Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer

July 26, 2025
Personal Injury

After an injury caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, your world can feel turned upside down. You are likely facing physical pain, emotional distress, and a growing pile of medical bills. The thought of dealing with a personal injury claim on top of everything else can be completely overwhelming. This is when you need a dedicated advocate in your corner, someone who can handle the legal details of your case so you can focus on the most important thing: your recovery.

The first step in this process is often a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. This meeting is more than just a chance for the lawyer to learn about your case; it is your opportunity to interview them. Finding the right legal partner is critical to the outcome of your claim and your peace of mind.

To help you feel prepared and confident, we have compiled a list of essential questions to ask during your initial meeting.

1. What Is Your Experience with Cases Like Mine?

Personal injury law is a vast field, covering everything from car accidents and slip and falls to complex medical malpractice claims. You want to ensure the attorney you choose has specific, hands-on experience with the type of accident you have suffered. An attorney who primarily handles real estate law, for example, will not have the focused knowledge required to fight an insurance company effectively.

Ask about their history with similar injuries, defendants, and circumstances. An experienced attorney will be able to draw upon past cases to anticipate challenges, build a stronger claim, and navigate the specific legal nuances relevant to your situation.

2. What Percentage of Your Practice Is Dedicated to Personal injury?

This question goes hand-in-hand with the first. A law firm that dedicates its practice entirely, or almost entirely, to personal injury law is immersed in this world every single day. They are up to date on the latest legal precedents, they understand the tactics insurers use to deny or devalue claims, and they have established relationships with medical experts and investigators who may be crucial to proving your case. A lawyer who only dabbles in personal injury will not have this same level of focused experience.

3. Who Will Be My Primary Point of Contact?

At some larger firms, you might meet with a senior partner for the initial consultation, only to have your case handed off to a junior associate or paralegal. It is important to know who will be handling the day-to-day work on your case and who you should call when you have questions.

You deserve to have a clear line of communication with the legal professional who is actively managing your claim. Ask who your main contact will be and how the legal team works together. Knowing you have a dedicated person to turn to can provide immense comfort and clarity during a confusing time.

4. How Will You Keep Me Updated on My Case?

One of the most common sources of frustration for clients is feeling like they are in the dark about their own case. A good attorney will understand your need to be kept informed. Ask about their communication policy. How often can you expect to receive updates? Will they come via phone call, email, or a client portal?

Setting these expectations from the beginning ensures that you feel respected and involved throughout the process. You should never have to wonder about the status of your claim.

5. How Are Your Fees Handled?

The fear of legal costs should never prevent an injured person from seeking justice. The vast majority of reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney fees upfront. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award they secure for you. If they do not win your case, you do not owe them a fee.

Be sure to ask for a clear explanation of this arrangement. Also, ask how case-related costs are handled. These are expenses like court filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining medical records. Will these be deducted from your final settlement? A transparent attorney will be happy to walk you through their fee agreement in detail, ensuring there are no surprises down the road.

6. What Is Your Philosophy on Settling a Case Versus Going to Trial?

Most personal injury cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement without ever stepping into a courtroom. However, an attorney’s willingness and readiness to go to trial can be one of the most powerful tools in securing a fair settlement.

Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They often make lowball initial offers, hoping an injured victim will accept out of desperation. If an insurer knows that your attorney is a skilled negotiator who is also fully prepared to take the case to court, they are far more likely to come to the table with a serious and fair settlement offer. You want a lawyer who is a strong negotiator but also an unafraid litigator.

7. Based on What You Have Heard, What Is Your Initial Assessment of My Case?

An attorney cannot predict the future or guarantee a specific outcome. However, based on the initial details you provide, an experienced lawyer should be able to give you an honest, preliminary assessment. They can identify the potential strengths and weaknesses of your case, discuss what evidence will be needed to prove liability, and explain the types of damages you may be entitled to recover, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. This conversation will help you understand the path forward and what to expect.

Winning is NO Accident! We Help Make It Happen

Achieving a successful outcome in a personal injury claim is not a matter of luck. It is the direct result of diligent investigation, meticulous preparation, and relentless advocacy. It requires an attorney who will dig deep into the evidence, consult with the right experts, and build a compelling case that demonstrates the full extent of your losses. The right legal team does not just react; they proactively fight for your interests to ease your financial burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

Put Our Experience to Work for You at Cava Law Firm

Choosing a personal injury lawyer is a significant decision. At Cava Law Firm, we understand the trust you place in us during one of the most difficult times of your life. For nearly 30 years, our firm has been dedicated to helping injured individuals and their families in Springfield and throughout Massachusetts. Personal injury attorneys Christopher F. Cava and Jennifer L. Cava-Forman are known for providing the smart, bold, and compassionate legal counsel you deserve.

We pride ourselves on our thorough preparation and our track record of securing settlements significantly higher than the initial offers made by insurance companies. We handle the legal side of things so you do not have to. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to answer your questions and help you understand your rights.

Attorney Jennifer L. Cava-Foreman

Attorney Jennifer L. Cava-Foreman would like to take the guesswork out of choosing a lawyer by letting the facts and her winning verdicts speak for themselves. Attorney Cava-Foreman is known in the local courts and has firsthand experience with many types of cases ranging from personal injury to criminal defense. Attorney Cava-Foreman understands that every case and every client is different. Whether a client is injured or mixed up in a criminal matter, she will provide the legal advice needed and stand up for her client in court. [ Attorney Bio ]