What Happens When First Meet with a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Approximately 40 million doctor office visits per year in the United States are due to unintentional injuries, according to the CDC. Granted, not all of these injuries are the result of somebody else’s negligence. For the ones that are, however, an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney may be necessary. If this is a step you are getting ready to take, let’s talk about what you can expect during your first meeting with a lawyer.
An Assessment of Your Situation
The first step a personal injury lawyer typically takes during an initial consultation is to ask about the particulars of the situation. This is when you’ll be asked to discuss the who, what, when, where, and why of your injury. Get the most from your discussion with a lawyer by providing as many details as possible. In order to develop a better understanding of what happened, you’ll likely be asked several questions in a respectful manner. Realize such questions are being asked to gain a better understanding of your situation so the most appropriate advice and assistance can be offered.
A Clear Explanation of Your Legal Options
During your initial consultation, also expect an experienced personal injury attorney to clearly explain your possible legal options. An attorney should be able to walk you through each one step-by-step so you can develop a better understanding of the pros and cons of each potential option.
A Clarification of Your Role in Your Case
A seasoned lawyer will take many steps on your behalf. Even so, you also play an equally important role in the potential outcome of your case. Therefore, at your first consultation with an attorney, you’ll likely be told what things you should be doing on your end as your case advances. With personal injury cases, this often means:
- Following medical advice
- Not missing any scheduled doctors’ appointments
- Being truthful and transparent about the facts related to your case
What Happens Next?
Assuming you have a valid case, a personal injury attorney in Illinois typically makes an effort to achieve your desired goals with your case as it moves forward. To do this, it’s common to establish a communication schedule or routine that works best for you and the attorney handling your case. It’s important to do this to keep everyone involved on the same page. A personal injury lawyer can also ensure you don’t miss important deadlines or overlook filing requirements, which can provide added peace of mind as you recover.
