6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Ohio
Have you been injured as the result of someone’s negligence? If so, finding the right personal injury lawyer in Ohio to represent you will be critical to obtaining the compensation to which you’re entitled. The outcome of your personal injury lawsuit will depend significantly on your lawyer’s experience and skill level as well as the quality of the attorney-client relationship.
It’s important to learn basic information about lawyers you’re considering through phone and email interviews. Once you narrow down your options, don’t hesitate to conduct more thorough interviews. Ask lawyers these 6 key questions in interviews to determine whether they have the skills and expertise needed to take on your case.
1. Have you ever handled this type of personal injury case before?
There is immense competition among personal injury lawyers and many are hungry to take on new cases, regardless of whether they are a good fit. That’s why it’s important to ask prospective lawyers what their experience is and what results they’ve obtained in the past. You should ask if they’ve handled cases like yours before. If possible, ask to speak with their former clients.
2. Do you have time to work on my case right now?
It’s not uncommon for lawyers to get cases and then sit on them, all the while taking on additional cases. Don’t let a lawyer delay your case. Make sure that an attorney has enough time in his schedule by finding out how many cases he has pending and how much time he plans to devote to your case.
3. What is my case worth?
Ask your attorney how much he thinks your case is worth. He should be able to give you a general ballpark figure, though it will obviously vary depending on the specific details of your case. Use your best judgment and be skeptical of any promises that sound too good to be true.
4. Who will be handling my case?
The attorney you speak to in your interview may not be the attorney assigned to your case. Find out exactly who will be handling your case and who your primary contact at the firm will be. Oftentimes, prospective clients meet with the attorney in charge, not realizing that an associate will be handling their case.
5. What is your contingency fee?
The majority of personal injury attorneys in Columbus work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they don’t charge an upfront fee and take a percentage of the final settlement amount, typically ranging from 25% to 40%. The stronger your case, the easier it will be to negotiate your contingency fee.
6. Do you think my case will go to trial?
Be wary of an attorney that expects your case to settle because the settlement may not be adequate. It is difficult to receive proper compensation unless you go to trial.
These questions are a good start, but you should also ask specific questions that are relevant to your situation as well as questions about your lawyer’s personal views, success rate, and more. Your attorney ought to be able to discuss the arguments and defenses that would be available in your case and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing side’s arguments. In addition, take the time to verify the attorney’s credentials and confirm that the attorney is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Columbus Personal Injury Attorneys
You can negotiate a personal injury settlement without an attorney’s aid, but the settlement you reach will likely be low. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Columbus can help you build your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and if necessary, take your case to trial. If you have suffered from an injury due to someone’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact Agee Clymer Portman and Mitchell to set up a free consultation. Our attorneys will fight for you to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.