Truck and Car Accident Lawyer FAQS

What Should I Expect When Hiring Stillman & Friedland?

It’s important that you keep in mind that the process of settlement in personal injury cases takes time. There are two options in settling a case; the first is that your attorney and the defense attorney/insurance company can come to a fair settlement that compensates you for the expenses of treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, if your attorney advises you that in his or her professional opinion, the amount offered is insufficient to compensate your losses fairly, he or she will suggest that a lawsuit be filed.

How Much Money Can I Expect to Recover For My Injuries?

The amount that you recover depends on the specific facts of your case. Some of the factors which impact your recovery include: the nature and extent of your injuries, the medical treatment you receive, the total cost of your medical bills, the amount of your lost earnings both past and future, the seriousness of the negligence of the other party, the testimony of the witnesses (including your doctors), and the perceptions of the judge and jury.

How Long Will My Case Take?

If your case can be settled without litigation, it could be resolved within 90 to 120 days from when you finish all medical treatment. However, if a lawsuit is filed, that means it will take more time until your case is settled. We suggest that you always maintain some savings in order to tide you over in emergencies — this will give your attorney the opportunity to pursue your case to a reasonable and fair conclusion. It’s always better to negotiate without immediate financial pressure because if you are desperate for money, you will settle for less. At Stillman & Friedland, part of our job is to help you avoid this trap — and the sooner you call us, the more we can help you!

What Can I Do to Help the Process Along and What Should I Be Aware of in the Litigation Process?

We will teach you about the litigation process, so we can work together to assure the best outcome. One of our jobs is to help you set aside your personal interests, so you will be a competent and objective party to your own lawsuit.

An important issue is physical your condition before and following the injury. Never hide a prior injury or treatment, allow your lawyer to reveal it and advise you how to deal with these and many other issues.

You can and should be a partner to work with your attorney in settling your case. Keep track of expenses, get treatment and therapy as needed, and if there is something you don’t understand about your case, ask your attorney. If you think your lawyer is not doing enough, you need to talk to him or her.

How Much Will You Charge for Legal Fees and How are These Fees Paid?

Our fees are based on a percentage of the money we actually recover for you. In workers compensation cases our fee is 20%, and in personal injury cases, our fee is one-third of the recovery. If we don’t recover money for you, we charge no legal fees.

How Much Will the Litigation Cost [Exclusive of Legal Fees] and How is This Paid?

We advance the costs of finding expert witnesses, court filings, and depositions. The cost of an average case can be as low as $100. The average cost of a case tried before a jury will vary from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the circumstances. We are reimbursed for such costs from the money we recover for you.

How Do We Prove Negligence?

We prove negligence by interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, preparing and presenting expert witnesses, and by preparing you for depositions and testimony in court.

How Do We Prove the Severity of Your Injuries?

We prove your injuries by your testimony as well as that of your family and friends. In addition, we prepare and present the expert medical testimony of your doctors and any other experts needed in your particular case.

In Conclusion…

We make every effort to obtain a fair settlement without litigation, in which case some of the points mentioned above may not be necessary. However, it is our reputation as qualified and experienced litigators which enables us to obtain a maximum settlement without the necessity of a trial in most cases.

We at Stillman & Friedland will always explain the process to you. We know that every detail is important — a small error can cost you your entire case.

Remember, never “go it alone” — we are only a phone call or email away! The sooner, the better when you are dealing with health and financial issues, and at Stillman & Friedland, we will work for you and with you. This is the way we’ve worked for 30 years and it is our pledge of service to our clients.