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What Do You Have To Lose?
By
David Day |
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When you suffer an injury and are not sure whether you have the basis for a
personal injury case, does it pay to consult with a lawyer about the matter? Yes,
because in most cases, lawyers do not charge for initial consultations. Thus,
injury victims may often avail themselves of free legal advice that may lead
to a collection of damages. Lawyers usually take personal injury cases on a
contingency fee basis. Therefore, while the plaintiff must assume the cost
and expenses of litigation (such as the cost of filing a complaint), the
lawyer's fee will come out of the money that he or she expects to receive
from winning the case.
According to at lease one (RAND Institute) study, accident victims received
more money as compensation for their injuries when represented by a lawyer
(even after the lawyer was paid) than when they represented themselves.
In my opinion, most lawyers will be up front about the likelihood of success
or failure in a personal injury case and should discuss the good points and
the bad points of every claim. Be wary of any attorney who is willing to
"guarantee" a result. Surprises or unexpected turns of events
invariable surface during the handling of most claims. Because many attorneys
only take personal injury claims on a contingent fee basis, they will not
agree to represent a client unless in their opinion there is a likelihood of
recovery.
If you are in doubt, contact your attorney and discuss what has happened in
your case. |
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