If you have been injured in an accident that may have been caused by another party, personal injury solicitors can explain the applicable process. This guide to questions to ask a solicitor outlines matters such as experience, communication and costs information.
A personal injury claim can be filed when you find yourself hurt or injured because someone else was negligent or careless about fulfilling their responsibilities towards you. Deciding whether to make a claim or not is no trivial affair – if you’re successful, the compensation you’re awarded could help you get the right medical help and make good on any other loss, damage or impact the accident’s caused to your life and your property.
Here are some reasons why someone may seek advice from a personal injury solicitor.
How a solicitor can assess evidence and loss
Any proposed settlement should be considered in light of the medical evidence, liability, causation and the heads of loss relevant to the individual matter. A solicitor can explain those factors and advise on the proposal.
An experienced personal injury solicitor can identify and present relevant evidence, communicate with the other parties and advise on any settlement proposal. The value and outcome of a claim depend on its individual facts.
They’re prepared to go to trial if required
Believe it or not, not all solicitors have sufficient experience in resolving cases in court. Some of them may have never experienced this eventuality. Yes, most solicitors will be able to tell you if they think that you have a straightforward case, and they’ll fight hard to avoid the inconvenience, stress and expense of a formal trial. But when it comes to personal injury cases, even some of the simplest appearing cases can result in complications and taking the case to court may be the only way to have the matter resolved to all parties’ satisfaction.
A solicitor can advise on negotiation and, where necessary, prepare a matter for court. Whether court proceedings are required depends on the circumstances and cannot be predicted at the outset.
How a solicitor can assist with case management
Personal injury claims often take a good length of time to resolve. As the injured party, such delays can prove taxing and extremely stressful, especially if you’re still recovering from your injuries. Instead of being able to take it easy or receive the appropriate medical treatment to enhance your recovery, you might find yourself in a worse position while waiting for a resolution to the case.
Every claim has its own facts, evidence and procedural issues, so the time required to resolve it cannot be promised. A solicitor can explain the steps involved, identify information needed from the client and keep the matter under review as it progresses.
Your questions will be answered
There are many technicalities involved in every case, and the law can sometimes be confusing if you have little to no legal background. But this is your case, and it’s your right to know everything that’s going on.
Good solicitors will make sure that they explain things to you clearly and answer all your questions. They want you to make well-informed decisions instead of deciding on your behalf without explaining anything to you. They will keep you updated on the progress of your case, so you understand what they’re doing, when and why.
Lalloo Solicitors are highly experienced personal injury solicitors in Ireland. We believe in giving our clients personal attention, ensuring that we keep them involved every step of the way and giving them all the information they need to make good decisions. It’s that personal attention and open communication that allows us to use all our resources to win your case.
Call Lalloo Solicitors at +01 6641800 to find out how we can help you with your personal injury claim. You can email us at info@injured.ie or fill in our contact form at https://injured.ie/contact/.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should you hire a personal injury lawyer?
A personal injury solicitor can explain the applicable procedure, identify relevant evidence, communicate with the other parties and represent the client in court where required. The outcome depends on the individual facts and cannot be guaranteed.
How are solicitor fees explained in a personal injury matter?
Legal costs are not calculated as a specified percentage or proportion of an award or settlement in contentious business. The solicitor should provide written costs information explaining the basis of professional fees, VAT, anticipated outlays and circumstances in which another party’s costs may arise. For general information, read about legal costs in personal injury matters.
How do I choose a personal injury solicitor in Ireland?
Here are some matters to consider when choosing a personal injury solicitor in Ireland:
- Ask for reviews and recommendations from friends, family or your wider network.
- Look for a firm’s accreditations.
- Expect clarity in their terms of service.
- Ask for proof of expertise and experience.
- Check the firm’s payment terms.
What does a personal injury lawyer do in Ireland?
Personal injury solicitors provide advice and representation where physical or psychological injury may have resulted from another party’s negligence. A solicitor can review liability, causation and the available evidence and explain the applicable process.
What does personal injury include?
‘Personal injury’ covers any injury sustained in accidents. These injuries may be caused by slip, trip and fall incidents, car accidents, accidents at work, medical negligence, or defective products. Injuries may be physical or psychological and must have necessitated medical attention if you wish to make a claim against the party responsible for the accident.
What kind of cases do personal injury lawyers handle?
Personal injuries can cause pain, distress and financial loss, affecting work, family and social life. Below are examples of matters on which a personal injury solicitor may advise:
- Accidents on public or private property.
- Road accidents.
- Injury caused by faulty products.
- Medical malpractice.
- Accidents at work.
- Sexual assault.
Tips For Choosing A Personal Injury Attorney
Here are some points to consider when choosing a solicitor:
- Consider experience. Ask about experience of matters like yours.
- Check reputation. Review independent feedback and ask how the matter will be managed.
- Ask about specialisation. Ask whether the solicitor handles the relevant area of personal injury law.
A Brief Guide To The Personal Injury Claims Process
The time required to resolve a matter depends on the injury, the available evidence, whether liability is disputed and the procedure involved. Ask the solicitor how the matter will be managed and request updates as it progresses; no completion date or settlement can be guaranteed.
Documents You Need When Working With A Personal Injury Attorney
When working with a personal injury lawyer, you may be asked to provide the following documents and information:
- Dates of the accident and injury.
- Medical bills.
- Your medical notes.
- Reports on your condition.
- Emergency room information.
- Copies of written statements from witnesses to the accident.
- Any correspondence from your employer or insurance company.
- Police accident reports.
Ways To Negotiate Personal Injury Lawyer Fees
The following questions can help clarify legal costs before you instruct a solicitor:
- Ask for written costs information. Request the written notice explaining professional fees, VAT, anticipated outlays and circumstances in which another party’s costs may arise.
- Clarify the basis of calculation. Legal costs in contentious business cannot be calculated as a specified percentage or proportion of an award or settlement.
- Ask questions. Seek clarification of any term you do not understand and retain the written information and agreement.
If you have any questions about making a personal injury claim or our experience in handling this area of the law, Lalloo Solicitors is more than willing to make an appointment at a time that suits you. Feel free to call us if you have any questions or want to discuss making a claim.
