Do I Have to Pay for a Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The days and weeks after suffering a sudden, unexpected injury can be confusing and traumatic. The victim may need painful medical procedures and lengthy recovery times at the same time they are unable to return to work due to their injury. A serious injury is even more distressing when someone else’s negligence, reckless actions, or intentional harm causes it. When the bills begin piling up, many injury victims consider consulting with an attorney.

The most common cause of hesitation for those considering taking on a personal injury claim is the anticipated expense of a personal injury attorney. Many injury victims worry that they can’t afford to pay an attorney even for the initial consultation, especially at a time when they’re injured and may be unable to work in their previous capacity—or at all.

Do personal injury attorneys charge for an initial consultation with an injury victim?

You Should Never Have to Pay for a Case Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney

The vast majority of reputable personal injury attorneys in Seattle offer free case consultations for injured clients. If an attorney tells you they charge a fee for a consultation, it’s best to try a different attorney. After an injury, you should choose an experienced personal injury attorney with a track record of success in cases similar to your own. The attorney should offer you a free consultation about your case with no obligation for you to hire them if you don’t feel they are right for your representation.

Before you hire an attorney for your case, be certain to get all the necessary details about fees and costs. In almost all cases, personal injury lawyers take payment for their services on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing upfront. A contingency fee means the attorney’s payment is contingent on their success in your claim. They only take a percentage of your settlement or court award after they successfully represent you and secure your compensation. This method not only makes legal representation for your case achievable and affordable but it also means your attorney has a strong incentive to work hard to win your case.

What to Expect At Your Initial Case Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer is your opportunity to finally tell your story to someone who can help. Be prepared to describe the circumstances leading up to your injury, exactly how the injury occurred, and what you did immediately after the injury and in the days following. Your attorney may ask you many questions and expect detailed answers. Be prepared to bring along any evidence or relevant documents. This could include the following:

• A police report or accident report
• Photos and videos taken at the scene of the injury
• Names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the injury
• Your medical report
• Medical bills, invoices, and receipts for related expenses

During this consultation, the attorney will evaluate the merits of your case by determining if there’s evidence of liability and if you’ve experienced significant damages like medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. At the same time, as the injury victim, you should evaluate the attorney during the initial consultation to see if they are someone you’re comfortable working with or that you think is right for your case. Be sure to ask if the attorney you meet with at the initial consultation will personally handle your case or turn it over to another attorney in the firm.

At the end of the initial consultation, the attorney should know whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation and you should know whether or not the attorney is right for your personal injury case.