FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT
PERSONAL INJURY
How are fees handled on a personal injury case?
Our personal injury cases are handled on a contingent fee
basis. This means that you do not owe us anything for our time unless we
recover money for you by way of settlement or trial. If we do recover money
for you, we will take a percentage of that recovery, usually one-third of
the gross recovery. In addition, we may incur costs on your behalf, for
such things as depositions, and medical reports which will also be deducted
from any recovery. Unlike some law firms, we do not charge a separate fee
for collecting PIP or no fault benefits. Instead, we process those claims
free of charge for clients whom we are also representing in an accident
claim.
How much is my case worth?
Your case can only be evaluated once you have reached an
end medical result. This means that you have completed your medical treatment
and your doctor has stated whether or not you will have a permanent injury.
The value of your case is partly determined by the amount of your medical
bills, lost wages, and any permanent disability or scarring, if any. Evaluating
a personal injury case is an art, not a science. Be very wary of any lawyer
who values your claim during an initial meeting.
How long will it take to settle my case or go to trial?
The answer to this question depends upon the nature of
your injuries, and the type of accident. A claim should not be settled until
the client has completed medical treatment. With some injuries, such as
leg fractures in children, head injuries or scarring, it is prudent to wait
for several months after treatment is completed, to be sure there are no
long term consequences. Assuming there are no such factors, and the necessary
medical documentation and accident investigation has been obtained, it is
possible to begin settlement negotiations as soon as medical treatment is
completed. If the case cannot be settled without litigation, the length
of time before trial depends upon the nature of the case. If it is a motor
vehicle accident, a trial may be held within two years after suit is filed.
If it is a medical malpractice case, or products liability case, it may
take as long as three to four years before reaching trial. If the parties
agree to go to arbitration or mediation, the case can be resolved much sooner,
often within a matter of weeks after an agreement is reached to use mediation
or arbitration.
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