The first meeting with your personal injury lawyer in Ottawa is especially important. The injury lawyer will obtain all the relevant facts about your accident, determine limitation periods applicable and provide you with a preliminary opinion on your case. In some cases, there are time-periods that must be met and the lawyer will review these as well.
To assist the lawyer and make sure your first meeting is as effective as it can be, you should bring:
- at least one piece of identification
- photos of the accident scene
- photos of your injuries
- names and contact details of witnesses
- a police report or police report number
- a copy of your insurance policy (if you are looking for a lawyer after a car accident)
- medical records available
- any other documents you believe may be related to the accident
During the first meeting with your lawyer, it is also important to get answers to any questions you have. It might be a good idea to write down a list of questions so you don’t forget them.
How does retaining a personal injury lawyer work?
At the end of the meeting, the lawyer will ask you if you have any other questions and whether you wish to retain them. If you do retain them, the lawyer will explain the ways you can retain a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa. You can pay an hourly rate in which case you would receive monthly bills to pay. Most injury lawyers will agree to work on your case on a contingency fee basis which means that you will be charged a percentage of the compensation you receive and only have to pay at the end of the case when your case settles or you succeed at trial.
If you feel comfortable with the lawyer, they will ask you to sign a contingency fee agreement which sets out the terms of the retainer such as the percentage the lawyer will charge, their responsibilities and your obligations. It is important to read that retainer agreement prior to signing it.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to take the time to find a personal injury lawyer who can help you through the process. Before your first meeting with the lawyer, try to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready. At QTMG Injury Lawyers, we understand that this process can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and we will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
