Did you suffer severe injuries in a car crash in Des Moines? Are you a victim of a product defect? Did the neighbor’s unruly dog bite you? Are you dealing with the consequences of medical malpractice? These are some of the usual situations when you will need the expertise of an attorney. Victims often assume they can recover a settlement easily from the other party or insurance companies because they are the ones who have suffered. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world, and getting compensated for injuries caused by others is a tough job. You need to find a dependable Des Moines personal injury lawyer, and if this is the first time you are seeking help, here are some things you should avoid.
#1 – Paying for the first consultation
We all know lawyers are expensive, and it is common for family law attorneys and criminal lawyers to charge a fee when they review a case. However, injury lawyers are different. The eventual goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to recover money, and because there is a financial element involved, attorneys don’t usually demand an upfront fee for consultation. If you come across a law firm that was a fee, no matter how small, to meet you, do not engage.
#2 – Not asking about their fee
Now that we are talking money, let’s understand how injury lawyers make money. Instead of the usual retainer or an hourly rate, they ask for a share of the settlement, which is also known as a contingency arrangement. The fee percentage can vary between 25% and 50%, depending on the complications of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the extent of effort required. While you are not paying anything immediately, ensure you know the fee structure. There might be other expenses that you may have to cover, which the lawyer should explain. Get a heads up before you sign an injury lawyer.
#3 – Choosing someone with the wrong profile
As we discussed earlier, there are a wide range of personal injury cases. The work for a medical malpractice lawsuit is vastly different than that of a car accident. While you need an attorney specializing in personal injury laws in Iowa, you should check whether their work profile meets your requirements. There is no harm in asking questions about their experience and expertise. Ensure the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours.
#4 – Delaying the decision
If there is one thing that matters the most after you are injured, it is time. You have to act swiftly to gather information and find evidence. Other parties will do what it takes to protect their interests, and without proof of fault, you cannot win. It is ideal to hire an injury lawyer as soon as you are hurt, which allows them time to work on the case and capture as many details as possible. Lawyers have resources and often work with experts to find evidence, and if they come on board earlier, they are more equipped to fight for you.
#5 – Not being honest
Were you partly at fault for the accident? Did you run away from the scene after a car crash? Do you have pictures of your injuries? Your lawyer deserves to know everything. Being honest and transparent with your attorney is critical, and it is something you should adhere to from the first day. Lawyers will investigate eventually and find facts, but you don’t want to hide things that may impact the case.
Shortlist a few injury lawyers in Des Moines today through references and online listings and schedule your first call or personal meeting.
