5 Questions to Ask Your Lawyer Before Hiring

Accidents can be prevented. But even with safety measures, they still happen, and often without warning. And when they do, anyone can be affected.

In Louisiana, the law allows you to seek compensation if the accident wasn’t your fault and you can prove someone else was responsible. If you win the case, that compensation helps cover your damages, repairs, medical bills, and other costs—basically, to help you get your life back on track. The first step to getting compensation is to hire a lawyer to handle your case for you.

“Good outcomes start with asking the right questions. You’re not just hiring someone to file paperwork, you’re trusting them to fight for your future. Ask how many cases like yours they’ve handled, how often they take cases to trial, and whether they’ll be the ones actually working on your case. These questions can tell you more than any website will,” says Personal Injury Attorney Joseph G. Kopfler of Kopfler & Hermann, Attorneys at Law.

Here are five key questions you should ask any attorney you plan to hire.

• What is Your Fee?

Most personal injury lawyers do not collect upfront fees. Instead, they charge according to a contingency fee model. This model means that they do not collect any fees until they win your case (or compensation) for you.

If they get compensation for you, they take a pre-agreed percentage of that compensation. Contingency fees usually range between 25 – 40 percent of total compensation. This percentage varies depending on the case’s complexity and the experience of the attorney handling your case.

• Do You Have Experience Handling Similar Cases?

Personal injury cases vary widely, and they come under different circumstances. This prompts many to affirm that there are no two personal injury cases with the same scenarios and details. It is from this perspective that you choose a lawyer for your case. You have to ask and find out if the attorney you want to hire has experience in cases similar to yours.

For instance, a lawyer who has won medical malpractice cases might not be the right choice for a building fire accident. You will need a lawyer well-versed in that aspect of the law and its interpretation. This is because some aspects of the law can be quite complex, so you will need a specialist rather than a generalist.

A lawyer with extensive experience in your field will have a higher chance of winning. They will know how to build their case for success and which experts to call on where necessary.

• How Many Years of Personal Injury Law Experience Do You Have??

It’s a fair question and not everyone sees it the same way. But when choosing a lawyer, you should ask. Experience matters. A lawyer who has spent years handling personal injury cases will know the process, understand how insurance companies work, and be ready for the unexpected. They’re more likely to spot strengths in your case and avoid mistakes that could cost you. Simply put, an experienced lawyer gives you a better shot at getting the outcome you deserve.

• How Much Is My Case Worth?

Due to the many factors that influence personal injury cases, there is no general fixed price or range. As such, asking your lawyer is always the ideal approach, as they have data to compare and provide an estimate. Many cases previously settled can be reviewed and values extracted to help with yours.

Here are some factors that determine case value:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property destruction
• Pain and suffering experienced

The more serious an injury is, the more effect it has on a person’s life, which means a larger settlement. A brain injury resulting from a fatal car accident will receive more compensation than a slip and fall in Walmart.

• Will You Take My Case to Trial If Settlement Fails?

Many cases are usually settled out of court, but you cannot determine that until you get to that stage. If talks cannot be agreed upon, the case goes to trial, and your lawyer will advise accordingly.

This is where your lawyer’s experience matters. A lawyer with more experience of settling cases might not want to take your case to trial. This might be the case even when you have a higher chance of collecting a higher settlement after court proceedings. You must know a lawyer’s strengths and weaknesses before making a choice.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Lawyer for You

Accidents are unpredictable. But choosing the right lawyer doesn’t have to be.

From legal fees to trial experience, the questions you should ask before hiring a personal injury attorney matter. They help you find someone who understands your case, but knows how to fight for the most favorable result. Not every lawyer has the same experience, and not every case needs the same strategy.

So ask the difficult questions. Understand how they work. And make sure they’re ready to proceed to court if that’s what your case needs.