When you’re injured, the last thing you need is more stress. You’re already tackling medical bills, battling your employer and insurance carrier, and dealing with serious pain.

A personal injury attorney can help you explore your legal options if you’re thinking of suing. But finding the right attorney can be as challenging as dealing with doctors or unemployment.

Partnering with the right legal firm requires you to ask the right questions. So what should you be sure to ask? Keep reading to find out how you can discover the best right attorney for your needs!

1. What is Your Experience Level?

Your case is too important to leave up to inexperience. During your initial consultation, get a feel for your potential personal injury attorney’s level of expertise in their field.

Ideally, you’ll want a lawyer with years of experience trying personal injury cases. The more experience they have, the better they can navigate the court system.

Likewise, make sure they’ve handled personal injury cases in your specific area. Different regions have different rules that could affect the outcome of your case. Your lawyer needs to know your state’s laws in and out.

2. Why Are You the Best Person for the Case?

Data shows that there are around 93,000 practicing personal injury attorneys in the United States. Finding the right personal injury attorney is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Treat your consultation like a job interview. Make sure they believe they’re the best candidate for the job — and have them back it up.

Ask about past cases they’ve tried, as well as any awards they may have received.

3. What is Your Fee Structure?

You’re already up to your neck in medical bills. The potential of adding attorney fees to the stack can seem downright nauseating.

Before you sign any contracts, speak with your prospective lawyer about their fee structure. Generally speaking, there are three types of fees:

• Contingency fees
• Hourly fees
• Flat fees

Some attorneys may also charge for consultations, though most offer free first-time meetings as a courtesy.

4. What Happens if We Lose the Case?

Suffice to say, your lawyer will do their best to make sure your case goes well. But sometimes the court just won’t side in your favor.

In these instances, you’ll need to know what your lawyer expects of you.

Some firms, like the office of Sweet James, have a strict policy that you only pay if they win your case. This feature alone takes a ton of pressure off of you as a client.

Other firms, however, may still require financial compensation if the case is lost.

What to Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney

Finding a personal injury attorney can be a painstaking process, but it’s an important one all the same. Make sure you follow these steps to find a lawyer that’s willing to fight for you and help you get the damages you’re owed.

Looking for more tips on finding a lawyer? Check out the rest of our legal section for even more advice you can use to find the perfect fit.