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Q: What does a personal injury case mean?
A: A personal injury case is a case in which an injured person is seeking redress – usually monetary compensation – for a wrong that was committed by another person. For example, if a driver struck your car with his vehicle, and you were physically injured in the collision, the personal injury case is a means by which you – usually through your attorney – can obtain a settlement from the driver’s insurance company. If you are not satisfied with the offer made to you by the insurance company, our firm will file a lawsuit against the drunk driver on your behalf and go in front of a judge or jury to recover the money damages you deserve.
Q: Is a personal injury case a criminal law case or a civil law case?
A: A personal injury case is a civil law case which allows you to seek rightful compensation for your injuries from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
Q: What kinds of things can we ask for in the personal injury case?
A: There is a potentially long list that may include some, or all, of the following:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Future medical and hospital bills
- Rehabilitation for the future
- Loss of income and lost future earnings
- Loss of love and affection
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Car rental
- Punitive damages for certain conduct
Q: How much will I have to pay my attorney to file the personal injury case?
A: There are no up-front costs in a personal injury case. We take some cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that unless we settle the case successfully with the insurance company or take the case before a judge and jury and win a judgment, there are no attorney’s fees at all. However, if we successfully settle the case with the insurance company or win in court, the attorney’s fees, court costs, investigative costs, and the cost of taking the case to court or to settle will be deducted from the ultimate settlement amount. In contingency cases, we only make money if you make money. We may invest considerable resources developing your case when it is appropriate. Those costs will be deducted from the ultimate amount settled or won.
Q: What is my case worth?
A: This depends on many factors, and it can get complicated. Generally speaking, your case is worth what the insurance company will agree to settle for or the amount we win in court. The actual amount depends on the medical costs, property losses, past and future lost income, length of treatment, disfigurement, severity of the pain and suffering, and the future impairment which remains after treatment, if any. Each case is different. It is difficult to give a reliable estimate of the value of your case until you have finished receiving medical treatment and we know what your physical condition is at that time.
Q: I have been told not to communicate with my insurance company or sign anything. Is this good advice?
A: It is good advice to let your attorney communicate with the insurance company and all persons contacting you about your case.
Q: How long will it take to receive a settlement or a court award?
A: Each case varies according to the facts involved.
Q: Can I speak with the law office?
A: Yes. The office speaks with every potential new client before they retain his services. He offers a case review, which will give you the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss your future options on how to proceed. You can schedule an appointment by calling his office at 760-739-9224.