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A. To protect your rights and legal options, here are some things you should or should not do when you've been injured.
Immediately call the legal professionals at Putnam Lieb to schedule a free consultation (click here to contact us). Too often, injured individuals close doors to their recovery because of things they inadvertently say or do immediately after the accident.
Don't discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney, your physician and your immediate family. Any statements you make to others can be used against you later.
Do not sign any claims or documents until you have discussed it with your attorney.
Keep records of any out-of-pocket expenses you incur, such as costs for medication, household help, or transportation to and from treatment. It is difficult to obtain repayment for these expenses unless they are carefully documented.
Keep a dated record of how your problems impact your life. This will help us document and illustrate how your injury has altered your life. Note pain you may be experiencing, physical or emotional limitations on activities that were once a part of your daily lifestyle.
Be aware that the defendant may hire someone to investigate your personal activities to determine the nature and extent of your injuries. Such investigations can include surveillance, video taping and conducting interviews with neighbors and co-workers.
Don't wait and see how the insurance company or employer will handle your case before consulting with an attorney. Delays usually work against you, the victim, and FOR the defendant. Be aware that once legal deadlines are passed, you close the door to more promising legal options.
A. If you consult with Putnam Lieb early following an injury, we can help in these ways:
The factual circumstances of your accident can be pinned down early on so the disputes about liability and fault are not compromised with "aged" information or memory loss.
You will be advised not to make statements, sign releases or attend medical evaluations which could ultimately damage your case. You will have the guidance of experienced professionals to ensure your actions do not compromise your ability to receive a fair settlement or trial.
When necessary, you can be referred to additional, well-respected medical specialists for further identification of your injuries and second opinions.
Your case can be reviewed by other experts, such as vocational rehabilitation counselors, safety experts, or engineers, who can help establish fault or extent of damages.
You will receive sound legal counsel in the decision of whether you should or shouldn't file suit.
If a suit is necessary, you can be advised whether mediation, arbitration or some other method of settling prior to trial is in your best interest.
When you are injured, your first focus must be on your physical and emotional recovery. That recovery can be made easier by letting experienced legal professionals like Putnam Lieb manage your case and help you restore your life.
A. The majority of the claims settle without filing of a lawsuit. With skilled negotiations between your attorney and the defendant's insurance carrier, a fair settlement can often be agreed upon. However, unless an insurer understands you are represented by an experienced legal firm prepared to proceed through trial, your chances of receiving a full settlement are diminished. Putnam Lieb has a proven record of delivering fair settlements for their clients and for aggressively pursuing their clients' rights if a trial becomes necessary.
A. There are a number of issues we take into consideration before helping you decide whether to file a lawsuit. They involve:
The strength of your case.
The willingness of the defendant or their insurance company to negotiate in good faith.
Timing issues that may require more aggressive legal tactics to ensure legal deadlines are met.
A. It is difficult to estimate how soon a case will be tried. Civil cases take a back seat to criminal cases in court schedules. Counties vary in their caseloads. And the complexity of your case impacts the time it takes to prepare for a trial. Our goal is always to obtain a fair settlement BEFORE going to trial to avoid the additional expense and inconveniences. Regardless of whether your case requires negotiations or a full trial, you can be assured that, because of the experience of the staff at Putnam Lieb, you'll get the quickest resolution of your case possible.
A. To file a lawsuit, a formal Summons and Complaint must be filed in the appropriate court and served on the defendant. After the defendant has answered, the attorney for the defendant may send written requests for information called interrogatories. Following this, the defense attorney may take your testimony under oath during sessions called depositions. Likewise, on your behalf, we will send interrogatories and take depositions of the defendant and other witnesses. The defendant may require you to submit to an independent medical exam to determine the extent of your injuries. We take great care in briefing you on the progress of your suit and in preparing you for trial.
A. The law divides damages into two kinds-"special" and "general." Special damages are the out-of-pocket expenses you have actually experienced or will experience in the future, such as medical expenses and wage loss. General damages are the more intangible "costs" of an injury-the pain and suffering, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A. The amount of damages is generally determined by what juries have awarded for similar cases. To determine the amount of the lawsuit, we review previous verdicts and compare them to your case looking at the severity of the injuries, cost of medical bills, liability factors and level of permanency of the injuries. To encourage a settlement and avoid the costs of a courtroom trial, we work very hard on the front end to ensure the defendant's insurer understands the seriousness of your losses and our willingness to enforce those damages in court. As a client of Putnam Lieb, you are backed by over 20 years experience in negotiation and proven courtroom success.
A. Yes, but the award will usually be reduced by your share of blame. Ensuring that the award is based on a legitimate share requires skilled and aggressive work by your legal counsel.
A. If there is no insurance, or if it is inadequate, the liable party may pay from their own pocket. If they do not have the resources to pay the award, your own insurance may contain coverage for "uninsured" or "underinsured" defendants. Your homeowner's policy may provide some protection in non-automobile cases. We will work with you to pursue every avenue of recovery.
A. Having insurance does not guarantee you will be compensated fairly for the loss you have suffered. Your own insurance provider will work to minimize their losses, regardless of how legitimate or extensive your losses may be. We strongly encourage you to immediately seek the assistance of legal counsel when you are injured or have a loss to ensure you do not miss opportunities to recover what you deserve.
Please click here or call 1-800-225-4529 to schedule a free consultation with the professionals at Putnam Lieb.
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