If someone else’s negligent actions hurt you or your loved one, you may be able to seek personal injury compensation. You may want to hire a Michigan personal injury lawyer to help you navigate your insurance claim or lawsuit and prove that another party is liable for your damages.
If you have never worked with an attorney, you may not know what qualities to look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Michigan. Read on to learn more about selecting the right legal representation for you and your case.
Find a Personal Injury Firm That Can Educate You and Answer Questions
When looking for a firm to represent your case, prepare a list of questions to ask them. Some firms may not listen to your questions and concerns, or they may give unhelpful answers.
While lawyers cannot and should not make any guarantees, they should be able to educate you on the topics you are asking about. Some questions you can ask can include:
- What experience do you have with my type of case?
- How many cases have you taken to trial?
- What resources does your firm have to support a personal injury claim or lawsuit?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case? What challenges do you expect?
- How much will it cost to hire your firm? What expenses are covered in your firm’s agreement?
- What are some victories your firm has won for clients?
- What Michigan state laws affect my personal injury case?
- What kinds of compensation can I seek?
- What can a lawyer do on my behalf?
- What does the legal process look like for my case?
- What evidence do I need to support my claim?
Take notes when talking to potential lawyers so you can compare answers to determine the right fit for you.
Does the Firm Have Experience with Personal Injury Claims?
When looking at injury firms in Michigan, you should ask any attorney you consider about the firm’s experience and victories. You want someone whose experience includes resolving multiple personal injury claims, including taking their clients’ cases to trial.
Some firms may claim they take on all cases, but the right firm will have results to show for this claim. For example, our firm has handled thousands of cases and taken hundreds of cases to trial. We’ve achieved multimillion-dollar case results for our clients in a variety of practice areas, including truck accidents, car accidents, incidents involving traumatic brain injuries, and more.
What Kind of Personal Injury Cases Does the Attorney or Law Firm Focus On?
Attorneys and law firms often focus on a certain type of legal representation, and even focus on certain subsections within that practice area. If you or a loved one suffered an injury, you want to hire a personal injury lawyer. Even more specifically, you want an attorney who regularly handles cases involving the kind of accident or injury you suffered.
For example, our firm’s personal injury lawyers work on cases involving:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Truck collisions and bus accidents
- Bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents and other workplace injury accidents
- Premises liability
- Nursing home abuse
- Catastrophic injury cases, like those involving spine injuries, traumatic brain damage, amputation, burns, and other injuries
- Wrongful death
Make sure you ask if the lawyer can identify any unique challenges or approaches to your case type. You don’t want a firm that takes a one-size-fits-all approach, you want a firm that will listen to your story and build a strategy that works for the specific of your claim.
Do You Feel Comfortable With Them and Believe They Can Lead Your Case?
A lawyer and law firm can have a fantastic case record, but that means little if you do not feel comfortable working with them or are unsure if they are the right fit for your case.
First, you must be able to speak openly and honestly with your legal team about your accident and injuries and how they affect your life. If you cannot do this, your lawyer cannot represent you as effectively. You also could benefit from an attorney who genuinely listens to you so they can build a case that reflects your needs.
Second, you want a legal team that supports you and is there when you have questions or concerns. Ask any lawyer you consider how they communicate with clients and what procedures their firm follows to ensure they update you regularly on your claim or personal injury lawsuit’s status. A law firm with good communication skills will keep you in the loop, listen to your story, and protect your rights.
What Do They Charge, and When Do You Have to Pay Them?
Lawyers set up various fee structures for their services. Many personal injury lawyers, including those at our firm, accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we represent you for nothing up front or out of pocket. Our payment comes from a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we do not win your case, you do not have to pay us for our services.
However, consider the experience of the firm when comparing prices and contingency fee arrangements. A lost-cost firm may not have the resources or experience you need to fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf. Weigh your options carefully.
What Do Other Clients Have to Say About the Personal Injury Lawyers or Firm?
Other people can provide helpful opinions on the firm. Of course, look at any testimonials on the client website. You can hear from satisfied customers how the firm has helped them with their personal injury cases.
You can also check other review platforms for feedback all kinds of users. You can ask the firm to address any potential issues you might see in the reviews to get a better idea of the firm and their customer service.
A Firm Should Be Able to Set Realistic Expectations About Your Case
Many firms fail to deliver the results their clients need. Clients come away upset and disappointed, often with less than they hoped for. Make sure you choose a personal injury law firm in Michigan that sets realistic expectations from day one.
Contact Christensen Law About Your Personal Injury Today
Choosing a personal injury lawyer is not a decision to make lightly. The right firm can fight for just compensation after someone’s negligence leaves you in pain and with expensive bills.
Christensen Law’s compassionate lawyers have the experience, track record, and qualifications you should look for in a personal injury lawyer. You can learn more about our firm, ask questions, and get a feel for our team during a free consultation. Call us today for a free consultation.
