10 Most Commonly Asked Questions
1. Why should I hire an attorney?
The attorneys at Bernard Law Group have 75 years of combined
experience handling personal injury matters. Our skilled and experienced
team of lawyers will examine the facts, evaluate your claim, determine
which parties and insurance companies are responsible, and organize
all of the details of preparing and presenting your case.
Our team of dedicated lawyers represent those who have suffered
serious injuries as a result of the negligence of others, including
automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, defective products,
premises liability, unsafe drugs, medical malpractice, and nursing
home abuse.
2. How do I know if I have case?
The staff at Bernard Law Group will discuss your case with you
at no charge. Please call our office at 1-800-418-8282, or you
may use our online case evaluation forms at www.4injured.com.
Your personal injury claim is based on medical proof regarding
your injuries and any lasting effects they have on your life.
3. How much do I have to pay?
Bernard Law Group works on a contingency fee basis when handling personal injury cases, which means that the client does not have to pay for attorneys fees or costs until there is a settlement or recovery. Clients in turn receive extensive service and representation. Majority of our cases are carefully selected so that we can provide each case with the time, skill, thought and effort it deserves.
4. Should I wait to hire an attorney?
Bernard Law Group works on a contingency fee basis, which is
a percentage of the total settlement, and therefore the fee remains
the same whether you hire our firm the day the accident occurs,
or once you are ready to settle. If the fee will remain the same,
why not hire an attorney immediately?
The benefit of hiring an attorney lies not only in obtaining the
highest recovery for your injuries, but also in providing advice
and assistance along the way. Our experienced attorneys know how
to manage personal injury claims to ensure that proper documentation
is obtained and preserve essential evidence. We have a wealth
of experience in nearly every type of injury and can direct you
to qualified specialists and other medical providers to ensure
that you receive top-notch treatment.
5. How are my medical bills paid?
In most cases, your own health insurance will pay for your medical bills and then be reimbursed out of any settlement or recovery. This right of recovery is referred to as subrogation, and just by hiring an attorney, you may save money by not having to pay back 100% subrogation to your health insurance. If you were injured while on the job, the workers compensation carrier will pay for your medical bills, and if you were a driver or a passenger in a vehicle which has Personal Injury Protection (PIP), that coverage will be primary for paying your medical bills before your health insurer. There are also situations where the defendant's PIP may pay for your medical bills, such as if you were a pedestrian or bicycle struck by the defendant's vehicle. In addition, if you were injured on a defendant's premises, their homeowner's or premises liability policy may include medical payment coverage.
6. How do insurance companies evaluate claims?
Insurance companies evaluate claims based upon the medical evidence. The medical evidence is developed through your verbal discussions with your medical providers, therefore it is important to be specific about your symptoms every time you see your doctor or other health care provider. It is your responsibility to see that your doctor is aware of the consequences of your injuries such as difficulty performing your job, maintaining your home, and other restrictions on daily living and social activities.
It is also important that you maintain a regular treatment program with your medical providers, and do not have any unexplained gaps in your treatment. Insurance companies know that most injured people will go to the emergency room, follow up with their primary care physician in a few days, and then start on a course of regular medical treatment, such as physical therapy or chiropractic. This treatment will gradually taper down from several visits per week or only a few per month until the person has reached maximum medical improvement at which time they will be ready to settle. Diversions from this pattern raise red flags to an insurance company so it is vital that you do not miss doctor's appointments and keep in regular communication with the attorney or paralegal regarding your injuries and medical treatment.
7. What is my case worth?
A case is worth what a defendant will pay in pretrial settlement or a jury awards at the end of trial. Predicting an amount is an inexact art. Attorney cannot predict exactly what a case is worth for a client. However, an experienced attorney can determine from similarly handled cases a reasonable settlement range after a client's medical condition has stabilized and amounts of the monetary damages are determined. Money damages are medical expenses, wage loss and loss of earning capacity.
8. How does a case progress in the office?
Bernard Law Group will first complete the investigation into your case to confirm that liability is accepted by the defendant's insurance company. Once that is done, we will keep in regular contact with you regarding your medical treatment and give you advice regarding specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and plastic surgeons, to fully evaluate your injuries and give second opinions on treatment. After your doctors have determined that you have undergone all medical treatment that will improve your condition, we will attempt to settle your case with the defendant's insurance company. If negotiations breakdown, we are ready to file a lawsuit and proceed all the way to trial to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
9. What can I do to expedite my case?
It is important to complete any forms we send to you and promptly return our phone calls. Always forward all bills from medical providers, prescription receipts, disability slips, return to work authorizations, estimates of the damage to your vehicle, bills for towing and storage, photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident and your injuries, your insurance policy, accident reports, copies of statements you or any party made to insurance company or law enforcement agencies, any letters from insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, other parties involved in the accident, or other communications regarding you injuries, or any other miscellaneous bills relating to losses or damages you have sustained as a result of this accident or your injuries.
10. How long will it take to settle my case?
Bernard Law Group will not be in a position to settle your case until you have completed medical treatment, so it is important that you follow up regularly with your medical providers and notify The staff at Bernard Law Group if you think your injuries have resolved and you are ready to settle your case. The value of your case depends on many factors, including your diagnosed injuries, length of treatment and any permanent or long-term problems after your medical treatment has completed. Once you have completed treatment, Bernard Law Group will request copies of your medical records and bills and obtain additional documentation, such as proof of your lost wages, to prepare a settlement package for the insurance company. Negotiations will then begin and the attorney will contact you once an offer is made to settle your case. The Bernard Law Group always keeps in mind your best interest in settling a case and we are always prepared to go to trial to obtain the best financial recovery.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, RESULTING IN A SPINAL CORD INJURY - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
