10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pennsylvania Injury Attorney
Not all lawyers are the same. Ask these questions — including about experience in your county's Court of Common Pleas — to find the right fit for your Pennsylvania claim.
Short answer: Before hiring, confirm the attorney's experience with your type of claim, their track record in your county's Court of Common Pleas, their contingency percentage and how costs are handled, who will actually work your file, and how they communicate.
What should I ask a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney?
- How long have you practiced personal injury law in Pennsylvania?
- Have you handled cases like mine? A truck crash differs from medical malpractice.
- Do you have experience in my county's Court of Common Pleas? Local court and jury experience matters — Philadelphia practice differs from Lancaster or York.
- What is your contingency percentage, and does it change at trial?
- Who will actually work on my case — a partner or an associate?
- How and how often will you communicate with me?
- What is your honest assessment of my claim?
- What timeline should I expect?
- Have you taken cases to verdict? Insurers offer more to attorneys who will try a case.
- How are case costs handled if we don't win?
What are the red flags?
- Guaranteeing a specific dollar result
- Pressuring you to sign immediately
- Vagueness about fees or costs
- Being hard to reach before you've even hired them
The best way to compare answers side by side is to organize your claim once and let attorneys respond.
This is general information about Pennsylvania law, not legal advice for your specific claim.
Frequently asked questions
Why does local court experience matter when choosing a Pennsylvania attorney?
Practice, procedures, and jury tendencies vary by county Court of Common Pleas. An attorney familiar with your county — Philadelphia, Lancaster, York, Berks, Dauphin, or Chester — understands the local landscape.
Is a free consultation standard in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation and work on contingency, so it costs nothing to ask these questions before hiring.