-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Frequently Asked Questions | |
|
|
|
| DO I HAVE A CASE AND HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH? | |
| - | Undoubtedly, you have a question as to how much your case is worth. We are going to be frank by answering this question bluntly. The fact of the matter is, there can be no answer to this question until we have completed the investigation in your case. Once we complete our investigation, of course, we can make a determination as to the amount of the defendant's liability and insurance coverage, if any, and even at that we will only be at a starting point. After that, we must obtain all necessary information concerning your lost wages, your disability, how the injuries have affected you, what the prognosis is for the future, and any other medical information that is of value to you before we can put a price tag on your case. You may rest assured of one thing, however, and that is the fact that your case will not be settled below its true value, that is, the fair compensation for the injuries you have received. You may also be advised at this time that no settlement agreement will be entered without your consent. |
|
|
|
| HOW MUCH IS THE ATTORNEY'S FEES? | |
| Lawyers are paid under various fee arrangements. On a
TIME-CHARGE basis, fees are based on an hourly rate for services rendered. A
detailed, itemized bill will be given to you showing all work done and all
hours spent on your case -- whichever way you are billed. On a CONTINGENCY basis, your legal fees will be based on the amount of recovery we get for you; no recovery, no fee. You have the option of choosing this plan in lieu of hourly charges. You were required to sign a retainer agreement which sets forth the schedule. |
|
|
|
|
| WHAT DO I GET FOR THE ATTORNEY'S FEES? | |
| First, it takes seven years of college in most states
for an attorney to complete his/her degree - Juris Doctor - translated
literally - law doctor. He/she has generally earned another degree first,
such as a bachelor of science, arts, etc. An apprenticeship continues during
the first few years of practice as he or she learns to apply the
professional skills that have been learned. Your attorney must keep up with the ever changing law. This requires at least two hours of reading a day - made up of seminars, college courses, continuing education programs and publications in a quantity that you would not believe. Who wants to hire an attorney who doesn't keep up with the law? Second, our tools are expensive. For instance, our library must be supplemented each year. The cost of maintaining these materials extend into hundreds of dollars monthly and thousands of dollars annually. Third, we have a very fine staff of legal assistants. The legal assistant is a trained professional, trained to assist in the handling of your legal problems. Fourth, the most modern equipment is used in solving your legal problems. Even computer research may be brought in the matter. All in all, your important problem deserves competent attention and it cost money to have this ready and waiting for your call. |
|
|
|
|
| WHAT DO YOU GET? | |
| You get the finest representation that this office can give you. | |
|
|
|
| WHAT ABOUT LITIGATION COSTS OR OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES? | |
| In addition to the legal fees, there are various
charges which must be paid to prepare your legal matter. Police departments,
for example, regularly charge for a copy of an accident report; physicians
require payment for preparation of their medical reports; court reporters
require payment for depositions and expert witnesses are sometimes required. Unfortunately, we have little, if any, control over these cost. At the start of your legal matter, we will try to anticipate for you the amount of the out-of-pocket expenses which may be incurred on your behalf. You will then be given the choice of posting a retainer sufficient to cover these expenses, or in the alternative we will pay the reasonable expenses on your behalf as the bills are rendered to us, and at the conclusion of the matter, you will reimburse us the amount actually spent, plus interest at the prevailing commercial rate. These out-of-pocket expenses are not legal fees but represent expenditures made on your behalf to further your legal cause, which must be paid even on a contingency fee case regardless of whether there is recovery. |
|
|
|
|
| HOW WILL I BE KEPT INFORMED ABOUT MY CASE? | |
| We strive to keep you informed whenever there is
something important happening. We understand the importance of adequate
communication between lawyer and client. Although we would like to talk to
you weekly by telephone, that would not be practical; nor would it be very
productive. Legal matters have a way of stretching out over long periods of
time. It may be 3 to 5 months before your case is submitted for settlement,
or 12 to 15 months before we present your case to a jury. To you, the
client, it may often seem like ages have gone by without activity. In fact,
much behind-the-scenes work is being done so that on the day your matter is
ready for settlement or trial, nothing will be overlooked. In order to keep the cost of legal services down, while at the same time maximizing communications, we diary a status-reporting system whereby you should receive a letter from us approximately every 30 days to bring you up to date. In addition, if applicable to your case or matter, we will forward copies of all relevant documents to you, so that you can see for yourself the progress being made. This procedure helps cut down on the time and expense of telephone calls and gets the information to you in writing so you can have the time to digest its contents and meaning. |
|
|
|
|
| WHAT DO I DO WHEN I HAVE A QUESTION? | |
| We are interested in your questions. We want you to ask them. Unfortunately, much of a lawyer's time and duties take him/her out of the office -- even for days at a time. Like all professional people, we sometimes "jam-up" and cannot manage to answer all our calls. In that case, ask the legal assistants; you will be pleased at how informed and helpful they can be. If they cannot answer your question, they will get the answer for you, or arrange to have your attorney contact you. Above all, leave a message so we know your concern in advance. If you do that, we will always try to get an answer back to you even if your attorney is out of the office when you call. | |
|
|
|
| WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL OFFICE HOURS? | |
| All office visits are by appointment, made with legal assistants or attorneys. We encourage each of our clients to schedule meetings with us during regular business hours. We reserve time early each morning and later in the afternoon for appointments, to minimize interference with your job or family. From time to time you may request that we meet you in the evening at the office or on the weekend if the matter is urgent. | |
|
|
|
| OUR GOAL | |
| We hope that we have answered some basic questions about our firm. We want your suggestions, questions, and thoughts. Our goal is to solve your legal problem, as efficiently as possible and at a reasonable cost. We value your satisfaction and confidence. Thank you for considering us. | |
|
|
|
| Free Background Information Available Upon Request. | |
