Are you considering filing a lawsuit? If so, you definitely need to consult a lawyer.

While many people have fantasies about what lawsuits are like from films and television, you’ll need to have a realistic timeline and a professional on your side.

Approximately 40 million lawsuits are filed each year, so you’ll want to make sure yours is strong enough for the court to take seriously.

Read on for some of the questions to ask attorneys before you file your lawsuit for the best outcome possible

1. What Can I Expect as a Realistic Settlement?

You may file a lawsuit thinking you’ll be hitting the jackpot and that it’s a simple way to financial freedom. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, and you’ll want to be as realistic as possible when it comes to what type of settlement to expect.

Your lawyer can talk you through what settlement you’ll be asking for and then what to expect the defendant to pay out if you win.

2. How Will I Be Charged?

Figuring out how your lawyer will bill you is a big one, and you and your attorney need to be on the same page from the get-go. You need to know if your lawyer requests a retainer upfront that they will bill against, or if you’ll be paying on contingency.

If you’re paying on contingency, this means you won’t pay unless you win. But, you’ll want to know how your lawyer works out what chunk they take from the winnings, lest you feel shortchanged or surprised by the amount pulled from your settlement.

3. Are Other People Participating or Have Other People Sued This Company Before?

In some cases, such as the Zantac lawsuit, there are many people suing the company. If that’s the case, you want to know if you’re alone or not. You’ll also want to know if you’ll be joining a class-action lawsuit.

This can give you a leg-up on your settlement, and help you build an even stronger case. The more people suing, often the more legitimate the case is.

4. What Do You Need From Me?

Your lawyer should lay out exactly what they need from you in order to move the lawsuit forward. This can include evidence and paperwork. You’ll need to be on the same page so you know exactly what to bring so they can build a stronger case.

5. If I Lose, Am I Responsible for Any Costs?

If your lawyer is working on a contingency, or no-win-no-fee basis, you’ll want to know what happens in the event you don’t win. This way, you won’t be completely caught out.

Your Questions to Ask Attorneys

Before you begin your lawsuit, make sure you have all of your questions to ask attorneys ready to go. Make a list and take notes so you can keep everything straight later on.

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