When a potential claimant reaches out for a Free Case Evaluation, not only are you trying to gauge if the claimant is a good potential case, but the claimant is trying to figure out if they want to work with you too. By understanding what a claimant may be expecting from their Free Evaluation, you can make sure you don’t let great potential clients pass by.
Establishing Cost
Of the many reasons someone may be seeking a Free Case Evaluation, one of the main reasons is that the lead is trying to figure how much your legal services cost. Lawyers have a reputation of being expensive. For many seeking legal services, such as disability benefits or employment law, they may not be in a position to afford an expensive lawyer.
During the Free Evaluation, your intake staff should explain how your cost is set up. If you work on a contingency fee basis, let the claimant know. Explaining that your legal services don’t require payment until the claimant wins their case and that the legal fees are often built into the settlement or back pay can help persuade claimants to work with you. If a claimant knows they don’t have to pay anything upfront then they may be more likely to hire you.
Your Caseload
If you or your intake staff come off as rushed or busy during a Free Evaluation, then a claimant may think you are too busy to put in the time and effort needed to succeed with their case. Though a Free Case Evaluation doesn’t have to be long, not rushing a decent potential client off of the phone can help them feel like you have the time to assist them with their case.
Do They Have a Case
Some people seeking a Free Case Evaluation may not be sure if they have a decent case. Maybe they hit the car in front of them because the car behind them rear-ended them first and aren’t sure if they can file a PI claim. Or a lead might not know if a their employer is discriminating against them. Though a Free Case Evaluation isn’t meant to give out free legal advice, giving some guidance on if they have a claim or not will show that you’re an expert in that area of law and are willing to help. This can help establish a relationship between you and the potential client.
Your Success Rate
Everyone wants an attorney that can help them have a successful claim. Highlighting some successes your firm has had can be beneficial in persuading a lead to become a client. When a lead asks about your success rate and you choose not to answer, it may seem like a red flag.
Next time you give a Free Case Evaluation, keep these things in mind. Remembering that you’re trying to persuade a lead to work with you just as they are trying to have you take your case can help increase your caseload. If you are looking to increase your leads, give us a call at (617) 800-0089. We currently offer personal injury, Social Security disability, employment law and workers’ compensation leads.