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During various audits conducted in Ohio, it has been estimated that fraud and other errors cost Ohio unemployment more than $3.8 billion. When even the government is a victim of fraud from various angles, it can be understandable when you have also been through a similar experience. The city of Cleveland is counted amongst the 54th largest city in the United States, being home to a population of 372,624 people.
If you are a resident of Cleveland and have suffered fraud from your stockbroker, it is crucial to get the help of experienced broker fraud lawyers. These lawyers have experience helping clients recover damages from their brokers in court.
Here are five tips on how to find the right Cleveland broker fraud lawyer for your situation:
1) Have A Complete Understanding of Your Situation
First, you must understand how your broker defrauded you before speaking with a Cleveland attorney. If you do not, the attorney will be unable to help you recover damages from your broker without additional information.
To get this information, start by reading the complaint filed by the SEC against your former broker. This complaint will detail the fraud and can help you learn all of the ways your broker cheated you. After reading the complaint, it is crucial to take notes about specific issues that are relevant to your situation.
2) Speak With Legal Professionals Before Choosing One
Once you know what has happened, speak with several attorneys before deciding on one. You should talk with attorneys specializing in securities litigation and those handling broker fraud lawsuits.
3) Get Referrals from Friends and Family
Recruit the help of your friends, family members, co-workers, and others to identify a lawyer for you. You can also consider using online referral services or local bar associations. Once you have obtained several attorneys’ names set up free consultations with each attorney so that you can meet them face-to-face. If you can still choose an attorney after speaking with them, ask the attorneys for additional recommendations of lawyers they know and trust.
4) Make Sure the Attorney Has Experience with Your Kind of Case
The lawyer you choose must have experience dealing with cases like yours. Inquire your attorney about how many cases similar to yours they have handled, the success rate, and the amount their clients received. It will give you an expectation of what you can expect from the lawyer’s representation.
You can determine if the lawyer has experience with your type of case by asking them detailed questions about past cases they have handled. The attorney should also be able to provide you with names and contact information for several previous clients so you can talk with them.
5) Look For An Attorney You Are Comfortable Working With
A crucial aspect is to find a Cleveland broker fraud lawyer you are comfortable working with. When interviewing the attorney, be sure to speak about the goals of the case. You should talk about their fee structure before hiring them. If you cannot afford a specific type of payment arrangement, look for a different attorney who can provide a more affordable payment plan.
After finding the right lawyer, you can prepare your case by gathering evidence. It includes financial statements, contracts, and other documents that prove you suffered economic losses because of your former broker’s actions. With more evidence, it is more likely for your attorney to negotiate an extensive settlement or get a favorable verdict at trial.
When your stockbroker defrauds you, hiring an experienced broker fraud lawyer is crucial. This lawyer can help you recover damages from your former broker in court. To find the right attorney for your situation, speak with several attorneys before choosing one.