Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Should You Schedule a Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident or Injury?

If you’ve been injured due to an accident or negligence, it’s common to feel unsure about whether you should hire a lawyer. You might have questions like:

• Do I have a legal basis for a claim?
• Who is responsible for the incident that caused my injury?
• Do I really need a lawyer, or can I just settle this with the insurance company?

Your consultation with a lawyer is your opportunity to get answers to these questions and decide whether you should move forward with your claim. Many people think that they should only request a consultation if they’re certain they want to file a lawsuit—but that’s not the case. It’s always a good idea to speak to a lawyer after any accident or injury so that you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.

What is a Consultation in a Personal Injury Case?

A consultation is a brief meeting (usually an hour or less) where you get professional legal advice about your injury and potential claim. Traditionally, these consultations are held at the lawyer’s office, but Bert McDowell Injury Law understands that you may be dealing with a lot after an injury, so we offer the flexibility of meeting you at a location that’s most convenient for you—even at your home or the hospital.

In certain cases, such as when the victim is underage, unconscious, or in a coma, a loved one may attend the consultation instead.

The primary goal of the consultation is for the lawyer to understand what happened in your case and to help you understand your legal options. You will likely receive advice on:

• Whether the law is on your side and if you have a valid claim
• The first steps to take in your case
• How to handle communications with the insurance company
• What kind of compensation cases like yours typically win
• How to get medical help even if you can’t afford it
• The strength of your case and the likelihood of a successful outcome

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we also make it clear how our fee structure works. We operate on a no-fee-unless-you-win basis, so you pay nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we win your case.

What a Lawyer Can’t Promise

One thing you should know is that while a lawyer can offer guidance and an honest assessment of your case, they cannot promise a specific outcome. If an attorney guarantees that you will win, or promises a specific financial recovery, be cautious and seek a second opinion. No lawyer can predict with certainty how a case will unfold, but an experienced attorney will be able to give you a reasonable understanding of what you can expect.

Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

Your consultation is your opportunity to decide whether the lawyer is right for you. It’s a chance to get to know the attorney, their experience, and how they handle cases like yours. Here are a few questions that can help you assess whether a particular lawyer is the right fit:

• Have you handled cases like mine before? What was the outcome?
• How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
• Do you specialize only in personal injury cases, or do you handle other types of cases as well?

A good lawyer should have extensive experience in cases like yours, whether that’s a car accident, medical malpractice, or another personal injury case.

Have You Been Injured?

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we are here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations with some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers in Connecticut. There’s no risk and no obligation—simply fill out the form to your right or call us at 475-231-3274 to schedule your free consultation today.