FAQS
Do I have a Case?
We only accept meritorious cases. Sometimes we can determine whether a case has merit immediately. Other times, we will need additional time to investigate the case. The process of gathering all of the pertinent information and analyzing that information may take longer than we would like. A lot of the time, for whatever reason, healthcare providers will delay sending us the requested records. To avoid undue delay, we have full time staff responsible solely for following up on all requests. As soon as we have the information necessary to determine whether your case is meritorious, we will contact you to discuss your options. At any time during the process, we encourage our clients to call with any questions or concerns.
How much will it Cost?
It will not cost you anything to call us or to meet and talk with a lawyer. We will not bill you for our time. We earn our fees through the contingent fee agreement. Because we are asked to investigate hundreds of cases, it can be costly to pay for copies of all pertinent records. You may be asked to deposit funds into an escrow account to help defray the cost of obtaining the records. Don’t let that possibility stop you though. If you have financial concerns, please talk to us about those concerns. We may be able to help you.
How long does a case take?
There is no clear answer. There are many reasons cases take longer than we would like. The law sets specific time frames which may result in most cases taking about 1 1/2 to 2 years to resolve. Also, many defendants and insurance companies do as much as they can to delay. Since neither our clients nor our firm is paid until the case is resolved, we share your desire to obtain a recovery as quickly as possible. We will do all that we can under the rules to push your case to an early conclusion. We continue to work to reform the trial system in the interest of fairness, efficiency and protecting the rights of victims.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is a departure by a healthcare provider from the good and accepted medical practice that is a substantial factor in causing an injury to an individual. We utilize experts in various fields of medical practice to establish a deviation from the standard of care and that the deviation was a substantial factor in bringing about the injury to the individual.
What is a contingency fee?
Most people don’t have the financial resources to access the legal system. Because individuals are usually unable to afford the costs of litigation, a lawyer is authorized to enter into a contingent fee agreement with clients. The contingent fee system allows everyone, no matter what his or her financial condition, the opportunity to pursue justice, no matter how powerful or wealthy the wrongdoer. Major corporations and insurance companies are fighting to abolish the contingent fee system because they know everyday people are unable to afford litigating a case against them. If lawyers were not permitted to join with the client to share the financial risk of pursuing a case, the victim of wrongdoing would not be able to seek justice.
Simply stated, a contingent fee is a fee that is contingent upon the outcome of the case. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. The lawyer agrees to represent the client and pay for the costs with the client agreeing to pay for the lawyer's work through a percentage of the recovery, whether through a settlement or verdict. The client also agrees to repay the lawyer for the costs advanced. If the case does not result in a recovery for the client, the client is not responsible for paying the lawyer for the time committed to the case.
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