Frequently Asked Questions

faq

• What should I do immediately after being involved in an accident?

  It is important to seek medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

• Do I need a lawyer to handle my personal injury claim?

  While it’s possible to handle a claim yourself, a lawyer can help navigate complex legal issues, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize your compensation.

• Can I afford a personal injury attorney?

  Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

• What is a contingency fee agreement?

  A contingency fee agreement means your attorney will receive a percentage of your settlement or award only if you win your case.

• What is premises liability?

  Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners and occupiers to ensure their property is safe for visitors. If someone is injured on their property due to negligence, they may be held liable for damages.

• What types of accidents fall under premises liability?

  Common premises liability cases include slip and fall accidents, inadequate maintenance, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, and injuries due to inadequate security.

• Who can be held liable in a premises liability case?

  Property owners, landlords, tenants, and managers can all potentially be held liable if they are responsible for maintaining safe conditions and fail to do so.

• How much do you charge?

  We work strictly on a contingency basis. We do not get paid unless the business owner recovers money from the insurance company.

• Does the insurance company pay for me to move out of my home if it is uninhabitable?

  Many policies do provide for additional living expenses or loss of use.

• What is a Proof of Loss?

  A form that is often required to be filled out by the homeowner that provides the insurance company specific information about the loss.

• What is Depreciation?

  Decrease in the value of property which could be the result of wear and tear or age of a property.

• What is Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV)?

  RCV is the amount necessary to repair or replace the dwelling with materials of “like” kind and “like” quality at the current prices. ACV is the current value of property measured in cash, usually arrived at by taking the replacement cost and deducting for depreciation brought about by physical wear and tear, age and other factors.

• If my insurance payment is not enough to pay for my damages can I reject their payment?

  Yes. You can hire an independent contractor to obtain a second opinion of the full cost of the damages. It is the insurance company’s job to make you whole again. If the initial payment is insufficient do not be afraid to demand what you are rightfully owed.