Personal Injury Common Questions
What can I expect my attorney to do?
Your attorney should be there to answer your questions and concerns. Most of the time you will contact an attorney by phone to set up a consultation to review your case. When you call the Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. the first person you may talk to is the attorney’s legal assistant. He or she will answer some of your basic questions, gather some information from you to consider whether your case can be handled by the firm, and set up a time for you to come in and consult with the attorney regarding your case.
Once you have retained an attorney to handle your case you should expect that the attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case and any settlement offers that are made.
What are the costs involved in having an attorney help me with my case and when do I need to pay?
Most plaintiff attorneys work on what is called a contingency fee. Meaning they get paid at the resolution of your case. This is of great benefit to most people who otherwise could not afford to hire an attorney to help them
What am I supposed to do while my attorney is handling my case?
The most important thing you can do while your claim is pending is to follow the recommendations of your medical doctor and the treatment plan recommended to you. The value of your case will in part be tied to the type, duration and frequency of the medical treatment you receive.
What do I tell other people regarding my case?
It is best while your claim is pending not to talk about your case with anyone but your immediate family members. If someone asks you how your case is going the best answer is to tell them that you are concentrating on getting better and you are leaving the details about the outcome of your case to your attorney.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
This varies from case to case. There is no timeline that can be given, but in general it will take at least a couple months for your attorney to collect your medical records and do a preliminary investigation of your claim. Once this is accomplished your attorney will typically make a demand on the insurance carrier on your behalf to compensate you for your injuries, physical pain, emotional suffering, lost wages and any future care you may need. This will likely be followed by a lengthy negotiation process in which both sides try to reach an agreement on the value of your damages.
Will my case have to go to trial?
The great majority of cases resolve without going to trial and many resolve without a lawsuit ever being filed. Only you and your attorney can make the decision whether continuing your case to trial is in your best interest. If your case does go to trial you can expect that your attorney will do everything they can to make sure you are well prepared.
Didn’t find the answer?
Everyone at some point in their lives likely faces a question which requires legal guidance. The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. never charge for a consultation and most cases are taken on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay unless we recover compensation for you. Other cases are taken on a clear flat fee basis so you know exactly what legal representation will cost and you can make an informed decision.
