When you have been injured in any way due to the negligence or willful actions of another person, it may be time to call an attorney. Specifically, you want to speak with an attorney who is familiar with and has handled personal injury cases. Usually when someone is faced with this type of situation, it is the first time and they may not know exactly where to start or what to expect. Fortunately, the steps are quite simple.
where to start
Of course, the first thing to do when you have been injured and are considering suing is to consult with an attorney. Many people are reluctant to take this step because they are not sure if they really have a valid case or not, and they do not want to pay an attorney unnecessarily. The good news is that initial consultations to determine if you really have a case are almost always free.
the initial consultation
After scheduling your initial consultation with an attorney, you should be sure to gather everything that is relevant to the case you are considering. This includes all medical bills, copies of your medical reports and hospital bills, and even a police report, if there is one.
Although you probably shouldn’t bring written statements from any witnesses, you should definitely bring a list of witnesses. Do not assume that something will not help, let the lawyer make the decision.
Fee
If you and your attorney decide to go forward with your personal injury case, the issue of fees will be the next topic to discuss. The normal etiquette when it comes to fees for a civil court case is that the attorney will receive a percentage of the monetary award awarded. Some people are surprised to find that this percentage is usually a third or more of what is awarded, but this is perfectly normal.
Depending on the duration and what is involved, there may be additional fees, so you want to look into this possibility before filing a lawsuit. The good news is that most of the time you pay nothing if you don’t win. This is the main reason why your lawyer will be completely candid about whether or not you have a strong case in the first place.
Choosing the right attorney is arguably the most important aspect of suing for personal injuries. With the right representation, you can be sure that your problem will be dealt with fairly and all the facts will be presented correctly.
Do some research before choosing, and don’t be afraid to make appointments with more than one attorney for initial consultations. You’ll feel better about the whole process if you make sure you made the right decision from the start.