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Before hiring the wrong personal injury lawyer ask 10 questions!

by: JonD.Alexander,Esq.
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1. How long have you been in practice? While many young attorneys have the potential to become accomplished trial lawyers, you do not want your case handled by a novice.

2. Do you maintain a malpractice liability policy? Attorneys, like doctors, should have a policy of professional liability insurance, as accidents and mistakes, unfortunately, do occur.

3. How many cases like mine have you taken to trial and/or settlement? This number is a bellwether indicating the attorney's familiarity and experience with cases like yours.

4. What percentage of your practice is devoted to cases like mine? The prospective attorney should spend at least 75% of his or her time on cases like yours.

5. Will you be working on my case alone or do you routinely have junior attorneys assist on matters like mine? Junior associate attorneys often perform work on many matters for more senior, accomplished attorneys. You should, however, ask to meet these attorneys in order to evaluate them. The subject matter of your case and the laws governing it might seem foreign and unintelligible but you should not ignore your own personal judgment when it comes to sizing up a prospective attorney and his employees.

6. Do you have a policy regarding communication with clients, for example if I call with a question and leave a message, will you make your best efforts to contact me within 24 hours? One of the most common complaints from clients is that attorneys routinely neglect to return calls. Make sure that your attorney explains his policy regarding phone calls. And get his response or policy in writing within your retainer agreement if possible.

7. Do you routinely take the time yourself to explain to clients all of the court procedures, legal concepts, fee arrangements, billing practices, retainer agreements, and payment of costs? Your attorney should answer in the affirmative, as these matters are integral to your case. By asking this question, you are demonstrating that you are willing and able to learn about your case and be completely involved.

8. What is your method or strategy for handling cases like mine? Your attorney should have a streamlined process for "working-up" cases like yours. The level of detail contained in the attorney's process will demonstrate his organization skills and familiarity with the subject matter and law of your case.

9. How long before we reach trial or settlement in my case? An attorney who promises settlement or recovery almost immediately should be avoided. Yet your attorney should be able to provide a reasoned estimate of the time required to reach the conclusion of your case.

10. Do I have a case, what do you think my chances are for receiving a successful judgment or settlement? This question should be asked with the understanding that your attorney might inform you that you have no real chance of recovery. Sometimes people are hurt, injured, or suffer injustice and there is no legal remedy. A good attorney will provide you with his strategy for your case which explains your role, the steps he will take, and the likelihood that you will be successful at trial or settlement.

To contact a personal injury attorney now please visit http://www.personalinjuryresourcecenter.com the attorneys listed here are ready and willing to answer your questions and provide expert advice now.

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Before hiring the wrong personal injury lawyer ask 10 questions!

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