Personal Injury F.A.Q.s

COMMON QUESTIONS

Choosing the right lawyer can be one of the hardest endeavors you’ll ever face. This especially rings true for novices not familiar with the legal process and case management. Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked legal questions.

Q: Why pick law firms with certain practice area concentration?
We live in an era where specialization is key. Many lawyers fixate themselves on a few areas of law to dedicate themselves to the field completely without much “outside interference,” maximizing time for clients. A large percentage of our professional activities are dedicated to personal injury and criminal law cases. A ‘general practice’ does not apply here.

Q: What types of cases is the law office responsible for?
We handle a myriad of cases ranging from medical malpractice and products liability to personal injury. Any cases involving automobile accidents, construction site injuries, wrongful death claims, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, birth injuries, contract disputes, insurance claims, professional negligence, and nursing home abuse are within our knowledgeable realm.

Q: How do I go about hiring a lawyer for my case?
Give us a call or complete our online form. We will contact you promptly to arrange an appointment to talk about your case without any obligation. We can go over the facts of your case as briefly or as in-depth as you’d like.

Q: Am I assessed a charge for consulting with a lawyer at the beginning?
Initial consultations with any lawyer in our law firm are free of charge. These are intended to determine the validity/strength of your case and match our areas of specialization towards representing you.  

Q: How does the payment process work with lawyers?
Most fees are assessed upon recovery in the personal injury and disability fields. If you don’t collect money, there is no fee. Other cases have a fee structure based on difficulty and other factors.

Q: Are judges and juries required for all cases going to trial?
85% of all our cases reach settlements before stepping into court. Larger cases with more on the line are usually reserved for judges and juries. Today, dispute resolution tactics like mediation and arbitration are used to resolve cases. All available courses of action will be discussed with you.

Q: How long will my case be settled?
It all depends, since every case is difference. On average, more cases are wrapped up quickly after the doctor releases the client. On the other hand, many court dockets become crowded which causes a delay in proceedings. Sometimes, doctors are not able to provide the necessary medical documentation to expedite your case. Along with other factors, these determine how fast a case can be completed. Since 8% of all cases reach a settlement prior to court, mediation and arbitration can be used to speed up settlement of a case.

Q: How will my lawyer/s inform me about case proceedings?
Lawyers will keep you abreast of all case matters from the beginning to the end. You will also have critical say in the preparation of your case and will be kept in touch of its status. All clients are encouraged to contact us directly whenever they need an update. From time to time, our office will send you information in regards to your case status.

Q: I have a question – What do I do?
Feel comfortable asking any question regarding your case. Since a large portion of our day may be in court, talking directly over the phone may not always be possible. For this reason, you should talk with your paralegal. Any question can be directed to them in a free and open manner. If your questions require specifics about your and involve the immediate attention of a lawyer, your paralegal will work to advise counsel who will reach you directly.

Q: Will my case be settled without my approval?
Every settlement offer proposed to us will be discussed with you. No settlement offer will be taken without your consent.

Q: What is a fair amount for my settlement?
Evaluating a claim incorporates many different factors that counsel will discuss with you. Recommendations will be made with reasons given for every one by counsel. Since counsel has a wide breadth of experience in regards to case settlement and have knowledge of juries and judges behaving similarly in similar cases, clients usually follow our lead as far as recommendations are concerned.

Q: What’s the difference between legal assistants and actual lawyers?
Legal assistants and lawyers do not share the same responsibilities. Legal assistants are professional, experienced members of your legal term that help prepare lawsuits by conducting investigations, performing medical and legal research – along with other supplementary work. Legal assistants cannot offer legal advice. When you need legal advice on the spot, legal assistants will turn to a lawyer immediately. However, in your claim’s every day preparation, legal assistants require your undivided attention and cooperation. They are there to serve you.