Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Injury
If you take my case on a contingency basis, will I owe anything if we don’t win the case?
If a case is taken on a contingency basis, and we fail to obtain a recovery for you, you will not be required to pay any attorneys’ fees on your case. However, you may be responsible for reimbursing the firm for any out-of-pocket expenses or costs that may have accrued over the course of your case. Out-of-pocket expenses and costs include items such as, copies, court reporter fees, mediation fees, filing fees, etc.
Contingent attorneys’ fees refer only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.
Should I hire an attorney before I go to the doctor?
If you are seriously injured, you should seek medical treatment first. However, after you have begun treatment, it would be beneficial for your case to seek legal counsel immediately.
My insurance company says that I don’t need a lawyer. Is this true?
No. Insurance companies seek to pay as little as possible for a claim. Many times, the insurance companies will not agree to settle a claim for a reasonable amount unless an attorney is on the other side. If you find yourself in this situation, it would be beneficial for you to hire an attorney that knows how to deal with insurance companies.
What is uninsured motorists’ coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you are injured by someone who is uninsured or underinsured. This includes hit-and-run cases. Georgia does not require drivers to purchase UM coverage. However, it is very beneficial to have it in your policy.
General FAQS
How long will it take to resolve my case?
There is really no definitive way to determine how long it will take for a case to resolve. This depends on how complex the case is and how willing the opposing party is to settle the case.
Will you keep me updated on the status of my case?
Throughout your case, we strive to keep you informed every step of the way. We send you copies of any documents sent or received by our office and conduct regular case review meetings to ensure that your case is moving forward towards resolving the matter.
Will we have to go to trial on my case?
Over the course of your case, we will do our best to obtain a reasonable settlement offer from the other side. However, we cannot assume that they will submit a reasonable offer. Therefore, we must prepare all cases as if we are going to trial.
Will I be able to speak with you if I have a question about my case?
Clients can reach our office by phone or e-mail at any time. The office has an answering service that takes phone calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. You may contact our office at any time, and if no one is able to answer the phone in the office, it will be directed to the answering service, who may then connect you directly to the attorney. We strive to be accessible to our clients and make an effort to return all phone messages and e-mails within 48 hours.
What happens if your firm does not take my case?
We may choose not to take your case because we do not believe that we will be able to prevail at trial, or it may not make sense financially for us to represent you. In the event we do not take your case, we strongly suggest that you contact another attorney to obtain a second opinion