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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney


hiring a personal injury attorney

If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury as a result of the careless or reckless conduct of another party, you might be eligible to recover financial compensation through a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, in many cases, injured victims struggle to get access to the full financial support that they rightfully deserve. You need a top-rated personal injury lawyer on your side. 

This raises an important question: How do you find the right personal injury attorney in Washington? The key to finding a great attorney is asking the right questions. Here is a list of five of the most important questions that you should ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer in Seattle, WA.

1. Do You Have Experience with Cases Similar to Mine?

Experience counts. You will rest far easier when you have a seasoned professional on your team. Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, be sure to ask about their previous experience. Not only do you want to find a lawyer who has represented clients in personal injury claims, but you want to look for a lawyer who has handled cases that are similar to your own. Whether you were injured in a car accident or hurt because of a dangerous and defective product, that relevant experience can make a big difference. No matter what obstacles arise in the claims process, your lawyer will know how to take action to protect your rights. 

2. Who Will Be Responsible for Handling My Case?

A successful attorney-client relationship is a partnership. You must be able to effectively communicate with your lawyer, and you need to know and trust the professional who is handling your case. Before you hire a lawyer, one of the most important questions you need to ask is “Who will be doing most of the work on my case?” Unfortunately, some national law firms take in a large number of cases and then farm them out to less experienced associates or even to partner firms. You should be able to talk directly to the attorney who is responsible for handling your case.  

3. How Much do you Think my Personal Injury Claim is Worth?

Ultimately, nothing matters more than results. If you were severely injured in an accident in Washington, you need the maximum available financial compensation so that you can pay your medical bills and support yourself. Beyond those direct costs, your non-economic damages should be fully accounted for. Under Washington law (RCW 4.56.250), injured victims are entitled to seek compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related losses. An experienced personal injury attorney should be able to provide an assessment of how much you can reasonably expect to recover. 

4. What are Your Fees and Will I be Responsible for any Legal Costs?

You should always ask a personal injury lawyer how they will be paid for their services. Great personal injury lawyers will provide a clear and comprehensible explanation of how their fees work. Do not hire a personal injury attorney if you are having a hard time understanding how much you will owe. At The Walthew Law Firm, our experienced Seattle, WA personal injury attorneys take on personal injury/negligence claims on contingency. With a contingency agreement in place, our clients never pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. We only get paid when we win or settle your case.  

5. Do You Offer a Free Initial Consultation?

Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, it is recommended that you sit down for a consultation. 

During a free consultation, you will have an opportunity to ask specific questions to a personal injury lawyer, including their professional background, their style, their strategy, and your case. Come prepared for your consultation with all the questions you have about your legal rights and your legal options. A consultation is your chance to make sure that you are truly hiring the right lawyer. 

Schedule Your Free Personal Injury Consultation Today

At The Walthew Law Firm, our Washington on-the-job injury lawyers are skilled, experienced advocates for plaintiffs. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident, we are ready to help. To request a free, no-obligation review of your personal injury case, please contact our personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers now. From our offices in Seattle and Everett, we represent injured victims throughout the region, including Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma, and Federal Way. 

Call us today.
Offices in Seattle and Everett.

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206-623-5311

Mailing Address
PO Box 34645
Seattle, WA 98124-1645
*Packages and overnight deliveries should be shipped to the Seattle physical address.

Seattle Office
3000 1st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121

Everett Office
2906 Colby Ave | Suite 101
Everett, WA 98201

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