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Retaining a personal injury law firm is a significant step for anyone injured due to someone else’s negligence. You will want to ensure you choose the right firm to protect your rights and enhance your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or judgment. Here are five key questions you should ask before you retain a personal injury law firm in Georgia:
- The Firm’s Experience And Specialization: You will want to investigate how long the firm has practiced personal injury law in Georgia. It is essential to find a firm with a substantial history of dealing with personal injury cases in the local jurisdiction. In addition, does the firm specialize in personal injury law, or is it just one of many areas the firm practices? If the firm specializes in personal injury law, it is likely that it will have more experience and resources dedicated to these types of cases. You might want to question the firm regarding similar cases they have handled in the personal injury area and their outcomes to gauge their personal success and effectiveness.
- The Lawyer’s Experience and Success Rate: You will want to interview the particular firm as to who will be handling your case, as well as their experience level. This will help to ensure that the person handling your case has relevant experience and is not a junior lawyer or paralegal if you are expecting a senior lawyer’s expertise. It would be helpful to find out the attorney’s track record with personal injury cases, particularly those similar to yours.
How does the lawyer or firm handle negotiations with insurance companies and litigation? You will want to understand how they approach their talks and whether they are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. - Communication and Case Management: It will be helpful to determine how the firm communicates updates and developments in your case. Regular updates and clear communication channels are essential for a good client-lawyer relationship. You will want to gauge how prompt the firm’s policy is regarding returning calls and emails from clients. Feedback from past clients on the firm’s communication style and case management can provide insight into their experience working with the firm.
- Financial and Legal: How does the firm structure its fees, and what costs might be incurred during the case? As a general practice, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. Understanding all possible upfront costs is crucial. In addition, you should ask what the firm’s policy is on expenses if the case is lost. Some firms might require you to pay for the case expenses even if you lose, so you will want to clarify this point at the outset. From a legal standpoint, you will want to question what the attorney’s assessment of your case is, including potential challenges and the likelihood of success. A reputable attorney will provide an honest assessment, including any difficulties you might face.
- Strategic and Personal Fit: What is the attorney’s approach to personal injury cases, and how does it align with your expectations? Make sure their approach to handling cases aligns with your preferences and expectations. You will also want to be able to ascertain how involved you will be in the decision-making process of your case. Some clients prefer to be involved in every decision, while others prefer the attorney to handle most decisions. Lastly, another good question to ask with respect to strategy is whether the attorney has a network of medical professionals and experts to support your case if necessary. This added testimony can be crucial to substantiate your claim.
Takeaway
Asking the above questions will help you gauge the firm’s compatibility with your needs and expectations. Choosing a personal injury firm that you feel comfortable with and believe will best represent your interests is essential. We think that Gautreaux Law, LLC can be that law firm for you. Feel free to contact our office for a complimentary initial consultation to determine if we can answer all of these above questions so that you feel confident in your decision to use our firm for your personal injury case.