Frequently Asked Questions

(The answers below are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult your attorney and the individual personal injury laws for more specific answers in your state.)

Question: How long does it take to get my settlement?
Answer All personal injury lawsuits can vary in length from weeks to years in some instances. It really depends on the complexity of the case and the laws in your state.
Question: How is a personal injury attorney paid?
Answer Most personal injury attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. That means you typically don’t have to pay anything unless you are awarded a monetary settlement. If no settlement is made, most personal injury attorneys don’t get paid.
Question: Will I always have to go to court?
Answer If the insurance company agrees to pay what appears to be a fair claim, and you agree to the amount, the case is considered to be settled “out of court.”
Question: What is meant by punitive damages?
Answer Punitive damages are paid only in certain instances. They are intended to be a monetary punishment to the guilty party for intentional and/or reckless conduct that disregards the rights of others. Payment of punitive damages is rare, and appellate courts will often reduce the amounts, or simply dismiss them. But, knowing that punitive damages can be levied may induce the defense to make a higher settlement.
Question: What is meant by compensatory damages?
Answer Compensatory damages "compensate" you for your losses or damages. They are sometimes also referred to as “actual damages.” In other words “reasonable” compensation for that type of injury.
Question: What should I look for when choosing a personal injury attorney?
Answer You want to look for a law firm that has a extensive experience in litigating accident cases. Beware of attorneys who want to simply settle out of court and forego the trial. Insurance companies want to see lawyers like that because they will often settle for a much lower amount.