Meeting a lawyer for the first time: 6 things to expect
If you’ve been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, talking with a lawyer is a key step to figuring out your rights and options. We get that meeting with a lawyer can sound overwhelming and stressful — but the good news is, it doesn’t have to be.
Our lawyers are specially trained to ensure your first meeting is helpful, empowering and comfortable. You’ll leave knowing exactly what you can claim and how the entire process works. And the best part? Your first meeting is completely free.
Below, we’ll break down what to expect during your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer. If you’d rather speak to a lawyer now, just reach out. We’re always ready to provide free advice on your situation.
What can a personal injury lawyer help with?
A personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation if you’ve been injured at work, in a road accident, by a medical professional, or because of someone else’s negligence.
They can also assist with securing your superannuation benefits, such as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD), income protection, and death benefits.
No matter what kind of claim you’re making, a lawyer can guide you through every step. From free advice on your rights to gathering evidence and negotiating with the other party’s insurer, your lawyer’s job is to keep the entire process simple and stress-free.
Plus, at Monaco, we have a unique No Win No Fee guarantee. This means we handle all the upfront costs like medical reports and expert testimony, and you only pay if we win your case.
6 things to expect when meeting a lawyer for the first time
A warm welcome
When we meet for the first time, expect a relaxed, friendly vibe and a warm welcome. Your lawyer will start by introducing themselves and sharing their experience in the specific area of personal injury law that relates to your situation. In almost all cases, this lawyer will personally oversee your case from start to finish.
Your first meeting will generally take place at your closest Monaco office, but we can also arrange a meeting online or over the phone. If you’re dealing with a serious injury, illness, or can’t travel for any other reason, our lawyers can come to you instead.
A thorough discussion of your case
During your meeting, we’ll ask you to share details about your injury, illness or condition and the circumstances surrounding it. As part of this process, you’ll likely need to discuss:
- How your condition occurred, including any relevant dates and locations.
- What medical care you’ve received and any ongoing treatment doctors expect you to need.
- How the injury has affected your daily activities, work, and overall quality of life.
If you have any documents or photos related to your case, feel free to bring them too.
Explaining your rights and options
Once we have a clear understanding of your case, we’ll guide you through your rights and options. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Whether you have a personal injury claim and how solid it is.
- The types of compensation you might be eligible for, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- How long the claims process could take and what outcomes to expect.
- Any additional claims you might have alongside your main personal injury claim. For example, if you were injured by a medical professional, we’ll explore whether you can make a TPD claim as well. If you’re making a workers compensation claim, we’ll check if you can also sue your employer for negligence. These additional claims make a huge difference in boosting your overall compensation, as they’re often worth much more than your initial claim alone. Unfortunately, this is a step that many other law firms overlook.
- How we can get you financial support as quickly as possible, including applying to the court for an advance payment to help cover your medical bills and other immediate financial needs.
Our goal is to take a thorough look at your claim and maximise every possible benefit. We’ll handle all the requirements of your case, find all your additional claims, and advocate for you at every turn. With our expertise and support, you can focus fully on your recovery — knowing we’re taking care of the rest.
Questions and answers
We encourage you to ask any questions during the meeting, no matter how small or irrelevant they might seem. This is your chance to clear up any doubts about your case or the legal process. Don’t hesitate to share any concerns either — we’re here to make sure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Discussion of fees and payment structure
As we’ve discussed, your claim is covered by our genuine No Win No Fee guarantee. This means if you decide to go ahead, there’s nothing to pay until we win your claim. If we’re unsuccessful, you won’t owe us a cent.
Besides explaining how No Win No Fee works, we’ll also:
- Explain how we calculate our legal fees.
- Give you an estimate of what you can expect to pay if we win.
- Outline any extra costs you might incur during the process, like court fees or expert evidence.
- Go over the details of our risk-free 90-day trial.
If your lawyer thinks you have a solid claim, they may present you with a ‘legal cost agreement’. This is a formal document that outlines everything we’ve discussed above, and both you and your lawyer will sign it. There’s no rush to sign it right away — you can take it home, read it carefully, and think it over at your own pace.
Next steps
At the end of the meeting, your lawyer will outline the next steps for your claim. Typically, this involves:
- Working to understand your injury better: we’ll chat with your treating medical professionals to get a clearer picture of your injury and its severity. If needed, we might also talk to those close to you to see how the injury has impacted your life. This helps us figure out what types of compensation you can pursue, ensuring you get the most possible for your situation.
- Collecting evidence: we’ll gather as much evidence as we can, including witness statements, CCTV footage, and medical reports to support your claim. Plus, we’ll tap into our national network of medical experts to further strengthen your case.
- Mapping out your claim timeline: we’ll break down the claims process for you in detail, covering things like when you can expect updates and how we think your case will progress.
- Scheduling follow-up appointments: we’ll set up future meetings to discuss developments in your case, so you’re never left in the dark about when we’ll be in touch and how we’re handling your claim.
Importantly, there’s absolutely no obligation to proceed after your meeting — it’s all about giving you the information you need. Should you choose to work with us, your lawyer will get started on your claim immediately.
How long will my meeting take?
Your first meeting with a lawyer usually takes about an hour. After that, meeting times can change depending on what’s being discussed and what the stage your claim is at.
Before each meeting, your lawyer will always let you know what the meeting’s for, what you’ll need to prepare, and how long you can expect it to take.
Can I bring a support person with me?
You’re welcome to bring a support person with you to any meeting with your lawyer, including the first one. This could be your spouse, partner, a trusted friend, family member, or even a union representative — whoever makes you feel more comfortable and supported during the process.
To sum up
Meeting a personal injury lawyer for the first time is a key step in your path to recovery and compensation. Knowing what to expect can help you walk into the meeting feeling confident and clear about the process. Remember, this consultation isn’t just about us assessing your case; it’s also your chance to see if we’re the right fit for you. Feel free to ask any questions, share your concerns, and make sure you’re comfortable with the next steps.
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