If you’ve just had an accident or suffered from an injury or illness, then you might be entitled to lodge a compensation claim. However, choosing the right lawyer for your case can be difficult if you don’t know what you are looking for. To help simplify this process here are 5 questions to ask before choosing a compensation lawyer:
Do I have a case?
Before you get into the nitty-gritty of settling on a lawyer and pursuing your case, you should first find out whether you are entitled to compensation. Many lawyers offer free initial advice for clients looking to figure out whether they should pursue a compensation claim. Calling your potential lawyer can give you a good feel for how they work and allow you to lay out the facts of your case. Once your lawyer has heard the details of the incident, a good lawyer should be able to tell you whether there are any grounds for a compensation claim.
Once you are sure that you have something you can pursue, you can then start to ask questions more specific to the lawyer’s experience and services.
What is your expertise in compensation law?
There are many different lawyers out there, all experienced in different aspects of the law. If you are looking to lodge a compensation claim, then you need to find an experienced compensation lawyer to take up your case and help maximise your chances of success. Questions you should ask include:
What area of compensation law do you specialise in?
Even within compensation law, there are many different types of specialists. Depending on whether you are pursuing a motor accident, workers compensation, public liability or medical negligence claim, finding a firm that has specialists in these areas can help boost the likelihood of a successful case and the entitlements that come with it.
Are you an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law?
Compensation law requires specialist expertise and in-depth knowledge of the field, which is why you should find a lawyer that is an accredited specialist in personal injury law. This ensures that they have proven themselves in the field and have the skills to look after your case.
What are your legal fees and how are they paid?
Once you know you have a case and have found a lawyer you like you should then check how their fees are structured. Often the best option is to find a compensation lawyer that works on a no win no fee basis. This means that if you do not win your case then you do not have to pay for the legal fees incurred during the process. This means that you can pursue your claim without the risk of a big bill at the end of it if you don’t win.
Can you provide examples of successful claims you’ve lodged in the past?
If your lawyer can provide examples of successful claims they have pursued in the past, it can give you an idea of their experience and success rate. Acting in a case that was similar to yours can help assure you that they understand the kind of claim you are looking to make and have the expertise to succeed.
How can I maximise my chances of success?
Finally, you should ask your lawyer what you can do from day one to maximise your chances of success. This will allow you to start taking action immediately, which is often critical to the outcome of your claim.