What does it mean when a lawyer offers a free consultation?

Most injury attorneys use a contingent fee to charge for their services, meaning a client will only pay the attorney if the case is won. Since the attorney receives a portion of the damages in a contingent arrangement, it’s important that he carefully weigh the potential outcome against the chances of winning the case—and the victim will likely want to know what to expect in the weeks after hiring a lawyer. A free consultation offers a way for both parties to see if working together on the case would be worthwhile.

Getting the Most From a Free Consultation

Free consultations offer many different benefits to victims. First, it allows them to meet with attorneys before committing to work with them, reducing the likelihood of changing attorneys during litigation. Victims are not limited to the number of free consultations they can have while trying to find a lawyer. This allows them to compare legal representatives risk-free until they find the one they want to hire. Finally, victims can get a sense of what to expect throughout the legal process, helping to prepare themselves for a future case.

If you have suffered an injury, a free consultation is an opportunity for you to learn:

If you need a lawyer or not.

An attorney should tell you how to resolve your claim in a way that makes the most financial sense, even if that does not include hiring a lawyer. An attorney should advise you of anything you can do on your own that could resolve the claim (such as filing paperwork) or whether you do not have a viable claim (such as if the statute of limitations has expired).

How We Can Help You

When choosing a lawyer, you deserve a firm that has dedicated itself to understanding and fighting for the justice you need. Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum doesn’t spread itself thinly by “dabbling” in a lot of different areas. We put our primary focus in personal injury and family law in order to ensure expertise in both areas.

Personal Injury

Pedestrian Accidents Premises Liability Product Liability Medical Malpractice Nursing Home Abuse Dog Bite Injury Wrongful Death

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car Accidents Truck Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Bicycle Accidents Distracted Driving Drunk Driving Accidents

Family Law/Divorce

Contested and Uncontested Divorce Child Support Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Guardianship Prenuptial Agreements

Workers’ Compensation

Lost Wages Medical Needs Medical Bills Compensation For Scarring/Disfigurement Compensation For Permananet Impairment Vocational Services

If you trust the attorney to handle your case.

You should use a consultation to gauge whether an attorney has the experience necessary to win your case. In particular, it is a good idea to ask how long the attorney has been practicing law and how many of your particular injury case he has successfully resolved.

If you’re ready for the next steps.

While an attorney cannot definitively tell you the outcome of your case in a first meeting, he can tell you which strategies and procedures are likely to succeed and how long the case will take to be resolved. You should also learn what your responsibilities will be and how often you can expect to hear from the lawyer as your case progresses.

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Christopher L. Russo crusso@kirshenbaumri.com

Helping Rhode Island personal injury victims for nearly three decades to get the compensation they deserve.