As an entrepreneur, you constantly seek ways to build your business and increase your earning power and potential. Like anyone, you face challenges due to economic factors. Market conditions can affect your entrepreneurial success and opportunities. In addition, if you are injured in an accident, you could face not only physical and emotional difficulties but economic ones as well. An injury could hamper your work and hinder your finances, too.
The good news is that in the aftermath of an accident, help is available to recover damages. Speaking to an injury attorney is a good first step so you can discuss your options and compensation that may be available to you. A consultation with an experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and knowing what to expect from your case. To maximize your time with the lawyer, you can prepare essential questions for your lawyer meeting. As you come to your consultation with these questions, you can have peace of mind and move forward with more hope and confidence.
Table of Contents
What Is Your Experience and Background With Injury Cases?
The first question you will want to ask will address whether the lawyer you are meeting is the right one to take your case. In your entrepreneurial mindset, you have not hesitated to be bold and confront difficult issues. In your consultation with a lawyer, you want to make sure the person is equipped to handle your case and help get you the compensation you deserve.
In your meeting, ask about the lawyer’s qualifications, including how long he or she has been practicing and how long his or her focus has been on injury cases. Ask about specific cases the lawyer has handled recently and what the results were. You will want to choose someone who has represented clients with situations similar to yours.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve the Case
Unfortunately, some injury cases can drag on. The time frame can depend on several factors, including how complex your case is, how severe your injuries are, and how many people were involved in the accident. Still, it’s helpful to have an estimate of how long your case will take. While your lawyer won’t be able to guarantee that your case will settle by an exact time, an experienced attorney should be able to give you an accurate ballpark of what you should expect.
Timing is crucial in a personal injury case, and the faster you can get a settlement, the better. During this time, your medical bills may continue to pile up, and you may be unable to work. Resolving the case as quickly as possible can help you avoid more stress and financial strain.
What Fees Do You Charge? How Much Will My Case Cost Me?
Hiring a lawyer requires a financial commitment. Lawyers charge different amounts for representing clients. Your costs will vary due to several factors. For example, more experienced lawyers will charge more than those who have just started practicing. Lawyers who work for large firms will also require bigger fees than those who work for smaller firms. The same is true for lawyers in larger cities versus those who practice in rural areas. In addition, the nature of your case will largely determine how much you ultimately pay your lawyer.
Some attorneys charge a flat fee for their services, meaning you will pay a fixed amount regardless of the outcome. However, many work on a contingency basis. In this model, the attorney will take a certain percentage of your settlement payout if you win your case. The percentage is typically somewhere around 30%. If you lose your case, you owe the attorney nothing. In a consultation, it’s important to ask whether the lawyer charges a contingent fee or a flat fee.
How Much Can I Get for My Settlement
First, you should understand that you are not automatically assured of receiving any compensation for your injury case. To get the outcome you want and win your case, your lawyer will have to prove that another party was responsible for your injuries. To do this, your lawyer will need to show that this person was negligent or deliberately caused the accident and your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, this can be a difficult task. However, in other injury cases, it is much more obvious and easier to prove.
You should ask your lawyer in your consultation how much money you could receive for your claims. The lawyer will be unable to give you an exact, definitive amount. But based on your case and what similar ones have paid out in settlements, your lawyer should be able to provide you with some helpful information. Your lawyer will also explain the types of damages you can seek. For example, if you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills you have paid, including hospital stays, doctor’s office visits, medication, surgeries, treatment, medical equipment, and rehab. You can also seek damages for lost income, future lost income, and property damage.
On average, half of all personal injury victims who successfully sue for damages receive over $24,000. The median award in the U.S. for injury cases is $31,000, though this is less in auto accidents: $16,000. If you are injured due to medical malpractice, the compensation is usually significantly higher. The average award for medical malpractice lawsuits is just under $680,000. Your lawyer can give you an idea of how much your settlement award will be if you win your case. This can help you pay your medical bills and assist you through your recovery.
Being injured in an accident as an entrepreneur can affect your business and quality of life. The consequence might hamper your business-building and other plans. However, an injury attorney can guide you through the process of seeking damages in a lawsuit. Having certain questions for your lawyer in your first meeting can give you the answers and direction to move forward.
