Understanding how your lawyer intends to handle the financial aspects of your personal injury claim is critical task — before deciding on a lawyer to represent you.
A law firm may need to spend a considerable amount of money on your claim with no certainty of recovering those costs. If you’re considering a law firm to represent you, first get to know how the expenses and income is handled.
Here’s a list of key questions you can ask as part of your lawyer selection process. The answers you get will help you gain a clear view of how the financial elements are handled. Don’t be intimidated by asking questions. Remember, you’re the one doing the hiring.
Personal Injury Financial Q&A – What you need to know from your lawyer
* Do you take on injury claims under a contingency fee arrangement?
* If my claim is completed prior to a lawsuit what percentage of the claim award am I responsible for?
* Does your firm usually bring in expert witnesses on cases like mine? If so what will that add to the cost of getting compensation for my injuries?
* What kinds of other expenses would your law firm budget in working on a claim like this one?
* How do you handle any required out-of-pocket expenses while working on this case? Do you advance them up front?
* Do you require me to pay your law firm an advance retainer or other case expenses in advance?
* If it’s necessary to go to trial, would your firm be in a position to handle the expenses of the case and wait for payment on a judgment?
* Are medical insurance and insurance form completion and processing handled at an additional cost to me?
* How are any financial payments divided once my case is settled? What percentage would I receive after you deduct your expenses?
* How do you calculate the percentage of the financial award that your firm receives at the completion of the case? Is your percentage calculated before or after deducting for case expenses?
Always be sure to request your attorney’s fee arrangement and get someone from the law firm to explain each part of it to you in detail. If you are confused by any of the terms or conditions, just say, “I’m not exactly clear on this point, can you explain it again?” Remember, lawyers are dealing with cases like yours all the time. Chances are this is your first exposure to injury law.
If you are a victim of a serious injury, you may be struggling with severe physical and emotional stress.
Before finalizing your decision about which lawyer to hire, get some feedback. See if you can find a family friend or relative that you trust for their clear thinking.
A good second opinion can help increase your confidence that you’ve got all your bases covered.
Author Marcus Paneritos creates helpful resources for financial & legal publications. To find out what your injury claim could be worth, use the “lawyer-powered” injury claim calculator at Newburgh Injury Lawyer. Injury victims will also find free legal checklists and other guides listed in his Newburgh injury lawyer videos.