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  • best way to find a personal injury lawyer?

    In search of the best way to find/pick a personal injury lawyer. I really don’t want to visit those people that advertise on T.V., and have an array to pick from via Googling (or the like). Knowing many others have been in my situation; hoping to hear back on how you choose a lawyer to handle your case. some legitimate feedback kindly appreciated.

     

    • sitcpsitcb 6:18 pm on December 28, 2011

      Personal referrals are by far the best way. Pretty much everyone knows someone who knows someone who’s made a personal injury claim at one point.

      You can also go through your local (usually county) bar association. All of them have a referral service.

  • Why are 99.9% of Trial Lawyers and Personal Injury Lawyers Liberal Democrats who "help" fellow Libs and Dems?

    What do the simplest things tell us about a group?

    .

     

    • Sadcat 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      Are you aware that the attorneys who represent the NRA, the Heritage Foundation, and the Republican party are also trial lawyers? And you’re saying that they are all Democrats?

    • whoyeah 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      The law is on the liberal side!

    • Trust 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      you need to be educated on this topic to discuss it son! :)

    • Jake 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      Because the lunatic conservatives keep flunking the bar exam.

    • The MobFather 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      Because Democrats favor them in laws so they can get $$$$

      (Notice that in 2000 pages of health care law, not one was about reducing the waste in bogus lawsuits)

      #1 Donor to Democratic Candidates

      1 Lawyers/Law Firms $50,575,30881% (to Dems)19% ( To republicans)

    • Ped0phile Pastors Aren't Cool 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      I don’t think you know what a trial lawyer is if you think this fact is true.

    • justagrandma 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      That they are educated? Past high school? That they didn’t spend their weekends playing football?

      That they have heart as well as brains.

    • logan 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      I’m sure you have some back up material that proves your "facts"…right? Yeah, right.

    • FLSwampBoy 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      You should be more concerned with facts when you post.

    • Why Me??? 6:19 pm on October 24, 2011

      That like the rest of the libs they NEVER did an honest days work??? and despite the rantings of the previous poster your FACTS are correct

  • Is it true that auto insurance want to settle out of court for injuries?

    A passenger and myself were backed into while in a rental car. We have injuries, dont want to deal with lawyers..may the other persons insurance pay for ER bills and offer some kind of settlement? I have neck and back injuries and my passenger has a cast on his arm.
    Just investigating some heads up advice.
    Thanks.

     

    • Insuranceman 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      So…if someone BACKED into you….how fast could they have been going???

      Sure you can get an attorney but you would be better off by letting the other company pay you and get on with your life. An attorney can hold this up for years……and you could end up getting LESS than you would have.

      Soft tissue injuries go away. Take Tylenol and go back to work and quit sitting around thinking that you’ve hit the jackpot!

      Good luck and I hope this helps!

    • lisa j 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      yes but they will try to get off cheap. i would talk to a lawyer first to get an idea of what amount you should ask for. you need to think about medical bills down the road and the possible inability to work

    • mbrcatz17 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      It’s going to depend on what state you live in, and what kind of coverage they have.

      If all you’re looking for is medical payments, depending on your state laws, they may pay, or you may have to go through your own policy.

    • Meghan B 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      I understand you don’t want a lawyer, but keep in mind the insurance company doens’t want you to ahve one either. It means they actually have to do everything they are responsible for. Without an attorney, the chances of you beign compensated for lost wages and other incidental expenses are slim. They will often offer you a flat amount to cover everything, and that may not even cover your medical bills.

      The best thing you can do is have them pay the hospital directly and you should have signed that you were not financially responsible for the bills at the hospital, but you probably didn’t.

      Your best bet is to consult an attorney. They will tell you everything you are entitled to and help you settle quickly. They don’t want to go to court either, but they will fight for your rights.

    • laughter_every_day 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      You must demonstrate your willingness to sue, and then most will negotiate directly with you because they think they can get a cheaper settlement because you will not consider things like possible future medical care for your injuries. a reasonable settlement is one in which they pay all direct expenses of every sort and then figure in about 3 times the medical bills to cover pain and suffering. You can negotiate that on your own, but if the company is convinced that you will never do any to protect yourself, they will offer nothing. To start, contact the insurer. They are not likely to contact you first.

    • Rodger R 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      You need legal council.

    • marty 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      Auto Insurance Companies love settleing out of court because the save money and offer the person less than they would have gotten most of the time. You need legal council.

    • TargetMan 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      contact their insurance company, if not joy call your insurance company

    • mtchndjnmtch2000 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      If you are hurt they want to settle out of court in a heart beat.

    • banananose_89117 12:41 am on September 15, 2011

      Heads up. You are talking about injuries and possibilty high and long term medical bills, plus the insurance to cover the rental damage. Don’t rely on the other person’s insurance to be nice because they want out CHEAP. Even your own insurance will be less than friendly to save money.

      Make sure your insurance company has been advise of the accident including a copy of the police report which hopefully you called the police!!!

      Start keeping a record/copy of every place you go for medical treatment.

      I would get a lawyer who is on a contingency to help. They know how to get things done fast and correctly. Did you realize that each state has a different "time factor" of when you must put in and settle a claim. Some are two years, others three, etc. Most lawyers who do personal injury will give you a free initial talk and then charge about 22% or more of the final settlement if you don’t go to court. But NO the insurance companies will not pay you more to settle out of court.

      This is NOT the time to be cheap. I have been there twice, once a rear end and another a roller over, both with injuries but one that required serious surgery and long-term treatment with permanent disability.

      There are things like medical bills but also pain and suffering, lost of income (paycheck), lost of consortium (if you are married your spouse has lost your intimate time), and so much more. And, did you realize that many times the lawyer can also sue you own company for underinsured motorist.
      GO see a lawyer and save yourself headaches, frustration and the best way to get the most. Yes, you will lose some money but in the end you will be glad you did.

      Been where you are and used a lawyer both times and never regretted their help nor the cost of their time!

  • Mediation in personal injury case?

    if the case did not settle on mediation because insurance companies did not provide you sufficient funds what happen next
    may in the court judge decided the case and what about lawyer fees who is going to pay for it.

     

    • Pogolaw 7:56 am on September 14, 2011

      If I understand you correctly, you went to mediation to reach a settlement agreement with an insurance company but you refused their offer. In that case you have the option of returning to mediation perhaps with another mediator or going to court in which the jury could find in your favor or not and the jury will set the amount of damages you will receive or reward nothing at all.

      That is the danger in going to court, one side wins and the other side loses, in mediation you both get a chance to make concessions and come away with something, in open court you get no say, the attorneys do all the talking and you win all or lose all.

      You are responsible for paying for your own attorneys and they are usually the only big winners in a court battle because they get 1/3 or more of whatever your award is. If they took your case on a contingency basis and you lose they get nothing at all, if they didn’t you have to pay them win or lose.

  • Should I have been on Unemployment or Workmans Comp?

    In october 2006 I went to the doctors and was told I needed to have knee surgery due to work but ot wasn’t an emergency so I made the appointment for Feb to have it done. In november I was laid off from work and began collecting unemployment. I went in for surgery as schudueled. I had reopen my unemployment claim (because I was also on it in the begining of 2006-which was also because of a work realated injury/surgery) I was suppose to go back to work in march but because of a slow recovery i couldn’t go back to work until May. While recoverying I thought become self-employed. And was honest with my boss. I bought insurance that I needed and began advertising but still hadn’t got some work so I contuined calling into unemployment. In the meantime my boss stopped calling me and returning my phone calls and the begining of July i got a letter saying I owe them 00 because I was self employed. I know I need to talk to a lawyer but what do you think is going on.
    Should it be workmans comp if it is should I tell unemployment or may I have to pay everything back from the begining?

     

    • mbrcatz17 11:54 pm on September 13, 2011

      OK, you were ok collecting unemployment benefits until you had your surgery. After that, you’re not eligible, because you’re not ABLE to work.

      Did you file a workers comp claim in October, regarding the knee? If so, and if it was accepted, they should have picked up the cost of the surgery. Lost wages is sketchier, though, I think you’d need to ask an attorney in your state about that. I don’t think they’d pay you, as you were already out of work.

      And the SECOND you started your own business, you lose the rights to the workers comp AND the unemployment – and you can’t "re-up" just because your business wasn’t successful.

      Your message isn’t clear, WHO is asking for $3500 back from you, and exactly WHERE that figure came from.

  • Can I work without affecting my Social Security Disability case?

    I have recently filed for disability through social security because of a brain injury i sustained as a child. i tried filing before but got denied because my parents made too much money. Now that I don’t live with them and live with a roommate I have applied again using a lawyer. I was told the case could take up to 2 years. I cannot go 2 years with no income. Is it possible to work 20-25 hours at .25/ hr as a night time janitor without it affecting my case?? This is type of work I feel I can do because I suffer from severe anxiety, contribute, depression, and an inability to work with others as a team. This part time night job working by myself may help get me by and get me some type of health insurance, beacuse I dont have some at the moment and need medication, until my case is determined.

     

    • American Beauty 4:43 pm on September 13, 2011

      You have an attorney, who gets paid to give you the right advice. Ask your attorney this question.

    • Darlene C 4:43 pm on September 13, 2011

      Since you have a lawyer…you may want to ask him/her this question.

    • Phurface 4:43 pm on September 13, 2011

      You can work to some degree. The type of work and the amount of earnings would be examined to see if it could be "substantial and gainful". As for the case taking 2 years is an inaccurate response from whomever gave it to you. Each case is examined on an individual basis, some may be completed in 60 days, others take longer.

      You can find many useful booklets and information at http://www.socialsecurity.gov. The publication which would give you more information direct to your question would be: SSA Publication No. 05-10095 "Working While Disabled".

      You could also contact your local Social Security office or call the national 800 number 1-800-772-1213.

      Your attorney would probably NOT be able to answer this question with any accuracy.

      Social Security employee 18+ years

  • injury settlement, should I take it?

    Allstate has offered me 0,000 as an injury settlement. nearly 3 years ago I was the passenger in an accident where the driver blew a .12 . I sustained lasting injuries to my right (dominant) hand and elbow also as minor significant head abrasion. The pinky finger on my hand is fused at the last and middle joint and shows significant deformity ( as do most of the fingers to some extent) I have mallet finger on my middle finger and my index finger’s top knuckle is fused. I have stiffness in some the joints that do move in that hand. My elbow was gashed open and has a horrible scar also as loss of range of motion to a small degree. It does hurt if I put even a little weight on it( such as resting my head on my elbow while sitting at a table) I was also out of work for about 4 months and suffered a considerable amount of pain. My health insurance and auto insurance are investigating a combined ,000 reimbursment. I figure since the drivers liabillity insurace tops out at 0,000 and I would be getting back about 0,000 with the insurance reimbursment factored in that leaves them making out with 0,000. Is it worth 30% (lawyers fee) of that 0,000, assuming I would get the max, in hiring a lawyer. I figure that would net me about 0,000, ,000 more but a lot more headache. I had a medical consultation by a hand specialist who said I lost about 41% use of my right arm. I am also still willing and able to work and have adapted to still be willing and able to play violin, guitar, and hockey. I’m not looking to get rich just don’t want to get ripped off. thanks for some help.

     

    • dhayles101 4:41 pm on September 12, 2011

      You don’t say what state you are from, but most states has a two year statute of limitations on personal injury. Anyway, I think it sounds like Allstate is getting of easy. They should pay policy limits, especially since their driver was drunk when he/she hit you.
      You are right that by the time you pay an attorney 30% or more, plus case expenses you may not be coming out with much more, but you should use that as a tool in negotiating with allstate, that you know an attorney could get you policy limits. You did not mention if you had UIM coverage, because you should get that policy as well.
      I have worked in legal for 30 years and it is sad that insurance companies low ball people like you, but then when an attorney is retained they all of a sudden are willing to pay more. Then the attorneys get blamed. Anyway hope this helps.

    • moofie121 4:41 pm on September 12, 2011

      If all of what you said is true, then $250,000 less the medical bills and work lost is not even enough. Hire an attorney and go for the max, as long as it will amount to more than the settlement. Be very careful about what lawyer you hire. Try to get references from someone who had a good experience.

      The kind of injuries you sustained tend to worsen with age. Arthritis sets in on previously damaged joints must faster.

      I lost both my parents due to medical malpractice. We failed to pursue a lawsuit – they do not make it easy. I will question our decision for the rest of my life.

    • Hannah F 4:41 pm on September 12, 2011

      DO NOT ACCEPT THE OFFER!!!
      never do it…u don’t know if it’s 4 real…trust me,been there,done that,ain’t goin’ back!

    • Erica 4:41 pm on September 12, 2011

      Definitely contact an attorney. Even if the insurance limit is $250k, you could get more out of damages through the guilty party. (i.e. your drunk "friend")

      This may be a quite a lot of money, but you’ve lost quite a bit of use in your dominant hand. This is going to follow you your entire life! What about when you have children and want to carry them? Looking for employment? It’ll be that much more difficult… And you can’t even work for Kroger if you can’t lift things with both hands.

      Talk to an attorney and get his/her advice. They won’t go for it unless they think they can get better. The insurance co has already made an offer, so they’ve shown they’re assuming liability… Now it’s down to how much. Hopefully you haven’t missed the statute of limitations in your state. Also, after you pay off your medical bills, how much of that money leftover will be yours? Reimbursement for loss wages? All are things to consider.

    • surferchick 4:41 pm on September 12, 2011

      I would suggest getting that ionjury lawyer. it sounds like you got pretty messed up. you’ll probably have lasting medical issues and you’ll need that money down the road

    • Kit 4:41 pm on September 12, 2011

      Absolutely DO NOT accept that offer.

      Permanent lasting pain and loss of range of motion are life long afflictions.

      Definitely get an attorney he/she would be well worth it. They’ll tell you exactly how much they think you can receive and it’s in their best interest to do so also.

      NEVER EVER ACCEPT AN INSURANCE COMPANIES FIRST OFFER. Their client blew a .12 which is EASILY provable, are you kidding…110,000 dollars? That’s chump change.

  • Injury Tables Court Calculations?

    Can anyone tell me; where I can look up the injury tables that judges use and lawyers use when they settle a claim for personal injuries?

     

    • mbrcatz 7:53 am on September 12, 2011

      Except for workers compensation, there ARE no injury tables to decide judgement amounts. That’s why it’s called a "judgement", it’s a judgement call. It also depends a way lot, what KIND of injury, your state laws, how you GOT the injury, and how much of it was your fault.

      For workers comp, you’d search your state name, workers comp, and permanent disability, and it should bring up the formula for calculating the award.

  • If you are on worker's compensation due to a work injury what happens next?

    I have been on workers compensation for a while due to a back injury. My doctor has recently put me on permanent restrictions and the type of job I have this may not allow me to head back to work. What happens next? Do I need to get a lawyer or may worker’s compensation handle it. Where do I go from here?

     

    • lcr000 5:27 am on September 10, 2011

      you will need to see several Dr before you can claim any type of permanent disability, if unable to do your current jon WC can send you to be retrained for a diffrent occupation, if you decide to settle the state you are in sets limits on how much you can settle for and it is a slow process.

    • Chas 5:27 am on September 10, 2011

      Worker’s Compensation offers you a permanent payout on your claim. You may want a lawyer to represent you for this.

    • worrier 5:27 am on September 10, 2011

      When you say your doctor put you on permanent restrictions, was this the state Doctor or the Doctor who has been caring for you? Reason being is that for you to have a rating as to permanent impairment, you must first go through a series of exams ( generally one long exam) by an appointed Doctor, that is both independent from the insurance company and yourself. At that exam, you will be given a rating on your injury. The ratings are from 0% to 100% as part of your whole body. From there you would then get an offer from the workers compensation company, which depending on what state you live in, will pay for each rating you get. ( for instance, where I live if you have a 15 percent rating, it is basically "worth" $15,000, not including lifetime medical, missed work, etc.)

      Getting a lawyer is really up to you at this point, if things are going well with the insurance company, etc, then you should be fine. That said, if they disagree with your doctors findings, then you will need to retain a lawyer.

      As for not being able to work again in your current capacity, you should be offered some sort of work training program, or if disabled enough- disability.

  • do i need a lawyer from the state that a work injury occurred in?

    i work for a trucking co in sparta nj injury occurred on a contractors job sight in summit nj i had ,000 worth of dental damage done to me company had me fill out workers comp form they never signed it they tried to get the contractor to file it they paid for initial evaluation and have done nothing since

     

    • maria ☜♥♥♥♥☞ 1:29 pm on September 9, 2011

      yes you should got a lawyer along time ago now since you let it go and have done nothing about it there isn’t anything you can do about it since they never ever signed anything it is your word against there’s

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