For the first few weeks after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), everyone’s energy and attention is focused on recovery. But once the physical aspects of the injury have stabilized, the next step is to turn attention to the immediate and long-term financial aspects of TBI. A major part of that is to talk with an experienced TBI attorney who can analyze the facts of the case to determine how the injury occurred, who was at fault, and whether any financial costs can be recovered.
Of course, finding a good, experienced attorney is sometimes more difficult than it might seem. Here are some guidelines to help you locate the best lawyer for you and your case.
- Ask for recommendations. To find the top lawyers in your area, talk with the doctors and nurses…talk with families of other brain injury victims…talk with brain injury support groups. Write down the names of attorneys they recommend. At the end of this process, you should have several names that repeat. These can form the first-tier options.
- Make appointments to speak with 2 or 3 attorneys. The initial consultation for a brain injury case should be free of charge–ask to make sure there is no fee for this first visit.
- Evaluate the lawyers for a good personal fit. If you end up pursuing a lawsuit, you could end up in a decades-long relationship with your lawyer. You need to know that the person you hire is experienced and competent certainly, but also trustworthy, compassionate, and understanding of your situation.
- Ask probing questions. During the initial consultation, it is the lawyer’s job to ask you about your case…and it is your job to ask questions about the lawyer’s experience and commitment to brain injury causes. Questions to ask:
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- How many TBI cases have you handled? When was your first TBI case?
- What types of TBI cases have you handled–concussion…brain bleed…severe…moderate?
- What is the most severe brain injury you have ever handled, and how did the case progress? (A lawyer won’t be able to give names or personal information, but should be able to talk generally about the case.)
- How are you involved with the brain injury community? Which Brain Injury Associations are you a member of?
- What is the most significant change in brain injury treatment you have seen over the course of your career?
By asking these questions, you’ll get a good feel for whether the lawyer really is experienced and involved, and has detailed knowledge of brain injury and its challenges.
For more information, please visit the HensonFuerst website at https://www.hensonfuerst.com/. We have an entire section devoted to traumatic brain injury. And if you would like to speak with one of our experienced brain injury lawyers, give us a call anytime at 1-800-4LAW-MED. If you have questions, HensonFuerst has answers.