When choosing a slip and fall attorney, you, of course, want to select someone who has excellent legal qualifications. The attorney you hire should be a member of the state bar association, have years of experience, and participate in trial lawyer associations. Legal qualifications aren't all you'll want to focus on when picking a slip and fall attorney, though. Here are some questions to ask when selecting an attorney that have nothing to do with legal expertise or experience -- but that will still help you find the best lawyer to work with.

What Are Your Hours?

Working with a slip and fall attorney who has extended hours during the evenings or on weekends may make it much easier to communicate with them about your case. You'll be able to reach them without taking time off of work.

This is an especially important consideration if a family member or friend is assisting you while you're injured. If you rely on someone else to take you to and from appointments or for help understanding the legal recommendations of your lawyer, you don't want to make the person helping you take time off of work every time you talk with your attorney.

Instead, you'll want the flexibility to schedule phone calls and in-person appointments during hours when your helper isn't working. This will ensure they don't have to take personal days, vacation time, or lose income to help you.

Will You Come to the Hospital?

If you've suffered injuries that are serious enough to justify a personal injury claim, there's a good chance you'll have to spend at least some time in the hospital. You don't want to have to wait until you're out of the hospital to begin working on your slip and fall claim.

Finding a slip and fall attorney who will come see you in the hospital will help you to get started on your claim as quickly as possible. They can visit you and get the facts they need to begin working on your case. They may even suggest a few things you can do to strengthen your position in the upcoming legal battle.

Do You Make House Calls?

Not many lawyers make house calls, but some slip and fall attorneys are willing to go to their client's homes. While having an attorney come to you is convenient, there's a much more important reason to work with someone who will make house calls.

Once you're discharged from the hospital, you may find yourself well enough to be home but not able to get in the car. Going to offices may be physically challenging and maybe even impossible for you.

Choosing an attorney who will make house calls if it's necessary will guarantee that you'll be able to continue working on your case, even if you're homebound.

Do You Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?

Many attorneys use one of two fee structures. They either charge by the hour for work that's done, or they work on a contingency fee basis. With a contingency fee, an attorney is only paid if the suit is successful. They're paid a percentage, usually 33 to 40 percent, of the suit's settlement amount.

Contingency fee agreements aren't appropriate (or even allowed) in all situations, but they're useful in personal injury claims like those handled by slip and fall attorneys. With a contingency fee structure, your attorney will be invested in your case — and you won't have to worry about mounting legal bills as they work on your case. They'll be paid from your winnings, which takes a lot of financial pressure off of you. 

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