When it comes to any lawsuit, the attorney you’ve chosen to work with will play an essential role in the outcome of your case. This is why it’s important to make sure your potential attorney is the right fit, especially if your case could proceed to trial.
Here at Maxwell Tillman, our trial lawyers have years of experience guiding clients through the litigation process, from the initial filing to trial. In this article, we’re sharing the top 5 questions you should ask your potential trial lawyer:
Trying a case in court requires a special skill set that not every attorney has. Trial lawyers need to think on their feet, ask the right questions when the opportunity arises, and present effectively to the judge and jury.
Without experience, it’s nearly impossible to learn these skills. That’s why you should choose an attorney who has not only taken cases to trial, but who also has a proven track record of success.
Certain types of cases—such as defective products, personal injury, and civil rights matters—can be very complex. In addition to having complicated court rules, the cases themselves require an in-depth understanding of specific topics, laws, and regulations.
Even a minor misstep or oversight can jeopardize the entire case. To ensure you’re choosing the right trial lawyer, it’s best to work with someone who regularly handles the type of case you have.
In most lawsuits, you must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant breached the standard of care that was expected of them. For instance, if you were harmed because a surgeon made a mistake during surgery, you’ll need to prove that the surgeon’s actions fell below the standard of care and caused your injuries. How is this done? With expert witnesses.
Expert witnesses are typically professionals with extensive experience in a very specific field. Their job is to review the facts of your case and determine whether or not the defendant breached the standard of care and caused harm. They can support your case during trial as well. The most successful trial lawyers usually have a network of expert witnesses who they can work with to strengthen the case.
Securing a settlement or verdict in your favor requires more than just filing the necessary court paperwork. Your attorney will need to conduct a full investigation of your case, which may involve hiring accident reconstruction services, expert witnesses, and other specialists. Your trial lawyers will also need to conduct depositions of witnesses, request and review records, and more to support the investigation process.
For the highest chances of a successful case, we recommend choosing a law firm that has the resources to fully investigate your case. Every piece of evidence matters, and this isn’t an area that you want to neglect, especially when going up against large corporations or deep-pocketed insurance companies.
It’s essential to find out exactly what costs and fees you’ll be responsible for. Many trial lawyers accept cases on a contingency basis, which means that you don’t have to pay any attorneys’ fees unless you win your case. Then, the fees are deducted from any compensation awarded to you.
However, even when cases are accepted on a contingency basis, you might still be responsible for additional costs involved. These costs may include: court fees, costs for court reporters and expert witnesses, fees for document production, and more.
If you’re seeking a team of Birmingham trial lawyers who you can rely on, contact Maxwell Tillman. We have been recognized as the top personal injury and trial lawyers in the nation, and we’re proud to uphold the rights of those who’ve been wrongfully harmed.
In addition to handling personal injury matters, we also take on civil rights cases. To learn more, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
