A personal injury attorney can be needed if you've injured yourself on the job, on public property or on someone else's property, including at a neighbour's home, in a store and so on. While it's good to always ask any questions you may have of the attorney himself or herself, you might note a few things to remember about working with such a lawyer. This can ensure you know what's involved and ask the right questions when you hire them.

A settlement can take weeks if not months 

You may expect your attorney to negotiate a quick settlement with the other party, and this can sometimes happen, but keep in mind that even the best attorney cannot control the response of the other party. Your employer's insurance company, or the property insurance company that covers a neighbour's storefront may delay the process, decide to negotiate rather than settle or may say that you have no claim. 

In these cases, your attorney needs to keep negotiating or contacting them. This can take weeks if not months, depending on your case. Your attorney might tell you the timeframe to expect and may keep in constant touch with progress, but it can be a mistake to expect overnight or immediate results.

Even injuries that are partially your fault may still qualify

Don't assume that you don't qualify to have your medical bills paid by an insurance company if an injury was partially your fault. There may have been fault on the part of the property owner or employer that you don't realise, including poor lighting, obstructions in a pathway and the like. At the very least, have a conversation with an attorney about your injury before assuming that you don't have a claim.

The other side has rights to your medical file and history

The party that you're suing will have rights to your medical history, as they have the right to present a counterargument to your claim, including the argument that you have a pre-existing condition that contributed to your injury, such as arthritis or balance issues that caused or contributed to a fall. You may also be required to visit their doctor for an independent exam.

Note, too, that asking for long-term disability payments may also mean that you need to be subject to regular exams, to see if you are ever able to return to work. Your attorney can advise you on this, but don't expect too much privacy when it comes to your medical records when dealing with personal injury attorneys.