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Insurance Lawyers - Things to ask a Lawyer

in Denver and Aurora, Colorado

There's absolutely no need to hire the first lawyer you meet with, or any lawyer you don't feel comfortable with. Colorado lawyers, just like doctors, have various levels of experience. You want a lawyer who is not only expert at the type of case you're involved in, but one who you also feel personally comfortable with.

With that in mind, here are a few questions to ask when meeting with a lawyer you might potentially hire:

1. How long have you been practicing law in this state, county and/or city?

   Laws vary from state to state, and in some cases laws can vary from county to county, and even city to city. That's why you want a lawyer who thoroughly understands the law a) in the area where you're filing your claim and b) in the area where your legal incident took place.

2. What is your track record in a trial setting?

   Most legal matters never reach trial.. Rather, they are settled through negotiation. However, some cases do reach trial - and that's why it's so important to hire a lawyer who has a high success rate in a courtroom setting. Negotiation goes smoother if the other parties are aware that you have a lawyer who is absolutely willing to go to trial..

3. How large is your law firm?

   A large law firm is not always the valuable entity many people think it is and typically is only appropriate for a large client such as a corporation.

   For an individual involved in a legal battle, a small or medium sized firm is a much better choice. Why?

   Because a smaller firm is able to provide more individual attention. You don't have to deal primarily with paralegals and other assistants - rather, you'll have consistent access to your actual lawyer.

   Cases such as personal injury, employment discrimination, and medical malpractice involve a high number of individual factors. That's why it's important to have a lawyer who is available to you. The more he or she knows about your specific situation, the greater chance you have of winning your case.

4. How do you charge your clients?

   Again, this is another instance where it's important to ask questions. You should know how much you're paying and when. There are various types of fee structures:

   Hourly rates

   This is the most common fee structure. It can vary quite a bit. Be aware that cheaper is not necessarily better. lawyers typically determine their fees based on their experience and expertise. So a lawyer who charges a higher fee may actually solve your case faster and better. Be sure and ask for an estimate of how many hours you can expect to pay for.

   Flat fees

   Flat fees are charged when the service required is more predictable. An example of such a service would be the drawing of a will. If your lawyer uses a flat fee structure, be sure and ask what is and what isn't covered.

   Contingent fees

   When working "on contingency", a lawyer receives no fees until he or she obtains an award for you. Then the lawyer takes a pre-determined percentage of it.

   These fees can be negotiated; typically, they are around one-third to forty percent of the total amount. Although that may seem high, remember that if a lawyer takes your case on a contingent basis, he or she thinks from the inception that you have a reasonable chance of achieving a positive result.. Of course, the way a case develops can later significantly affect a lawyer's opinion in this regard.

   Retainer fees

   Under this arrangement, a client puts money into a special account as an advance against any hourly payments or expenses that may accrue.

   Statutory fee

   This is a fee set by law. For most personal injury cases this type of fee structure is not applicable.

If you have been involved in any type of insurance claims or work-related issue in Colorado, contact the Colorado lawyers at the Brake Law Firm today to schedule your consultation.

Since 1983 the Brake Law Firm have successfully served clients in Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Aurora, and throughout Colorado in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, employment law, corporate law, individual services, and wrongful death.This website has been posted to the public for informational purposes only. No information within this site should be viewed as formal legal advise. Contact our Aurora insurance lawyers today for a consultation.