Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an accident, finding a personal injury attorney can feel overwhelming. You are already in pain, dealing with the other party’s insurance company, and you may feel like no one understands. Retaining the right Maryland personal injury attorney can make a world of difference. When looking for an attorney, it is best if you prepare and come with a list of questions that can help narrow down your options. Here are some of the most important questions to ask during your initial consultation.
What are your fees?
Personal injury attorneys typically do not charge an hourly fee. Most attorneys work on a contingency basis. You will not pay any fees unless you receive a settlement or favorable judgment award. The attorney will then receive a certain percentage of that amount as payment. In most cases, it usually ranges from around 25% to 40%.
What am I responsible for if I lose my case?
Be sure to ask the attorney what out-of-pocket costs you may have, even if you lose. Some attorneys may require you to pay case-related expenses they are forced to incur in addition to the contingency fee.
Who will handle my case?
While you may really like the attorney you are speaking with, you may dislike his or her assistants. In many cases, you may be dealing mostly with the assistants or a junior attorney. It is important you know who will be working on your case.
How long do you think it will take to resolve my case? What is it worth?
An attorney can not give you a definite prediction of how long your case will take to resolve, but a good attorney will give you some idea of a potential time frame based on the circumstances and court venue. In addition, ask him or her what you feel your case is worth. You should have some idea of what your attorney will be asking for in a demand, and what he or she thinks you might get awarded by a jury.
How many trials have you handled? How did they resolve?
A lot of personal injury matters settle long before they see the inside of a courtroom. However, there is always the chance your case will be the one to go to trial. You need a personal injury attorney who has ample experience in the courtroom and has a successful record of awards. You do not want to hire an attorney who has only handled one or two trials or has a success rate that is low.
Have you ever been suspended or disciplined by any ethics or legal committees?
Most attorneys have not been disciplined in the past, but you may run across one who has run into some trouble. This can be a red flag, and it could change how the other side treats your case.
Contact the Law Office of Robert Castro
If you need to retain a Maryland personal injury attorney, contact the Law Office of Robert R. Castro at 301-870-1200 to schedule a consultation.
