Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer in Brooklyn, NY Before Hiring
Accidents can be overwhelming, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. Finding the right lawyer can make the difference between a smooth recovery and ongoing stress. At Cherny & Podolsky, we know that before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, you should feel confident about their experience, approach, and ability to maximize your compensation. Asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
When you meet with an attorney, it’s easy to feel rushed or uncertain. However, asking detailed questions ensures you know how they will handle your case. According to the Cleveland Clinic, injuries like concussions or fractures can take months of recovery and rehabilitation, which means your settlement should reflect not just immediate but long-term needs [1].
By taking time to ask the right questions before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, you can better evaluate whether they have the skills and resources to protect your interests.
Question 1: How Much Experience Do You Have With Personal Injury Cases?
Experience is one of the most important factors in choosing legal representation.
Why Experience Matters
Personal injury law is complex and requires knowledge of liability, negligence, and insurance defense tactics.
Attorneys with experience in car accidents, slip and fall cases, and workplace injuries can anticipate challenges.
Seasoned lawyers often have stronger relationships with medical experts and accident investigators.
Before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, ask about their history of settlements and trials. A proven record can give you confidence in their ability to handle your claim.
Question 2: How Do You Communicate With Clients?
Communication is essential in any attorney-client relationship. You should never feel left in the dark.
What to Expect
Prompt responses to phone calls and emails
Regular updates on case progress
Clear explanations of legal terms in plain language
By asking about communication styles before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, you ensure your case will not be neglected.
Question 3: What Is Your Fee Structure?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case [2].
Key Questions About Fees
What percentage of recovery do they take?
Are there additional costs, such as expert witness fees or filing costs?
How are expenses handled if the case is unsuccessful?
Before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, clarify these details to avoid financial surprises later.
Question 4: How Do You Approach Settlement vs. Trial?
Some cases resolve through negotiation, while others require litigation.
Why This Question Matters
Settlement-focused attorneys may resolve cases faster but sometimes accept lower offers.
Trial-ready attorneys are often better at negotiating higher settlements, as insurers know they are prepared to go to court.
By asking this before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, you can gauge whether their strategy aligns with your needs.
Question 5: How Do You Evaluate Case Value?
Every injury case is different. The attorney should explain how they calculate compensation.
Factors in Case Valuation
Medical bills and treatment costs
Lost wages and reduced earning potential
Pain and suffering damages supported by medical and psychological evidence [3]
Before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, make sure they consider both economic and non-economic damages.
The Role of Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is the backbone of any injury claim. The Mayo Clinic notes that untreated back injuries or whiplash can cause long-term health problems [4].
A strong attorney will gather records from hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and therapists. When you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, ensure they work closely with medical experts to support your claim.
Exploring Third-Party Liability
Sometimes, more than one party may be responsible for your accident.
Examples include:
Manufacturers of defective equipment
Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions
Contractors who create dangerous work environments
Before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, ask whether they investigate potential third-party liability. This can increase your compensation significantly.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in New York
New York uses a comparative negligence system, meaning damages are reduced if you share fault [5]. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your award is reduced by 20%.
When you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, make sure they explain how this rule may affect your case. Skilled attorneys know how to minimize shared fault to protect your recovery.
How Attorneys Maximize Compensation
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Attorneys counter these tactics with evidence and negotiation.
Strategies Lawyers Use
Presenting expert testimony from doctors and accident investigators
Providing witness statements and official reports
Reviewing safety violations or regulatory breaches
Calculating future medical and financial needs
Before you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, ask how they typically handle insurance company strategies.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
Local experience can make a difference. Brooklyn courts, judges, and insurers each have unique practices.
A local lawyer understands:
Brooklyn traffic conditions and accident-prone intersections
Community medical resources for treatment and rehabilitation
How local insurers handle negotiations
By choosing to hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn with local insight, you benefit from their familiarity with the area.
Why Cherny & Podolsky Is a Trusted Brooklyn Choice
At Cherny & Podolsky, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized, aggressive representation for injury victims. From investigating accidents to negotiating with insurers, we stand with our clients at every stage.
Learn more about our approach on the personal injury practice page. If you are ready to take action, visit our contact page to schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I contact a lawyer after an accident?
It’s best to reach out immediately. When you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn early, evidence is preserved, and deadlines are met.
Do all cases go to trial?
No. Many cases are resolved through settlements. Still, when you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn with trial experience, you are better prepared.
What documents should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring medical records, accident reports, photos, and correspondence with insurers. These details allow the lawyer to evaluate your case.
How much does legal representation cost?
Most attorneys charge a contingency fee, so you pay only if the case is won [2]. When you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, ask about the exact percentage.
What compensation can I expect?
Compensation depends on injury severity, lost wages, and medical bills. By hiring a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, you ensure these factors are fully evaluated.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve in Brooklyn
Accidents are stressful, but the right lawyer can help you rebuild your life. When you hire a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, you secure an advocate who understands local laws and will fight for fair compensation.
Contact Cherny & Podolsky to schedule a consultation. Let us help you achieve the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Fracture care and rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org
- American Association for Justice. (2022). How contingency fees work in personal injury law. Retrieved from https://www.justice.org
- American Psychological Association. (2022). Understanding pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Back pain – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
- New York State Unified Court System. (2023). Comparative negligence and civil liability. Retrieved from https://www.nycourts.gov
