The right attorney can help preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve. The wrong one can leave your case stuck in a settlement mill where you're treated like a file number instead of a person. Before signing any representation agreement, ask questions about experience, trial history, communication, resources, and fees.
In Nevada, contingency fee agreements must be in writing and signed by the client under the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct, making it especially important to understand exactly what you're agreeing to before moving forward.
At Cogburn Davidson Injury Lawyers, we've spent nearly two decades representing injured Nevadans. We've recovered more than $250 million for injury victims, helped advocate for stronger protections throughout Nevada, and built our reputation by preparing cases for trial when insurance companies refuse to do the right thing. Jamie Cogburn is one of only a small number of attorneys certified as a Personal Injury Specialist through Nevada's attorney specialization program administered under State Bar oversight.
If you're looking for a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, here are seven questions worth asking before you sign anything.
Key Terms to Know Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
| Term | Definition |
| Contingency Fee | A fee arrangement where the attorney is paid only if compensation is recovered |
| Settlement | An agreemenet that resolves a claim without a trial |
| Trial Lawyer | An attorney who regularly prepares and litigates cases in court |
| Plaintiff | The person bringing a lawsuit |
| Defendant | The person or company being sued |
| Certified Specialist | An attorney who has met additional requirements established by an approved specialization program. Nevada recognizes personal injury specialization through a program administered under State Bar oversight. |
Question #1: Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
Many people assume the lawyer they meet during a consultation will personally handle their case from start to finish, but that isn't always true. Some firms advertise heavily, sign a large volume of cases, and then pass much of the work to staff or less-experienced attorneys.
Ask:
- Who will be my primary point of contact?
- Will an attorney handle my case?
- How often will I receive updates?
- Can I speak directly with my lawyer when necessary?
Knowing who is responsible for your case can help avoid frustration later.
Question #2: How Much Experience Do You Have With Cases Like Mine?
Not all personal injury cases are the same. A lawyer who primarily handles minor car accident claims may not have extensive experience with:
- Truck accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Nursing home neglect
- Wrongful death claims
- Negligent security cases
Ask about:
- Years of experience
- Similar cases handled
- Results obtained
- Litigation experience
The goal isn't simply finding a lawyer who handles injury cases, but one who regularly handles cases like yours.
Question #3: Are You Prepared to Take My Case to Trial?
This may be the most important question on the list. Most personal injury cases settle, but insurance companies often evaluate claims differently when they know the lawyer is willing and able to take a case to trial.
Ask:
- How many jury trials have you handled?
- Do you prepare cases for trial from the beginning?
- What happens if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer?
Question #4: How Are Your Fees Structured?
Most Nevada personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That generally means:
- No upfront attorney fees
- No hourly billing
- No retainer payment
- Attorney fees are paid only if compensation is recovered
Nevada's Rules of Professional Conduct require contingency fee agreements to be in writing and signed by the client. The State Bar of Nevada also recommends that fee agreements clearly explain legal fees and the scope of representation.
Before signing, ask:
- What percentage will be charged?
- How are case expenses handled?
- Are expenses deducted before or after attorney fees are calculated?
- Will I receive a written fee agreement?
Question #5: What Resources Does Your Firm Have?
Serious injury cases can require significant resources. Depending on the case, your attorney may need:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Medical experts
- Life-care planners
- Investigators
- Economic experts
- Extensive document review
Ask whether the firm has the resources necessary to develop your claim properly. A firm with the ability to invest in a case may be better positioned to challenge large insurance companies and corporate defendants.
Question #6: What Do Your Results Actually Tell Me?
Case results matter, but they should be viewed in context. A lawyer's results may provide insight into:
- The types of cases they handle
- Their willingness to litigate
- Their experience with serious injuries
- Their ability to secure significant recoveries
Ask questions about:
- Verdicts
- Settlements
- Catastrophic injury cases
- Wrongful death recoveries
- Nursing home cases
- Trial outcomes
While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they can help you understand a firm's experience level.
Question #7: What Is Your Reputation in the Legal Community?
A lawyer's reputation among judges, opposing counsel, and peers can influence how a case is viewed and negotiated. Consider:
- State Bar standing
- Professional leadership positions
- Trial lawyer organizations
- Legal publications
- Community involvement
- Legislative advocacy
For example, Nevada recognizes certain legal specialization programs through approved organizations under State Bar oversight.
Our Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluating a Personal Injury Lawyer
Step 1: Research Credentials
Review:
- Bar admissions
- Certifications
- Professional organizations
- Practice focus
Step 2: Review Experience
Look for attorneys who regularly handle cases like yours.
Step 3: Examine Trial History
Ask about:
- Jury trials
- Litigation experience
- Settlement strategy
Step 4: Understand Fees
Review the contingency agreement carefully.
Step 5: Evaluate Communication
Pay attention to:
- Responsiveness
- Transparency
- Accessibility
Step 6: Review Results
Look for meaningful experience, not just marketing claims.
Step 7: Trust Your Instincts
You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that your concerns are being taken seriously.
Personal Injury Lawyer Evaluation Checklist
| Evaluation Factor | Questions to Ask |
| Experience | How many similar saces have you handled? |
| Trial Readiness | How often do you take cases trial? |
| Communication | Who will keep me updated? |
| Fees | How does your contigency fee work? |
| Resources | Do you use experts and investigators? |
| Results | What types of outcomes have you achieved? |
| Reputation | What leadership roles or recognitions have you earned? |
Comparing Law Firms: What Really Matters?
| Factor | Why It Matters |
| Trial Experience | Insurance companies often evaluate cases differently when trial is a realistic possibility |
| Attorney Access | Direct communication can improve the client experience |
| Case Resources | Serious cases often require expert support |
| Specialization | Certain credentials may indicate advances experience in a practice area |
| Results | Demonstrates experience handling significant claims |
| Community Leadership | Reflects involvement beyond individual cases |
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Vague answers about fees
- No discussion of trial strategy
- Promises of guaranteed outcomes
- Difficulty reaching an attorney
- Lack of experience with your case type
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are generally paid only if compensation is recovered.
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee is an arrangement in which the attorney's compensation depends on recovering money for the client. Nevada requires contingency fee agreements to be in writing.
Should I hire a lawyer immediately after an accident?
Speaking with a lawyer early can help preserve evidence, avoid mistakes with insurance companies, and protect your legal rights.
Do all personal injury lawyers go to trial?
No. Many cases settle. However, some lawyers have significantly more trial experience than others.
Does a larger law firm always mean a better result?
Not necessarily. Experience, resources, communication, and case strategy often matter more than firm size alone.
What questions should I ask during a consultation?
Ask about experience, trial history, communication practices, fees, resources, and who will actually handle your case.
Why does trial readiness matter?
Insurance companies often evaluate settlement offers based in part on their assessment of litigation risk. A firm that is willing and able to take a case to trial may approach negotiations differently than one that is not.
The Lawyer You Hire May Matter More Than the Accident Itself
Most injury victims spend far more time researching a vehicle, contractor, or vacation than they do researching the lawyer who may handle one of the most important claims of their lives.
The reality is that two lawyers can look similar in a commercial, on a billboard, or in a search result. What often separates them is what happens after the case is signed: how thoroughly they investigate, how aggressively they litigate, whether they are willing to invest resources into the case, and whether they are prepared to take the matter to trial when necessary.
At Cogburn Davidson, we've built our reputation on handling difficult cases, preparing claims for trial, and standing up to insurance companies that put profits ahead of people. We've recovered more than $250 million for injury victims, helped advocate for stronger protections for Nevadans, and earned recognition within Nevada's legal community for our commitment to personal injury litigation.
If you'd like to discuss your situation with our team, we're available for a free consultation. Contact us today.