FAQ'S
What is a Personal Injury?
A personal Injury is any physical or mental injury to a person as a result of someone's negligence or harmful act. Sometimes personal injury may be referred to as bodily injury. Personal injuries can occur in a wide variety of ways, ranging from auto accidents, defective product injuries to dog bites.
What financial compensation can I get in a personal injury claim?
Personal injury victims are entitled to compensation for all losses and expenses they incur as a result of an accident.
How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you have been seriously injured or are unsure as to the outcome of your injury, then an experienced personal injury attorney should always be consulted before you give any statements or sign papers of any kind.
In a serious injury case, it is advisable to hire an attorney as soon as possible. There is a statute of limitations that requires you to file suit within a specific period of time, depending upon the circumstances of your case, or else you will be prohibited from obtaining any compensation for you injuries.
We offer a free consultation with no obligation. Therefore, you have nothing to lose by consulting an attorney before you accept the insurance company offer.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a fee that is used by lawyers in most personal injury cases. It is contingent when the fee is conditioned upon your attorney's successful resolution of your case. Contingency fees are usually one third of what you win from the case.
What is Workers' Compensation?
If you get hurt on the job, your employer is required by law to provide workers' compensation benefits. You could get hurt by:
One event at work. Examples: Hurting your back in a fall, getting burned by a chemical that splashes on your skin, getting hurt in a car accident while making deliveries.
-or-
Repeated exposures at work. Examples: hurting your wrist from doing the same motion over and over, losing your hearing because of constant loud noise.
What are the benefits?
They can include:
- Medical Care. Paid for by your employer, to help you recover from an injury or illness caused by work.
- Temporary Disability Benefits. Payments if you lose wages because you can't do your usual job while recovering.
- Permanent Disability Benefits. Payments if you can't recover completely and will always be somewhat limited in your ability to work.
- Vocational Rehabilitation. Job placement counseling and possibly retraining, if you are unable to return to your old job and your employer doesn't offer other work.
- Death Benefits. Payments to the spouse, children, or other dependents of a worker who dies of a job injury or illness.
Can I choose the doctor who will treat me?
It depends. If you want to choose the doctor who will treat you for a job injury or illness, you must tell your employer the name and address of your personal physician before you are injured. You must do it in writing. This is called "predesignating your personal physician."
What should I do if I get hurt on the job?
Get emergency treatment if needed and then report the injury to your employer. Tell your supervisor right away. If your injury or illness developed gradually, report it as soon as you learn it was caused by your job. Reporting promptly helps prevent problems and delays in receiving your benefits, including necessary medical care.
Do I need an attorney?
You have the right to be represented by an attorney for your work related injury. An attorney will assist you in seeing that your benefits are properly protected. While individuals can sometimes represent themselves in these matters, it is advised to contact a Workers' Compensation Attorney as soon as possible after an accident or diagnosis of a disease or condition in order to protect your legal rights. Attorney fees for representing an injured worker are usually paid out of the settlement or award. These are usually a percentage of the monetary recovery awarded. They may range from 10-15% of the award, depending on the complexity of the case and time involved.