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Choosing your personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions that you will make during your case. While you might think that any personal injury lawyer you choose will perform at relatively the same quality and skill level, this is not the case. There is a perfect personal injury lawyer for every case. Finding the right one for you takes asking the right questions.
One of the main things that differentiate one lawyer from another is the experience in his or her repertoire. Personal injury is a broad practice area; many different types of accidents can result in personal injury claims, each with its own laws and considerations. It is important to hire an attorney who has hands-on experience with your type of accident:
Ask the lawyer about his or her experience specifically with your kind of case. The lawyer you hire should have at least several years of on-the-job experience. Although every case is unique, this will give the attorney a firm understanding of the issues and challenges that you may encounter during your case.
Be sure to ask this question, as it may surprise you to find that the lawyer you’re speaking with is not who will actually be taking your case. At many mill-type law firms that accept as many cases as they can for a fast turnover, a client’s case may be passed off to a paralegal or assistant. Find a law firm that focuses on quality over quantity and that will assign a lawyer who is just as dedicated to your case as you are.
Ask about a lawyer’s past case results. This can tell you that the law firm knows what it’s doing. A long track record of positive verdicts can also show an insurance company that your lawyer is ready and willing to go to trial – often leading to better settlement offers to avoid the costs of going to court. Although a lawyer should never guarantee positive case results, a history of success can give you more confidence in the lawyer’s capabilities.
Don’t be afraid to ask how much the personal injury lawyer’s services will cost you. If you are considering hiring the lawyer, you should be comfortable with the fee schedule and payment options. The attorney should answer your questions openly and honestly, without hiding any fees or important payment information. For example, our New Haven personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Jacobs operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay anything up front or out of pocket – you will only pay attorney’s fees out of a settlement or judgment award won, and only if you win.
This question can give you an idea of what to expect during the claims process, such as if the lawyer thinks your case will have to go to trial after reviewing all of the facts. A simple case that reaches a settlement may take around three to six months from beginning to end. A complicated case involving catastrophic injuries, on the other hand, could take one year or longer to be resolved. No matter how long your case takes, you should get the feeling that it is a top priority to your attorney and that he or she isn’t putting it on the backburner.
Overall, you should feel a connection with the personal injury lawyer that you choose. You should feel comfortable and confident with your legal representation. If you’re ready to ask your list of questions at a one-on-one meeting with an experienced, reputable personal injury lawyer in Connecticut, contact Jacobs & Jacobs for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our law firm has been successfully representing injured accident victims in New Haven and throughout Connecticut since 1918. We have what it takes to build a strong personal injury claim on your behalf.