If you are suffering from a slip and fall, a car accident or any other injury that was because of the negligence of another, you should consider hiring a Personal Injury attorney to protect your rights. When you’re hurt and can’t work, your bills don’t stop. You need a lawyer who will help you get what you deserve so you can get back on your feet financially as soon as possible.
If you’re injured, hiring an attorney might not be as important to you as your recovery, but it’s important to talk to one shortly after your accident. Instead of picking an attorney out of the phone book, ask friends, neighbors and family for a recommendation. Most have worked with an attorney in the past and can recommend one that they were pleased with. Be certain it’s someone that specializes in personal injury, as this is important for the attorney to be well versed in this type of law, to get the best settlement possible. Most attorneys will offer a free consultation. Take advantage of that to ask questions and make certain you are comfortable working with the attorney.
If you are comfortable with him, ask about his fees. Most attorneys of this type work on a contingency basis. They get their money when the case is settled. They usually take a percentage of the settlement, plus additional costs for various items like phone calls, copying papers or expert witness testimony. Ask for an estimate what he thinks your case is worth. Understand it’s only an estimate, but he should be able to give you some idea, if he’s experienced. Most attorneys expect somewhere between 33 1/3% – almost 50% of the settlement as their fee. Make sure you understand the fees fully, before you sign anything. They should also be able to give you a tentative time table for your case. Of course, it’s dependent on your recovery and your release from your physician before the case is usually settled. Visit Schoone, Leuck, Kelley, Pitts, & Pitts SC for more information.
