Personal Injury Law

IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED in a motor vehicle accident through someone else’s fault, then you may have a claim for your injuries. It is best to consult with an attorney before you sign any document presented to you for signature by an individual or an insurance company. You may have a right to be compensated not only for your medical bills, but also for what the law calls “pain and suffering.” If you have ever sustained even soft tissue injuries, you will know what that phrase refers to. You will also know that it may take a day or two after the accident for you to feel the full effect of the damage done to your body.

MOST LAWYERS ACCEPT PERSONAL INJURY CASES ON A CONTINGENCY BASIS. This means that I will be paid only if you are compensated either through settlement or through a trial verdict. If you are successful in your claim, you will pay me one-third of the amount that you receive. In pursuing your claim, I may have to advance payment for copies of your medical reports, a doctor’s report, court filing fees, marshal’s fees, and other such expenses. Rather than requiring that you pay those costs immediately, I will wait until the resolution of your claim to be reimbursed by you. Expert fees charged by medical providers who testify at trial are the exception to that rule; if I represent you, you will contract directly with the medical provider for that service.

MOST CASES SETTLE BEFORE TRIAL. However, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident or you lose your right to do so. If your case does not settle prior to the critical “statute of limitations” date, your attorney will file a complaint in court which will be served on the defendant by a marshal. Your attorney will provide you with information so that you may decide whether to make or accept an offer of settlement, or go to trial.