Man writing on notepadYou slipped and fell on someone else’s property. The accident was not your fault. You were paying attention as you were walking and you didn’t notice—you couldn’t have noticed—the dangerous condition that caused your fall. The pain that you felt was immediate and a trip to the hospital confirmed a broken ankle.

Your medical bills, your physical therapy bills, and the expenses from your lost time at work are adding up quickly. Here's what to expect during your initial consultation with a lawyer: 

Your Lawyer Will Ask You Questions

When you meet with an attorney for the first time, you should expect that your lawyer will ask questions to try to understand why you fell and the extent of your injuries. More specifically, you might expect an attorney to ask you:

  • Where were you when you fell?
  • Who owned the property where you fell?
  • Why do you think you fell?
  • Were there any warning signs of a dangerous condition?
  • How was the lighting?
  • Did you notice anything out of the ordinary before you fell?
  • Were you on your cell phone at the time of your fall?
  • What doctor are you seeing?
  • What treatments are you receiving?
  • What is your prognosis?

Of course, a lawyer may also ask you other questions about your fall or injury.

You Can Ask Your Lawyer Questions

Your initial meeting with a lawyer should also include time for your questions. You should ask about anything that is on your mind including:

  • What happens next?
  • Do you think I have a case?
  • How will you be paid?
  • What do you need from me to move forward?
  • How long do I have to decide whether or not to pursue a claim?

Both your questions and your lawyer’s questions serve the same purpose. You are both trying to determine if you have a case and if you should pursue damages. Thus, we encourage you to ask anything that is on your mind and to answer all of your lawyer’s questions honestly and as completely as possible. Then, together, you can make an informed decision about how best to protect your legal rights and recovery.

 
Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.