If you sustained injuries because of someone’s neglect, who owed you a duty of care, you may have the scope to file a personal injury lawsuit. Georgia is a fault state, so the responsible party should pay compensation to the victim. For maximizing compensation, it is wise to have legal expertise on your side. Choosing the right Atlanta personal injury attorney is critical for your case, and in this post, we are sharing things to compare your options.
Experience
The scope of personal injury law is huge. From medical malpractice and nursing home abuse, to car accidents and slip & fall accidents, everything is covered under personal injury laws. If you are hiring an attorney for the first time, make sure that you discuss their work profile and experience. Ask questions such as –
- How long have you been practicing as a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- What were the outcomes of those cases?
- How often do you go to trial?
- Can you share details of your top cases?
- Availability
Most prospective clients end up ignoring this important aspect. Is the personal injury lawyer available to take your case? A team of lawyers may work for the same law firm. The attorney that you have met for the initial consultation may not be assigned to the case. You can ask questions related to availability like –
- What is your current caseload?
- Will I have access to your office?
- If you are not working on my case, can I meet the other attorney?
- What is their experience with similar cases?
Expenses
For any personal injury lawsuit, there are expenses to be paid. This may refer to costs of investigation, litigation, and other auxiliary expenditures. Ask the attorney if they can advance these expenses for you, and once you get the settlement, these amounts can be adjusted. This is a good way to keep financials in check, especially when you are already grappling with losses and medical bills after the personal injury incident.
As for the fee, most lawyers in Atlanta take personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means that the lawyer only gets paid if they win, and the contingency fee is anywhere between 25% and 40% of the final settlement.
Hire a lawyer that you can trust for their experience and work, and do ask for client references. You can also compare personal injury attorneys based on online reviews.
