Why Personal Attention Matters in Your Injury Case: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Lawyer
After an accident, you’re dealing with pain, doctor’s appointments, missed work, and calls from insurance companies. Choosing a lawyer is one more decision at a time when you may not feel up to it. But it’s an important one. Your lawyer will guide you through one of the most stressful periods of your life, and you’ll likely work together for months.
Every law firm handles cases in its own way. Before you sign anything, it’s worth asking a few questions so you know what to expect. Here are seven questions we encourage every injured person to ask, no matter which firm they’re considering.
1. Who will actually handle my case?
The lawyer you meet at your first consultation may or may not be the person who works on your case day to day. Ask directly: Which attorney will be responsible for my case? Who else will work on it, such as paralegals or case managers? Will I be able to speak with my attorney when I have questions?
There’s no single right answer, but you deserve to know who is handling your claim before you hire a firm.
2. How will you keep me informed?
Not knowing what’s happening with your case can add to your stress. Ask how often you’ll receive updates, whether you’ll hear from an attorney or a staff member, and how quickly the firm usually returns calls and messages.
A clear answer to this question can tell you a lot about what working with the firm will be like.
3. Do you handle cases like mine?
Personal injury law covers many different kinds of cases, from car crashes and falls to workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Each has its own rules and deadlines. Ask whether the firm regularly handles your type of case and whether it practices in your area. Local courts, judges, and procedures matter.
4. Are you prepared to take my case to court if needed?
Most personal injury cases settle without a trial. But insurance companies consider whether a firm is ready to go to court when they decide how to respond to a claim. Ask whether the attorneys handling your case go to trial when a fair settlement isn’t offered, or whether the case would be referred to another firm.
5. How do your fees work?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means you don’t pay attorney’s fees upfront and the lawyer is paid a percentage of what’s recovered. Florida has rules about contingency fee agreements, and you should receive a written contract.
Ask what percentage the firm charges, whether it changes if the case goes to trial, and how case costs, such as filing fees, medical records, and expert witnesses, are handled. Make sure you understand the agreement before you sign.
6. Can you meet me where I am?
If you’re injured, getting to a law office can be difficult. Ask whether the firm can meet you at home, in the hospital, or by phone or video, and whether it has an office convenient to you.
7. What do you need from me?
A good attorney-client relationship goes both ways. Ask what documents the firm needs, what you should avoid doing (such as posting on social media or talking to the other side’s insurer), and how you can help your case move forward.
Trust your instincts
Beyond the answers themselves, pay attention to how you feel during the consultation. Did the lawyer listen to your story? Did they explain things in plain language? Did you feel rushed? You’ll be sharing personal details about your injuries, finances, and family life, so it’s important to feel comfortable with the people handling your case.
How we work at Kane & Vital
Kane & Vital is a South Florida personal injury firm led by two partners, Jonathan Kane and Frantz Vital, with offices in Sunrise and North Miami. Mr. Vital was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1992 and Mr. Kane in 1994, and they have practiced together since 2002.
Here’s what you can expect when you contact us:
- Your case is handled by one of our partners, and you can reach your attorney directly with questions.
- We keep you updated as your case moves forward and return calls promptly.
- Your first consultation is free, and we can come to you if you’re unable to travel.
- We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- We handle auto accidents, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, elder abuse, veterans disability, wrongful death, slip and fall, and toxic exposure cases.
If you’ve been hurt in Broward or Miami-Dade County, we invite you to bring these seven questions to your free consultation. We’re glad to answer every one.
Learn more about our team and our practice areas, or contact us today. You can also call (954) 523-5123.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, so please contact an attorney about your specific situation.