Most people hire an injury lawyer once in their life, usually while hurt and stressed. That makes it easy to go with the first ad you see. A little comparison shopping is worth it, because the lawyer you choose shapes how your case is handled for months or years.
Look for experience with your kind of case
A firm that mostly handles car wrecks may not be the best fit for a medical malpractice claim, and the reverse is also true. Ask how many cases like yours they have handled recently and how those cases ended.
Find out who will actually do the work
At some firms you meet a senior partner once and then deal only with a case manager. That can work fine, but you should know up front. Ask who your day-to-day contact will be and how quickly they return calls.
Questions to ask a personal injury lawyer
A personal injury lawyer consultation is your chance to compare experience, communication, fees, and case fit.
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- Who will work on my case day to day?
- How are fees calculated, and are costs deducted before or after your percentage?
- What is my filing deadline?
- How often will I hear from you?
- Have you taken cases like mine to trial, or do you usually settle?
Reading public reviews
Consider both the overall feedback and the number of reviews. Read a range of ratings because they often describe communication and day-to-day service.
Red flags
- A lawyer who promises a specific result or dollar amount.
- Pressure to sign a fee agreement on the spot.
- Someone who contacts you uninvited at the hospital or your home. That is prohibited in most states.
- Upfront fees for an ordinary injury case, which is almost always handled on contingency.
Check the license
Every state bar has a free public lookup that shows whether a lawyer is licensed and whether they have been disciplined. It takes two minutes. See official lawyer license lookups by state before making a decision.