Questions To Ask Before Hiring An FELA Attorney
Before you hire an attorney to represent you in an FELA related claim you want to make sure that this attorney has significant experience in handling these types of claims. You should ask the following questions before making a decision:
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Ask the attorney whether their initial consultation is free. Almost all FELA attorneys will provide an initial consultation free. If an attorney will not agree to meet with you free, you should find one who will.
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Ask the attorney what experience their firm has in handling FELA claims similar to yours. Ask the attorney what types of verdicts and settlements they have been able to obtain for injuries similar to yours, but remember not to rely on this when valuing your case as every case is different.
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Ask the attorney how much your case is worth? Some FELA firms will give you a pie in the sky figure so that you will hire their firm. Any attorney who tells you what your case is worth at your first meeting is not being truthful with you. Without obtaining detailed information such as your medical records, and medical prognosis, building theories of liability, a past and future wage loss calculation and other elements it is impossible to arrive at such a figure. However, a lawyer should be able to provide you with a range of verdicts and settlements he or she has obtained for similar injuries. Attorneys who tell you how much a case is worth on the first meeting are often those who later down the road pressure you to take a substantially lower settlement.
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Ask the attorney or law firm representative for a list of at least five settlements in the last year and a list of past verdicts for five years. The railroad knows what law firms are experienced in trying FELA claims and will extend higher settlement offers to those firms. In order to maximize your recovery you should hire a firm that is willing, able and has a track record to litigate your case.
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If you decide to hire a FELA attorney or a law firm, make sure you get a satisfactory explanation of the contract that you sign when hiring the attorney and/or firm. Make sure you obtain a copy of your contract.
Successfully representing railroad workers under the complexities of FELA requires special skills and experiences from an attorney. For more than 30 years, SLChapman LLC lawyers have successfully handled the cases of thousands of injured rail workers across the country.
From the county courthouse to the U.S. Supreme Court, SLChapman LLC attorneys have successfully defended the rights of injured railroaders and as a result of court actions, we have helped establish important legal precedents.
SLChapman LLC attorneys have earned a reputation of ensuring their clients get the representation and the compensation they deserve.
Contact SLChapman LLC. We would be happy to provide you with additional information or answer any questions.
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