Having to file a personal injury claim can be a stressful and anxiety-ridden task. Whatever the circumstances of your unique case, it will be a significant life event. Thus, finding a skilled and experienced Denver personal injury lawyer should not be taken lightly.
Your personal injury lawyer might be your best friend during such a critical and challenging period. The right attorney will have ample experience in helping people with similar situations as yours. Our team of Denver personal injury lawyers knows the ins and outs of the law as well as mistakes to avoid that could harm your case. Ultimately, the success of your personal injury case will depend heavily on your selection of a qualified Denver personal injury lawyer.
Our legal experts have compiled a list of some of the most important questions you should be asking before hiring for their services.
1. What Are Your Fees?
When searching for the right lawyer to represent you, their fees will be one of the most important considerations. Most people assume that attorney fees are expensive and unaffordable. While this might be true in some cases, sometimes there are solutions for payment options. Always ask about your lawyer’s fees first and foremost, so you know what to expect. That way, you can decide upfront whether or not that particular lawyer is a good fit or appropriate for your budget.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay your attorney until you recover a settlement from your case. Usually the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the monetary reward you win from the case. So after the negligent party compensates you, you will pay a percentage of your award money to your lawyer as their contingency fee.
2. Have You Handled Personal Injury Cases Similar to Mine?
It’s important to know that your Denver personal injury lawyer has relevant case experience. Even though they are specialized professionals, it’s worth asking whether or not they’ve handled cases in the past with circumstances similar to yours. By asking this question, you can get a better overall idea of whether that lawyer can handle your case. You want to ensure they have the necessary skills and relevant experience to settle your case successfully. You can even ask what the outcome of the previous similar cases was. If they do not have a very successful or favorable track record for cases similar to yours, perhaps that is a red flag, and you should explore other options.
3. How Much Time Can You Devote to My Case?
Personal injury lawyers often have heavy caseloads and several to juggle at a time. You should ask your attorney how much time will be able to devote to your case so you know if your case will get the proper attention it deserves. Some lawyers will try to take on too many cases at once and not have the capacity to give each client the focus and dedication they deserve. Some may even assign your case to an associate in the firm or team because their caseload is overloaded. If there is a particular lawyer that you prefer to handle your case, you may have to be explicit with your request in the beginning.
4. How Much Will I Be Expected to Participate in This Case?
While a lawyer will do most of the work for your case, it’s a mistake to assume that they will do all of the work for you. You will still be required to make some effort on your part since you know the circumstances of your case better than anyone else. Therefore, your participation in the case will probably be necessary. It’s best to clarify with your personal injury lawyer to what extent they expect you to participate. Each case is unique, and there will be varying degrees of client participation from case to case, depending on the circumstances. Be sure to discuss this early on so that everyone is on the same page with clear mutual expectations.
5. How Long Will It Take For My Case to Be Resolved?
Depending on the facts of your case, it could take more or less time than other cases to resolve. The timeframe for your case will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. It’s important to note, however, that the efficiency and expertise of your personal injury attorney can also affect how long your case lasts. It would help if you asked about your case and how long you can expect to be involved in the legal process. In doing so, you can avoid being disappointed by a slow or extended time frame. Attorneys cannot resolve cases overnight, but it helps to have a general idea of how long you should anticipate for your case to be resolved. Discuss this with your lawyer to give yourself a better understanding of what lies ahead. Asking about the duration is very important so you don’t get pressured or disappointed by a slow time frame. No case gets resolved overnight. But, just so you’ve got an overall idea, ask your lawyer for a rough estimate.
6. Is There a High Likelihood That My Case Will Go to Trial?
While not all personal injury cases will go to trial, a good attorney will always prepare for the possibility. Seasoned attorneys know how to proceed with a case to get the best outcome for their clients. In many cases, both parties can reach a favorable settlement agreement before a case goes to court. However, the case will go to trial when this is not possible. If settling your case before it goes to court is something you are interested in, be sure to voice this to your attorney to understand your options. Your personal injury attorney is there to help you and advocate on your behalf.
7. Can I Speak to Previous Clients?
Much like shopping for other professional services that you will pay for, you’ll want to have an idea of what their portfolio looks like. When it comes to your lawyer, you might want to speak with previous clients for some point of reference. Your goal is to get a clear idea of the attorney’s professionalism, punctuality, skill, case preparation, and client relations. Were they accommodating and pleasant? Did they communicate clearly with their clients and inform them diligently on the status of the case? These are all crucial factors that you’ll want to inquire about before hiring any personal injury attorney. An excellent personal injury attorney should have no problem with you asking to speak with previous clients.
See It Through With an Experienced Denver Personal Injury Lawyer
Working with a competent, seasoned lawyer can ultimately spell the difference between the success or failure of your case. It’s not always an easy task to find a good lawyer. The stress of an injury or financial hardships can take a toll on anyone, and an inadequate or inexperienced lawyer will only add to your frustration. Make sure you find the right attorney who is able to represent you fully and fairly. Do not make the false assumption that all personal injury lawyers are of equal caliber. Do your research and ask these questions to ensure you make an informed decision and find the right attorney for your case.
Call us today for a free initial consultation. We will happily discuss your legal rights and see that you get the fair compensation you deserve.
