Most personal injury attorneys offer prospective clients a free consultation. This appointment allows the attorney to meet with the client, learn about their case, and discuss legal options. The client can also ask questions to understand the personal injury case process better.
Generally, meeting with several personal injury lawyers before choosing a law firm to handle your case is wise. You want to ensure the attorney you choose is the best person to represent you. The ideal lawyer will have substantial experience handling cases like yours, and you should also feel comfortable working with them.
Asking Questions During a Free Consultation With an Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer
As you make your list of questions, be sure to add these six questions to your list:
1. What Is Your Experience With Cases Like Mine?
Hiring an experienced injury attorney can impact the outcome of your case. A lawyer with experience will understand the law applicable to your claim. They will also understand the evidence needed to prove your case and potential issues likely to arise in a case similar to yours.
Lawyers generally only have experience with select types of personal injury claims. For example, some attorneys may not handle product liability or medical malpractice claims. Ask the attorney how many cases involving the issues in your case they have handled and the outcomes they earned in those cases.
2. Do You Anticipate Any Problems With My Case?
Asking an attorney about potential problems serves a couple of purposes. First, you can learn more about your case. Second, you will learn if an attorney will be honest with you. Almost all personal injury cases will have complicating issues.
For example, the insurance company might claim you are partially to blame for the accident. If so, your economic and non-economic damages could be reduced or barred under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law.
Other problems could arise if you delay seeking medical treatment. The insurance company may allege that the accident did not cause your injuries or even that you deliberately made your injuries worse by delaying treatment. In either case, your attorney may need to obtain additional evidence from medical experts to prove you sustained your injuries in the accident.
3. What Is Your Track Record?
A lawyer should never promise a specific outcome in a personal injury case. Likewise, you should not base what could happen in your case on other cases. However, a successful track record speaks to an attorney’s skills, experience, and tenacity.
You should also ask the attorney what outcomes to expect in your case. An experienced lawyer will tell the truth. They cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but they can explain the potential outcomes based on the factors of your case.
4. What Is the Filing Deadline for My Case?
Florida sets deadlines for filing personal injury cases. The deadlines depend on several factors, including the type of personal injury claim filed.
Florida amended its statute of limitations for most negligence-based personal injury cases from four years to two years. The two-year deadline applies to claims arising on or after March 24, 2023. Medical malpractice claims also have a two-year deadline.
However, there are exceptions to the rule. Intentional torts and strict liability claims may have a four-year statute of limitations. There may be other exceptions that apply to your case.
5. Who Will Handle My Case?
Ideally, you want the attorney you hire to handle your case. However, successful lawyers have legal professionals working with them to assist with the case. Therefore, you may work with a paralegal, legal assistant, or an investigator within the firm.
You should also ask how often you can expect updates about your case. Lawyers are required to keep clients reasonably informed about their cases. However, your definition of “reasonable” may differ from the attorney’s.
6. What Is Your Attorneys’ Fee for My Case?
Lawyers may charge fees based on an hourly rate or flat fee. However, most injury attorneys charge a contingency fee.
A contingency fee is based on the amount the attorney recovers for your case. If the lawyer does not recover compensation for your damages, you will not owe them anything.
For example, you and your attorney agree to a 25%-40% contingency fee. The fee may increase slightly if the case goes to trial. Ask the attorney what they charge for a case and if the percentage increases for filing a lawsuit or taking a case to trial.
Also, discuss the costs of the case. Costs of a case often include:
- Filing fees
- Deposition fees
- Document and copy fees
- Expert witness fees
- Travel and expenses
- Cost of trial preparation
- Preparing exhibits
Generally, lawyers pay the costs of the case as they arise. The law firm is reimbursed for costs from the amount the attorney recovers for your case. However, you should confirm whether you will owe an amount for fees if the attorney does not win your case.
Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer in Orlando, FL
Ask as many questions as necessary to get the information you need to help you choose a personal injury attorney for your case. If you need help with an injury claim, contact a Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (407) 648-1510 for a free consultation. We are happy to meet with you to discuss your case and answer your questions about personal injury claims in Florida.