8 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer During a Personal Injury Consultation

When it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer, not everyone will be a good fit. Use these questions to ask personal injury lawyers the tough questions, interview your options, and find an attorney with the right expertise and capacity to bring your case to victory. 

Most people don’t have a strong understanding of personal injury law, so they’re left scrambling to find some legal representation to help them through the aftermath of an injury or accident. 

But it’s hard to know which lawyer will best represent you when you have no frame of reference for their expertise. They could make empty promises, have a lousy track record, or simply have much different service standards that don’t meet your expectations—rather than playing roulette, you need a way to separate your best fit from the rest. 

Use these questions to ask a lawyer after a car accident, slip and fall injury, and more. Our expert personal injury lawyers put them together to help you navigate the vetting process, get clear on your needs, and hire someone who will tirelessly advocate for you and secure your best outcome. 

Read these interview questions to ask a personal injury lawyer before you hire them, and take them with you to make your choice with full confidence. 

#1. Can you handle my case?

This is the first question you should ask every potential lawyer because if they have no capacity to take your case on, you can immediately cross them off your shortlist. Filing a personal injury claim is time intensive, even if it’s settled before it makes it to court, so you need someone with the time and mental energy to dedicate to your cause. 

#2: What types of personal injury cases do you specialize in?

Personal injury claims are incredibly varied, so you want a lawyer with a strong understanding of the inner workings of specific laws and legal precedents set for cases similar to yours. Some injury lawyers might be excellent car accident attorneys, while others may deal mostly with workplace accidents or product liability. You might ask, “Have you handled similar cases before?” and give them the opportunity to delve into and share some relevant professional experiences and outcomes. 

Beyond asking about legal specialties, you should also ask if the injury attorney has experienced bringing cases against your particular insurance company or defendant. If they’ve already dealt with them, they may have in-depth insights that could push them to the top of your list. Get a list of successful cases they’ve won that are similar to yours and get a feel for their track record. 

#3: Do I have a case?

You might not have a viable case, so this is one of the best questions to ask your lawyer about your case. Be sure to ask every lawyer you interview this question—if it’s a resounding “no,” believe them.

If some lawyers feel your case is stronger than others, they’re likely the better fit for you. You need a legal team that believes in your case because they’ll work tirelessly and passionately to pursue a fair outcome. 

#4: What is my case worth?

Asking a few different personal injury lawyers about what your case is worth can help you build a realistic vision of your potential future settlement. While you want to choose representation that believes your case is worth fair compensation, a high number isn’t necessarily a sign of a good fit—they may be pushing hard to win you or too inexperienced to understand the challenges and realistic outcomes of cases like yours. 

Can I ask my lawyer how much my case is worth?

Yes, you can and should ask your lawyer about your case’s worth. You need to build a realistic idea of your claim’s value, and lawyers who have worked hundreds of cases will have keen insights into its potential. 

Beyond what your case is worth, look for a lawyer with a solid explanation behind those numbers. If they can apply solid reasoning and explain why they feel the case is worth a particular amount, it’s a green flag that they’re developing a convincing argument. 

#5: What do you charge?

One of the most important questions to ask attorney about settlement options is their rate. If you choose wrong, those costs could eat significantly into your payout, so don’t be afraid to outright ask, “What are your fees?”

Virtually every personal injury lawyer works on a contingency basis—they only get paid if they win you a successful outcome, and it’s usually a percentage of your settlement. While that means your lawyer’s payout increases alongside yours, it also motivates your legal representation to win the best outcomes possible. 

Look for lawyers with reasonable percentages and ask how their fees and payment schedules break down. 

#6: Does my case have any deadlines?

If your case has specific deadlines or a statute of limitations, a lawyer should understand those laws and easily outline them for you.

Ask not only about deadlines but about the likely timeline for your case. Since the legal system moves relatively slowly, most cases last over a year, with the most challenging ones spanning multiple years to a decade. You want a lawyer who will move as quickly as possible to reduce delays as much as possible. 

#7: How long have you been practicing personal injury law in Ontario?

Your lawyer should be familiar with Ontario’s legal system and have spent enough time practicing in the province to build up some decent trial experience. You’ll also want to understand the network of professionals they’ve built, like doctors and benefits consultants, to help them fight your case and advocate for your best interests. 

#8: How will you communicate throughout my case?

Even a great personal injury lawyer might not be the best lawyer for you. Everyone has different communication standards and needs, so a misalignment can quickly cause issues that affect the case outcomes and your satisfaction. 

If they’re offering too little communication or prefer channels you don’t, like videoconferencing, it may be best to find a legal team that better matches your preferences from the start. 

The Morris Law Group—Personal Injury Attorneys Near Me

Now that you know the right questions to ask, we hope you’ll consider us to represent you in your personal injury case. 

Our expert legal team at The Morris Law Group has successfully advocated for clients for 60+ years. We’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and ready to answer any question you have about the process. Request a free consultation or call us at 905-526-8080 to learn more.