Did you suffer an injury because someone was reckless, negligent, or careless in Des Moines? You may have a personal injury claim. The sole purpose of such claims is to recover financial compensation, and in order to recover that, you should have evidence of the other party’s fault. You also need to establish that they had a “duty of care”, which they have breached. The process is complex, time-consuming, and involves keeping up with Iowa state laws, and you cannot expect to manage everything alone. Law firms like The Baer Law Office are there to offer the required support, and if you are meeting an injury lawyer for the first time, consider these tips.
Schedule a personal meeting
You don’t have to pay an attorney for the first meeting, and that is a good reason to schedule the appointment. While many lawyers may want to listen to your case online or over a call, you should insist on a personal consultation, where you get to meet them and understand their approach and work profile.
Go prepared
One of the first things that an injury lawyer will do is evaluate your case. Their job is to figure out whether you have a claim and, if you do, what damages you can recover. It is always better to take everything that’s relevant for the case. The list includes details of the at-fault parties, pictures and videos of the accident scene and your injuries (if you have them), and your medical records. The more details you furnish, the more accurate would be the initial assessment.
Ask questions
Besides getting an overview of your claim, the first consultation is also a great opportunity to interview the attorney. Make a list of questions that will help you understand them better, and you can ask things like –
- Is your practice mostly concentrated in Des Moines?
- How many years of experience do you have in personal injury claims?
- What sort of claims and cases do you usually handle?
- What is your current caseload like? Are you available?
- How often do you encounter cases like mine?
- Can you educate me on Iowa laws?
- What are the dos and don’ts I need to follow?
These are some simple but essential aspects that are worth knowing. A capable lawyer is someone who will make time to ensure you are aware of every detail that matters for your case.
Discuss the case expenses
Your personal injury lawyer in Des Moines will usually work on contingency. The arrangement is entirely based on whether you recover compensation, and if you do, the lawyer gets a share. You should ask about the contingency fee in advance, which could range from 25% to 50%, depending on the complexities of the case. There are also other usual expenses that you need to pay for, such as the cost of investigation, and the lawyer should inform you or at least give a ballpark figure.
Be honest
One of the usual mistakes that many claimants make is to hide facts from their attorneys. If you don’t share the aspects that can influence the case, you could be in a bigger mess later. Also, your lawyer will investigate the case, which means they will find evidence, and if you were partly responsible for the mishap that led to your injury, your claim could be rejected. Ensure you maintain transparency about all aspects.
Find a local personal injury lawyer in Des Moines as soon as you are hurt, as they will have more time to find details that are otherwise hard to find later.
