Finding yourself in need of a lawyer is rarely a planned event. Usually, it happens in the wake of a crisis—a car accident, a slip and fall, or a tragic loss. In these moments of vulnerability, the pressure to “just get help” can be overwhelming. You might see a billboard, hear a jingle, or get a recommendation from a friend, and feel tempted to hire the first name you find.
But hiring an attorney is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The person you choose will be your voice, your shield, and the guardian of your financial future.
At The Moran Law Group, we believe that the attorney-client relationship is sacred. It shouldn’t be transactional; it should be familial. When you walk into a consultation, you are not just asking for help; you are conducting a job interview. You are the employer, and the attorney is applying to work for you.
To make the right choice, you need to know what to ask. Many people don’t know the difference between a high-volume “settlement mill” and a dedicated trial firm until it is too late. To help you protect your rights, we have compiled the essential questions you should ask a lawyer before signing any paperwork.
Section 1: Questions About Experience and Qualifications
Experience is more than just a number of years; it is about the kind of years. You wouldn’t ask a foot doctor to perform heart surgery, even though they are both “doctors.” Similarly, you need to ensure your lawyer has the specific tools to handle your unique situation.
1. “How long have you been practicing Personal Injury law specifically?”
Many general practitioners try to dabble in personal injury because they see it as lucrative. They might handle a divorce on Monday, a speeding ticket on Tuesday, and your car accident claim on Wednesday.
- Why this matters: Personal injury law in Pennsylvania is complex. It involves intricate insurance regulations, subrogation liens, and medical evidence rules. You need a specialist.
- The Answer You Want: You want a firm that focuses exclusively or primarily on personal injury. At The Moran Law Group, we have over 50 years of combined experience fighting specifically for the injured. We know the local judges in Scranton, the defense attorneys, and the tactics insurers use because we deal with them every single day.
2. “Have you handled cases like mine before?”
It is not enough to have handled “car accidents.” If you were injured in a collision with a commercial tractor-trailer, that is a completely different ballgame involving federal trucking regulations and black box data. If you suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), you need a lawyer who understands neurology and cognitive deficits.
- The Follow-Up: Ask for examples. “Can you tell me about a recent case similar to mine and how you resolved it?” A confident attorney will be able to discuss their track record (without violating confidentiality) to show they understand the nuances of your injury.
3. “Are you a Board Certified Civil Advocate?”
This is the “gold standard” question that many lawyers hope you won’t ask.
- Why this matters: Any licensed lawyer can call themselves a “trial attorney,” but very few have the credentials to back it up. Board Certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy is reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated a high level of skill, passed a rigorous exam, and have extensive trial experience.
- The Moran Standard: We are proud to be Board Certified Civil Advocates. This distinction signals to the insurance company that we are not just paper-pushers; we are proven litigators.
Section 2: Questions About Strategy and The “Fight”
This section reveals whether the lawyer is looking for a quick payout or is willing to fight for maximum compensation.
4. “How many of your cases go to trial?”
This is a trick question, in a way. If an attorney says “None, I settle everything,” run the other way.
- The Industry Secret: Insurance companies keep dossiers on law firms. They know which firms are “settlement mills” that are afraid of the courtroom. If your lawyer never goes to trial, the insurance company has no incentive to offer you a fair amount. They will offer you pennies, knowing your lawyer will pressure you to take it just to avoid court.
- The Answer You Want: You want an attorney who says, “We prepare every case as if it is going to trial.” While most cases do settle, the only way to get a maximum settlement is to be fully prepared to walk into a courtroom and win a verdict.
5. “Who will actually be handling my case?”
At many massive, billboard-advertising firms, you meet a senior partner at the initial consultation, shake their hand, and then never see them again. Your case is passed down to a junior associate fresh out of law school or, worse, managed entirely by paralegals.
- Why this matters: Your case deserves the attention of a seasoned professional. You need to know who is writing the letters, who is negotiating with the adjuster, and who is standing beside you at a deposition.
- The “Family” Approach: At The Moran Law Group, we don’t treat you like a file number. We treat you like family. That means when you hire us, you get us. You get our personal attention and our direct involvement in the strategy of your case.
Section 3: Questions About Costs and Fees
Money is often the most stressful topic for injury victims. You are likely already facing lost wages and medical bills. You need clarity on how the legal financials work.
6. “Do you work on a contingency fee basis?”
This is the industry standard for personal injury, but you must verify it.
- What it means: A contingency fee means you pay zero upfront. No retainer, no hourly billing. The attorney is paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict only if they win.
- The Critical Follow-Up: “If we lose, do I owe you anything?” Some firms work on a contingency fee for their time, but they will still bill you for “case costs” (filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record retrieval) if they lose. You need to ensure that if there is no recovery, you truly owe nothing—not even costs.
7. “What is your fee percentage, and does it change?”
Typically, personal injury fees are 33.3% (one-third) of the settlement. However, some firms have sliding scales.
- The Trap: Some contracts state that the fee jumps to 40% or even 45% if a lawsuit is filed or if the case goes to trial. While this can be standard in complex litigation, you need to be aware of it upfront so there are no surprises when you see the final check.
Section 4: Questions About Communication
The number one complaint clients have about lawyers across the country is: “He never calls me back.”
8. “What is your policy on returning phone calls?”
You are going through one of the most traumatic times in your life. You shouldn’t have to chase your lawyer for updates.
- The Standard: Ask them who your point of contact will be. Will you have a direct line or email? At Moran Law, we pride ourselves on accessibility. We understand that your anxiety doesn’t always stick to “9-to-5” business hours, which is why we offer 24/7 availability for emergencies. We believe that keeping you informed is part of the healing process.
9. “How long do you think this process will take?”
Be wary of any lawyer who gives you a guaranteed date.
- The Honest Answer: A good lawyer will tell you that it depends on your medical recovery. We cannot settle your case until you reach “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI). If a lawyer promises you a check in 3 months before you’ve even finished physical therapy, they are planning to “churn and burn” your case—settling it quickly for a low amount to get their fee, leaving you to pay for future medical bills on your own.
Section 5: The “Red Flag” Questions
Sometimes, the most important information comes from how a lawyer reacts to difficult questions.
10. “Can you provide references or reviews from past clients?”
A lawyer who is beloved by their clients will have no shortage of praise. Look for reviews that mention the lawyer’s compassion, their communication, and their willingness to fight.
- Note: Look for stories that sound like yours. Did the client feel supported? Did they feel like “family”? Or did they feel ignored?
11. “What do you think is the biggest weakness in my case?”
If a lawyer tells you your case is a “slam dunk” or “easy money,” be careful. No legal case is a guarantee.
- Why ask this: You want a lawyer who is a realist, not a salesman. An honest attorney will identify potential hurdles—like a pre-existing condition or a witness dispute—and explain exactly how they plan to overcome them. This shows strategic thinking and honesty.
Section 6: Why The Moran Law Group Welcomes These Questions
We encourage you to ask these questions. In fact, we want you to ask them.
Why? Because the more you know about how the legal system works, the more you will appreciate the difference in how we operate. We are confident in our answers because our firm was built on the principles of integrity, hard work, and deep local roots in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
We don’t rely on flashy gimmicks. We rely on over 50 years of combined experience and a reputation for results. When you ask us, “Will you fight for me?”, we don’t just say yes. We point to the millions of dollars we have recovered for people just like you—mothers, fathers, workers, and children who were wronged and needed a champion.
The Final Question You Must Ask Yourself
After you have interviewed the lawyer, asked the hard questions, and left the office, there is one final question you must ask yourself:
“Do I trust this person with my future?”
Your attorney will be your partner for months, maybe years. You need to feel comfortable, understood, and respected. At The Moran Law Group, our motto—“Not Just a Client… You Are Family”—isn’t just a tagline. It’s a promise. It means we take your pain personally, and we take your victory seriously.
Conclusion
The consultation is your opportunity to take back control. You have been victimized by an accident; you do not need to be victimized by the legal system. By asking the right questions, you strip away the marketing noise and find the true advocates.
If you are ready to ask these questions and get honest, straightforward answers, we invite you to contact The Moran Law Group. Let us show you what it means to have a team that fights for you like family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer really free?
Yes. Reputable personal injury firms, including The Moran Law Group, offer free, no-obligation consultations. This is your chance to ask questions, have your case evaluated, and decide if the firm is the right fit for you without spending a penny.
2. What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?
To get the most accurate answers to your questions, bring as much evidence as you have. This includes police reports, medical records or discharge papers, photos of the accident scene and your injuries, insurance policy information, and any correspondence you have received from insurance adjusters.
3. Can I fire my lawyer if I am unhappy with their answers later?
Yes, you have the right to change attorneys at any time if you feel your current lawyer is neglecting your case or lacks the necessary expertise. However, it is much better to ask the hard questions before you hire them to avoid delays in your case.
4. Why is Board Certification important when choosing a lawyer?
Board Certification (such as by the National Board of Trial Advocacy) indicates that a lawyer has gone above and beyond standard licensing. It requires passing a difficult exam, demonstrating extensive trial experience, and undergoing peer review. It is an objective measure of expertise that many “general” lawyers do not possess.
5. Will the lawyer I meet with be the one handling my case?
This varies by firm. At high-volume firms, you may be passed to a junior associate. At The Moran Law Group, we believe in personal representation. It is a crucial question to ask during your consultation to ensure you are comfortable with the team handling your file.