You want to make sure you get a personal injury lawyer that is the right fit for you and your case when you’re searching for one. This goes for both you and the lawyer as well. The lawyer also wants a client to work with them. How much of being a “good client” is in your control?
A good client goes to great lengths to ensure that the case runs smoothly and that the greatest outcome is achieved. After all, nobody wants to walk away disappointed.
We’ve compiled some of the most important things you can do to help your personal injury lawyer reach the best settlement for you.
Keep All Medical Appointments.
Any missed appointments will be noted by your healthcare provider. If you miss any appointments, the insurance adjuster (or the judge) may conclude that your injury is not as severe as you claim. Make every effort to attend all your scheduled appointments. If not, it may cost you in the end.
Communication is Key
Always communicate with your lawyer. When you call your lawyer and they don’t answer, it’s annoying. Well, your lawyer shares this same sentiment. It’s a waste of you and your lawyer’s time if you don’t answer his or her calls or emails in a timely manner. By not responding to your lawyer, you may just be jeopardizing your case.
The Discovery Process is Important
When you file a personal injury case in court, the defendant will submit questions and request documents to your lawyer. Your case may be dismissed if you do not immediately respond to the interrogatories and give your lawyer the documentation that has been requested. It is your responsibility to respond to any discoveries as soon as possible.
Prepare for your deposition by practicing beforehand. Your deposition as a personal injury victim is a critical step in your case. Your lawyer will assist you in the preparation process, provide advice, and even intervene if the opposing party is taking an unethical approach. Pay attention to your lawyer’s advice and suggestions.
Problems in personal injury cases are sometimes the fault of the client. Sometimes, no one is to blame at all. If your lawyer delivers bad news, don’t blame the messenger. It won’t assist your case at all.
It’s Not Always Your Lawyer’s Fault
Clients who are dissatisfied with the outcome of their case often blame their lawyer and claim that it is the lawyer’s responsibility.
Sometimes, it may be the lawyer’s fault. However, certain issues that occur in personal injury lawsuits are the fault of the client. Other times, problems are unavoidable. There’s times that the personal injury claim itself is not very strong (meaning they have little or no probability of succeeding). So, if your lawyer delivers news that is not in your favor, don’t be quick to blame the messenger. It’s not going to help. Find out how much your personal injury lawsuit is worth and how long it will take to resolve.
Whether they acknowledge it or not, many attorneys believe that the ideal client is one that follows instructions and does not pester the lawyer for updates every step of the way. However, trying to live up to that paradigm isn’t in most customers’ best interests. You must speak up from time to time.
You can’t always be the “good client” if you really think there are issues with your case. It is necessary to inquire with questions. Keep in mind that it is your case, not your attorney’s. It was you who got injured. You have a legal right to be kept up to date on what’s going on. By asking detailed, probing questions regarding your case, you may seem obnoxious, but you must defend your interests by remaining informed. Learn more about how a personal injury lawyer may assist you.
