If you’ve been injured due to any kind of accident or negligence, you may be unsure whether you should hire a lawyer. You may have questions, such as:
- Do I really have a legal basis for a claim?
- Who is responsible for what happened?
- Do I need a lawyer, or can I just work this out with the insurance company?
Your consultation is your chance to get these questions answers, and decide for yourself whether you want to move forward with your claim. Many people think they only need to request a consultation if they’re sure they want to file a lawsuit, but the opposite is true—you should speak to a lawyer after any accident or injury and use their guidance to decide what to do.
What is a consultation in a personal injury case?
The consultation is a short meeting, often just an hour or less, where you get professional legal advice about your injury. Traditionally the meeting is held at the lawyer’s office, but at John Foy & Associates, we will come out and meet you anywhere that is convenient for you—even at your home or the hospital. It’s also possible for the attorney to meet with loved ones, rather than the injured party directly. This is common if the victim is underage, is in a coma, or in wrongful death cases.
The objective of the meeting is simple. The lawyer wants to understand what happened in your case, and help you understand what legal options you have. They may be able to give you advice on:
- Whether the law is on your side
- The first steps you should take in your case
- How to handle calls from the insurance company
- How much claims like yours typically win
- How to get immediate medical help even if you can’t pay
- Whether you have a strong case, and how likely you are to win
They can also explain any fees you would pay if you decide to move forward. At John Foy & Associates, we do not charge victims anything unless we win you money; you pay nothing out of pocket.
Be aware that one thing your lawyer cannot do is promise you an outcome. If an attorney tells you they are 100% sure you will win, or makes a “guarantee,” seek a second opinion. No lawyer, no matter how good, can predict the outcome in trial—but an experienced lawyer can give you a good idea of what to expect.
What questions should I ask a personal injury lawyer during my consultation?
Your consultation is your chance to feel out whether you trust the attorney and whether they’re right for you. Some questions worth asking are:
- Have you taken other cases like mine? What was the outcome?
- How many years have you been practicing personal injury law?
- Do you take other types of cases, or do you specialize only in personal injury cases?
A good lawyer should have firsthand experience on cases just like yours, whether it’s a car accident case or nursing home neglect.
Have you been injured? John Foy & Associates offers a free consultation with some of the most experienced and respected personal injury lawyers in Georgia. Fill out the form to your right or call us at 404-400-4000 to get your FREE consultation today.