Important Questions You Can Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

After an injury, there are so many things  to think about when it comes to what happens after the injury. Are you able to work? Will you need to be in rehabilitation? When will the medical bills start coming? Who will be on my side, working to get me the compensation I deserve? That’s where a South Carolina personal injury lawyer can come in. You may be wondering how you choose the right lawyer for your case. Here are questions you can ask potential personal injury attorneys to help you find the right one.

What Type of Experience Do You Have?

When it comes to personal injury law, there are a lot of different areas that it can fall under. From car accidents to medical malpractice, they can be varied, so it’s a good idea to ask about the experience that your potential personal injury attorney has with their previous cases. In addition, it can be beneficial to ensure that they’ve had cases similar to yours to ensure that they’re the appropriate firm to handle the job.

Are There Any Issues With My Case?

Every case has the potential for issues that are unique to your particular claim. For example, there could be potential difficulties with witnesses, how long it may take to get a settlement, the evidence available, or other problems that crop up as the claim moves forward. You’ll want your potential attorney to be honest and upfront about anything they notice that could complicate your case. It may be a warning flag if they assure you there are no problems. As the legal system is complicated, most cases can have some complications. A reputable attorney will not only outline any potential issues they see, but they will also advise you on how they would help to minimize those issues.

Who Will Be On My Team?

There’s a good chance that your attorney won’t be the only person involved with your claim. Most lawyers have a team that is there to help you. 

Do You Have Enough Time to Take On My Case?

Of course, you want to ensure that your potential personal injury attorney has enough time to devote to your claim. You know and can understand that you won’t be their only client, but you’ll also want to know that your claim will get the time and attention you deserve to get the best outcome possible.

Do You Litigate Your Cases?

Not all lawyers are interested in filing a lawsuit and going into the courtroom to fight your case. Asking upfront if they are willing to fight all the way to the courthouse for you can help you decide whether they are the right firm for you.  

How Long Will This Process Take?

Every case is different, so more than likely, your potential attorney won’t be able to give you a definite end date. However, they should be able to provide you with an idea of the path your claim will take. In addition, they’ll be able to explain the different stages and steps and give a general idea of how long each may take.

What Will Be My Cost, Win or Lose?

Often, the first consultation is free, and many personal injury lawyers are willing to take your case on a contingency basis, which means there are no legal fees upfront. After your claim is resolved in the courtroom or by a settlement, your attorney will take a percentage of the money based on your contract. However, you may wonder what happens if your claim isn’t successful. You can inquire about whether or not they’ll charge you for any expenses involved in your case, such as filing fees. Each firm is different in handling these costs after an unsuccessful claim, so inquiring about it in advance can help you understand your potential future costs.

Will I Be Kept Updated?

One of the biggest concerns people have with their attorney is the amount of communication between them and their lawyer about their claim. Asking what you can expect when it comes to communication and relaying what methods you prefer, such as phone calls over emails or texts, can help eliminate communication complaints.

Have You Ever Been Disciplined?

Asking this can be challenging as you’ll want to establish a comfortable communication between you and your potential lawyer. You may feel uncomfortable bringing it up, but it can be vital information to help determine whether you want them to represent you. However, the good news is that you can do an online search through the South Carolina State Bar to learn about their current licensing and whether or not they’ve ever been disciplined. Gathering this information before your appointment for an initial consultation can help you determine if you want to address it, such as by asking about what occurred in their own words.

These questions can help you vet the right South Carolina personal injury lawyer. Feeling comfortable with your counsel as you progress through your personal injury claim can make a big difference.