You may never have had the need to reach out to Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers until you find yourself dealing with injuries after being in an accident. If so, you may feel unsure as to how to go about finding the ideal lawyer to help you with your claim. After all, you want to find someone who can take care of every legal aspect of the case in an efficient and professional manner while you recover your health. Let’s see what items you would have to place on your checklist before hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Do They Have Experience With Injury Cases Like Mine?
It is essential that you confirm that the lawyer has the legal knowledge and expertise to handle injury cases like yours. If you are dealing with severe injuries or if the claim involves medical malpractice, look for a lawyer who has that specific experience.
Will They Be the Ones Handling My Case?
Meeting with the lawyer during an initial free consultation may give you the idea that they are the ones who will personally handle every aspect of your case but that may not necessarily be true. Ask them whether they will be in charge of your case or if it would be handed over to another lawyer in the firm.
What Are Their Fees? Will You Have to Pay Anything Up Front?
While most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning that you pay them nothing until you win your case, make sure that there are no other fees that will have to be paid upfront. Having a clear picture of the sums of money involved in the handling of your case can make you breathe easier since most people would generally not have the kind of money the lawyer expects to be paid.
At this time, you also want to understand what their contingency fee percentage is. Many jurisdictions cap these fees but you do not want any unexpected surprises once your case settles.
What Do I Have to Pay if the Case Is Lost?
While your case settles, your lawyer will incur the costs required to build a strong case on your behalf. They can add up to a large amount of money. Ask your lawyer what happens if the case is lost and you receive nothing. It is better to know now if the lawyer would expect you to take care of all their expenses.
How Will the Lawyer Communicate With Me?
Every person is different and every personal injury case is also unique. While you may expect your lawyer to be in touch with you daily, other clients may want absolute silence until the case is resolved. Talk openly about the frequency of communications before hiring your lawyer to make sure you are both on the same page.
Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer After the First Consultation?
Even though the lawyer has had the courtesy of offering you a free initial consultation, this is no reason for you to feel obligated to retain their services. As a matter of fact, it may be a good idea for you to schedule a couple of consultations with different lawyers before making up your mind as to which one of them would be the best fit.
