Injured in a car accident because of someone’s neglect? Did you hurt yourself in a slip-&-fall accident? Are you a victim of nursing home abuse? You may have the scope to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault, because Georgia is a fault state. While not mandatory by law, you may want to hire a lawyer on your side. Not all law firms take up all kinds of cases, so you may want to do your homework. The first meeting with an Atlanta personal injury attorney is the most important one, and here are some questions that you need to ask.
- How long have you been a personal injury lawyer? Experience is the most important factor for hiring an attorney, and it is always wise to pay a tad more for someone with more years of experience.
- Do you work on a contingency basis? For personal injury lawsuits, most lawyers take a contingency fee. They will ask for a part of the settlement as their fee (typically no more than 40%), if they win. This also depends on the facts of the case.
- What about other expenses? There are many costs related to a lawsuit, including investigation and litigation expenses. In some cases, a lawyer may advance these expenses on behalf of the client, which can be settled later. Ask the attorney if they can help, or else, you must be prepared financially.
- Will you work on the case directly? A team of lawyers may work for the same law firm. The attorney you meet may not eventually work on the case, which is why this is an important question.
- Can you share details of your landmark cases? If a personal injury attorney claims to be among the best in Atlanta, they will have a few cases worth mentioning. At the end of the day, you need results.
- How can we maintain communication? As a client, you should have access to your lawyer, as and when needed. A good lawyer is also a good communicator, and they should be open to meeting and discussing the case.
Independently, you can check online reviews to compare personal injury attorneys in your area. Make sure that the attorney you choose is responsive, and when you meet the lawyer, be honest in sharing the incident. A good attorney can ensure that your rights and interests are protected, no matter the circumstances.
