Five Questions To Ask Before Hiring An Attorney
Perhaps the most important decision you make after the death of a loved one, a catastrophic personal injury, or some other tragic life event, is choosing the right lawyer. The attorney you choose will determine whether you will have a pleasant experience leading to a full and fair financial recovery, or a frustrating experience leading to an insufficient recovery, or no recovery at all. Before you sign a contract with any lawyer, ask the following questions:
- Will you personally handle my case?
Some lawyers—especially those who advertise on television, billboards and buses—operate “volume” law practices, which means they handle hundreds of cases at the same time. The problem with simultaneously representing hundreds of clients is that each client receives very little, if any, personal attention from the lawyer. In fact, most “volume” lawyers have non-attorney staff members (often called “case managers”) who handle cases from start to finish. While this type of law practice may be suitable for handling minor car accidents, individuals who have suffered a severe or life-changing injury need a lawyer who will dedicate the time and attention necessary to obtain a maximum recovery.
Jess Davis and Chad Adams—both experienced trial lawyers—personally handle every case our firm accepts. We do not employ associate attorneys or case managers. - Will you give me your personal cell phone number
Every lawyer will promise accessibility, excellent customer service, and personal attention when they are trying to get you to sign a contract. To see if they are serious, simply ask for their personal cell phone number so that you can call them directly to ask questions or to get updates on your case.
Jess Davis’s personal cell phone number is 404-314-2694. Chad Adams's personal cell phone number is 404-731-8625. If we are not available when you call, we will return your call within 24 hours, every time. - Can you promise me a quick settlement?
Quick settlements are almost always bad settlements that do not fairly compensate clients. Fair compensation for clients can only be obtained the old fashioned way—through hard work and determination. There are simply no shortcuts for thorough investigation and painstaking legal analysis.
Davis Adams cannot promise you a speedy settlement, only maximum effort in the fight for maximum recovery. - Have you won cases like mine?
Any law firm can claim to be the “best” in a particular area of law, but the proof is in actual results. Ask the attorney to share with you his or her specific experiences with cases like yours, including the amount ultimately recovered for the client. Also ask about actual trial verdicts as opposed to cases the lawyer has settled.
If Davis Adams agrees to take your case, we will have successfully handled similar cases and will be happy to discuss our experience with you. - Does your firm have adequate financial resources for my case?
Serious cases are expensive for plaintiff’s attorneys to properly investigate and prepare for trial. Fees for accident reconstructionists, engineers, physicians, and other experts, along with litigation expenses, often exceed $100,000—all of which is (or should be) advanced by your attorney.
Davis Adams has adequate financial resources to handle the largest and most complex cases. We will not be outspent (or outworked) by insurance companies or defense lawyers when it comes to preparing our cases for trial.
