9 Things You Should Know About a Free Lawyer Consultation

September 10, 2021 | Personal Injury

If you have sustained an injury, you may wonder whether you should consult an attorney. If you have been in a trip and fall accident, medical malpractice incident, a car accident, or other accident, a legal professional can help.

Most accident attorneys provide new clients with a free legal consultation. This is an excellent opportunity to get answers to any questions you have about your case or the legal process.

Many claimants also feel nervous or unsure about scheduling a no-cost case evaluation. Below, we will discuss nine things you should know about free legal consultations.

1. There Might Be a Statute of Limitations in Your Case

Before you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages, it is important to consider whether your claim has expired. A “statute of limitations” is a legal time limit for different types of claims.

In most cases, this will not be a problem; injury victims usually pursue their cases shortly after the injury occurs.

Under Pennsylvania State law, there is usually a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Make sure to meet with a lawyer well in advance of this deadline.

2. Get to Know Your Lawyer

Before you schedule a consultation, you should research the lawyer and their firm online. An initial meeting is not only a time for the attorney to decide whether to take your case. Legal consultations are also an opportunity for you to decide whether a given legal representative is right for your needs.

3. Bring Documentation

During your initial consultation, the personal injury lawyer will want to review the facts of your case as thoroughly as possible. For this reason, you should bring any of the following documents that you have:

  • Relevant photographs
  • Accident reports
  • Medical records and notes
  • Car insurance information
  • Information about any other involved party
  • Notes about your experience

Bring any other relevant information that will help the lawyer to understand your personal injury case.

4. Notes About Your Case

It is vital to take extensive notes about your experience of the accident or injury. Make sure to write down any relevant information as soon as possible following the accident.

This information can help you during the consultation and if you decide to pursue an injury claim.

5. Detailed Explanation of Your Injury

Most of the initial meeting will consist of you recounting the details of your accident, illness, or injury. The legal professional will ask questions to gain a full understanding of the situation.

It is a good idea to think carefully about your experience and take a few notes before the meeting.

6. Prepare Questions

Before your initial consultation takes place, write down any questions that you have. This will help you to use the meeting time effectively.

This can also help you to understand your case and the lawyer or firm better. Relevant questions may include:

  • How long will this case take?
  • Have you handled cases like mine?
  • Do you think this will require a trial?
  • How do you handle payments for legal fees?
  • What are my next steps?

These are only a few examples. Ask any questions that will help you understand your legal situation and your options.

7. Viability of Your Case

Not every personal injury case leads to a viable claim or lawsuit. After you have given the attorney details about your situation, they will offer an assessment of your case.

If you have a viable personal injury claim, the attorney can advise you on what to do next.

8. Fees and Contracts

If you decide to move forward, you can discuss payment and sign a contract to hire an attorney. Most personal injury lawyers are paid through contingency fees. 

This means they are only paid if they recover compensation for you. They receive a specified percentage of your settlement or verdict as a fee for their services.

9. Next Steps

After you hire a legal representative, they will get to work to build a powerful case for you. The best attorneys will handle all of the important elements of your claim and keep you updated along the way.

For more information, call one of our convenient locations nearest you for assistance.

Harrisburg, PA law office at (717) 231-1640
Carbondale, PA law office at (717) 995-8810
Carlisle, PA law office at (717) 995-8732
Chambersburg, PA law office at (717) 388-2378
Lancaster, PA law office at (717) 616-2954
Lebanon, PA law office at (717) 995-8963
Wyomissing, PA law office at (717) 388-2325
York, PA law office at (717) 995-8998

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