Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Choosing a
1. Verify Relevant Experience
Look for a firm that handles complex accident claims similar to yours. Ask about past settlements and verdicts for multi-vehicle crashes, catastrophic injuries or product liability cases. Ensure they understand local courts and judges.
2. Assess Financial Resources
Complex claims often require upfront costs for medical records, expert witnesses and depositions. Confirm the firm has lines of credit or a case expense fund. A well-capitalized firm can sustain litigation for long periods without passing costs to you.
3. Review Staffing and Support
Identify the attorneys, paralegals and investigators who will work on your case. A dedicated team ensures thorough case preparation and faster responses.
4. Examine Trial Readiness
Inquire how many cases the firm has tried in
5. Understand Fee Structure
Most personal injury firms work on contingency. Under Minn. R. Prof. Cond. 1.5(c), contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40%. Complex cases may follow a sliding scale: lower percentages if you settle before filing suit. Always get fee agreements in writing.
6. Check Licensing and Discipline
Confirm each attorney is licensed in
7. Confirm Deadlines
Minn. Stat. § 541.07 imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Firms with strong calendaring systems help you avoid missed deadlines.
Helpful Hints
- Schedule consultations with at least three law firms for comparison.
- Request a written outline of anticipated case costs and timelines.
- Ask for client references or testimonials.
- Use online reviews and legal directories cautiously—verify accuracy.
- Ensure the firm uses secure client portals for document sharing.