Did you slip & fall on someone’s property and suffered injuries? Or were you injured in an accident because of another driver’s speeding? Did a family member suffer because of medical malpractice? These are all examples of personal injury cases, and unfortunately, hundreds of such cases are reported in Oregon every other year. If you have suffered because of someone’s negligence, disregard for safety, carelessness, or error of judgment, you may have the scope to seek compensation for your damages. Here’s your ultimate guide for hiring a Portland personal injury attorney. 

Ask about their expertise and experience

“What kind of cases do you regularly handle?” This is one of the basic questions that a client should ask. Animal bites, car accidents, medical malpractice, products liability are all types of personal injury cases, but each one is different. You need a lawyer who is experienced in handling circumstances similar to yours. If you want to know a lawyer better, do ask about their top cases and settlements. 

Get a free consultation

Most personal injury attorneys and law firms in Portland offer the first consultation for free. You can meet your lawyer, or talk over the phone, to discuss your case. They can offer advice on how you should approach the case and ways in which they can help. The good news is many attorneys work on a contingency basis for personal injury lawsuits, which means they only get paid if they win. 

Discuss the costs 

Besides the fee of the lawyer, you should know other costs. For instance, what about the litigation expenses and court costs? What if other services are used for getting evidence? Ensure that you have a fair idea of the costs, so that you can manage your finances effectively. It should be mentioned that not all lawyers work on a contingency basis, and it all depends on the facts of the case. 

Ask about trial experience

A vast number of personal injury claims and lawsuits are settled through mediation and negotiation. However, there is always a chance that your case ends up in trial, and in such cases, your attorney must be skilled enough to represent and argue on your behalf. 

When you meet a lawyer for the first time, do discuss the possible outcomes of the case. That way, you will know if the eventual compensation will be worth the effort in the long run. Call a few Portland personal injury attorneys now!