Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in New Orleans
After a serious accident, your world can flip upside down—medical bills pile up, work becomes impossible, and insurance companies start calling. Choosing the right personal injury attorney can be the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and walking away with far less. But how do you find the right attorney in a city like New Orleans, where every firm claims to be the best?
Start by asking the right questions.
1. What’s Your Experience With Personal Injury Cases Like Mine?
You don’t want just any lawyer—you want one who’s been in the trenches handling personal injury cases similar to yours. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury, experience matters. An attorney who knows the legal process and how insurance companies operate can anticipate challenges and build a strong case.
2. Have You Handled Cases in New Orleans or Mid-City Orleans Louisiana Specifically?
Orleans Louisiana has its own local rules, court procedures, and insurance quirks. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans gives you the advantage of local knowledge. Ask if they’ve worked in the Orleans office of civil court and if they’re familiar with area judges and opposing counsel.
3. Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
At some firms, you meet the lead partner during the consultation, but then your case gets handed off to a junior associate or even a paralegal. Ask who’s on your legal team and whether you’ll be in direct contact with your personal injury attorney throughout your case.
4. What Is Your Fee Structure?
Most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. Still, you should confirm the percentage they take and whether additional costs like court fees or expert witnesses will come out of your compensation.
5. What’s My Case Worth?
While no attorney can guarantee an amount, a seasoned lawyer can give you a ballpark estimate based on decades of experience. Be wary of attorneys who promise big settlements without reviewing your records. A fair estimate should include medical bills, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering.
6. How Will You Keep Me Updated?
Communication is everything. Ask how often you’ll receive updates and whether they prefer phone, email, or in-person check-ins. A great law firm values your peace of mind as much as your payout.
7. What Challenges Do You See in My Case?
This is where you separate the pros from the pretenders. A skilled personal injury attorney won’t sugarcoat the situation. Instead, they’ll walk you through potential weaknesses and how they plan to address them—whether it’s limited insurance coverage, delayed medical treatment, or conflicting evidence.
8. How Long Will My Case Take?
Every case is different, but your lawyer should be able to explain the expected timeline—from filing the personal injury claim to negotiating a settlement or going to trial. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare emotionally and financially.
9. Do You Offer a Free Consultation?
Most Orleans personal injury attorneys do, but it’s still good to confirm. A free consultation allows you to ask questions and get a feel for the attorney’s style, without committing upfront.
10. Can I See Testimonials or Case Results?
Don’t just take their word for it—look for reviews, testimonials, and real case results. Hearing from past clients who were injured in a car crash or other incident can offer insight into how the attorney handles their practice area.
Why These Questions Matter
Hiring a personal injury attorney isn’t just about legal knowledge. It’s about trust, strategy, and results. You need someone who understands the toll a serious injury takes—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. Someone who shows up, listens, and fights like every dollar matters—because it does.
In a city like New Orleans, where car accidents, pedestrian injuries, and hazardous conditions can change lives in an instant, you need more than a name on a billboard. You need an advocate.
Ready to Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in New Orleans?
At the Law Offices of Chip Forstall, we’ve spent decades serving New Orleans and helping families rebuild after devastating injuries. We’re proud to be a part of this community, and we’re ready to answer all your questions—no pressure, no obligation.
Call (504) 483-3400 or visit chipforstall.com to schedule your free consultation today.
Don’t just hire a lawyer. Hire the right one.
