Personal Injury Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Lawyer

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/01/15 - Updated: 2024/02/19
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Lawyers and Rights - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Questions to ask during a personal injury claim consultation to determine the right lawyer for you and learn about the legal process to determine if you have a claim worth pursuing. Your personal injury consultation is designed to introduce you to your lawyer and help you get to know each other. It is also designed to give you time to learn about the legal process and to have all of your questions answered.

Introduction

Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, you will probably meet for a consultation to discuss your case. Your personal injury consultation is designed to introduce you to your lawyer and help you get to know each other. It is also designed to give you time to learn about the U.S. legal process and to have your questions answered.

Main Content

Questions to Ask About Your Personal Injury Case

During your personal injury claim consultation, you will want to ask questions to help you determine if this is the right lawyer for you, learn about the legal process and determine if you have a claim worth pursuing.

First, determine the qualifications of the attorney. Do not hesitate to ask your personal injury lawyer these questions. If the attorney is committed to helping you and protecting your rights, he will be happy to answer them before proceeding.

What types of personal injury cases have you filed
Do you experience with my type of personal injury case
What is your role within the law firm
Will you be handling my case or will another lawyer from your firm be handling it
How long has your firm been in practice and how long have you personally been in practice
Does your firm mainly handle personal injury claims
What fees do you charge and how do you charge for services
How will you charge me if I do not get compensation for my injuries

If you are comfortable with the experience the attorney has, proceed to questions about your specific claim:

What type of personal injury case do I have
What are my rights and how do I protect them
How will the insurance company be handled
Do I speak directly to the insurance company or will you handle this
What information do you need from me to file my claim
How long will my personal injury case take to settle
What compensation am I entitled to
Is my family entitled to compensation
What is the legal process
How long do I have to file my claim

Each American state has different laws that govern how personal injury claims are filed. Most personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the accident. Your experienced personal injury lawyer will make sure your claim is filed within the appropriate time period and that your rights are protected. He will explain the actions you must take and paper work that is required to properly file your claim.

Depending on your personal injury and the type of accident that caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Pain and suffering
Prescriptions
Hospital stays
Doctor visits
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy
Lost wages
Loss of companionship
At home care

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.