What to Expect from a Personal Injury Consultation

Personal injury consultations can be overwhelming, especially if the experience is a new one. Add to that that most people seek out a personal injury attorney while recovering from an accident, and it’s no wonder the experience quickly becomes overwhelming. 

So, what should you expect from a personal injury consultation? 

What constitutes personal injury? 

Before you initiate a personal injury consultation, the first thing to know is what defines personal injury, legally speaking. We all take our share of cuts and bruises, but we don’t take all of them to court.

That being the case, personal injury includes:

• Workplace accidents
• Vehicle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Injury derived from a faulty product

While this list isn’t conclusive, it does cover some of the most common personal injury claims. VB residents who suffered such misfortune looking for a personal injury attorney near Virginia Beach usually like to learn more about the types of cases that fall under it. It gives them an idea of whether or not their situation is worth pursuing.

What does an initial personal injury consultation cost?

The short answer is nothing, which often surprises prospective clients or they find it difficult to believe. Nothing is free. 

It’s true few things in life are free, but your initial personal injury consultation is. That’s because, at this stage, all you’re doing is establishing how you want to proceed. 

Likewise, prospective personal injury attorneys like these determine whether or not to take you on as a client. The average consultation lasts half an hour. 

During that time, the lawyer will work to establish:

• The validity of your claim
• If you need a lawyer
• How the lawyer can help
• How much the service will cost you

Once you’ve worked through these questions, and assuming you wish to go ahead with the attorney you’ve chosen, you’ll receive an agreement to sign.  

Note that attorney-client privilege goes into effect only after you’ve signed. Before signing the paperwork, you’re only a prospective client, and the strictest confidentiality rules won’t necessarily apply. However, as long as you’re in the consultation, the attorney does owe you some confidentiality. 

Preparing for a personal injury consultation

When you’re preparing for a personal injury consultation, the two critical things to consider are:

• The legitimacy of your claim
• Why do you want this particular attorney to defend you

To that end, it’s worth doing research, both about personal injury attorneys and into personal injury claims. You don’t need to compile a comprehensive bibliography, but knowing how much you can expect in compensation and whether your claim will hold up under legal scrutiny can help that first consultation run smoother. 

It also helps to know the difference between a personal injury claim and a lawsuit.

You should also bring any documents that are relevant to your injury, such as medical records. Your attorney may need these to cover many years. 

Expect to explain the details of your case during an initial personal injury consultation.

While it’s unlikely your attorney will need a complete history at the first consultation, it may help to anticipate the request. 

That’s because many clients find this a personal process and can be reluctant to part with the full extent of the information. 

However, you will have to go into the particulars of what caused your injury. This recollection can also be deeply personal for some people, and practicing what you want to say in advance can help. For injury victims looking to understand what a consultation might entail and how to prepare, refer to the resources at your disposal to avoid blindly entering the situation. 

Closing thoughts

Finally, it’s always good to arrive at your personal injury consultation with a few questions of your own. 

Asking about costs, settlement concerns, and even the odds of winning your claim is normal. Moreover, it helps your prospective attorney better understand how to help you. 

Personal injury attorneys advocate to get you what you are owed while ensuring as little as possible is taken from you. Though the consultation may be daunting, it’s worth knowing that your future will be in good hands.