How much am I going to have to pay in order to get you to work for me?
At Smith & Green Attorney at Law P.L.L.L.C., we understand that injury victims already face financial stress. That’s why our Phoenix personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the compensation you receive. Always ask your attorney about the exact percentage and whether additional costs, like court filing fees or document expenses, are included. Some firms say “no legal fees” but still bill you for administrative costs—at Smith & Green, we’re transparent about every detail upfront.
Have your lawyer put in a sentence or two summing up why they feel your case can be won. You don’t need an explanation of the law in broad terms—just some facts that indicate confidence in your case and familiarity with it.
What are the weaknesses in my case?
Each of the cases has its own set of possible problems. It’s best to deal with them ahead of time so that your lawyer can come up with a way to avoid them successfully before they become behemoth-sized roadblocks.
How much experience do you have with this kind of case?
Experience is the only thing that counts. Ask the attorney or law firm how many cases of yours like yours they have tried. Even if you’re with a lesser-experienced lawyer, make sure that they at least have veteran attorneys who will be backing them up. Don’t be their first case of this sort. Also, ask how many of those wins were winning verdicts.
How many winning verdicts have you won in court?
Most of them will settle, but you’ll want one who is not afraid to try the case. That they are not afraid to try the case is commitment to getting the best result under Phoenix law.
How will you keep me informed about my case?
You do not need to be updated daily, but you need to be addressed regularly. Ask how frequently you will be updated and who your primary contact for your case will be.
How many cases do you have open currently?
If your attorney is too busy, your case will sit around. Remember, you only have three years to bring a personal injury action under Phoenix law, so you’ll want an attorney who will have enough time to give your case attention and meet deadlines.
Can I reach you at any time I need to speak with you? Who is my point of contact?
It’s reassuring to know whether you’ll be speaking directly with the attorney or through a paralegal. Having a point person who returns calls and responds to your questions in a timely way is a bonus.
Can I have some recent outcomes of cases?
Most lawyers can give general anecdotal details about successful outcomes without revealing confidential information. Request that they share recent success to have some concept of their degree of experience and track record.
How valuable is my case?
Your lawyer can’t give you an absolute dollar amount ahead of time, but your lawyer can explain the kinds of damages you would be entitled to–i.e., medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will also give you an estimate based on what he or she has seen in similar cases.
Will my insurance adjuster settle?
Insurers low-ball the initial offers. Any lawyer cannot promise a settlement, but a good lawyer will tell you how settlements typically work and what your realistic options are.]
We don’t settle, will you try the case to trial?
Find an attorney who is prepared and willing to take the case to trial if it does not settle. You need someone who will aggressively handle your case, by trial or settlement.
How are you going to build a winning case?
Request that your lawyer outline their strategy—how they will find evidence, overcome challenges, and keep you in the know every step of the way. Their response will give you an idea of how strategic and hands-on they are.
Will the contingency fee be higher if my case goes to trial?
There are instances wherein the contingency percentage will be greater if you actually do go to trial. Find out about this up front so you are not surprised with it later.
How long will my case take to settle?
How soon your personal injury case will take is so dependent on so many things—such as how complex it is, the court’s workload, and how willing the other party is to settle. Your lawyer can give you an estimate so you can plan ahead.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit the Smith & Green Attorney at Law P.L.L.L.C. Personal Injury Lawyers and discover how our team can help you get the justice you deserve.