10 Common Questions About Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Answers To Important Questions About Personal Injury Claims
The personal injury attorneys at Halvorsen Klote, based in St. Louis, Missouri, understand that when an injured person is looking to file a lawsuit they have a lot of questions. Here are the top 10 questions we get asked most frequently about filing a personal injury lawsuit.
1. What is the fee for my case?
We represent you on a contingency fee basis. You do not need to worry about paying us up front for anything, including the initial consultation. As your personal injury lawyer, we are paid a percentage of the recovery you receive. Therefore, you do not owe us anything unless we win your case. This fee structure allows injured individuals to pursue justice without the burden of upfront legal fees. Whether your case involves a car accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice, our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.
2. Are there costs involved in handling my case?
Yes. Some costs in your personal injury lawsuit may include filing fees, deposition fees, obtaining medical records and physician reports, hiring experts, postage, copying, travel, trial exhibits, and witness fees. Our firm advances these costs on your behalf but you are only obligated to pay those back if we win your case. This ensures that you can focus on recovering from your physical injury without worrying about immediate out-of-pocket expenses. Every legal case is different, and we are committed to handling the financial aspects of your case so you can concentrate on your health.
3. What do I owe you if I do not win my case?
Nothing. In the unlikely event you do not receive a recovery, the attorney’s time and any costs the firm incurred are waived. This no-win, no-fee arrangement ensures that our personal injury attorneys are fully invested in the success of your case. We understand that dealing with a personal injury can be overwhelming, and we are dedicated to providing you with peace of mind throughout the legal process. Whether your injury lawsuit involves an insurance company dispute or a complex medical malpractice claim, we are here to support you every step of the way.
4. Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many personal injury cases can be resolved prior to filing a lawsuit or going to court. Our experienced personal injury lawyers strive to settle your case through negotiation and mediation whenever possible, which can save you time and reduce the stress associated with a court trial. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages. The type of personal injury you have suffered and the specifics of your case will determine the best course of action.
5. Who pays for my medical bills?
If you have health insurance or medical coverage on your auto insurance, then they pay your medical bills for your treatment during your case. If you do not have insurance, there are doctors, clinics, and hospitals who will treat you and ask for payment when you win your case. Please consult with us if you do not have insurance, as it is critical that you get medical treatment for your injuries. Understanding who is responsible for your medical expenses can be complicated, but our personal injury attorneys will guide you through the process and help ensure that your medical bills are covered while your legal case is pending.
6. Do I have to pay back my medical bills paid by insurance?
If your medical bills are paid through your health insurance, auto insurance, or any other medical assistance program, your providers will want to be reimbursed out of your recovery for the money they paid on your behalf. This is called subrogation. If an insurance company notifies us of a subrogation claim, we are obligated to pay them out of the settlement or verdict.
If your medical bills are not fully covered by health insurance, auto insurance, or other medical assistance programs, you are responsible for payment of these bills either during or at the end of your case. Navigating these financial responsibilities can be complex, but our personal injury lawyers are experienced in managing these aspects to protect your interests.
7. How long will it take for my case to resolve?
Every case is different. The amount of time your case takes to resolve depends on a number of variables including:
- The length of time it takes for you to complete your medical treatment
- The complexity of your injuries
- The defendant’s insurance company and its policy limits
- Whether or not your case settles before filing a lawsuit.
Understanding the statutes of limitation in personal injury cases is crucial, as it affects how long you have to file your claim. Our personal injury attorneys will work diligently to ensure your case is resolved as efficiently as possible while maximizing your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
8. What is the value of my case?
Each case is different and must be evaluated on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. Some of the determining factors include:
- Severity of injuries
- Emotional or mental suffering
- Permanent physical impairment
- Past and future lost wages, financial loss, and economic hardship
- Past and future costs for medical treatment.
Our personal injury lawyers will thoroughly assess your case to determine its value, taking into account all relevant factors. The type of personal injury you have sustained, whether it be from an accident, medical malpractice, or another cause, will influence the potential compensation you can receive. We aim to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your pain and suffering and other losses.
9. How often should I contact my personal injury lawyers?
Our firm prides itself on customer service. If you leave us a message, we will do everything in our power to contact you immediately and no later than 24 hours. The best way to get a response is by emailing the attorney or their assistant. Please contact us anytime you have a question or concern about your case and to keep us informed on the status of your injuries and medical treatment, any changes of addresses or phone numbers, and when you have completed your medical treatment. Maintaining regular communication with your personal injury attorney is essential for the successful management of your legal case.
10. Is Halvorsen Klote the law firm for me?
If you are involved in an accident, you deserve competent and aggressive representation by experienced attorneys. Our attorneys aggressively pursue the full measure of justice for our clients. We pride ourselves on obtaining big firm results with the personal touch and attention of a small firm. Our talented and experienced firm is able to effectively get the results you deserve in a timely fashion. Our clients are clients for life. We want to help you with any legal problem even if it is unrelated to your injury. If we cannot help you, we will find someone who can.
Halvorsen Klote takes a personal interest in every case that comes into our office. If you are looking for an attorney that will give you undivided individual attention, commitment to excellence, and use every possible resource available to help you win your case, then please contact our attorneys directly for a free consultation at 1-866-382-4167 (866-382-4167) or fill out our contact form. There is no fee unless we win your case.
By choosing Halvorsen Klote, you are ensuring that you have a dedicated and experienced personal injury attorney on your side, capable of handling a variety of types of personal injury cases. Whether your injury lawsuit involves dealing with an insurance company or navigating the complexities of medical malpractice, we are here to support you through every step of your legal journey.
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