Questions To Ask a Lawyer: Legal Answers at Your Fingertips
Have you been involved in an accident or employment-related issue? If so, chances are that you have many questions to ask a lawyer, from the cost of working with legal counsel to what sort of compensation you can expect to receive. An experienced attorney can provide the answer to your legal questions and guide you through the process.
Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free legal consultation with an experienced attorney in our network. During this consultation, you’ll be able to ask a lawyer about whatever legal questions are on your mind.
To learn more about what to ask a lawyer, and various other basic aspects of moving forward with your dispute, keep reading!
Preparing for Your Initial Consultation
Before your initial consultation, try to come prepared. Start by gathering all relevant documents and information related to your civil legal issue. This could include any correspondence, contracts, or evidence that supports your case. Having these documents on hand will help the attorney understand your situation more quickly and provide accurate advice.
Make a list of questions you want to ask the attorney.
Be prepared to provide some personal and financial information. This will help the attorney get a complete picture of your situation and offer tailored advice. During the consultation, take notes to ensure you remember important details and follow-up actions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification on any points you don’t understand.
Remember to be respectful of the attorney’s time and expertise. Providing feedback on the consultation process can also be beneficial, as it helps the attorney understand your needs better.
What should I ask a lawyer about when I’m in my initial consultation?
In your initial consultation, we encourage you to discuss anything and everything that is relevant to the dispute, and to the attorney-client relationship that you’re evaluating whether to enter. Lawyers respond to legal questions during consultations, making it easier for you to get real-time answers.
Consider the following:
- Talk about the factual details of your accident or employment-related issue. If you’ve been discriminated against in the workplace, for example, explain the narrative behind the discrimination issue and introduce the context surrounding the incident.
- Talk about the losses that you suffered as a result of the defendant’s actions.
- Tell the attorney about anything you may have done to contribute to your own losses or to incite the event at issue in your dispute.
- Address whether you have already spoken to an attorney about your case.
- Evaluate whether the attorney is experienced in handling cases like yours.
- Determine whether your claims are legally actionable and worth pursuing.
- And more
The response provided by the lawyer during the consultation will help you understand the viability of your case and the next steps to take.
What sort of compensation should I expect to receive through my lawsuit?
No case is a “guarantee” when it comes to compensation, and lawyers play a crucial role in navigating these uncertainties. That being said, you should be aware of what sort of compensation you could potentially be entitled to. Legal compensation is meant to cover the losses that you sustained as a result of the defendant’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Claimable losses are varied, and may include the following:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of property
- Healthcare expenses (i.e., medical bills for whatever medical treatment you received to deal with your injuries, supported by your various medical records)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- And more
Damages can vary from case-to-case, as your losses are unique to you and your particular circumstances. Discuss the possibilities with your attorney, as they will be building out your damages claim based on the available evidence.
How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?
Civil legal claims have a statute of limitations deadline period that applies. If you do not file a lawsuit within this deadline period, courts will automatically dismiss the relevant claims on the basis that you have abandoned or relinquished them. This could prevent you from securing any compensation for your injuries.
To avoid this situation, it’s important to pursue your legal claims in a timely manner. How much time you have depends on the state law that applies to your case, as well as the particular claims involved. For example, in California, the statute of limitations period for a standard negligence-based injury claim is two years from the date of injury — which is a fairly short time period!
Given the severe consequences of a delay, we encourage you to get in touch with an attorney who can push forward with the legal process in a timely manner.
Is it expensive to hire an attorney to represent me?
There is often a perception that hiring an attorney is only the purview of the wealthy. In reality, however, most plaintiffs’ attorneys who handle disputes in personal injury and employment law work on a contingency fee basis.
That means that they generally don’t cost anything upfront or out-of-pocket. Instead, they offer legal representation in exchange for a percentage cut of the compensation they’re able to secure on your behalf. This can range from 25 percent to 40 percent or more.
This reduces the “risk burden” of pursuing your legal claims considerably, as you won’t have any attorney fees if you “lose” your case and don’t get compensated. In other words, you only have to pay if you “win” compensation. That creates a very favorable dynamic for you as the client.
Getting the Most Out of Your Lawyer Consultation
To maximize the benefits of your lawyer consultation, it’s important to be open and honest about your situation and goals. Transparency will enable the attorney to provide the best possible advice. Ask questions and seek clarification on any points you don’t understand. Don’t be afraid to ask for examples or explanations to ensure you fully grasp the information being shared.
Take an active role in the consultation. Rather than just listening to the attorney’s advice, engage in the conversation by asking questions and providing additional information. Consider bringing a friend or family member for support and to help take notes.
Be prepared to discuss potential next steps and follow-up actions. Ask the attorney to outline their recommendations and timeline. It’s also important to discuss the costs and fees associated with the attorney’s services. Be clear about your budget and expectations to avoid any surprises later on.
After the consultation, follow up with the attorney to confirm any agreements or actions discussed. This is also a good time to ask any additional questions that may have arisen since your meeting. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you get the most out of your lawyer consultation and move forward with confidence.
Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a Free Legal Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an accident, or have been subjected to unlawful conduct in the workplace, then you could be entitled to sue for compensation under the law. Navigating the legal dispute process can feel overwhelming and confusing, however, especially for those who have never been involved in litigation before. That’s why it’s important to consult a qualified attorney for professional legal guidance.
Contact 1-800-THE-LAW2 for a free legal consultation with an experienced local attorney in our network. During this initial free legal consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your case and learn more about your strategic options and next steps. So pick up the phone and call us today to get started with a free case evaluation so that you can have your questions answered!
We look forward to assisting you.
