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5 Questions to Ask an NYC Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been hurt in an accident, you may want to speak to an attorney who can help with your case. A lawyer will ask many details about your accident, how it happened, and the injuries you sustained as a result. However, it is important that you also ask questions so you can make sure you are choosing the right lawyer for your case. Here are five questions to ask a personal injury lawyer. Read on to learn more, or, if you’re ready to schedule your free consultation with an NYC personal injury lawyer, contact us today!
Do I Have a Good Case?
Most personal injury lawyers will offer a free consultation, during which they will try to learn as much as they can about your accident case. It is important to attend the free consultation with as much information as possible to paint a full picture for the lawyer. Bring documents and evidence you have, such as photos from the accident scene and medical reports from any initial treatment you received for your injuries. The more information you can bring with you, the better a lawyer can advise on whether you have a valid case.
Lawyers generally do not take cases they do not believe they can win, due to the fee structure the majority of attorneys use. If a lawyer does not think you have a strong case, they will not take it. If they do think they can win your case, they will take you on as a client. In either case, they will explain the strengths and weaknesses in your case so you have a better legal understanding of it.
What Is Your Fee Structure?
Different personal injury lawyers will have different fee structures. The majority of attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. The attorney will help you claim the full damages you are entitled to and once your case is finalized, they will receive a percentage of the overall compensation. If the lawyer is not successful with your case and you do not win, the attorney does not get paid.
Some personal injury lawyers do charge an hourly fee, but these instances are rare. If you believe that you have a personal injury case but are concerned about legal costs, it is always best to work with a lawyer who offers free initial consultations and who works on a contingency fee basis.
Do You Have Trial Experience?
Very few personal injury cases ever see the inside of a courtroom. The majority of cases are settled before they ever reach the trial stage either during negotiations or using a form of dispute resolution, such as mediation. Still, there are instances in which a trial is necessary. These cases usually involve disputes over liability or insurance companies that do not want to pay fair compensation to accident victims.
No one ever knows how a personal injury case will be resolved at the outset of the case. As such, you must work with an attorney who has trial experience at the very beginning. Going to trial is a very intimidating experience for those who have never gone through it before. You will have to present arguments about your case and defend statements made by the liable party.
Neither the judge nor anyone else in the courtroom will give you legal advice if you are not represented by an attorney. A lawyer will make the appropriate arguments and provide the best legal representation to help you obtain the full and fair damages you deserve. Additionally, if you go to court, the other side will have a team of lawyers working for them. You need someone on your side to protect your rights and give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Do You Have Experience with My Type of Case?
Personal injury law covers a broad scope of different types of accidents and injuries. The laws governing car crashes in New York City are not the same as those that govern other types of accidents, such as slip and falls. Not all NYC personal injury lawyers work in all areas of the law, either. Some focus on nursing home abuse, while others deal strictly with catastrophic injuries.
It is critical to your case that you work with a lawyer who has the necessary experience with your type of case. That is the only way to ensure the lawyer keeps up to date with the laws that apply to your case and will know what challenges to expect, and how to overcome them. Whether you were hurt by medical malpractice or by a defective product, you must work with an attorney who has handled cases like yours before.
Who Will Work on My Case?
Attorneys often work with a team of paralegals and junior attorneys who play an integral role in personal injury cases. There is nothing wrong with this and in fact, this team approach helps the senior attorney work on cases more effectively and efficiently. Still, it is important to know who will be working on your case. You should also ask if you can meet the person you will be working with the most. This will help you determine if you feel just as comfortable with them as you do with the attorney you originally met with so you can make a better-informed decision.
Get the Help You Need Today
We hope this list of questions helped you. Remember, if you have been hurt in an accident, our team at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. can answer all of your questions and provide the experienced legal counsel you need. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to, and will never charge a fee unless you win. Get the help you need today by booking your consultation, below.