What to Expect with a Personal Injury Lawyer

When you've been injured in some way because of someone else's neglect or deliberate actions, it may be time to call a lawyer. Specifically, you want to speak to an attorney who is familiar with and has tried personal injury cases. Usually, when someone faces this kind of situation, it's their first time, and they may not know exactly where to start or what to expect. Fortunately, the steps are pretty straightforward.

Where to Begin

Of course, the first thing that you need to do when you've been hurt and are considering suing is consult with a lawyer. Many people are reluctant about this step because they're unsure of whether or not they really have a valid case, and they don't want to pay an attorney unnecessarily. The good news is that initial consultations to determine if you actually have a case are almost always free.

The Initial Consultation

After you've made the appointment for the initial consultation with a lawyer, you want to be sure to gather everything that will be pertinent to the case you're considering. This includes all doctor bills, copies of your medical reports and hospital bills, and even a police report if there is one.

Though you probably shouldn't actually bring in written statements from witnesses if there were any, you should definitely bring in a list of any witnesses. Don't assume something won't help–let the attorney make the judgment.

Fees

If you and your lawyer decide to go through with your personal injury case, then the subject of fees will be the next thing that is discussed. The normal protocol when it comes to fees for a civil court case is that the attorney will get a percentage of whatever monetary compensation is awarded. Some people are surprised to find out that this percentage is usually a third or more of what is awarded, but this is perfectly normal.

Depending on the length and what is involved, there may be additional fees, so you want to discuss this possibility before you ever file suit. The good news is that the majority of the time you pay nothing if you don't win. This is the main reason why your attorney will be completely candid about whether or not you have a solid case in the first place.

Choosing the right lawyer is arguably the most important aspect of suing for personal injury. With the right representation, you can feel sure that your issue will be tried fairly and all of the facts will be presented in the right way.

Do some research before you choose, and don't be afraid to make appointments with more than one attorney for initial consultations. You'll feel better with the whole process if you make sure that you've made the right choice from the beginning.