A lot is riding on your decision on whom to hire as your personal injury lawyer. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you want to ensure that you choose the right professional to help you get all of the compensation that you are entitled to.
But how do you know who to hire? Certainly, you can ask for referrals from friends and family and you can review prospective lawyers’ websites. But ultimately you will want to meet face to face with a personal injury lawyer before you hire them and make sure that you feel comfortable and confident working with that individual. And when you meet them, there are a few key questions that you can ask to help you make your decision.
Question #1 – What are your financial terms?
Anyone that you hire should be up front with you about what they charge and how they set their fees. Some lawyers will only charge their clients if they are successful, but this is not always the case. Some law firms will finance your entire case, while others charge only for disbursements until the conclusion of your case. Make sure that you understand clearly when payment is expected and how they set their rates. If there is anything you do not understand, this is the time to ask. Also ask if they are willing to outline that for you in writing.
Question #2 – What experience do you have with cases like mine?
The more experienced your lawyer is, the better the chance that they will be able to get the maximum benefit for you. Specifically, you will be interested in hearing about cases that are similar to yours. This is also a good opportunity to inquire about their particular methods – for example, do they have health professionals that they can refer you to for treatment and medical reports.Ask your prospective lawyer to show you referrals from satisfied clients as well as outcomes from recent cases that have gone to court.
Question #3 – What professional organizations have you received recognition from?
This is really a two part question. You will want to know first that your prospective lawyer is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, and therefore, permitted to practice law in Ontario.
The second part of this, is you will want to know if the lawyer has been recognized for their work such as by the Ontario Trial Lawyers’ Association, The Advocates’ Society or through any legal or medical publications. Once you have had some time to sit down with a personal injury lawyer and really discuss their experience and qualifications, it will be much easier to make a decision on whether or not to hire them for your case.
Question: Developing Your Case
Before you go through the long process of a suit, your lawyer will want to make sure that there is a reasonable chance of success.Expert witnesses are used to testify whether or not you received the appropriate standard of care from your healthcare provider. It must be proven that your injuries were the result of a failure to meet this standard.
Question: Experience in the courtroom
Another reason that you will require a lawyer is because if you decide to pursue the case, there is a good chance that it will end up in court. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, in which most of them settle out of court, malpractice suits tend to end up in court. This is because doctors are represented by an organization called the Canadian Medical Protective Association. This organization is made up other doctors who administer claims of medical malpractice against their members and they often fight these cases right till the end.
Being the victim of medical malpractice, can be both difficult and frustrating. When injuries occur as a result of medical treatment or neglect, it is important to have a medical malpractice lawyer on your side who understands this complex area of the law and knows how to fight for you