Connecticut has more than 21,000 lawyers practicing in the state. The task of choosing the best personal injury lawyer in Connecticut to handle your case can be daunting.
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a personal injury lawyer to represent your claim. You’ll be working closely with your attorney through a process that can be stressful at times and you want to make sure the lawyer you choose is a good fit.
More importantly, if you or a loved one has ever been in a motor vehicle accident or another type of accident resulting from negligence or intent to harm, your physical and financial recovery is dependent on how strong of a legal case your lawyer can present. Not only is your right to compensation hung in the balance, but the process of suing a large corporation, insurance company, or hospital can also be difficult. Hiring an experienced, reputable lawyer that you trust can help ease your stress so the process goes smoothly.
Here are some recommendations for what to ask your potential lawyer during your first consultation (and the homework to do beforehand) in order to see if they are a good fit.
1. Ask for referrals and recommendations
Do you know a friend or family member that has gone through a personal injury lawsuit that successfully settled? Even though we live in such a digital age, I still recommend going for the “word of mouth” approach for hiring a personal injury lawyer. Any lawyer can build a great website or purchase a flashy billboard ad, but what is their track record like? How easy are they to work with? Are they responsive to their clients when they need them most? These are things that are hard to know about working with a lawyer unless you know someone’s first-hand experience with them.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you have any clients I could speak with about their case and your handling of it?
- Can you share with me a few recent testimonials or references from past clients?
- Do other law firms refer personal injury cases to you?
2. Research their Qualifications
It goes without saying that the personal injury lawyer you hire should have plenty of experience in handling cases that are similar to yours. For example, if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in major injuries, you may not want to hire a personal injury lawyer who specializes in defective product cases. Determine if they are a specialist and if this aligns with the type of case you are presenting.
Questions to Ask:
– What types of cases do you typically handle? How many clients of this kind have you represented? Are you a specialist in these types of cases?
– How long have you been practicing law in Connecticut?
– Are you licensed in Connecticut?
3. Understand their fees
Typically, a personal injury lawyer’s fees are based on their success. It is common for personal injury lawyers to work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless your lawyer is successful in making a financial recovery. Once the case is successfully settled, the lawyer will take a percentage of the amount that is won, usually 33%.
On the other hand, if the lawyer does not win the case and the client does not receive compensation, then the client does not pay anything. For clients who cannot afford the hourly rate of legal fees, which can reach anywhere from $200-$500 or more per hour based on experience and specialization, a contingency fee is preferred.
Before signing any contract to work with a personal injury lawyer, make sure you discuss their fees, any extras and what happens if no recovery is granted.
Questions to Ask:
– What are your fees
– Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (i.e. if my case goes to trial, additional resources, calling expert witnesses, etc.)?
– If we do not win the case, will I be held responsible for any costs?
4. Know Who Will Be Assigned to Your Case
Most people are surprised to learn that it’s common for your case to be assigned to someone other than the lawyer you speak or meet with, such as a junior associate or paralegal. Delegating tasks to other workers at the law firm helps them drive down costs and save time. However, this is largely beneficial to their team, and not the client, as their case is often passed off to someone with less experience. Your lawyer should be included in all aspects of your case and have the highest quality representation.
Questions to Ask:
- Will anyone else be working on or handling my case? What are their roles?
- Do you have enough time to devote to my case? How many clients are you currently representing?
5. Partner with a lawyer you can trust and rely on
As is with many things in life, it is always important to trust your instincts. Not only is it recommended to research your lawyer’s reputation in the community, but it’s also beneficial to have a positive lawyer-client relationship. You should be upfront and transparent with your lawyer, so feeling comfortable around them is key.
Questions to Ask:
– How often will we communicate?
– Will I be able to speak directly to you if I have questions or concerns regarding my case?
– Have you been disciplined by any legal or ethics committees before?
– Why should I hire you over other attorneys in the area?
6. Learn their strategy for handling your case
It’s essential to know your lawyer’s style when it comes to how they handle their cases. For example, if you are going up against a large insurance company in court, it’s important to know if you can count on your lawyer to be aggressive and assertive. There is no right or wrong answer here, rather you’re just getting to know if they are the right fit for your specific case.
Questions to Ask:
- What are the probable outcomes of my case?
- How do you describe your style inside of court?
- Do cases like mine usually go to trial or settle out of court?
7. Find out their rate of success
Your personal injury lawyer should prepare as if your case is going to trial, even if there is a high likelihood that it is not. The American Bar Association states that approximately 1-2% of all civil cases actually proceed to trial. Nonetheless, if your case does go to trial, your lawyer should be well prepared to represent you. Understanding how your lawyer performs before a jury and what their rate of success is can help you determine how they present in court.
Questions to Ask:
– How many of your cases go to trial?
– What is their success rate?
– Do you anticipate any difficulties or challenges with my case?
8. Schedule a consultation
A reputable personal injury lawyer should provide a free consultation to discuss the details of your specific situation. The consultation gives you and your potential lawyer a chance to go over the above questions regarding their experience, expertise and case management. Choosing a personal injury lawyer that is right for your case should not be taken lightly, as hiring a lawyer is often the most critical determinant in a successful claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or intent to harm, contact Robert L. Cavanaugh, Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney with more than 25 years of expertise, by clicking below or calling (203) 259-5400.