For any kind of case

1. A one-page timeline. List the dates and events in order, in your own words. It keeps the meeting focused.
2. Names and phone numbers of everyone involved, including witnesses.
3. Every letter, email or text from the other side, an insurer or a court. Keep the envelopes too. Postmark dates can matter.
4. Any court papers you have received. A deadline to respond may already be running.
5. Your questions, written down so you do not forget any.

Bring copies, not originals, unless we ask. Photos on your phone are fine. You can send them later. If you are not sure whether something matters, bring it. It is easier to set a paper aside than to go back for it.

For an injury

• The crash or incident report, or just the report number.
• Your insurance card and the page of your policy that lists your coverage.
• The other person’s insurance information.
• Photos of the scene, the vehicles, the hazard and your injuries.
• A list of every doctor, hospital, clinic, therapist and pharmacy you have seen since you were hurt.
• If you were treated for the same body part in the past few years, a list of those doctors too.
• Medical bills and statements from your health plan.
• Receipts for things you paid out of pocket.
• Pay stubs or a letter from your boss showing work you missed.
• Claim numbers and the names of any adjusters you spoke with.
• Anything you signed for an insurance company.

Your list of doctors does double duty. It helps prove your losses. It is also needed if your lawyer makes a formal settlement offer with a deadline. See talking to insurance adjusters.

If a family member has died

• The death certificate.
• Any crash, incident or hospital records from the final injury.
• A list of the spouse, children, children of any child who has died, and parents, with phone numbers.
• Records of the person’s income and the care they gave others at home.
• Funeral and burial bills.

The family list matters because Missouri law says who can bring the claim, and in what order. See who can sue for wrongful death.

For a contract or business matter

• The contract and every change to it.
• Emails and letters about what each side did or did not do.
• Invoices, payment records and account statements.
• Your company’s formation papers and its operating agreement or bylaws.
• Any buy-sell agreement among owners.
• Any demand letter you sent or received.
• For a lease problem, the lease and all notices. See commercial leases.

Business and corporate consultations are paid. Organized papers let the time go to solving your problem, not sorting pages.

If you have been sued

Court papers start a clock. In federal court, you usually have 21 days after you are served to respond. State court deadlines are on the papers you received.

Bring the summons, the lawsuit papers, and the envelope. Write down the date you got them and how. Our state versus federal court guide explains why the court matters.

Questions to ask about fees

In Missouri, your lawyer must explain what the work covers and how the fee is set. This should happen near the start, and ideally in writing.

For injury cases paid by contingency fee, the agreement must be written and signed by you. It must say the percentage, how case costs are handled, and which costs you would owe even if you lose. Ask about each one. Our contingency fee guide explains them.

What happens at the meeting

You tell your story in your own words. Then Mr. Padda asks about dates, papers and people. He will point out the legal issues and deadlines that apply to you. You will learn whether the firm can take your case and on what terms.

Bring a friend or family member if that helps you feel at ease. A consultation by itself does not make you a client. That starts when you and the firm agree to work together, usually in a signed agreement.

You can schedule online, or call or text the office. The office is at 4477 Woodson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63134.

After the meeting

• Keep saving papers as they arrive. Send new letters to the office.
• Do not throw away damaged property, clothes or gear from an injury. It may be evidence.
• Do not post about the incident or your injuries online. Posts can be requested later.
• Write down new questions and send them to us.

Common questions

Related reading

• Contingency fees explained
• What to do after a car accident in Missouri
• Contact the office
• About Harjot Singh Padda, JD