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  • #14 — Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Motorcycle cases can become heavily dependent on accident reconstruction.
    • The driver’s version of events may conflict with yours.
    • Police reports aren’t necessarily the final word on liability.
    • Helmet use can become relevant to certain claims.
    • Comparative-fault rules vary by jurisdiction.
    • Vehicle damage can provide important evidence.
    • Skid marks may disappear before they’re documented.
    • Road conditions can become relevant.
    • Poor road maintenance may introduce additional parties.
    • Witnesses should be identified quickly.
    • Motorcycle cameras can provide valuable evidence.
    • Medical records may become central to the claim.
    • Some injuries have delayed symptoms.
    • Future treatment can affect damages.
    • Insurance coverage may be more complicated than expected.
    • The other driver’s liability limits may be inadequate.
    • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may matter.
    • Don’t assume your own insurer automatically represents your interests.
    • Settlement calculations should consider future losses.
    • A quick settlement may prevent later claims depending on the agreement.
    • Contingency fees should be explained before signing.
    • Litigation expenses may be charged separately.
    • Ask whether the attorney personally handles motorcycle cases.
    • Ask whether accident reconstruction experts are used when appropriate.
    • Don’t choose a lawyer solely because they specialize in motorcycle advertising.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm motorcycle accident experience.

    ☐ Ask about comparative-fault issues.

    ☐ Preserve motorcycle evidence.

    ☐ Photograph damage.

    ☐ Preserve helmet/protective gear.

    ☐ Preserve medical records.

    ☐ Identify witnesses.

    ☐ Obtain police/incident records.

    ☐ Preserve photographs/video.

    ☐ Document lost income.

    ☐ Document property damage.

    ☐ Understand contingency fee.

    ☐ Understand expenses.

    ☐ Ask about expert costs.

    ☐ Ask about accident reconstruction.

    ☐ Ask about insurance coverage.

    ☐ Ask about applicable deadlines.

    ☐ Obtain fee agreement.

    ☐ Review termination provisions.

    ☐ Ask who handles negotiations.

    ☐ Ask who handles litigation.

    ☐ Establish communication expectations.

    ☐ Get material advice in writing.

    ☐ Compare qualified lawyers.

  • #13 — Construction Accident Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Not every workplace accident creates the same legal claim.
    • Workers’ compensation and third-party claims can operate differently.
    • The person who caused an accident may not be your employer.
    • Multiple contractors can be involved on a construction site.
    • Subcontractor relationships can complicate responsibility.
    • General contractors may have different insurance arrangements.
    • OSHA findings don’t automatically determine who is legally liable.
    • A site safety violation doesn’t necessarily establish every element of a lawsuit.
    • Workers’ compensation deadlines can be important.
    • Personal-injury filing deadlines vary by jurisdiction.
    • Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident.
    • Construction-site surveillance footage may be overwritten.
    • Accident reports should be preserved.
    • Witness memories can deteriorate.
    • Medical documentation can become crucial evidence.
    • Don’t assume the first insurance settlement offer reflects the claim’s full value.
    • Future medical expenses may matter.
    • Lost earning capacity can differ from immediate lost wages.
    • A contingency fee doesn’t mean the case is free.
    • Ask exactly which expenses are deducted from a recovery.
    • Determine whether litigation expenses are separate from attorney fees.
    • Ask who will actually handle the case.
    • Ask how frequently you’ll receive case updates.
    • Ask about the lawyer’s experience with construction-specific cases.
    • Never hire solely because an advertisement promises a large settlement.

    ☐ Verify license.

    ☐ Confirm construction-accident experience.

    ☐ Identify employer relationships.

    ☐ Identify contractors/subcontractors.

    ☐ Preserve accident-scene evidence.

    ☐ Photograph equipment.

    ☐ Photograph worksite.

    ☐ Identify witnesses.

    ☐ Preserve safety documentation.

    ☐ Preserve incident reports.

    ☐ Identify potentially responsible parties.

    ☐ Ask about OSHA-related evidence where relevant.

    ☐ Ask about insurance coverage.

    ☐ Ask about third-party claims.

    ☐ Understand fee percentage.

    ☐ Understand expenses.

    ☐ Understand expert costs.

    ☐ Ask about deadlines.

    ☐ Ask who actually handles the case.

    ☐ Obtain representation agreement.

    ☐ Review termination clause.

    ☐ Review expense provisions.

    ☐ Ask how liability will be established.

    ☐ Ask how damages will be calculated.

    ☐ Keep copies of all important documents.

  • #12. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Workers’ compensation isn’t ordinary personal injury.
    • Fault often works differently.
    • Employer negligence isn’t always the central issue.
    • Deadlines can be strict.
    • Notice requirements matter.
    • Medical-provider authorization can matter.
    • Independent medical examinations can matter.
    • Work restrictions should be documented.
    • Return-to-work decisions can become disputed.
    • Wage-replacement calculations vary.
    • Permanent impairment ratings can matter.
    • Occupational diseases may be treated differently.
    • Pre-existing conditions can complicate claims.
    • Employer retaliation can raise separate issues.
    • Third-party negligence can create additional claims.
    • Settlement can affect future medical treatment.
    • Medicare considerations can arise.
    • State rules differ considerably.
    • Not every workers’ compensation lawyer handles complex cases.
    • Ask about administrative-hearing experience.
    • Ask about trial experience where applicable.
    • Understand the fee structure.
    • Don’t sign settlement documents without understanding future consequences.
    • Preserve workplace records.
    • Biggest mistake: treating workers’ compensation as a simple “insurance check” rather than a legal system with deadlines and long-term consequences.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm workers’-compensation experience.

    ☐ Ask whether the attorney represents injured workers.

    ☐ Ask about fee structure.

    ☐ Ask about case expenses.

    ☐ Understand what medical documentation is required.

    ☐ Report/record the injury appropriately.

    ☐ Preserve employment records.

    ☐ Preserve medical records.

    ☐ Document restrictions.

    ☐ Document communications with employer.

    ☐ Ask about benefit categories potentially involved.

    ☐ Ask about disputes over causation.

    ☐ Ask about independent medical examinations.

    ☐ Ask about return-to-work issues.

    ☐ Ask about settlement options.

    ☐ Ask about applicable deadlines.

    ☐ Ask who handles hearings.

    ☐ Ask who actually manages the file.

    ☐ Obtain representation agreement.

    ☐ Review termination provisions.

    ☐ Understand expenses.

    ☐ Establish communication expectations.

    ☐ Keep copies of every important document.

    ☐ Get important advice in writing.

  • #11. Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Not every injury proves abuse.
    • Neglect and intentional abuse are different.
    • Medication errors can be significant.
    • Falls require careful investigation.
    • Pressure injuries can indicate inadequate care.
    • Dehydration can be an important warning sign.
    • Malnutrition can be an important warning sign.
    • Staffing levels can become relevant.
    • Care plans should be examined.
    • Incident reports may matter.
    • Medication administration records may matter.
    • Inspection records can reveal patterns.
    • Prior complaints may be relevant.
    • Facility ownership can be complicated.
    • Management companies may differ from property owners.
    • Insurance coverage varies.
    • Government benefits can affect claims.
    • Arbitration agreements may appear in admission paperwork.
    • Arbitration provisions deserve legal review.
    • Family members may not automatically control every legal claim.
    • Documentation should be preserved.
    • Photographs can be important.
    • Ask about experience against nursing-home operators.
    • Beware guarantees.
    • Biggest mistake: accepting the facility’s explanation of an unexplained injury without independent investigation.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm nursing-home abuse/neglect experience.

    ☐ Ask about facility investigations.

    ☐ Preserve photographs.

    ☐ Preserve medical records.

    ☐ Preserve incident reports.

    ☐ Identify witnesses.

    ☐ Ask about staffing records.

    ☐ Ask about facility policies.

    ☐ Ask about regulatory records.

    ☐ Ask about prior complaints where legally obtainable.

    ☐ Ask about insurance coverage.

    ☐ Identify potentially responsible parties.

    ☐ Understand attorney fees.

    ☐ Understand litigation expenses.

    ☐ Understand expert costs.

    ☐ Ask how damages are evaluated.

    ☐ Ask about applicable deadlines.

    ☐ Obtain written agreement.

    ☐ Review termination clause.

    ☐ Review expenses.

    ☐ Ask who actually handles the case.

    ☐ Establish communication schedule.

    ☐ Preserve all evidence.

    ☐ Obtain copies of important documents.

  • #10. Birth Injury Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Birth injury isn’t synonymous with malpractice.
    • Some neurological conditions have multiple possible causes.
    • Timing of injury can be critical.
    • Prenatal events can matter.
    • Labor monitoring records are important.
    • Fetal-monitor interpretation can be disputed.
    • Delivery-room records matter.
    • Neonatal records matter.
    • Maternal medical history can matter.
    • Expert testimony is often central.
    • Life-care planning can be substantial.
    • Future educational needs can matter.
    • Future earning capacity may matter.
    • Assistive technology costs can matter.
    • Home modifications may matter.
    • Caregiver needs may matter.
    • Statutes of limitation can be unusual for minors.
    • Government programs can affect damages.
    • Hospital liability may differ from physician liability.
    • Nurses may have separate roles.
    • Midwives may have separate legal considerations.
    • Ask about actual birth-injury litigation experience.
    • Beware emotionally powerful advertising that promises specific outcomes.
    • Preserve every medical record.
    • Biggest mistake: assuming a diagnosis alone establishes negligence.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm birth-injury experience.

    ☐ Ask about medical experts.

    ☐ Ask about medical-record review.

    ☐ Ask how causation will be established.

    ☐ Ask about applicable deadlines.

    ☐ Ask who evaluates long-term care requirements.

    ☐ Ask about life-care planning.

    ☐ Ask about future medical expenses.

    ☐ Ask about lost earning capacity.

    ☐ Understand contingency fee.

    ☐ Understand litigation expenses.

    ☐ Understand expert fees.

    ☐ Ask about settlement structures.

    ☐ Ask how settlement decisions are made.

    ☐ Ask who represents the child’s interests where applicable.

    ☐ Obtain representation agreement.

    ☐ Review expenses.

    ☐ Review termination provisions.

    ☐ Ask who handles the case.

    ☐ Establish communication expectations.

    ☐ Preserve complete medical records.

    ☐ Obtain relevant hospital records.

    ☐ Obtain copies of important filings.

    ☐ Obtain independent advice if necessary.

  • #9. Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Catastrophic injury cases often require extensive expert analysis.
    • Immediate medical expenses aren’t the whole economic picture.
    • Lifetime care may be relevant.
    • Future medical equipment can matter.
    • Home modifications can become significant.
    • Vehicle modifications can become significant.
    • Lost earning capacity can dwarf immediate lost wages.
    • Vocational experts may be needed.
    • Life-care planners may be needed.
    • Medical experts may be needed.
    • Multiple insurance policies may exist.
    • Government benefits may create reimbursement issues.
    • Liens need to be identified.
    • Structured settlements may be considered.
    • Settlement timing matters.
    • Family caregivers can create complicated economic questions.
    • Evidence should be preserved early.
    • Accident reconstruction may matter.
    • Liability and damages are separate questions.
    • Comparative fault can affect recovery.
    • Trial experience matters.
    • Litigation expenses can be substantial.
    • Contingency agreements need careful review.
    • Beware guarantees.
    • Biggest mistake: valuing a catastrophic injury solely by current medical bills.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm catastrophic-injury experience.

    ☐ Ask about life-care planning.

    ☐ Ask about economic-loss analysis.

    ☐ Ask about medical experts.

    ☐ Ask about rehabilitation experts.

    ☐ Ask about future-care costs.

    ☐ Ask about lost earning capacity.

    ☐ Ask about evidence preservation.

    ☐ Understand contingency fee.

    ☐ Understand litigation expenses.

    ☐ Understand expert costs.

    ☐ Ask about case-management resources.

    ☐ Ask who handles the case personally.

    ☐ Ask how settlement offers are evaluated.

    ☐ Ask about structured settlements.

    ☐ Obtain written fee agreement.

    ☐ Review expense provisions.

    ☐ Review termination provisions.

    ☐ Ask about insurance coverage.

    ☐ Identify all potentially responsible parties.

    ☐ Preserve records.

    ☐ Preserve photographs/video.

    ☐ Document financial losses.

    ☐ Obtain copies of critical case documents.

  • #8. Mass Tort Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Mass torts aren’t the same as class actions.
    • Individual claims may retain individual characteristics.
    • Different injuries can produce different outcomes.
    • Eligibility requirements matter.
    • Medical records are crucial.
    • Product exposure must often be established.
    • Advertising can create unrealistic expectations.
    • Settlement structures can vary.
    • MDL proceedings can be complex.
    • Bellwether trials don’t necessarily determine every case.
    • Not every claimant receives the same settlement.
    • Litigation can take years. Fees should be explained clearly.
    • Case expenses should be explained.
    • Medical liens may affect recovery.
    • Government benefits may create reimbursement issues.
    • Bankruptcy trusts can sometimes interact with claims.
    • Prior settlements may affect strategy.
    • Defendants may challenge causation.
    • Experts can play a major role.
    • Evidence preservation matters. Beware “everyone gets $X” advertising.
    • Ask whether the firm is actually involved in the litigation.
    • Ask how client cases are selected for litigation.
    • Biggest mistake: believing a mass-tort advertisement’s headline settlement number represents what an individual claimant will receive.

    ☐ Identify the specific mass-tort litigation.

    ☐ Verify attorney licensing.

    ☐ Confirm actual involvement in the litigation.

    ☐ Determine whether the lawyer is lead counsel, local counsel or referral counsel.

    ☐ Ask whether your claim is individually evaluated.

    ☐ Understand contingency percentage.

    ☐ Understand case expenses.

    ☐ Ask about administrative fees.

    ☐ Ask whether settlement allocations are subject to common-benefit deductions.

    ☐ Ask how liens are handled.

    ☐ Ask how settlement decisions work.

    ☐ Ask whether you retain individual settlement authority.

    ☐ Understand potential timelines.

    ☐ Ask about multidistrict litigation if applicable.

    ☐ Ask about evidence requirements.

    ☐ Ask what records are needed.

    ☐ Ask about medical documentation.

    ☐ Ask about prior claims.

    ☐ Review representation agreement.

    ☐ Review termination provisions.

    ☐ Review expenses.

    ☐ Ask who actually handles communication.

    ☐ Obtain copies of material documents.

    ☐ Beware guaranteed settlement claims.

    ☐ Compare qualified counsel.

  • #7. Wrongful Death Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Wrongful-death laws vary significantly by jurisdiction.
    • Not every family member necessarily has the same legal rights.
    • Estate claims can differ from wrongful-death claims.
    • Probate issues can become involved.
    • Multiple beneficiaries may have competing interests.
    • Insurance limits matter. Multiple defendants may exist.
    • Government entities can have special rules.
    • Medical malpractice can involve additional requirements.
    • Evidence should be preserved immediately.
    • Witness memories can fade.
    • Accident reconstruction may be necessary.
    • Economic damages can require financial experts.
    • Future income may be considered.
    • Loss-of-support calculations can be complicated.
    • Funeral expenses may be recoverable depending on law.
    • Non-economic damages vary by jurisdiction.
    • Some jurisdictions impose statutory caps.
    • Settlement allocation matters.
    • Liens can reduce net recovery.
    • Contingency agreements should be understood.
    • Ask whether the firm actually litigates wrongful-death cases.
    • Beware guaranteed settlement figures.
    • Ask who will communicate with the family.
    • Biggest mistake: treating wrongful death as simply a larger personal-injury claim.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm wrongful-death experience.

    ☐ Ask about applicable jurisdictional rules.

    ☐ Ask who is legally entitled to bring the claim.

    ☐ Ask who may be entitled to damages.

    ☐ Understand contingency fee.

    ☐ Understand litigation expenses.

    ☐ Ask about expert costs.

    ☐ Ask how damages will be calculated.

    ☐ Ask what documentation is required.

    ☐ Preserve medical records.

    ☐ Preserve employment/income records.

    ☐ Preserve photographs and other evidence.

    ☐ Identify witnesses.

    ☐ Ask how liability will be established.

    ☐ Ask about insurance coverage.

    ☐ Ask about potential defendants.

    ☐ Ask about settlement process.

    ☐ Ask who makes settlement decisions.

    ☐ Obtain representation agreement.

    ☐ Review expenses.

    ☐ Review termination rights.

    ☐ Establish communication schedule.

    ☐ Obtain copies of important filings.

    ☐ Get all material promises in writing.

  • #6. Product Liability Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Product liability isn’t limited to manufacturing defects.
    • Design defects are different.
    • Failure-to-warn claims are different.
    • Product identification can matter.
    • Supply chains may contain multiple defendants.
    • Retailers can have different responsibilities.
    • Manufacturers may be located in another jurisdiction.
    • Product modifications can complicate cases.
    • Improper use may become an issue.
    • Recall history can be important.
    • Prior complaints may matter.
    • Testing records can matter.
    • Expert testimony is frequently important.
    • Preserving the product can be critical.
    • Don’t throw away the allegedly defective product.
    • Photographs can become valuable evidence.
    • Packaging should be preserved. Instructions and warnings should be preserved.
    • Purchase records can matter.
    • Warranty language may become relevant.
    • Statutes of limitation vary.
    • Mass claims can create different litigation structures.
    • Beware lawyers making guaranteed-value claims.
    • Ask about actual product-liability trial experience.
    • Biggest mistake: discarding or modifying the product before it can be examined.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm product-liability experience.

    ☐ Ask about comparable product cases.

    ☐ Preserve the product.

    ☐ Do not modify or repair the product before legal advice.

    ☐ Preserve packaging.

    ☐ Preserve receipts.

    ☐ Preserve instructions/warnings.

    ☐ Photograph the product and incident scene.

    ☐ Identify witnesses.

    ☐ Document injuries/damages.

    ☐ Ask how experts will inspect the product.

    ☐ Ask who pays expert costs.

    ☐ Understand contingency fees.

    ☐ Understand litigation expenses.

    ☐ Ask about manufacturer/distributor relationships.

    ☐ Ask about potential defendants.

    ☐ Ask how evidence will be preserved.

    ☐ Ask about applicable deadlines.

    ☐ Obtain written fee agreement.

    ☐ Review expense provisions.

    ☐ Review termination provisions.

    ☐ Understand settlement authority.

    ☐ Ask who will actually handle litigation.

    ☐ Obtain copies of critical documents.

  • #5. Maritime Injury Lawyers Buyer Checklist You Need To Know Before You Spend Your Money. 50 Buyer-Beware Intelligence Points

    Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through this page unless specifically instructed to do so.

    • Maritime law is highly specialized.
    • Jones Act issues can arise.
    • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act issues can arise.
    • Vessel status can matter.
    • Worker status can matter.
    • Seaman status can be disputed.
    • Maintenance and cure rules are specialized.
    • Employer negligence can have specialized standards.
    • Unseaworthiness may be relevant.
    • Vessel owners may have separate responsibilities.
    • Contractual relationships can become complicated.
    • Offshore employment creates additional considerations.
    • Offshore drilling cases may involve multiple entities.
    • Foreign vessels can introduce additional jurisdictional issues.
    • Federal maritime law can override ordinary state assumptions.
    • Deadlines matter.
    • Evidence from vessel logs can be important.
    • Safety records can be significant.
    • Crew testimony may matter.
    • Medical treatment documentation is important.
    • Employer-provided medical care should be documented.
    • Settlement agreements can affect future rights.
    • Ask whether the lawyer routinely handles maritime cases.
    • Don’t assume ordinary workers’ compensation rules apply.
    • Biggest mistake: hiring an attorney unfamiliar with maritime law.

    ☐ Verify licensing.

    ☐ Confirm maritime-law experience.

    ☐ Ask about comparable maritime cases.

    ☐ Determine whether the attorney understands the relevant maritime framework.

    ☐ Ask what evidence must be preserved.

    ☐ Identify vessel/employer/operator relationships.

    ☐ Obtain incident reports.

    ☐ Preserve medical records.

    ☐ Preserve photographs/video.

    ☐ Identify witnesses.

    ☐ Understand attorney fees.

    ☐ Understand litigation expenses.

    ☐ Ask about expert costs.

    ☐ Ask about investigation costs.

    ☐ Ask how deadlines will be evaluated.

    ☐ Ask how liability will be investigated.

    ☐ Ask how damages will be evaluated.

    ☐ Ask who controls settlement decisions.

    ☐ Obtain representation agreement.

    ☐ Review termination clause.

    ☐ Review expense provisions.

    ☐ Ask who actually handles the case.

    ☐ Establish communication expectations.

    ☐ Obtain copies of important documents.

    ☐ Never rely solely on verbal assurances.