How much is this case going to cost me?
There are no upfront costs to any client in a personal injury matter. That being said, each case has its own fees and costs which will come from any possible settlement or judgment reached. The settlement or judgment funds typically come from insurance carriers. At the end of the process, there will be a pot of money of which every cost and fee must be deducted from. Each case is different, however, and must be handled accordingly. Examples of costs and fees typically applicable in a personal injury case are as follows:
Attorney Fees (35% pre-litigation) OR (40% if a lawsuit is filed)
Case Costs and Expenses
Medical Treatment Costs
Health Insurance Liens (varies case to case)
Other Liens or expenses (varies case to case)
How much will I get in my pocket at the end of the case?
Each case has its own unique factors dependent on the injuries sustained, medical treatment rendered, future medical treatment necessitated, diligence in seeking medical treatment for injuries, lost wages, and other varying factors encompassed in pain and suffering. It is impossible to provide any particular dollar amount or even range of recovery until a case is near completion. Rest assured the skilled attorneys of Zia Legal are motivated to get you as much as possible in your pocket at the end of your case after all medical providers, lien claimants, and attorney fee and costs/expenses are taken into consideration.
How long will my case take to resolve?
Each case has its own unique process heavily dependent on the facts and law in place as well as the ebbs and flow of the process. A case is akin to a chess match, full of moves and countermoves. Therefore, each case’s timeline is its own. Therefore, it is impossible to dictate how long a given case will take from open to close. Rest assured that Zia Legal’s experienced attorneys are working diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
Why do I even need an attorney to assist in the claims process?
The art of negotiation is a carefully orchestrated process and unique in every case. It also does not help that the insurance claims process is complex. A case can escalate from negotiation to necessitating filing of a lawsuit in a matter of hours. Zia Legal’s skilled and experienced attorneys are trained to conduct negotiation and if needed to litigate on behalf of our clients in order to get them the compensation they deserve.
What do I need to do to assist with my case?
It is imperative that there is honestly, communication, and cooperation in any case. To start, a client must ensure they are proceeding to treatment for any sustained injuries. Not only to address the injuries but also to establish evidence of those injuries to be used in negotiating or otherwise working your case to the highest amount possible. Next, a client must timely cooperate with any requests made by an attorney working the case. Finally, maintaining communication with your attorney is crucial to facilitate in any deadlines or other given tasks of working your case'; especially if a case has proceeded to litigation.
What is my attorney doing to resolve my case?
An attorney’s role in a personal injury case is to locate a pot of money as a source of recovery in a case, confirm liability in a matter, and to proceed with working the case in a manner to ensure that the client receives maximum recovery from their personal injury case. Attorneys are also here to advocate and represent the interests of the client to the fullest extent the law provides to ensure that an otherwise complex and strenuous process is simplified and handled in an efficient and steadfast manner.
When will I hear from my attorney on my case?
You will hear from your attorney fairly regularly throughout the span of your case. Typically, communication via email, mail, text, or telephone call will be initiated approximately every thirty (30) to forty-five (45) days. Communications may be more frequent dependent on the stage of the case or in the event there are updates to the case. If you are curious about the status of your case or wish to get an update, you are free to reach out to your attorney at any time.
Can I terminate legal representation if I’m not satisfied?
Although there are certain times when an attorney may terminate representation in a case, a client has the unilateral power to hire and fire legal counsel as they wish. Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the client. If a client is not satisfied in how their case is being handled, they may terminate representation and seek out other legal counsel to proceed with their case. However, should legal representation be terminated due to no blatant fault of the attorney, the attorney may reserve the right to a lien interest in any recovered amount in a case. Review your contract for legal representation carefully to see if a previously hired attorney reserves the right to a lien in your matter.