10 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

The free consultation is your interview. Arm yourself with these crucial questions to find the right attorney for your case and protect the value of your claim.

Your Attorney Interview Checklist

Hiring an attorney is a major decision. The lawyer you choose will be your advocate, your guide, and your fighter. Use these ten questions to ensure you're putting your case in the right hands.

1. What percentage of your practice is dedicated to personal injury?

Why this matters: You need a specialist, not a generalist. An attorney who handles divorces one day and DUIs the next will not have the focused expertise of someone who lives and breathes personal injury law. The insurance company's lawyers are specialists; yours should be too.

2. Have you handled cases with injuries similar to mine before?

Why this matters: A brain injury case is vastly different from a broken bone case. You want an attorney who understands the medical nuances of your specific injury, knows which experts to hire, and can accurately project future medical costs.

3. Who will actually be handling my case?

Why this matters: At many large "settlement mill" firms, the lawyer you meet with is a salesperson. Your case is then handed off to a less-experienced associate or paralegal. It's crucial to know who will be your primary point of contact and who will be in court with you.

4. What is your policy for returning phone calls?

Why this matters: Lack of communication is the #1 complaint clients have about lawyers. A good firm should have a clear policy (e.g., "all calls returned within 24 business hours") to ensure you are never left in the dark about your own case.

5. Are you prepared to take my case to trial?

Why this matters: Insurance companies keep score. They know which lawyers are afraid of the courtroom and will accept a lowball offer to avoid a fight. Your attorney's reputation as a trial-ready litigator is your single greatest point of leverage in settlement negotiations.

6. What potential challenges do you see in my case?

Why this matters: You want an honest assessment, not a sales pitch. A seasoned attorney will be transparent about potential hurdles (like a pre-existing injury or conflicting witness statements) and will have a strategy to overcome them. An attorney who promises an easy win is a red flag.

7. How do you calculate your contingency fee?

Why this matters: "No fee unless we win" is standard, but the details matter. Ask if their percentage is taken before or after case costs (like expert witness fees) are deducted. This can make a significant difference in your final take-home amount.

8. What is the average settlement value for a case like mine?

Why this matters: A lawyer cannot promise a specific number, but they should be able to give you a realistic range based on their experience with similar injuries and insurance policies. This shows they have the experience to properly value your claim from the start.

9. Can you provide a reference from a former client?

Why this matters: Online reviews are helpful, but speaking directly to a past client can give you invaluable insight into the firm's communication style, professionalism, and the overall client experience. A confident attorney will have satisfied clients willing to speak on their behalf.

10. What is your commitment to me if you're not the right fit?

The Beam Law Commitment: My focus is always on ensuring you have the right attorney for your specific case. After we discuss your situation, I'll give you an honest assessment. If I'm the best fit, I'll be your advocate. If your case requires a different specialty, I'll use my network to connect you with the right expert for the job. Learn more about my commitment here.

Have These Questions Answered by an Expert

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