How To Select A Houston Personal Injury Attorney
When you, or someone you know, has suffered a serious injury, your life is in crisis. There are so many things to do, decisions to make... all the while you are grappling with overwhelming emotions such as anger, fear, depression, and loss. At this worst possible time, you are called upon to make an extremely important decision about something you may know nothing about...how to select the right Houston personal injury attorney
You Need To Act Quickly
In many serious injury cases, insurance companies that represent large companies have their own team of experts that are dispatched to the scene of the accident the very day it happens. To protect yourself, you need to retain a competent attorney immediately so that valuable evidence is preserved or worse, destroyed. Key witnesses need to be identified and their statement taken as soon as possible. Physical evidence needs to be gathered and photographed. Scene photographs need to be taken before the scene changes.
Beware of Ambulance Chasers
Beware of any attorney or person who contacts you first about your injury case before you contact them. These are likely “ambulance chasers” or” case runners” No matter what they promise you... stay away!
The Attorney You Select Does Make A Difference
Just because a law firm can buy a big yellow page ad, highway billboard or a TV commercial does not mean they are good personal injury lawyers. The lawyer you select can make a big difference in the value of your case. The truth of the matter is that if you’ve been injured, you will only get one chance to get the compensation you deserve.
Questions To Ask The Attorney
* Have you obtained large settlements & verdicts in the past?
* How many years have you handled personal injury cases?
* Have you handled my type of case in the past?
* Are you Board Certified in Personal injury Trial Law?
* Do you have an “AV” rating from Martindale–Hubbel Legal Directory?
* Will you personally handle my case or will I be passed out to a younger associate?
* Will you return my calls and keep me informed of what’s going on in my case?
Reviews From Past Clients
Does the lawyer have reviews from their past clients on their web site. This is valuable information.
The Client Connection
* Does the attorney you are considering hiring accept a limited number of cases or do they take basically every case that walks in the door?
* Do you feel comfortable with the attorney?
* Do you feel that they have your best interest at heart or are they just taking your case for the money?
* Do they promptly return phone calls and e-mails?
What Do They Charge
Typically, all personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency fee. The standard fee is 33.33% of any recovery made before suit is filed and 40% of any recovery after suit if filed.
The attorney should pay for all case expenses during the pendency of the case. Typical case expenses would include the cost of ordering medical records and bills, police reports, filing fees, depositions fees, expert witness fees, animation production fees, day-in-the-life video production costs, records, reports, postage, copying charges, and travel expenses.
These case expenses are then reimbursed to the attorney, along with their attorney’s fees once the case is successfully resolved through settlement or verdict.
The attorney should always prepare a Settlement Disbursement Sheet at the conclusion of the case for the client showing the total settlement amount, the amount of the attorney’s fees, the amount of the case expenses, any amounts being paid for hospital or insurance liens and the net amount to the client. The attorney should be able to provide the client a print out of all case expenses.
For a Free Consultation with Hugh Howerton, a Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney call 713.984-9848 or fill out this quick contact form.
Hugh Howerton
Law Offices of Hugh Howerton
13030 Rummel Creek
Houston, Texas 77079
713.984.9848
877.984.9848 (toll free)
Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawy
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
