I want to ...

...get compensation for my injury
...deal with my debts
...get a refund or compensation for something I bought
...start a business
...sue for defamation
...claim for unfair dismissal
...get divorced
...get compensation for fraud
...dispute an insurance award
...take action against the council
...make a small claim
...contest a motoring fine
...buy a house
...buy a property abroad
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Injury Lawyer

Important questions when briefing an injury lawyer:

The Injury lawyer’s background

What is the background of the lawyer in injury? What cases has the injury lawyer won, and what are the overall details? How long has the injury lawyer been practicing law? How long, specifically in injury?

How you can help your injury lawyer with the case

It will help both the direction and smoothness of the case if you can participate actively in your case. When you hire an injury lawyer, you should find out just how much participation is possible.

Your injury lawyer shouldn’t make any major decisions without your permission. Check to see that your injury lawyer seems willing and able to explain the case to you and answers your questions clearly and completely.

Asking your injury lawyer about possible outcomes of the case

You should ask your injury lawyer about possible outcomes to your case, but be careful with lawyers that guarantee big settlements or a win in court.

Ask for the injury lawyer's opinion of your injury case and its strengths and weaknesses.
You need to understand whether the lawyer is most likely to settle the case out of court or via a trial? And understand what the benefits are to a settlement, compared to the risks and pitfalls.

Complaining about your injury lawyer

Most law firms will have a partner whose job it is to handle complaints but, if not, then contact the firm’s senior partner. You can go in person using a resolution form supplied by the Consumer Complaints Service (call 0845 608 6565), the Citizens Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk), or use one issued by the firm itself.

If you decide to do it in person or on the phone, be sure to make notes on what was said and always ask your injury lawyer to confirm in writing what they intend to do about your complaint and by when.

If, after everything, you still feel you received a bad service, contact the Consumer Complaints Service (CSS) at the Law Society (call 0845 608 6565). You need to do this within six months of the end of the work that the injury lawyer did for you.

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