Questions to Ask Your Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Legal processes of any kind can be quite challenging to get through. In the cases of personal injury, matters become even more nuanced, requiring an expert eye to successfully navigate in a court of law. While seeking the help of a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, it’s a good idea to clarify any doubts about the proceedings. Asking the right questions equips you with the knowledge to take on legal matters confidently. Knowing your position and the laws around personal injury also helps maximize the compensation you receive.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have long-lasting impacts on individuals and their families. When dealing with the aftermath of a TBI, seeking legal help may be necessary to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. However, finding an experienced brain injury lawyer can be challenging. To ensure you make an informed decision, it’s crucial to ask the right questions during your initial consultation. In this article, we will discuss essential questions to ask your prospective traumatic brain injury lawyer before hiring them.
1. Can You Explain Your Experience with Traumatic Brain Injury Cases?
When dealing with a TBI claim, working with a lawyer with knowledge and experience specifically in the area of personal injury, and TBI specifically, is essential. Ask about their past TBI cases, including any notable settlements or trials. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer will understand the intricacies of your case and will possess specific strategies tailored to TBI claims.
2. What Is Your Approach to Handling Traumatic Brain Injury Cases?
Every lawyer may have a slightly different approach when it comes to handling TBI cases. Understanding how they plan to navigate yours is crucial for setting expectations and building trust. Ask about their methods of investigation, the resources available to handle your case effectively, and how they typically interact with experts in the field of traumatic brain injuries.
3. How Will You Communicate Updates and Progress in My Case?
Staying informed about the progress of your case is vital for alleviating unnecessary stress during the legal process. Inquire about how frequently you should expect updates from your attorney and what modes of communication they prefer (email, phone calls). Consider asking if they have team members who can assist with immediate inquiries or additional information requests.
4. Can You Provide Any References or Testimonials from Former Clients?
Understanding what previous clients have experienced while working with a particular lawyer can give valuable insight into their reputation and dedication to client satisfaction. Depending on the lawyer’s policy, they may be able to provide you with references or direct you to online testimonials or reviews. This information can help you understand their track record and the overall satisfaction of their previous clients.
5. What Is the Statute of Limitations for TBI Claims?
It’s important to have a clear understanding of the legal time limit that applies to your traumatic brain injury claim. Referred to as the statute of limitations, it restricts the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or reach a settlement agreement once injured. Ensure your potential lawyer has a firm grasp on this aspect and can guide you accordingly. In Georgia, personal injury claims have a statute of limitation of two years.
6. How Will You Determine the Worth of My Case?
Determining the value of your TBI claim is critical in assessing whether pursuing legal action is feasible or not. Ask if they will consider factors such as medical expenses, loss of income, future treatments or therapies, pain and suffering, and general damages. A skilled TBI attorney should be able to adequately evaluate these aspects and provide an estimate based on their expertise.
7. What Is Your Fee Structure, and Do You Work on Contingency?
Understanding the cost of representation is essential before entering any legal agreement. Inquire about the lawyer’s fee structure—whether they work on contingency (taking a percentage of any financial awards received) or if there are upfront costs. Although many TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) attorneys work on a contingency basis, a few prefer upfront costs. Therefore, it is crucial to clearly identify payment terms and plan for litigation filings in advance.
8. Do You Have Experience Negotiating With Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies often employ aggressive tactics in settling TBI claims by minimizing payouts wherever possible. It’s, therefore, important to find out if your potential lawyer possesses experience negotiating with insurance providers and how successful they’ve been navigating these negotiations. The attorney should be focused on helping you maximize payouts.
Summary
Asking the right questions during your consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer is crucial for making an informed decision. When communicating with potential legal representatives, enquire about their experience, strategies, communication methods, references, testimonials, and assessment approach. Ensure they grasp the pertinent details of handling personal injury cases in the state of Georgia. With this information, you can employ the services of a strong advocate by your side throughout the legalities around dealing with TBI claims.