When someone reaches out to a lawyer, one of the first questions they ask is simple:
“Will you take my case?”
The answer isn’t random—and it’s not just about whether something bad happened. Lawyers evaluate a handful of key factors before deciding whether to move forward.
Attorney Erik Heninger explains exactly how this works in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzBYZ7U1bAU
What Lawyers Look at Before Saying “Yes”
Every case is different, but most decisions come down to five core factors: liability, damages, collectability, timing, and the client.
Liability: Can We Prove Fault?
The first question is always: Did someone do something wrong—and can it be proven?
If there’s no clear way to establish fault, it becomes very difficult to pursue a case successfully. Even serious injuries won’t matter if liability can’t be shown.
Damages: How Serious Is the Harm?
Next, lawyers look at the impact of the injury or loss.
This can include medical bills, lost income, and how the injury affects your daily life. In general, more serious damages tend to make a case more viable.
Collectability: Is There a Way to Recover Money?
Even if fault is clear and the injuries are significant, there’s another practical question:
Is there a way to actually recover compensation?
This often comes down to insurance coverage or whether the responsible party has the ability to pay. If there’s no realistic path to recovery, it may not make sense to move forward.
Timing: Is the Case Still Valid?
Every case has a deadline, known as the statute of limitations.
If too much time has passed, the claim may no longer be valid—no matter how strong it might have been otherwise. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
The Client: Can We Work Together?
This surprises people, but it matters.
Lawyers also consider whether a client is:
- Responsive
- Reasonable
- Willing to work through the process
Legal cases take time, and a strong working relationship is an important part of reaching a successful outcome.
How These Factors Work Together
No single factor tells the whole story.
Lawyers look at the big picture—how liability, damages, collectability, timing, and the client all fit together. When those pieces align, a case is much more likely to move forward.
If they don’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re wrong—it just means the case may not be something that firm can take on.
How This Works at Our Law Firm
At our firm, we take a thoughtful and honest approach when evaluating cases.
- We offer free consultations so you can understand your options
- We carefully review fault, damages, and recovery potential
- We make sure your case is legally viable and timely
- We only take cases where we believe we can truly help
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, we take on the financial risk—so we have to be confident in the cases we accept.
Want a Clear Explanation? Watch Erik’s Video
If you’re wondering how your case might be evaluated, Erik Heninger explains it in plain terms.
👉 How Do Lawyers Decide If They'll Take Your Case? (Lawyer Explains):
https://youtu.be/hzBYZ7U1bAU
Watch the video above to understand exactly what lawyers are looking for.
Talk to Us About Your Case
The best way to find out if you have a case is simple:
Contact us today for a free consultation.
We’ll give you a clear, honest answer—and help you understand your next steps.
