Before hiring a lawyer, you should research the firm and lawyers you are considering to represent you. Ask for information about the lawyer's education, training and experience, and ask the lawyer to tell you about his/her experience in dealing with cases similar to yours. Ask about the lawyer's trial and courtroom experience, and assure yourself that if your case goes to trial, your lawyer has the knowledge and experience to take you there. Ask the lawyer to go over the attorney's fee contract with you in detail, and be sure you understand how the lawyer's fees and costs will be paid at the end of the case.
Arkansas law provides for an injured person to be compensated or made whole by the responsible party. Obviously, the extent of compensation will vary depending on the specific facts of a case. In your case, full compensation may include elements of damage other than payment of medical bills, such as payment for pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of ability to enjoy life, lost wages and diminished earning capacity. This is why early consultation with a lawyer experienced in personal injury cases can help you obtain the maximum recovery allowed by the law.
Indeed, it can be very expensive to pursue claims involving serious injuries, medical malpractice and defective products. It is not uncommon for the costs in such cases to exceed many tens of thousands of dollars. At McDaniel & Wells, P.A. we understand that the expenses of pursuing significant cases can be substantial. Accordingly, we have positioned ourselves to be able to advance the costs neccessary to prepare cases properly for trial. Ultimately, out-of-pocket expenses are a client's responsibility in a successfully-concluded case. While a case is pending, we generally advance the expenses incurred during our representation. If and when the case reaches successful conclusion, the costs we have expended are returned to us out of your recovery.
Every case is unique. Before an accurate determination of the value of your personal injury case can be made, your doctors must have determined that you have reached maximum medical improvement and we must have a thorough understanding of your course of medical treatment, your current condition and your future prognosis. Additionally, we must have had an opportunity to completely investigate the details of the accident, and analyze the impact that the accident has had on your wage-earning ability and on your lifestyle. Only then can an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney accurately determine the value of your case. You should be wary of any law firm that purports to put a specific value on your claim before having an opportunity to learn all of the relevant facts and determine the impact that the accident will have on your future.
5. I'm not the "suing" type. Is there any way my claim can be resolved without actually filing a lawsuit?
You should know that the vast majority of personal injury claims are resolved before a jury reaches a verdict at trial. Many cases are settled even before a lawsuit must be filed. The ultimate decision about whether to file a lawsuit at all is the client's. At McDaniel & Wells, P.A. we are committed to helping our clients reach a satisfactory conclusion to their claim, whether by a lawsuit and trial, or by an out of court settlement. Our lawyers are experienced in alternative dispute resolution procedures, such as mediation and arbitration, that can avoid the need to file a lawsuit altogether. In all cases, we take the time to explain to our clients the alternatives available, including the risks and advantages of each, so that our clients can make an informed decision that is best for his or her individual circumstances.
Most lawsuits that are filed are settled before trial. Regardless, we prepare every case as if it might ultimately be decided by a jury. We believe in being prepared in the event an agreement between the parties cannot be reached. At the same time, our philosophy is to aggressively pursue resolution of claims at all stages in the case, so that the process does not become unduly difficult, burdensome, or expensive for our clients, and so that we obtain the best results possible.
McDaniel & Wells, P.A. Attorneys at Law 400 S. Main Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 Telephone: (870) 932-5950 / 1-800-954-5950 Fax: (870) 932-0919
