9 Questions To Ask Your Catastrophic Injury Attorney
The lives of catastrophic injury victims are forever changed in an instant. They may not be able to return to work, lose the ability to enjoy the same lifestyle, or need long-term medical care. If you or a family member were hurt in an accident due to another person’s negligence, you can take legal action and claim compensation for your injuries and suffering.
However, it’s essential to work with qualified catastrophic injury attorneys who understand the complexities of these types of cases. An experienced lawyer can help you get the resources and financial support you need to rebuild your life. To find the best catastrophic injury lawyer for your case, here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation.
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1. Does your law firm specialize in a particular practice area?
If you want to know whether the lawyer has the expertise to handle catastrophic injury cases, you should ask if they specialize in personal injury claims that involve serious damages and severe injuries. The personal injury lawyer should focus exclusively on cases that can impact the lives of victims and their families in the long term.
While a general law practitioner may be a good option for those with minor losses after a fender bender, working with a specialized lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have catastrophic injuries. Handling your case the right way can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
2. What type of catastrophic injury cases do you handle?
Next, you should consider the types of catastrophic injury claims the law firm handles. The more specific the attorney’s expertise, the more likely they have the skills and insight necessary to build a strong case on your behalf. Depending on your situation, you may want to find an injury attorney who specializes in the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Extensive burns
- Severe fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Electrocution
- Amputation
- Permanent disfigurement
- Birth injuries
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Chronic illness
3. Have you ever represented a case like mine?
If a lawyer has experience with the type of injuries you or your loved one have suffered, they will understand the nuances involved with that kind of case. You can also see the case’s outcome, whether the lawyer successfully secured compensation for the client, and what you might expect if you choose to work with them.
4. What is your assessment of my case?
During an initial consultation, you can ask questions to better understand your legal options, what you can expect during the process, and how much your claim may be worth. The attorney may share insight, legal advice, and an honest assessment of how they can help you.
Compare the answers of the attorneys you’re considering to see who may provide the best legal representation for your lawsuit. How they assess your case is a good indication of how they will handle it.
5. How often will we communicate, and with whom will I be communicating?
You should be involved with your case and know essential information to make the best decisions throughout the process. Poor communication could leave you wondering about the status of your claim or lead to misunderstandings about whether to accept a settlement.
Also, asking about communication methods will tell you whether you’ll be dealing directly with the injury attorney on your case or if you will need to go through several levels of personnel to get an answer.
6. What are your billing practices?
Accident victims and their families have enough expenses to worry about without complicated attorney fees. Understanding billing expectations is crucial before committing to a law firm, so you can better prepare for upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs.
Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if your case is successful. With this billing practice, the lawyer will collect a percentage of the final recovery amount. Catastrophic injury settlements are generally more substantial than other types of cases, so you should speak openly about billing methods and standard fees prior to working with a catastrophic injury attorney.
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7. Have you won any honors or awards?
Another good way to evaluate a law firm’s success and experience is to ask about accolades and honors. In particular, awards that involve input from clients or peers can say a lot about an attorney’s dedication to their practice. If you have a severe and long-term injury, you want to work with top-rated lawyers recognized for their leadership, passion for justice, and exceptional attorney-client relationships.
8. Does your law firm have the resources to handle my case?
Catastrophic injury cases are complex and require different expertise to get the job done. The right law firm should have financial resources, support personnel, connections to medical experts, and experienced investigators to build a strong case. If the law office is a smaller firm without these crucial resources, you may want to consider different legal representation.
9. What is the expected time frame for my case?
You should also get an idea of how long your case may take to close. You most likely have medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other expenses from the accident. Knowing the timeframe for your case can help you prepare and have realistic expectations of when you might recover financially.
It can take time to fully value the effects of catastrophic injuries due to their permanent effects. It is vital to properly assess the cost of future medical care and the non-economic ways your life has been altered.
Initial Consultations with Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
When you need a catastrophic injury attorney, you can schedule a consultation with their law firm to discuss these questions and to see who can help you get the maximum compensation for your losses. Contact the Elite Litigation Group at Bachus & Schanker for a free case evaluation to learn more about our award-winning catastrophic injury lawyers and how we can get justice for you or your loved one.