As Warren Buffet once said, don't ask a barber if you need a haircut.

As Charlie Munger once said, don't try and cut your own hair.

Its a funny reminder that asking a lawyer if you need legal help is like asking a barber if you need a haircut. You might not need a haircut but that does not mean you should cut your own hair. 

In Saskatchewan, if you have Tort insurance, you will receive a call from an insurance adjuster from Regina promising you fair compensation without the need of a lawyer's help. I have witnessed time and time again, where this is simply false. The offer might reflect only a small porportion of the loss.  Insurance adjusters have been trained to be very friendly, personable and understanding. An adjuster should listen, be sympathetic and build rapport. These are the common ingredients that insurance companies train their adjusters to promote "Cost Containment" and "an experience our customers can feel good about".  In other words, satisfied customers, with limited cost.

As a lawyer I can't guarantee a certain result. No one can and no one should. What I can guarantee is that I have no interest in representing clients where I dont believe my involvement will have a net positive financial impact for the client and fair compensation for their damages. If you are on the fence about the decision to hire a lawyer, give me a call or stop in for a coffee. Quite often, my advice is, no, you dont need a haircut...or a lawyer.  But on the other hand, when you know, you know.

Jon

:)