FAQs

There is no definitive answer to this question simply because all cases are different.  Many things are taken into account when determining the worth of a case and there are many factors that determine the amount it is possible to receive for each case.  We will, however, share that the claims industry relates a of a person’s physical pain, mental anguish, depression, loss of enjoyment, and other general damages to the amount of medical bills and/or lost wages.  This ration will be explained further during the first free consultation. 

The answer to this question usually depends on the amount of medical treatment a person requires after the incident occurred.  Typically, we will wait for a client to complete treatment prior to sending a demand to ensure we have the most detailed record of their injuries and treatment received.  The statute of limitations in Georgia for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years.

This is entirely dependent on how quickly we receive information from you and if a lawsuit is filed.  Typically clients will only need to meet with Mr. Howard 1 or 2 times during the course of their case due to the fact that the paralegal or case manager can collect any documents you bring in and usually answer any questions you may have. If a lawsuit is filed, it will be necessary clients meet with Mr. Howard many more times to prepare for various other aspect of the case.   Of course, clients are welcome to reach out via phone, email, or scheduled appointment any time they feel the need to speak to or meet with Mr. Howard.

Our Firm works on a contingency basis.  What this means is we only receive payment if there is a settlement.  That payment is usually a percentage of the settlement amount and can be found in the copy of your contract.

Liens can be asserted by medical providers and/or medical insurance companies to insure they are paid or reimbursed.  Liens asserted by certain medical insurance companies are often automatic and must be paid in full from the settlement reached.  Hospital liens that are filed with the Court are required to be paid but we are often given an opportunity to negotiate these amounts.  Often times our Firm will sign a lien with a medical provider with the client’s permission so the necessary treatment can be rendered.  A letter of protection acts similarly to a lien in that our Firm will send a letter to a provider to ensure they will receive payment once a settlement is reached so clients can continue getting the treatment they need.

While we typically do not recommend clients receive loans our Firm does work with lending companies who offer a variety of options for financial assistance to clients who are unable to return to work or are experiencing hardship during the treatment and investigative phase of their case.  A primary reason we usually advise against loans is because these lenders tend to add interest rates and are not typically open to negotiations at the time of payment.

This depends on a number of factors.  While we try to settle most cases without going to trial it is sometimes necessary to file a lawsuit.  Even in the event a lawsuit is filed, it is possible to settle the case between the parties without going to trial.Ultimately, our clients determine whether they would rather have a jury determine value of their case.

Simply, a deposition is a question and answer session between an individual and an attorney.  Typically a court reporter will be present to document everything said during this session and often times it will be video recorded as well.

Discovery is a combination of document production and/or interrogatories (questions).  Both parties to a case have the right to request discovery from the other.  In the event discovery is requested of you we will inform you of the documents you are required to produce to us as well as provide you with the interrogatories which will require an answer in writing.

The amount you receive of a settlement will be determined by a number of factors. Below is a partial list of items that may be deducted from your settlement:

• Attorney Fees-the percentage indicated on your contract.
• Attorney Expenses-any expenses the Firm paid during the time of your case to include postage, medical record retrieval, mileage, etc.
• Any amount owed to medical providers who have asserted a lien, we have signed a lien with, or we have sent a letter of protection to.  We try to negotiate these amounts prior to dispersing funds to ensure you get the max amount possible.
• Any amount owed back to medical insurance companies who have informed us of liens-usually any government funded insurance.