How to Prepare for Your First Personal Injury Lawyer Meeting
Meeting a personal injury lawyer for the first time can feel daunting. At Rice Harbut Elliott LLP (RHE Law), we make the process simple, respectful, and focused on you. This guide explains each step so you know what will happen from your first call to your first conversation.
Step 1: Make the Call
Calling a lawyer as soon as possible is crucial if you are considering legal action. Most Canadian provinces have limitation laws, which outline how long you have from the initial event to take legal action. While this timeline varies on a case-by-case basis, most people have two years before they are barred from filing a claim. Because of these limitations, it is best to call a lawyer immediately, even if you are unsure if you have a case.
You will likely be connected with a receptionist or assistant when you first call your potential law firm. Here at RHE Law, we utilize a streamlined intake system, which allows you to speak with one of our experienced team members within minutes. Once connected, we’ll ask tailored questions to help gather the facts we need to assess your legal situation accurately. Here are some examples of information we will need for different legal cases:
- Medical or dental malpractice: A description of your condition, details of the negligent care, advice, or procedure, and copies of relevant medical or dental records.
- Slip and fall injuries: The location of the incident, the nature of the hazard (e.g., ice, uneven surface, or other cause), any witness statements or contact information, and medical or clinical records documenting your injury.
- Wrongful insurance denials: A copy of your insurance policy and the denial letter, along with the deadline for filing an appeal.
After your call with our intake team is complete, they’ll collect this information and pass it on to one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.
Step 2: Gather Essential Documents
While you wait to hear back from us, you can start assembling key documents in one place. Doing so makes your first consultation smooth and efficient. Helpful items include:
- Photo ID
- Medical or dental records and referral letters
- Pay stubs, tax returns, and disability benefit statements
- Correspondence from your insurance provider
- Photographs, videos, and witness statements
- Any written notes you kept after the incident
- Any specific documents discussed in the intake call
The more organized you are, the more focused your first legal consultation can be.
Step 3: We’ll Call You
Once you’ve provided us with the requested information and records, we will forward to our legal team for their review prior to your first phone call. During this legal consultation, the personal injury lawyer will ask you questions about how your injury happened and how it has impacted both your enjoyment of life and your ability to work. The lawyer might also request further documents and information to help properly assess the viability of your potential claim.
This is also your chance to ask the lawyer any questions. Consider:
- Have you handled similar claims before?
- How do you structure fees and disbursements? Do you work on an hourly or contingency basis?
- What’s a rough timeline for my case?
- May I speak with former clients or see testimonials?
Here at RHE Law, we value transparency, trust, and accountability. Throughout this process, we’ll do what we can to make you feel heard, comforted, and empowered to take the next steps.
Rice Harbut Elliott LLP: Your Personal Injury Lawyers in BC
When you need a personal injury lawyer in BC, RHE Law stands ready to help. We combine top-tier advocacy with deep compassion for clients facing life-altering losses. Call us today to schedule your free legal consultation.