Arriving to a point in life where you have to face legal battles is something every person hopes they never have to go through. Facing the justice system, be it as the victim or the sued party, is definitely not something you should want to go through as it is stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. Sadly, life is not perfect and there may come a time when you have to experience this first-hand. That is when you will need the right kind of help on your side which of course means hiring a lawyer to help you and guide you through the entire thing.
A Diverse Field
Now, when the topic of conversation is law and when you are thinking of lawyers to hire, another question arises. What type of lawyer do you actually need to hire? This is the most crucial part about this whole endeavor because not every lawyer can help you with every type of case. Law is very diverse and there are numerous types of cases that are vastly different from each other. Therefore, it matters dearly what kind of case you are up against. In this article we talk about premises liability cases and lawyers, one of the more important sides of law to know about.
Hiring a Lawyer
Hiring a premises liability lawyer is an important decision, not to mention a costly one if you end up choosing the wrong person. It is important to choose the right representative to handle your case so that you are sure to get the compensation you deserve and which will help you pay them in the end. In order to know how to hire the best person for the job, you must know what to ask them. During this interview you will be able to access the situation and make a more educated hiring decision. Here are 10 questions to ask your premises liability lawyer before choosing to work with them.
10 Questions for Your Premises Liability Lawyer
1. What is your fee?
One of the most important things to discuss with your attorney is their fee, i.e. the money you will be spending on their services. Some lawyers require a retainer fee upfront, while others only take a portion of your settlement money as compensation when you win. Make sure to discuss what percentage of your settlement your lawyer will take before you hire them, as well as what happens in the unlikely case of the compensation being lower than what you wanted to get out.
2. Is my case worth it?
This is another especially important question to lead with. Most experienced lawyers will know if a case is favorable, and how likely you are to win with the circumstances of your case. Once you know that your case has the potential to win, it is easier to decide about how to move forward. But even if it is an uphill battle there is a chance for a good outcome. As long as the lawyer sees a way and they seem like a true expert, it should be worth it.
3. What if we lose?
Even if you choose a lawyer that does not charge you in case you win, there might be additional fees if you lose. These include filing feels, records fees, and other compensation that you might be required to pay even if you lose. Make sure to ask what the model is for losing cases at the law firm since each lawyer handles it differently. It is a heavy topic but an important one.
4. How much experience do you have?
This question may seem a bit insulting, but it is important to know how much time your premises liability lawyer has spent working on cases like yours. Experienced lawyers are more likely to know exactly what is required to win your case, which angles to take, and how best to resolve it. You should know who they are in a professional sense, and nothing beats experience especially among lawyers.
5. Have you tried other cases like mine?
A lawyer who has tried other cases that are similar in circumstance to yours will know how to handle yours. It is always a good idea to go with a lawyer who has experience in your specific type of case.
6. How many similar cases have you won?
It is also great to know if any of the lawyers have won many similar cases in the past. They may be able to use the same tactics to win your case, so having experience with winning them helps. A good track record and many wins with similar cases are among the best confirmations of a great lawyer.
7. What do you need from me?
Your role in your case can differ based on your attorney. You will need to provide certain paperwork, information, and documentation. It is also good to know how active you will have to be in your case as it moves forward.
8. Who will handle my case?
The lawyer that you go to see will most likely not be the one handling your case. In many law firms, cases are worked by other partners, paralegals, and other employees and not directly by the lawyer always. Make sure that you know who is going to be individual heading your case before you hire the firm.
9. Will my case go to trial?
Though it may not be possible to tell, your lawyer should have a fairly good idea if your case will go to trial or not. Unless they are trying to settle out of court (or that option seems likely), most cases will go to trial if they are worth pursuing. Your lawyer will be able to give you a more accurate timetable and a closer look at your odds.
10. What experts can we bring in to help?
Some areas of premises law require experts from other fields. Chances are that your lawyer will know who to contact to help your case progress in the right ways. If they do not have contacts to turn to, it may be a red flag of an inexperienced or poor lawyer.
Conclusion and Takeaways
Finding a good lawyer is usually half the legal battle already won. If you need an experienced representative for your premises liability case that is coming up, you should act fast and find the right person for the job. If you are located in or around Atlanta, Georgia, make sure to check out embrylawfirm.com. The experienced, professional, and helpful staff there will be able to answer all your questions and get you the help you need.