If you have been injured by a defective product then you may feel overwhelmed and unsure as to how you should proceed. While this is understandable, it is important that you take immediate steps to protect your interests. One of the first steps to take is to speak with an attorney who can handle your matter. This article will discuss how to choose a product liability lawyer. We will discuss specific things to consider about a firm as well as perspective questions to ask your potential lawyer.
Consider the Lawyerâs Area of Practice, Resources, and Communication Style
Select a Firm That is Devoted to Personal Injury Law
When you are choosing a lawyer then it is strongly suggested that you choose a personal injury firm as opposed to a firm which takes cases in personal injury law. By this we mean selecting counsel who devotes their entire practice to protecting the injured, as opposed to a firm which takes other types of cases (i.e. criminal defense, family law, etc.). Choosing a personal injury specific firm can be beneficial as product liability cases can be incredibly complex. An experienced PI firm will be more likely to have relationships with necessary experts. They will also be more likely to have experience which helps them to identify important issues in your case.
Select a Firm With the Financial Resources Necessary to See the Case to Completion
Product liability cases can be extremely expensive to handle. The costs incurred in handling such matters can include large fees paid to multiple experts, investigator expenses, court reporter fees stemming from depositions, and more. The firm which you hire will pay these expenses up front and will typically not be reimbursed unless you prevail at trial or settle the case. Given that the attorney may have to pay advance fees that can be as high as seven figures, it is important that you hire a firm with the resources to see the case through to the end. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for an attorney to take such cases even though they lack the financial backing to do so. This can result in the attorney having to withdraw from your case while it is proceeding. Such a withdrawal can hurt your chances of being compensated.
How Often and How Well the Firm Communicates With You is Important
One of the most common complaints made against attorneys is that they fail to communicate with their clients. This can be especially problematic in product liability cases due to the complex nature of such matters. This complexity means that there will be many âmoving partsâ in the case and it is important that you be kept aware of the status of your situation. A firm with a stated policy with regards to returning phone calls, replying to emails, etc. is important. Also, it is important that your attorney discusses the matter with you in a way that is easily understandable. If counsel simply uses legalese in relaying information then the communication is not much more useful than if they had failed to communicate at all. Your initial consultation is an excellent opportunity to gauge how often and how well the attorney will communicate with you.
Questions to Ask Your Prospective Product Liability Lawyer
The questions which you should ask of your prospective lawyer will depend on the specifics of your situation and the nature of your case. For obvious reasons, you should ask them extensively about the topics discussed above. It is also strongly suggested that you ask them specifically about cases they have handled and steps they will take to identify the defendant(s) in a product liability lawsuit.
Ask Your Attorney About Cases They Have Handled
When you are consulting with prospective lawyers it is important to ask them about specific cases they have handled related to product liability. Questions about the cases they have handled should revolve around the outcome, how long the matter took to complete, and what the more challenging issues were. This will allow you to understand whether the attorney has actually handled such matters as opposed to whether product liability is simply a practice area which he or she advertises in. It will also help you to understand whether the attorney has also handled complicated product liability cases, as opposed to matters which have simply settled quickly.
When your attorney is describing other cases they have handled, they should be able to do so in a way that relates to your matter. They should, for example, be able to explain how other matters were similar to your case or how they were different. This is a sign that the attorney is able to identify the important issues in cases like yours.
Ask Your Attorney About Steps They Will Take To Identify The Defendants
Product liability cases can involve numerous defendants. Parties named in the case can include a manufacturer, a retailer, a distributor, marketing agencies, and more. Identifying each of the potential defendants, and how they share in liability, will be vital to making sure that you receive your full compensation. Steps included in identifying the defendants can include a detailed analysis of public records, retaining a forensic accountant to peel back the layers which exist when companies own other companies, and more. Your attorney should be able to provide a detailed explanation of how they will identify those who have helped cause your injury.
Call a Florida Product Liability Lawyer
If you or a family member have been injured by a defective product then it is crucial that you take immediate steps to protect your rights. Immediately contacting a qualified attorney is crucial. Our firm assists with such matters and we will give your case the attention it deserves. This includes staying in regular communication with you and making sure you know what to expect as the case moves forward. Call us today at 561-285-8745 or contact us online to speak with a Florida product liability lawyer.
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