The initial consultation with a Fort Collins personal injury lawyer is your opportunity to get to know the lawyer, learn about your case and get personalized legal advice that can help you move forward. It is also your chance to determine whether you should proceed with legal representation from the attorney. While every consultation is different, they all share similar goals and parts.
Review the Case
The main purpose of the initial consultation with an attorney is to evaluate the details of your situation and determine if you have a viable case. A personal injury case must be based on a legal doctrine, such as negligence or strict liability.
A lawyer will review any relevant documents you have regarding your accident and injury, listen to your story, and use legal expertise to determine whether you have a case. It is important to bring any relevant records to your meeting, such as medical documentation, photographs and a police report.
Discuss Strategy
If the lawyer believes you have a case, he or she will discuss potential strategies and inform you of your legal options moving forward. After reviewing the facts, an attorney may be able to name potential defendants or at-fault parties to give you an idea of what your claim could look like.
After an analysis, the lawyer will identify potential issues and challenges you may encounter. The lawyer will explain what steps he or she would take next should you retain the attorney’s services. Then, the attorney will give you an honest assessment of possible case outcomes so that you have a realistic idea of what to expect.
Your lawyer can explain what damages or financial compensation you may be able to recover for an idea of what your case might be worth. The lawyer’s goal is to give you the details you need to understand the main facts of your case, its merits and weaknesses, and what the journey ahead might look like.
Ask Legal Questions
You are free to ask any legal questions you may have during the consultation, so that you get the information you need to make an informed decision. The attorney can explain the legal process, including what it looks like to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company or go to trial, if necessary. The lawyer can also give you an estimate of how long your case might take.
Understand the Attorney’s Fees
The initial consultation with a Fort Collins personal injury attorney should also explain how much the attorney’s services will cost. Most personal injury attorneys in Colorado accept clients on a contingency fee basis. This means the client will not be charged for legal services unless the attorney wins the case and secures financial compensation for the victim’s losses.
If the attorney uses this payment structure, he or she should be upfront with the percentage that will be removed from your settlement or judgment award to pay the attorney’s fee. The lawyer will also go over other costs that may be involved in your case, such as hiring expert witnesses or paying to obtain records. Some lawyers cover these costs upfront and deduct them from the award won.
Make Your Decision
If the advice you get from a lawyer during an initial consultation tells you that you most likely have grounds for a personal injury case and that you would do well to hire an attorney to represent you, the final goal for the meeting is to determine if the lawyer you are talking to is the right choice for you.
Ask about the attorney’s experience, past case results, client testimonials, law firm reviews, communication style, fee structure and any other questions you may have to determine if he or she is right for your case. By the end of your consultation, you should have a clear understanding of your case and an idea of whether you wish to proceed with that particular attorney.
If you’re ready to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Fort Collins, contact Cannon Law.