What to Ask Before Hiring a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Are you living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) because someone failed to act with reasonable care? If your life was forever changed by a reckless or negligent party, it’s normal to want justice.
While most scenarios that result in SCIs don’t warrant criminal charges—common causes include car crashes, falls, and sports accidents—victims are often entitled to proceed with a civil suit. By filing a tort claim, it may be possible to secure the funds needed to achieve some sense of normalcy as you navigate life with an SCI.
If this is the route you decide to take, it’s wise to enlist help from a seasoned attorney. You have enough to worry about without having to put together a compelling case.
It’s important to remember, however, that not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to counsel clients with SCIs. Claims involving catastrophic injuries are especially complex, so you shouldn’t turn to just anyone for representation.
To determine whether you’ve found the right attorney to take your case, ask the following questions during your consultation, and then consider their answers carefully:
1. How Much of Your Casework Involves Catastrophic Injuries?
You don’t have to turn to a firm that specializes in SCIs to ensure your claim ends up in good hands; however, you do want to hire someone who is well-versed in spinal cord damage and all that putting together a strong SCI claim entails. Therefore, you should ask about the lawyer’s experience representing clients like yourself.
Does the attorney have a clear understanding of the kinds of challenges you face because of your condition? Are they familiar with the lengthy recovery process? Will they be able to help you quantify non-economic damages like loss of enjoyment in life?
2. What Kinds of Resources Will You Draw Upon When Building My Claim?
A strong SCI claim demands testimony from all kinds of experts. You’re certainly not expected to find them on your own, but you want to be sure your legal team knows where to look. Make sure the firm you hire has a vast professional network and can call upon economists, medical specialists, vocational experts, and the like as needed.
3. What Is Your Fee Structure?
Sadly, some firms are not above taking advantage of those in dire circumstances. The easiest way to determine whether a firm practices with integrity is by inquiring about their fee structure.
Are they totally transparent about their contingency fee and any other obligations you’ll be responsible for over the course of the proceedings? If not—or if they offer to take your case for a low, flat rate—it’s worth looking elsewhere for representation.
Speak with a Florida Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
At Emerson Straw, we’re no strangers to the physical, emotional, or financial toll that a catastrophic injury can take. That’s why we’re determined to advocate for SCI victims who were hurt through no fault of their own.
If your life will never be the same because another party was negligent, we’ll stop at nothing in pursuit of compensation on your behalf. Call (727) 821-1500 or fill out the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a spinal cord injury attorney in Florida.