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How to Choose the Right Attorney

If you have been injured, you have a right to consult with an attorney. But which one? The choices can be confusing. Here are some important questions to ask. The answers can help you hire the attorney who can represent you best and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Does the relationship feel right?
Your attorney should be someone you can talk to openly and honestly, not just a lawyer in a fancy office. Do you feel comfortable with this l person? Is he or she responsive to your concerns? Does your attorney understand s what you are going through? Is he or she someone you will be able to work closely with during this difficult time? If the answer to any of these questions is "no," you should probably look for another attorney.

Who will be representing me?
You need to understand exactly who will be handling your case. Is it the person talking to you now? Is it the top person in the firm-or someone way down the line? Be aware that attorneys may refer injury cases to other firms in return for a fee. Ask your attorney whether he is planning to handle your case himself or refer it to someone else.

Is this the right type of case?
You should find out early on if this is the kind of case the attorney normally handles. Some attorneys handle all types of problems--everything from divorces to real estate and business litigation. In your situation, you want a specialist: someone who concentrates on injury cases. Not only that, you want to make sure your attorney has had extensive experience with cases like yours, whether it's an auto accident, slip and fall or professional negligence.

How committed is my attorney?
Will your attorney take your case "all the way?" Many attorneys don't actually go into court, preferring to hire someone else to take on this tough job. If your case ends up going to trial, will your attorney be there to represent you? Has he or she actually tried important cases before juries?

Does the attorney seem genuinely interested in your case? Is your case going to be important or is it going to be just another file folder?

Above all, is the attorney someone you feel you can trust? Someone who will be honest with you? Be careful if an attorney starts telling you how much your case is worth or how quickly he can get you a settlement before he has learned all of the facts from you and the other parties concerned.

How much will it cost?
You should ask at the start how the attorney charges. Is there a charge to meet or talk with the attorney before you agree to have him handle your case? Will there be any other fees later on? Will you owe the attorney any money if you don't win a jury verdict or insurance settlement?

Most lawyers handle injury cases on what is called a contingent fee basis, usually one-third of the amount recovered. In addition, reputable personal injury lawyers advance the costs of preparing the case. Costs are usually deducted from the client's portion of the settlement at the end of the case. Because the attorney hopes to recover these costs as well as the contingent fee, he should be willing to advance any amounts needed to fully prepare your case. Make sure your attorney is willing to advance these costs and that he has explained exactly how he proposes to charge.

Call us before you choose
Choosing an attorney to handle your injury case is one of the most important decisions you can make. We strongly encourage you to talk to several attorneys before you decide which one is right for you.

If you have any questions or simply want to talk about this important decision, please feel free to call us. There is never any charge to talk.

Michael R. Panter & Associates
30 N. LaSalle Street
Suite 1524
Chicago, IL 60602

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