Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need when I meet with an attorney?
Meeting with an attorney can feel overwhelming, but being prepared ensures a smoother and more productive consultation. Whether you’re dealing with a personal injury, a product liability claim, or another legal matter, bringing the right documents and information allows your attorney to understand your case quickly and provide informed advice.
Key items to bring include:
- Relevant Documents: Any contracts, medical records, insurance policies, incident reports, or correspondence related to your case.
- A Written Timeline: Notes outlining key dates and events that are central to your legal issue.
- Contact Information: A list of witnesses, involved parties, or other relevant contacts.
- Medical History and Documents: A record of any hospital or doctor visits related to your case.
For a real world example, take a look at the onboarding questionnaire that the attorneys at Schiffman Firm use here.
Coming prepared not only helps your attorney better understand your situation but also sets the foundation for a successful working relationship. This guide will walk you through everything you should bring and how to make the most of your first meeting.
Table of Contents
What kind of contact information do I need?
Having accurate and organized contact information is essential when meeting with your attorney for the first time. This information helps your attorney identify key individuals involved in your case, gather additional evidence, and build a strong strategy. Be sure to include the following:
- Witnesses: Provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of any witnesses who can offer relevant testimony or information about your case.
- Other Involved Parties: If applicable, include contact information for other parties involved in your case, such as the defendant, their attorney, or insurance adjusters.
- Medical Providers (for injury cases): For personal injury or product liability matters, include the names and contact details of any medical professionals who treated you for injuries related to the case.
- Employer Information (if relevant): If your case involves lost wages or workplace-related incidents, bring contact details for your employer, supervisor, or HR department.
- Emergency Contacts: In the event you move or an attorney is unable to reach you, having a backup contact is crucial to ensuring your case continues to progress smoothly. Pursuant to attorney client privilege, this emergency contact information will only be use to ascertain your new contact information if it is needed.
Organize this information in a clear, accessible format, such as a printed list or digital document. Having these details readily available will save time and allow your attorney to address your case efficiently.
What type of medical information should I bring?
If your legal matter involves injuries—whether due to an accident, a defective product, or another cause—bringing detailed medical information is critical. This information helps your attorney understand the extent of your injuries, assess damages, and build a case that accurately represents your situation. Here’s what to include:
- Medical Records: Bring copies of your medical records related to the incident. These might include emergency room reports, diagnostic tests (like X-rays or MRIs), surgical notes, and follow-up care summaries.
- Bills and Receipts: Provide copies of all medical bills and receipts, including hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any other healthcare-related expenses.
- Insurance Information: Bring your health insurance card and any documentation related to claims made after the incident. If the opposing party’s insurance is involved, include that information as well.
- Prescriptions: List any medications prescribed as a result of your injuries, along with dosage information. This can be helpful in showing the extent of pain management or treatment required.
- Treatment Plan: If your doctor provided a treatment or rehabilitation plan, include this documentation to demonstrate the expected duration and cost of your recovery.
- Photos or Videos: Visual documentation of your injuries—such as photos taken immediately after the incident or during recovery—can be very persuasive in demonstrating the impact of the event.
- Medical Provider Contact Information: Ensure you have the names, phone numbers, and addresses of the healthcare professionals and facilities involved in your care.
Having this information prepared will allow your attorney to evaluate the full scope of your medical damages and better advocate for your interests.
What type of information do I need if I am involved in a product liability case?
If your injury involves a defective product, bringing the right documentation to your first meeting with an attorney is essential. This information will help your attorney understand the circumstances of your injury, evaluate liability, and build a strong case. Here’s what to bring:
- The Defective Product: If possible and safe to do so, bring the product itself or detailed photographs of it. This allows your attorney to assess its condition and identify visible defects or damage.
- Proof of Purchase: Provide receipts, invoices, or bank statements showing when and where you purchased the product. This establishes ownership and timelines.
- Product Manuals and Packaging: If you have the product’s original manual, packaging, or labeling, bring these items. Warnings, instructions, and marketing claims can play a key role in identifying design flaws or insufficient safety measures.
- Incident Reports: Document the details of the incident, including when and how the injury occurred. If you reported the issue to the manufacturer, retailer, or a regulatory body, bring copies of any correspondence or reports.
- Photos or Videos of the Incident: If you have visual evidence of the incident, such as photos of the defective product in use or the injuries sustained, include these as part of your documentation.
- Medical Records and Bills: Provide all medical documentation related to your injury, including treatment records, doctor’s notes, and receipts for medical expenses.
- Warranty or Return Information: Bring any warranty agreements or documentation related to attempts to return or repair the defective product.
- Communication with the Manufacturer: If you contacted the manufacturer, retailer, or distributor about the defect or your injury, bring copies of emails, letters, or notes from phone calls.
- Witness Information: If others witnessed the incident, bring their names and contact details so your attorney can gather statements if needed.
- Regulatory Information: If the product is the subject of a recall or has been flagged for safety issues by agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), include any relevant documentation or reports.
Having this comprehensive set of documentation will allow your attorney to evaluate your case thoroughly and determine the best strategy for pursuing compensation.
What type of documentation should I bring if my case involves a car accident?
If you were injured in a car accident, thorough documentation is essential for building a strong case. This information helps your attorney evaluate liability, assess damages, and prepare for negotiations or legal proceedings. Be sure to bring the following:
- Accident Report: Obtain a copy of the official police report or accident report, as this document provides critical details about the incident, including fault determination and witness statements.
- Photos and Videos: Bring any photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. These visuals can be powerful evidence in establishing what happened.
- Medical Records and Bills: Provide documentation of any medical treatment you received as a result of the accident, including emergency care, follow-up visits, therapy, and prescriptions.
- Insurance Information: Bring copies of your car insurance policy, proof of coverage, and any correspondence with your insurer, as well as information about the other driver’s insurance.
- Driver Information: Provide the name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance details of the other parties involved in the accident.
- Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, include their names and contact details. Their statements can be valuable in corroborating your account of the incident.
- Repair Estimates: If your vehicle was damaged, bring any repair estimates, invoices, or receipts from mechanics or auto body shops.
- Traffic Citations: If any tickets were issued to you or the other driver at the scene, include copies of these as they may provide insight into liability.
- Written Timeline: Create a detailed timeline of the events leading up to, during, and after the accident. This will help your attorney better understand the context of the incident.
- Lost Wages Documentation: If the accident caused you to miss work, bring pay stubs or other evidence of your income to demonstrate the financial impact of the incident.
- Communication Records: Include copies of any emails, text messages, or letters exchanged with insurance adjusters, the other driver, or any other involved parties.
- Black Box Data (if applicable): If your vehicle has a black box, it may contain valuable data about the accident. Request a copy of this data if possible.
Being well-prepared with this documentation will allow your attorney to assess your case comprehensively and work toward the best possible outcome.
What type of information should I bring if my case involves workers compensation?
If you’ve been injured at work and are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, gathering the right documentation is crucial for supporting your case. This information helps your attorney navigate the claims process, ensure compliance with deadlines, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Here’s what to bring:
- Incident Report: Provide a copy of the workplace incident report you submitted to your employer. This is a key document that establishes when and how the injury occurred.
- Medical Records and Bills: Bring all medical documentation related to your injury, including doctor’s notes, treatment plans, diagnostic tests, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Employer Communication: Include any emails, letters, or memos exchanged with your employer about the incident, your injury, or your ability to return to work.
- Pay Stubs or Earnings Statements: These help establish your regular wages and calculate benefits such as temporary disability payments.
- Witness Information: If coworkers or others witnessed the accident, provide their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable in confirming the circumstances of your injury.
- Photos or Videos: If applicable, bring photos or videos of the accident scene, equipment involved, or any unsafe conditions that contributed to your injury.
- Workplace Policies and Training Records: If your injury involved a safety violation or improper training, documents outlining workplace policies or training procedures can strengthen your case.
- Previous Injury Records (if relevant): If the workers’ compensation insurer questions the severity of your injury or alleges it was pre-existing, bring documentation that supports your case.
- Accident-Related Expenses: Keep receipts or records of any expenses related to your injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, medical equipment, or home care needs.
- Workers’ Compensation Claim Forms: If you’ve already submitted a workers’ compensation claim, provide copies of all completed forms and any responses you’ve received from your employer or insurer.
- Return-to-Work Documentation: If your doctor has provided you with work restrictions or a timeline for returning to work, bring this information to help your attorney assess the viability of modified duties or additional compensation.
- Union Contracts (if applicable): If you’re a union member, bring a copy of your collective bargaining agreement. Some contracts include provisions relevant to workers’ compensation claims.
Being thorough with your documentation ensures your attorney has the tools to protect your rights and secure the benefits you’re entitled to under workers’ compensation laws.
What should I do if I can't find the right information?
It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when gathering documents for your attorney, especially if some information seems missing or hard to locate. Don’t worry—your attorney can often help you track down the necessary details. Here are steps to take if you can’t find certain information:
- Inform Your Attorney: Let your attorney know what’s missing. They may be able to guide you on alternative documents or help obtain the needed records directly.
- Request Copies: If you’re missing medical records, employment documents, or other paperwork, contact the relevant provider or organization to request copies. For example, hospitals, employers, and insurance companies often have processes for obtaining records.
- Provide a Timeline: Even if you don’t have physical documents, write a detailed timeline of events, including dates, locations, and parties involved. This can provide a starting point for your attorney to fill in the gaps.
- Check Digital Files: Many records, such as bank statements, medical records, and insurance policies, can be accessed online through your accounts. Check email correspondence as well for any attachments or receipts.
- Ask for Assistance: Your attorney may have access to tools or resources that can help locate hard-to-find information. For example, they might subpoena records or contact third parties on your behalf.
- List Missing Items: Create a list of the specific information or documents you’re unable to find. This helps your attorney prioritize what’s most important and strategize on how to obtain it.
- Stay Organized: Keep all the documents you do have in one place, whether in a physical folder or a digital file. Having other materials ready will make it easier for your attorney to start working on your case while tracking down the missing pieces.
- Be Honest: If you’ve lost or misplaced critical documents, be upfront with your attorney. They’re there to help, not judge, and honesty ensures they can address potential challenges early on.
By taking proactive steps and communicating openly, you can work with your attorney to fill in any gaps and ensure your case is as strong as possible.
Wrap Up
Preparing for your first meeting with an attorney is an important step toward building a strong case. By gathering the right documents, organizing your information, and understanding what’s needed, you set the foundation for a productive and efficient partnership. Whether you’re dealing with a personal injury, workers’ compensation claim, or product liability issue, having clear communication and being proactive can make all the difference.
Remember, if you’re unsure about what to bring or can’t find specific information, your attorney is there to guide you through the process. With their expertise and your preparation, you’ll be ready to navigate the legal journey ahead.
Answered By:
Attorney Daniel SchiffmanMore About Daniel:
Daniel S. Schiffman, a partner at Schiffman Firm, is a litigator who practices primarily in the fields of personal injury, product liability, and business litigation. Attorney Schiffman is licensed to practice law in all Pennsylvania state courts (60 judicial districts) and all three of Pennsylvania’s federal district courts.
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