What to Expect - Basic Steps

Facing medical bills from an injury, our clients are often nervous and want some idea of what to expect in their case.  Because every case is different, the answer is usually: "It depends." 

As our client, you should be most concerned about recovering from your injury.  You shouldn't be fighting an insurance company who is unwilling to give you the money that you deserve.   It's OUR job to find insurance coverage and to work with whomever we need to in order to bring you the money that will compensate you for your injuries.  That's what we do for a living.

Understanding that each case is different, below is a general STEP-BY-STEP outline of a typical personal injury case:

1.  You are injured by a person or an organization 
     called a "Defendant."

2.  You call for a FREE initial consultation.

3.  If your case has merit, Lawyer meets with you to discuss the case.

4.  You sign an attorney-client contract with Lawyer, making you a "Client."

5.  Lawyer sends notice to all the parties involved that he or she is now 
     your attorney.

6.  Lawyer begins his or her investigation of facts and law.  Sometimes
     the Lawyer's investigation reveals important information that was
     not known previously. 

7.  After a sufficient investigation is completed, Lawyer and Client
     discuss the aspects of the case and agree on a plan for resolving 
     the case, which may include the following two options:

a) Settlement - If the insurance company or defendant agree to pay a fair settlement, then the appropriate documents are signed and the case is closed.

    OR

b) Trial - If the insurance company or defendant refuse a fair settlement, then we will file a lawsuit and begin to prepare for a trial.  Usually we will continue to accept settlement offers while we are preparing for trial.