FAQ
Personal Injury FAQs
What is Personal Injury?
Personal injury claims are created when a person is injured through the intentional or negligent actions of another person/company.
Do I have a Personal Injury Case? If So, how much is it Worth?
If you have been injured by the actions of another, you should consult with an attorney to determine how best to move forward with your claim(s). All claims are different and have different values. Any attorney promising you a specific result is not acting ethically.
Do I have a case if I do not feel hurt?
Probably not. Personal injury claims require you to have suffered some injury or damage to your body. These types of claims usually come with pain. However, in the case of traumatic injuries like car accidents it is common for a person not to feel pain for a day or two. Additionally, it is worth noting that property damage claims do not require pain or injury.
How Do I Choose a Personal Injury Attorney?
Choosing an attorney after an injury can be overwhelming because you have so much going on. However, it is important to take the time to make sure that you find an attorney that you can trust. Online profiles, advertisements, and reviews can all be helpful to narrow down the selection, but a real meeting (either face-to-face or virtual) is key to making sure you get the right attorney. You should know who your attorney is and how to contact them. You should make sure you know the experience your attorney has, the strategy that they will employ on your case. Finally, you should feel like you have someone in your corner working for you. Legal representation is a service and you shouldn’t feel like just another client. Read our blog
How Does the Litigation Process Work?
The true litigation process doesn’t start until you file suit. Before filing suit, your attorney should have you examined and treated to determine the full scope of your injuries. At that point, demand of payment should be made to the insurance company/individual that caused your injuries. If those prelitigation negotiations fail, then you and your attorney should discuss the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit.
Should I Talk to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company?
I don’t recommend it. It is almost never beneficial to you to speak with the at-fault party’s insurance. I would certainly never recommend that someone give a statement without having their own attorney present.
I’m not the lawsuit type. We all make mistakes. What are my options?
Firstly, there are many steps before you file suit, you should speak with an attorney to find out more details regarding the process and how your case may go forward. Secondly, pursing a claim isn’t always about punishing another person, it is about getting you the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered. I recommend speaking with an attorney about your feelings. Your attorney can explain the process and your responsibilities. Then, you can make the best decision for you and your family about whether or not to pursue a claim.
How can I handle my medical bills until my case is settled?
We can handle your medical bills in a number of ways depending on your situation. If you have medical insurance, you can treat through it and add the subrogation to your claim. If you can’t afford the copays and/or deductibles, you may be able to treat through letters of protection. These letters will eliminate all out-of-pocket expenses until your case is resolved.
What is a release in a settlement?
A release is a legal contract between you and an insurance company. In this document you are giving up your right to ever sue anyone for injuries you received due to a certain incident. Make sure you have your attorney review any release before you sign it.
How long will it take to get my check?
That depends on a couple of factors and can take days, weeks, or months depending on the specific circumstances of your case. As a general rule, it usually takes a couple of weeks after your case has settled.
How do I pay for a lawyer in a personal injury case?
Personal injury attorneys usually charge a contingency fee.
What is a “contingent fee”?
It is a fee that is contingent on the outcome of a case. Basically, it means that the attorney is entitled to a percentage of what is recovered. Some attorneys charge as much as 40-50 percent, however I charge significantly less.
