FAQ
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is your fee?
The fee in a personal injury case is on a contingency basis. What that means is my fee is contingent on me winning money for you. If I don’t win, I don’t get paid. It’s that simple. My contingent fee is based on a percentage of what I get for you from the defendant or their insurance carrier. Additionally, I help my clients by advancing many extra costs, such as fees charged to get copies of hospital and doctor’s records, investigation expenses and the cost for expert witnesses to testify. When the case settles, the costs that I have advanced are paid back to me from the settlement funds. If I don’t win you money, my client is never responsible to pay back the money I have advanced.
Social Security Disability
The fee in a Social Security Disability case is also on a contingent basis and the Social Security Administration has set the fee at $6,000.00 or 25%, whichever is less. Once again, if I don’t win I don’t get paid.
Workers’ Compensation
The fee in Workers’ Compensation cases are set at 20% of the benefits the claimant is receiving or of any lump sum settlement. This fee is established by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.
Child Custody and Support
The fees in Child Custody & Support, Traffic Citation and other matters are on an hourly basis and a retainer may be necessary.
DUI, Criminal Matters, Traffic Citations:
My fee varies according to each individual case. However, I think you will find that my fees are very reasonable for the service I provide.
How long will my case take?
It depends on many factors, most importantly the length of time it takes the client to completely recover from their injuries….or until we know for certain that their condition is permanent. At that point negotiations can begin with the insurance company. Some cases can be completed in a few months and others take years. If the case can be resolved without filing a lawsuit, it typically takes much less time. I try to make every effort to push the case to a settlement as quickly as possible. Remember, I don’t get paid until you do.
Are settlement proceeds taxable?
No. Money you get in a personal injury settlement is not taxable.
Will I have to go to Court?
That depends on the client, the case, and the insurance company. I try to settle every case. However, sometimes the insurance company does not offer as much as my client and I would like and we choose to file suit. Of those case where suit is filed, approximately 90% settle before we ever get to Court.
How much is my case worth?
If any attorney tries to answer this question without first being able to analyze all of the evidence, including the extent of your injuries (which may not be known for months or longer), lost wages, permanent impairment, negligence of all the defendants and other factors, DO NOT HIRE THAT ATTORNEY!!! No attorney can answer this question until he or she has all the facts. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.
Should I try to work with the insurance company and see if they will offer me a settlement before I hire an attorney?
NO! Insurance companies will not treat you fairly. Insurance companies are in the business to make money, not pay claims. The less they pay in claims, the more money they make. Insurance companies train adjusters to find ways of settling claims for the least amount possible. I am familiar with how insurance companies operate. I have dealt with them for over 30 years. I can immediately put them on notice that I represent you and they will not be able to take advantage of you.
