Three Time-Related Questions You Should Ask A Personal Injury Lawyer During A Consultation
Posted on: 6 December 2017
When you sit down for a consultation with a personal injury lawyer, there are many topics that you should discuss in order to help you find the right attorney for you. Breaking down the questions you should ask by topics helps you to focus and ask the most relevant questions. Here are three time-related questions that you should be asking a personal injury attorney during a consultation.
Do You Have the Time to Take on My Case?
One of the first time-related questions you will want to ask a personal injury lawyer during a consultation is whether they have the time to take on your case. Some attorneys will conduct the consultation with you, but then once they are hired, they will pass the case onto one of their co-workers if their plate is full. Others may take on your case and then delay the discovery process until they have the time to handle it. Always ask if they honestly have the time to handle your case so you know if you should use them or another law firm.
When Will You Be Filing My Case?
Another important question to ask a lawyer is when they will be filing your case. Your case must be filed before the statute of limitations tolls. In most states, this is two years from the date you were injured, though there are exceptions that may make this sooner or longer. Some attorneys will file the case right away to ensure your case is filed before the statute tolls. Other attorneys will look for evidence and conduct witness interviews before filing, if there is time. There's not really a right or wrong way. But be sure to ask so you know what to expect and why the attorney does it the way they do.
How Long Do You Think It Will Take to Resolve My Case?
The last time-related question you should ask a personal injury lawyer during a consultation is how long they think it will take to resolve your case. Unfortunately, there is no way to know exactly how long it will take. Some cases settle quickly, while others go to trial and get drawn out for years. However, based on the type of injuries you have and the attorney's experience with the type of claim you have, they may have an idea as to whether your case will settle or go to trial.
A consultation is your opportunity to sit down with a personal injury lawyer and decide if they are the best lawyer for the job. Asking the right questions can help you make this determination.
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