Red flags of injury lawyers in Iowa: Things that are just not right
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident in Iowa can be overwhelming. If the mishap happened due to someone’s reckless behavior or neglect, you can file a claim and ask for a settlement. A personal injury lawsuit is a civil matter. It isn’t meant to press criminal charges or punish the at-fault party. Instead, you get compensation for the losses you have endured. Besides direct damages like the cost of medical care and lost wages, you can also seek damages for the pain & suffering caused to you. Of course, no one wants to admit their fault, and winning a settlement is always an uphill battle. You need legal expertise, for which you can check with The Baer Law Office to speak to their attorneys. If you have never hired a personal injury lawyer, keep an eye on the red flags below.
They ask for a consultation fee
Injury lawyers don’t ask for a consultation fee. In fact, you don’t have to pay a penny. That’s the standard, and no qualified attorney will ever force you to cover the cost of the first meeting. Paying an immediate fee also means you are committing to hiring an attorney, which may not be true. You have the right to meet and interview lawyers before you select one.
They have bad reviews
While you can ask a lawyer to share references and contact details of previous clients, that’s not enough. It takes some background work to find more details, and you should check if a lawyer has positive reviews online. Besides Google ratings, you can also find detailed feedback posted by other clients on social media and third-party legal sites. If there are too many bad or negative comments, don’t choose that attorney – simple.
They make immediate promises
Lawyers can check your case file, medical records, and other evidence you may have to give you an initial evaluation, but they cannot make promises in advance. Unless the attorney does a detailed investigation, they cannot guarantee a settlement amount. Steer clear of injury lawyers who are big talkers. They should be focusing on gathering more evidence and strengthening your case.
They lack empathy
Personal injury lawyers often have to hear similar stories. It is the nature of their job. However, that doesn’t mean they take prospective clients for granted. If an attorney doesn’t want to listen to your side of the story or lacks empathy, you know they are not the right choice. A considerate attorney will ensure the environment is positive for you to talk and will explain things like injury lawyers with the utmost attention.
They take a long time to respond
Attorneys are required to respond immediately to prospective clients, considering how time-sensitive such cases are. If you called a lawyer but got no response for more than two days, don’t wait any further. Either they don’t have the time to take new cases or lack organization skills. In some cases, it may just mean they don’t care enough. An attorney should demonstrate the commitment to fight for you.
They ask for a retainer fee
While criminal and family law attorneys often ask for a retainer fee, it is certainly not the best thing on the part of a personal injury lawyer. For injury claims, the lawyer’s incentive is your payout. If they win a settlement for you, they will take a fixed percentage of that. The contingency fee could vary and largely depends on the intricacies of the case. If you come across someone who wants an hourly rate or a retainer fee, look for other options.
With some background work, you should be able to find a reliable and dependable attorney in no time.
