Why do I need an attorney?
There are many reasons why you may need legal representation.  The defendant in almost every injury case has an experienced defense lawyer without even making a phone call by virtue of their insurance coverage contracts.  Hiring a lawyer puts you on even footing with the individual or company that is responsible for your injuries and losses.  You are more likely to obtain a full and fair recovery with an experienced attorney.  Because of our knowledge of personal injury law and our ability to file a lawsuit on your behalf we can obtain a better settlement offer.  In addition, we are better equipped to evaluate any offer that is made and we have experience in litigation and negotiation with insurance companies and their lawyers.  Also, we can identify all the responsible parties and insurance coverage, set up the necessary claims, monitor the applicable deadlines for each claim, order and evaluate your medical records and bill for your treatment, get incident, police reports, photographs and witness statements when necessary.  In fact, our clients include other lawyers and their family members.  If anyone would be able to handle his or her own claim, you would think it would be a lawyer.  However, they appreciate that an experienced lawyer in the personal injury field is needed in order to maximize their recovery.

Do I have to pay the attorney's fee up front?
No, we generally charge a contingency fee.  In other words you do not pay up front and we do not bill by the hour for our legal work while the case is ongoing.  Instead, you pay on the results.  You pay legal fees only if we recover money on your behalf.  If we do not obtain a recovery for you, then there is no legal fee.

This arrangement will allow you to obtain quality representation without incurring legal fees at a time when you are unexpectedly incurring medical bills and losing time from work.  And you have the piece of mind that comes from knowing our interests and yours are completely aligned, to maximize the recovery in your case, since our fee is a percentage of the recovery, the more you make the more we make.

What if it is my child that was the victim?
Most claims involving children are lawfully brought by the legal guardian of that child, usually the mother, father, grandparent, aunt or uncle.  In many cases the guardian is usually legally responsible for payment of the child's medical expenses and may have their own claim in addition to the child's claim.  Different laws and statutes of limitation apply to each type of claim.

I don't want to go to court, can you still help me?
Yes, the vast majority of our clients settle their cases without testifying in court. So, even if you do not want to go to court you can still pursue a claim.  Most personal injury cases that are filed in court resolve before a jury is seated.

What damages are recoverable in a wrongful death case?
The damages that are recoverable in a wrongful death case are different from other types of personal injury cases.  The damages usually include sorrow, mental anguish and loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance to the surviving family members.  In most cases they will include loss of income to dependent family members, loss of services, expenses for medical care incident to the injury resulting in death and funeral expenses. A wrongful death case may include a claim for punitive damages.

What damages are recoverable in a personal injury lawsuit?
What damages are recoverable in a lawsuit resulting from personal injury?  Each case is different because each individual's damages are unique.  We strive to give each client our full time and attention to develop the damage aspect of his or her case.  Generally, a claim is made to recover money for the following injuries, by they past, present or future damages; physical injuries, physical pain and mental suffering; disfigurement, deformity, humiliation, embarrassment, inconvenience, medical expenses, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.

What are punitive damages and am I entitled to them?
Punitive damages are damages that are designed to punish the defendant and prevent others from acting in the same way.  They are awarded in the case if the jury believes that the defendant acted with actual malice or acted under circumstances that equal a willful and wanton disregard of your rights.  They must be plead in the lawsuit for the jury to consider awarding punitive damages.  These damages are in addition to the compensatory damages allowed by law.

Can I bring a claim if my health insurance has paid my medical bills?
Even if your health insurance has paid your medical bills you may make a claim for the full amount of your medical bills against the defendants.  By law, the defendant is not entitled to the benefit of your good decision to get medical insurance and will not be held to lose more if you don't have health insurance.  The responsible party is liable for the full amount of your medical expenses.

Do I have to pay back my health insurance company if they have paid my medical bills?
The answer to this question depends on your policy and the state you live in.  In many cases the answer is that the insurance company is not paid back due to anti-subrogation statutes that limit or prohibit the insurance company from collecting that money.  In some cases the federal law and federal ERISA policy will trump the state statutes and you will have to pay the health insurance company back all or a portion of what they have spent on the medical bills related to your claim. 

What if the defendant does not have insurance coverage or does not have enough insurance coverage to compensate for my injuries?
Unfortunately the legal requirement of automobile insurance coverage in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia is very low, for example only 25,000 in Virginia.  In the event you are injured by someone without insurance coverage or with a minimal amount of coverage you may be entitled to make a claim against your own policy under the uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits.  Please review and bring a copy of your policy when you meet with us.

How do I pay my medical bills?
Many automobile insurance policies contain a form of health and/or loss income coverage called by various terms, including medical payments coverage, med-pay, personal injury protection, PIP, or economic loss protection.  The coverage is available to both the driver and passengers, regardless of fault, in many cases.  The amount of money available to you depends on your policy limit and the state that your policy was issued in.  Please review your policy and bring a copy when you meet with us.

What do I need to bring with me to meet with my lawyer if I was in an accident?
Please bring the following information when you meet with us so that we may assist you as quickly as possible. We will contact the person or entity responsible for your injuries immediately after being hired so that they will not call you directly.  In order to do that we need the information you obtained from the person that hit you, their name, address and phone number, their insurance carrier, address, adjuster's phone number and claim number if it has been given to you.  If you have a copy of the police report bring that as well.  If not, we will get a copy.  If you have photographs, medical bills, x-rays or other evidence please bring that as well.  Lastly, please bring a copy of both your health and automobile insurance policies if you can.