| Finding the right injury lawyer for your case is very | | | | If the attorney you are talking to has a legal staff |
| important and can mean the difference between | | | | working for him or her, it is important that you meet |
| winning and losing. During your first meeting with any | | | | them and decide if they are an asset to your case. |
| attorney, ask the following questions to help you | | | | 5. Whenever you're unable to answer the phone, how |
| decide if he or she is the right personal injury lawyer | | | | soon can I expect you to return my call? |
| for your case. | | | | A good lawyer should return your call no later than 24 |
| 1. How long have you been practicing personal injury | | | | hours. Whatever the return call policy of your chosen |
| law? | | | | lawyer, have it written into your retainer agreement to |
| With so much at stake, the last thing you want to do is | | | | ensure compliance. |
| hire a novice. | | | | 6. Will you take the time to help me understand all of |
| 2. How many cases similar to my own have you | | | | the court procedures, legal concepts, fee |
| taken to trial or settlement? | | | | arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, |
| A seasoned injury attorney will have handled many | | | | and payment of costs? |
| cases like yours to trial and/or settlement. The number | | | | Even though an attorney is busy with many things, he |
| of cases an attorney has taken says something about | | | | or she should always take the time to answer a clients |
| his or her skill and success rate. | | | | questions. |
| 3. Are personal injury cases like mine the main focus | | | | 7. What methods or strategies will you use in handling |
| of your practice? | | | | my case? |
| The personal injury attorney you hire should have a | | | | A seasoned New York personal injury lawyer should |
| history of focusing on the subject matter involved in | | | | have an organized process for "working-up" cases like |
| your claim. Though general practice attorneys are | | | | yours. The amount of detail that goes into the |
| good for many things. | | | | attorneys process is an indicator of his or her |
| 4. Will you use other attorneys or paralegals on my | | | | organization skills and knowledge of the laws pertinent |
| case? | | | | to your case. |