Following an injury, you already know to avoid the mistake of accepting the first offer from an insurance company, as they typically undervalue your pain and suffering.
Victims and their families may want to file a personal injury suit to secure civil justice and compensation to recover and heal. This requires finding the right lawyer for your case, which is a significant undertaking, since there are several qualified injury lawyers in North Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Nearly all offer a complimentary initial consultation.
But which one is right for you? Let’s discuss what to expect ahead of this critical one hour.
Introductions and Document Review
The consultation begins with introductions and a summary of the attorney's qualifications. You are welcome to ask about their track record and experience. Likewise, you may need to share some personal background and details concerning the injury. Information regarding the site of the injury, received medical treatments, and the effects of the injury on your physical, mental, and financial well-being may also be discussed.
Bring supporting documents to the meeting. Medical reports, incident documentation, communications with insurance firms, and even your records all help provide the TN or North Georgia injury lawyer with a more comprehensive grasp of your circumstances.
A Practical Outlook
Once the TN or North Georgia injury lawyer understands your situation, he or she can pair their legal knowledge with options for your case. They will know if laws were broken, what precedent applies and if you could seek adequate compensation. Their experience will also provide insight into where the case would be heard – as some counties are more empathic to plaintiffs than others – influencing whether the suit could result in a favorable resolution.
Understanding the Damages
Injury cases often involve seeking compensation for costs you have or are likely to incur, such as healthcare treatment, lost or reduced wages, and pain and suffering. The lawyer will work with you to assess the value of the claim and determine the best course of action.
Similarly, if yours is a wrongful death claim, the lawyer should know how to estimate the value of the life of your loved one. Damages in these survival actions include compensation for funeral, medical, and other expenses as well as pain and suffering the decedent incurred between the time of their accident and death.
The Legal Process Checklist
The lawyer will also detail a sequence of events when pursuing a personal injury suit, from due dates for filing the claim and the various stages of litigation. They will also manage your expectations on the length of the case and the possible results.
Relationship and Fee Structure
Most lawyers specializing in personal injury cases operate on a contingency fee structure, in which they only receive payment if a settlement or judgment is awarded in your favor. In your initial meeting, the attorney will clarify their fee arrangement and discuss any potential expenses related to advancing your case. They may also present various payment methods and any charges for which you might be liable, such as fees for court filing or expert testimony.
The initial meeting also provides an opportunity for you to assess your comfort level with the attorney and determine if he or she is suitable for handling your case. The attorney will use this meeting to analyze the strengths of your case and ascertain whether they can effectively represent you.
You do not need to commit to any relationship based on this first consultation. You can meet with other lawyers as well, just as you might want a second opinion from another doctor if you were ill.
Your GA/TN Injury Lawyer
Ultimately, you want a lawyer who is compassionate, patient and knowledgeable. Pritchard Injury Firmunderstands the immense responsibility of accepting a case, and we have secured millions of dollars on behalf of injured victims and their families. We put ourselves in your shoes, to give you the legal advice you need and pursue the best possible outcome.
While we handle your case with skill, we dedicate ourselves to you as our client – you are more than just a case number, and we treat you as such.
Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.