What Should I Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’re thinking about hiring a personal injury lawyer, you may have noticed that the playing field is quite crowded. With so many attorneys available, it may be difficult to know who to hire. In this article, we’ll discuss the kinds of questions that could help you find the right fit for you and your personal injury case.
What’s your level of experience handling my type of case?
“Personal injury” is a large practice umbrella, and a number of different kinds of cases can be found under it, including:
- medical malpractice
- car accidents
- animal bites
- slip and fall
- products liability
- defamation, and
- assault and battery
Many of the above categories can be further subdivided. For instance, medical malpractice can include birth injuries, traumatic brain injuries, surgical errors, and misdiagnosis.
Most personal injury attorneys handle several of the above-listed types of cases, but almost none will handle all of them. Some of these categories are unique and require an extra level of knowledge and experience.
You should look for an attorney who has experience handling your type of case. Experience means familiarity with common legal issues as well as connections with investigators and other experts who can help with your case.
Will I win and if so, how much will I get?
When you ask these questions, don’t expect a precise answer. In fact, the attorney may be ethically required not to give you an exact answer to avoid exaggerating your case’s potential and creating unrealistic expectations. Remember, personal injury lawsuits are unpredictable, and anything can happen, even in the middle of trial. However, your attorney should be able to provide at least a rough prediction regarding your chances of winning and what kind of compensation you can expect should your case settle, or should you win at trial.
One way to make sure an attorney isn’t overpromising is to keep track of the answers from multiple attorneys and see if they are all in the same ballpark. They should be, but if you come across an attorney promising your case is worth significantly more, be wary unless they can adequately explain why they think your case is worth much more. (Learn more about personal injury claim value.)
Also, keep in mind that unless the attorney says otherwise, they won’t take your case unless they think they can recover something on your behalf. To accept your case expecting a loss would make little business sense.
Who will do the work on my case?
Many personal injury attorneys don’t handle every single part of a client’s case. They may have a legal secretary or paralegal assist in the preparation of letters and legal documents. If you hired a senior attorney, they may have a junior associate do much of the legal work, with your attorney handling the more complicated legal concerns and overseeing the junior associate’s progress.
Having an attorney farm out work to others may not sit well with you. But not only is this very common, it helps keep legal fees down.
What is your fee for taking on my case?
The vast majority of plaintiff’s-side personal injury attorneys will work under a contingency fee agreement. This means they don’t get paid unless they can obtain some sort of recovery. Most personal injury attorneys charge around 33% of whatever you recover. So if you win at trial or your case settles and you get $100,000, your attorney will get $33,333. But this exact amount is subject to a number of variables.
Who pays case “costs” and when are they paid?
Besides contingency fee percentage, another major financial concern is how costs are handled. The method employed can mean having a few thousand extra dollars in your pocket when your case is over.
To file a personal injury lawsuit, you do not have to hire an attorney. However, even if you represent yourself, you will still incur a number of legal costs, such as:
- court filing fees
- expert witness fees
- administrative fees, and
- information-gathering expenses.
What is your level of courtroom experience?
Despite what television and film might portray, most civil cases do not go to trial. Therefore, even an experienced attorney may only have a handful of cases that made it to verdict.
On the flipside, you don’t want an attorney who has very little trial experience. This can be detrimental for two reasons. First, if your case goes to trial, your attorney won’t give you the best chance of winning. Winning in court is as much about experience as it is about skill.
Second, it can mean your attorney is afraid of being in court. If that’s true, there’s a good chance the defendant will get a sense of it and make a lower settlement offer, knowing your attorney may encourage you to accept it in the hopes of avoiding trial.
No matter how likely your case is to settle, you should choose an attorney who isn’t afraid to take a case to trial and can do a good job in the courtroom.
Spanish Speaking Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Spanish-speaking individuals can have a more difficult time seeking justice in their personal injury cases due to language barriers. This causes them to not take action against those who have left them with financial devastation and physical trauma. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, our team refuses to let a language barrier affect your right to justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and is in need of Spanish-speaking legal advice, our team is here for you.
We make it easy for those who have been injured due to the actions of others to navigate the legal system in order to get the results they need to continue on in their lives. Schedule your no-obligation car accident consultation with Attorney Caruthers today. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your needs are being met and that you are getting the treatment you deserve in your car accident case. Don’t hesitate, the sooner you call the more we can do to get you results.
Personal Injury Law Office in Houston, Texas
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury, experienced loss of income, or are unable to work due to a car accident, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or due to not having access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can help you!
Our team works hard to bring the most efficient and practical solutions to your car accident case. Beverly R. Caruthers proudly serves and defends the Greater Houston area including but not limited to Baytown, Conroe, Crosby, Humble, Huntsville, Lake Jackson, Missouri City, Pasadena, Spring, Tomball.
Caruthers Law Firm
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 400
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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In the aftermath of an accident that leaves you or a loved one injured, it is crucial to know where to turn for support and justice. The Caruthers Law Firm stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to the cause of pursuing justice for injury victims. With a track record that speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence and passion for our clients, we have garnered recognition throughout the Houston area as a trusted name in the legal community. When you or a family member suffers an injury due to the negligence of another, the need for an attorney who is not just competent but also recognized for their excellence becomes paramount. The Houston personal injury attorney at The Caruthers Law Firm fits that bill precisely. We have earned accolades and trust from our clients because we don not just handle cases; we champion causes. Our cases frequently involve traumatic, life-altering events, such as the loss of a loved one, and our relentless pursuit of justice ensures our clients receive the compensation necessary to secure their financial future. Our dedicated efforts have successfully secured over $50 million in settlements for our clients, and our commitment to excellence has brought us national recognition, particularly in fields like birth injury law. Whether your life has been upended by a tragic accident or the negligence of another party, you can confide in Caruthers Law Firm to handle your case with the utmost skill, dedication, and compassion in your time of need. Every case we undertake is treated with the gravity and importance it deserves, and we strive to provide the best possible representation to our clients. At Caruthers Law Firm, our attorneys boast an impressive array of knowledge and expertise in various practice areas, including personal injury, criminal defense, wrongful death, and more. We fully acknowledge that each case is unique, and we value the individual concerns and needs of our clients. This understanding leads us to craft tailored legal strategies that address each case is distinctive challenges. When you choose Caruthers Law Firm as your legal representation, you can expect a high degree of professionalism, unwavering integrity, and an unparalleled commitment from the beginning of your case to its conclusion. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates for your rights, dedicated to securing the justice you deserve.
For over three decades, Beverly R. Caruthers has been on an unwavering mission to provide her clients with top-notch, tenacious, and compassionate legal services and representation. Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has not only amassed extensive experience but has also consistently delivered high-quality legal assistance to those who have sought her counsel. Her journey to legal expertise began with academic distinction, having graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Tougaloo College, followed by the acquisition of her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. With a primary focus on Personal Injury, Criminal Law, and Business Law, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has honed her legal acumen in these pivotal areas. Complementing her knowledge and skills, The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers is fortified by a collaborative team of seasoned and highly qualified attorneys. Together, they work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for each and every client they serve. In the Caruthers family, the pursuit of legal excellence seems to be a cherished tradition. Briona Caruthers, following in the footsteps of her older brother and colleague, hails from Missouri City, Texas, where she graduated from Elkins High School in 2015. Venturing outside her hometown, she spent four years at Hofstra University in New York, where she diligently earned her Bachelor Degree in Legal Studies in Business in 2019. After her academic journey in New York, she returned to her roots in Houston, Texas. There, she attended the same illustrious institution where her mother, Beverly R. Caruthers, and her brothers, Eddie and Parker Caruthers, had studied—the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2022, Briona graduated Cum Laude from TSU, thereby continuing the family legacy. Beyond her legal pursuits, Briona finds solace in retail therapy and enjoys exploring the world through her travels when she is not in the office, fervently advocating for her clients rights. Parker Caruthers, another member of the Caruthers family, was born and raised in Missouri City, Texas, where he completed his high school education at Clements High School in 2012. His educational journey took him to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 2017. Parker commitment to legal studies led him to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at TSU, from where he graduated in 2021. During his time in law school, Parker legal prowess shone through as he secured victory in the Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial competition, all while gaining valuable experience through internships at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Opting to take a different path by not pursuing prosecution, Parker joined Caruthers Law Firm in 2021. Beyond the legal realm, Parker passions extend to sports fandom and his role as a proud dog owner. At the Caruthers Law Firm, we take a refreshingly transparent and candid approach when assessing our potential clients circumstances. We believe in clear, honest, and direct communication, leaving aside the legal jargon to speak in terms that our clients can readily understand. Each client is treated as a unique individual, receiving personalized and attentive care throughout their legal journey with us.
We are immensely grateful to each and every individual who wholeheartedly contributed to the success of "The Christmas Toy Drive and Giveaway" and "The Back to School Giveaway" right here in the vibrant city of Houston. Your support has made a profound difference in the lives of countless local children, and it is a testament to the incredible community spirit that defines our city. At The Caruthers Law Firm, we take great pride in being active sponsors of these important initiatives, which focus on providing crucial resources to Houstons youth. Some of the recipients come from families struggling with limited income, making it challenging for them to provide the necessary school supplies for their children. For others, the prospect of a joyous Christmas was a distant dream due to a lack of toys. In these circumstances, we aimed to make a meaningful and positive impact on these children and their families. It is through the unwavering support and dedication of our local community that we were able to realize this vision. We encourage you to consider joining us in this noble cause and be a part of the change in the lives of Houston families. Your involvement can take various forms, whether through donating items, contributing funds, or taking the initiative to organize a collection drive within your organization, church, club, or local community. Your support will undoubtedly go a long way in touching the lives of those in need, ensuring that every child in our city can look forward to a brighter future. By working together, we not only provide essential items but also instill a sense of hope, compassion, and generosity within our beloved Houston community. Together, we can create a stronger, more caring, and inclusive community, one that continues to uplift and empower those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of this vital mission.
