Many personal injury victims do not know where to begin when talking to an attorney about their potential injury claim. There are actually many of those who have attempted handling the claim personally only to be denied by the insurance provider based on a legal technicality or minimal personal fault. These claimants already know what to expect from the respondent company. What they do not know is how to go about fighting a claim denial without legal representation. This is where the personal injury lawyer comes in. They can identify what the legal issue is and find a method of combating any claim from the responsible parties, including crafting a case for court presentation if needed. But how do you know if you have the right attorney? Here are 5 basic questions to use in the process of finding effective legal counsel.
5 Best Questions To Screen A Personal Injury Lawyer:
- 1. Do I have a valid case?
- 2. How long will it take to process the case?
- 3. Do you work on a contingency basis?
- 4. Have you handled cases like mine in the past?
- 5. How much is my case worth?
1. Do I have a valid case?
The first question on the minds of many injured parties is if they in fact have a valid case. There are often situations where the evidence is such that an injured party is not legally eligible to be financially compensated. This is especially true when the defendant can prove contributory negligence as an immunity defense.
Some states like North Carolina use the very old contributory negligence rule that allows a defendant to claim no responsibility if the plaintiff was even slightly responsible for causing their own injuries in any manner. It is always a good sign when a personal injury lawyer is willing to take the case because they know there will be some amount of financial compensation settlement.
2. How long will it take to process the case?
Another issue for many injured parties is how long it will take to receive financial compensation. This process differs in all cases based on the material facts that apply such as personal contribution to causing an accident that produces the injuries. This delay most often applies in auto accidents, but it can apply in premises liability injury cases as well when a property owner or controller is contesting the claims.
The decisions issued by insurance companies can have a major impact on how long it will take for a case settlement. Insurance companies are diligent and often difficult in North Carolina due to the contributory negligence law that gives them a distinct advantage in processing injury claims. In some cases, no financial compensation is even available, and in others, the insurance provider will force the case to court for an ultimate determination when they think they are not responsible to pay the injured party.
3. Do you work on a contingency basis?
Many individuals who are injured due to the fault of another party do not have the financial resources to pay a lawyer upfront for legal representation. Luckily for these victims, a personal injury lawyer typically handles a case based on contingency payment for services. Attorneys get paid for results, and they get paid when the injured client gets paid for their injuries. Many injured individuals attempt to handle their own cases only to have them summarily dismissed in court.
This payment arrangement also helps in keeping frivolous claims out of court by legal evaluation through the claims process with insurance companies. Attorney compensation does not necessarily reduce client compensation because attorneys focus on general damages that make the defendant financially whole after the fact. Obtaining commensurate damages from an insurance company without legal representation is practically impossible due to insurance claims adjuster negotiation training. They know when they can reduce a settlement value, and it is typically when no attorney is involved.
4. Have you handled cases like mine in the past?
Not all attorneys are trained in personal injury law. Just as in criminal defense cases and real estate transactions, it takes a specific type of lawyer to process an injury case for maximum results for the claimant. All claimants want whole damages when possible, but many have mitigating circumstances that require legal expertise in crafting a compensation case. If an attorney is a general attorney, they may not be the right one for your claim.
Many attorneys who have handled similar cases before have a solid understanding of how to build a case, and in many cases, they must be skilled at deflecting any personal fault away from their client. There are also cases that include vicarious liability on the part of an employer or other company, such as in a truck accident case, and they also understand how to investigate the accident for further avenues of financial liability. The attorney you choose to handle an injury case matters significantly, and in North Carolina, it can be the difference between being properly compensated for your personal injury claim or receiving no compensation at all. [TESTIMONIALS – KELLUM LAW FIRM]
5. How much is my case worth?
The final and most important question many injured victims have is about the value of their case. All cases are not equal when it comes to financial compensation. Different factors can have an impact in different ways, such as a wrongful death situation or a potential punitive damage award. Other factors such as the amount of liability insurance carried by a negligent party can matter as well, not to mention the value of personal assets they may have if additional litigation is necessary to receive whole damages. Suing beyond policy limits in North Carolina car accident and personal injury cases
The value of a claim is based on the material facts and the amount of lost compensation that may be claimed such as lost wages for those who are unable to work after an injury has occurred. The amount of rehabilitation time can matter as well along with ongoing problems in the future dealing with the injury if it is permanent or continues creating medical issues in the future. [NOTABLE CASES – KELLUM LAW FIRM]
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer from Our Firm – It’s Free Of Charge
The attorney you select to represent your case is a very serious decision that should not be taken lightly. Call our office today and speak with a personal injury lawyer who can conduct a thorough examination of your case for maximum compensation. Your initial consultation is free of any charge or obligation and we’ll assess the details of your case and talk with you about the possible outcomes of any claim. If you decide to retain our services after your case review, we’ll happily work with you on a contingency fee basis. Schedule your case review below:
