair compensation for all sustained damages. If they are not able to give you even an estimated dollar amount, they should be able to tell you if you’re legally entitled to compensation.
5) How do you handle fees and expenses?
While fees and expenses vary depending on the state and the case, many law firms handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. It’s important to know upfront how your lawyer handles expenses, as you want to make sure you have the funds to pay for their services, as well as the monies to take care of your losses. With a contingency fee, you won’t pay any legal fees unless the attorney wins your case. If they do win on your behalf, the legal fees will be a percentage of your compensation award.
Ready to File a Claim? Contact Thomas Law Offices
If you’re ready to take legal action and want to ensure you hire the best personal injury attorney for your claim, schedule a consultation with Thomas Law Offices. Our attorneys are well-versed in all areas of personal injury law, and we’ll be sure to pair you with the best attorney for your situation. Contact us today to learn more.
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