Personal injury lawsuits often burden people with their length and emotional toll. To begin the lawsuit process, take the first step by scheduling a consultation with an attorney.
Make sure not to delay scheduling this appointment, as meeting the statute of limitations requirement is crucial. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date that the incident occurred. The majority of personal injury law firms, including Chris Baldwin Law, offer free consultations. During the initial consultation, you’ll provide the attorney with an abundance of valuable information pertaining to what is going on so the attorney can determine if you have a valid case or not. The consultation not only gives the attorney insight into the matter in question but also provides you with the opportunity to decide whether or not you want to hire that specific attorney.
What to Expect
What can you expect to happen during this initial consultation? During this meeting the attorney will most likely ask for some of your personal information which will include things such as your full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, etc. This is also the time you will need to explain to the attorney when the incident occurred, how it occurred, and how it has affected you and your daily life. It’s important to be as detailed as possible. Be fully transparent and honest when explaining the chain of events and how they occurred.
The attorney should also discuss with you how much it’ll cost for you to be represented by them. In most personal injury cases, you can expect to be charged on a contingency fee basis, which is usually between 30-45% of the total amount that you recover from the claim. To put it simply, with a contingency fee, the attorney doesn’t get paid unless you get paid.
While having to spend 30-45% of the overall compensation that you receive on attorney fees seems like a lot, don’t let the contingency percentage scare you. Most attorney’s, including Chris Baldwin, are skilled in negotiating. Chris Baldwin holds a master’s degree in advocacy and dispute resolution which focuses on mediation and negotiation. What that means to you as a client is the attorney will be able to negotiate a higher settlement award to help compensate for the contingency fee. The attorney’s goal is always to try and make the client whole even after the attorney’s fees are taken out.
Things You Can Do to Prepare Yourself
You want to be prepared before walking into your consultation. For this you’ll need all the information needed for the attorney to get the ball rolling. While meeting with an attorney for the first time can be rather frightening, there are a few things that you can do to help prepare yourself for this meeting:
Create a journal
A lot can happen in a short amount of time when dealing with personal injury cases. To make it easier it may be a good idea to keep a journal of important dates and information, as people tend to easily forget things when we’re feeling stressed. In this journal, you can keep track of everything from the dates you had medical appointments, the names of the doctors you were treated by, the type of treatments you received, and any work time or wages that were lost.
Gather documents
Keep all the documents you received regarding the incident, this can include anything from police reports, medical records, bills, letters, photos, etc. Any documents you’re able to present to your attorney can assist in speeding the process of your case. Typically attorneys have to request the documents and wait for facilities to turn over the records.
List of questions
As you wait for your consultation date to arrive, you should use this time to think of any questions you may want to ask your attorney. These questions could be questions about their practice and experience or something regarding your case in particular. As questions come to mind, take the time to write them down, bring this list of questions to the consultation with you.
What will happen during the consultation?
The attorney may also have you sign a few papers and provide copies of certain documents that they’ll need to obtain further information. Some of the documents that will need to be signed may include:
HIPAA Form
A HIPAA form is document that allows your attorney to obtain confidential information such as medical records.
Driver’s License and Health Insurance Information
Similar to the HIPAA form, in order to obtain your personal information such as medical records and subrogation, your lawyer will also need to send in a copy of these documents.
Auto Insurance Information
If your personal injury case involves an automobile accident, your attorney will also need a copy of your auto insurance cards and coverage.
Contract
During the consultation, the attorney may need time for research, particularly in medical malpractice cases. If further review is necessary, they’ll schedule another appointment to discuss findings. If they believe you have a valid case and you agree to hire them, you might sign an attorney engagement contract at the first consultation.
Conclusion
Engaging in a personal injury case can pose emotional, physical, and mental challenges, but don’t let fear or stress prevent you from consulting with an attorney. Scheduling the consultation may seem daunting, but you’ll feel much more at ease once you actually meet with your attorney and are able to discuss the matter with them.
If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for any losses you’ve suffered. A good attorney will ensure you receive the maximum amount possible for your case while walking with you every step of the way.
This article is not to be considered as legal advice. If you’ve been injured, don’t hesitate to call Chris Baldwin law. We handle personal injury cases and offer free consultations. Chris will walk with you every step of the way. Click Here to schedule your free consultation. You can also schedule your free consultation simply by calling us at 334-863-4555.
To learn more, check out our article “The Simple Steps You Must Take After a Car Accident.” This article addresses simple steps you must take after a car accident to protect yourself financially…and why those simple steps are often overlooked.
Chris Baldwin Law
Injured in Alabama? Get the justice you deserve with Chris Baldwin Law!
Been in an accident? Hurt at work?
Don’t suffer in silence! Fight for the compensation you deserve!
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, you know that dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and lost wages can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in! At Chris Baldwin Law, we specialize in helping Alabama’s injured residents fight for the justice they deserve. We’re the team you need in your corner.
Why Choose Us?
- No Win, No Fee: We work on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case. You can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights.
- Personalized Service: We treat every client like family. Our team will be with you every step of the way, providing expert guidance and support.
- Local Expertise: As an Alabama native, Chris knows the ins and outs of the state’s legal system, ensuring you get the best possible representation.
Our Services Include:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Defective Products
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Wrongful Death
Don’t let your injury hold you back any longer. Get the compensation you deserve and start rebuilding your life today!
Contact us now for a FREE, no-obligation consultation: Click Here to schedule your free consultation. You can also schedule your free consultation simply by calling us at 334-863-4555.
Chris Baldwin Law
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No representation is made that the quality of legal services is greater than those performed by other attorneys.