What You Should Know When Hiring James G. Graver, P.A. as Your Lake Worth Personal Injury Attorney
What is your fee structure for personal injury cases in Lake Worth, and how much will it cost me to hire you?
Like most personal injury lawyers, the Law Offices of James G. Graver P.A. works on a contingency basis. You don’t pay for anything unless a favorable outcome is achieved.
The percentage charged by a law firm for their legal services is determined by guidelines set out by the Florida Bar. Generally, the standard contingency fee is 33.3% of the total recovery if a lawsuit is not required, and 40% if a lawsuit needs to be filed.
The attorney will cover all litigation costs upfront. Additionally, any medical liens (unpaid medical costs) will be paid to the provider before the client receives their compensation. At the Law Offices of James G. Graver, P.A., we offer a detailed breakdown of all fees, costs, liens and the net recovery amount to our clients prior to disbursing any settlement. We believe in complete transparency.
Do you offer free personal injury consultations in Lake Worth?
Your personal injury consultation is always free and confidential. There is no obligation. We will happily talk you through the next steps that are in your best interest – even if that means not hiring a lawyer.
How will you communicate with me throughout the injury lawsuit, and how frequently can I expect updates?
Each case is different, but we will make sure you are updated every step of the way. There are some cases that move more quickly so more regular communication is expected. Other times, there are longer waits while the insurance company processes your claim. You are welcome to reach out to us to discuss your case status at any time.
How do you determine the value of my Lake Worth personal injury case and what damages I may be entitled to?
This is one of the most common questions people ask us when deciding whether to hire a personal injury attorney – what is my case’s value? The answer to this question is not straightforward. It depends on various factors. Each case has its own unique circumstances. No two injuries are “valued” the same way. When evaluating your case’s value, we will consider several important factors, including the type and severity of the injury and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
Some of the damages that are factored into a personal injury case’s settlement include:
Medical Expenses: This includes the costs of medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to the injury.
Lost Wages: If the injury has resulted in the inability to work, the settlement may include compensation for the wages lost during the recovery period. This can also cover future loss of earning capacity if the injury has long-term effects on the individual's ability to work.
Pain and Suffering: This category covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the injury. It takes into account the severity of the injury, the duration of pain, and the impact on the person's overall quality of life.
Property Damage: If personal property was damaged or destroyed as a result of the incident, such as a vehicle in a car accident, the costs of repair or replacement may be factored into the settlement.
How will you handle negotiations with the insurance company or other parties involved in the case?
A personal injury lawyer plays a crucial role in handling negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. Here's an overview of how we typically approach these negotiations:
Gathering Evidence: We will first collect all relevant evidence to build a strong case. This may include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and any other documentation supporting your claim.
Assessing Damages: We will evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other applicable losses. We will also consider any potential future damages resulting from the injury.
Preparing a Demand Letter: We will draft a formal demand letter to the insurance company outlining your claim, including the damages suffered and a specific monetary amount being sought as compensation. The demand letter presents the case and provides supporting evidence.
Negotiating with the Insurance Adjuster: We will engage in negotiations with the insurance company's claims adjuster. We will present the demand letter and engage in discussions to reach a fair settlement. We will advocate for your rights and work to maximize the compensation amount.
Counteroffers and Settlement Discussions: The insurance company may respond with a counteroffer, usually lower than the initial demand. We will carefully review and analyze each counteroffer, considering its fairness and adequacy in light of the client's damages. We will negotiate further, presenting arguments and supporting evidence to justify a higher settlement.
Expert Opinion and Legal Strategies: If necessary, we may consult with experts, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, to strengthen the case and provide objective opinions on the damages.
Throughout the negotiation process, our primary goal is to protect our client's interests and secure a fair settlement. We will provide guidance, advocate for our client's rights, and leverage our negotiation skills and legal expertise to reach the most favorable outcome possible.
What are some of the potential risks or obstacles that could arise during the injury lawsuit, and how will you handle them?
If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement, the case might have to go to trial. If this happens, we will advise the client on the viability of pursuing a lawsuit. We will prepare the case for potential litigation, ensuring all legal requirements are met and documentation is in order.
How long do you anticipate it will take to resolve my personal injury case?
The answer is not straightforward and depends on various factors. In Florida, the injured party filing a claim bears the responsibility, through their attorney, to demonstrate several key points: that the negligent party is at fault, that their negligence caused the injury, that damages were suffered (such as medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs), and, in certain cases, that the injury is permanent and directly attributable to the negligent party.
In nearly all cases, the insurance company or the opposing party's lawyer will require a comprehensive examination of all available facts and evidence before making decisions regarding the individual claim. This process can take months or even years, depending on whether the case is settled early on or if a lawsuit must be initiated to maximize the potential recovery. Each case possesses its own distinct set of facts and circumstances, so there is no uniform timeline for settlement.
What are the next steps to set up my Lake Worth personal injury consultation and hire you?
The best way to start your claim is with a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will gladly walk you through the details of filing a claim and whether hiring a personal injury attorney is in your best interest. If it is, we will send a contract and start gathering case information to build an argument for your best settlement.
