| The trial attorneys at ADLER
& MANSON have been privileged to counsel hundreds of
clients who received substantial cash settlements for their claims
by following some simple steps after their injury. Following these
guidelines can help you get the most from your claim should you
become injured in an automobile accident, a truck accident, by a
defective product, on unsafe property, by a health care provider,
or on the job. • What should I do at the scene of an auto accident? • I'm not sure the other party was at fault. Why should I pay an attorney to find out? • How can I be sure an attorney will return my calls and keep me informed about my case? • How do I find an attorney I can trust? • Why shouldn't I negotiate with the insurance company myself? • Will it take a lot longer to get my money if I hire an attorney? • Do I have to come in to your office? • The insurance company has already offered me a sum I consider fair. Should I contact an attorney anyway? • Why should I sue the nice people who were at fault? • If I was injured on the job but it was my fault, do I have a case? • How and when should I go about selecting an attorney? • What should I do if I'm injured? Always consult an attorney before appearing in court as a witness or pleading guilty to or paying a traffic ticket that results from an accident. Return to the Top of the Page Return to the Top of the Page Return to the Top of the Page Return to the Top of the Page Without an attorney, you must negotiate directly with experts who work these kinds of cases every day and are paid to save money for the insurance company. And, without an attorney involved, the insurance company need not worry about defending a jury trial so they have less incentive to negotiate with you. ADLER & MANSON fees for injury cases are based on a percentage of the amount you collect, and you pay the fee only when you receive your money. (The ethical rules require us to disclose that clients may be responsible for litigation expenses other than attorneys' fees.) Return to the Top of the Page Return to the Top of the Page Return to the Top of the Page Return to the Top of the Page Even if your medical bills are paid by health insurance, you may be entitled to receive additional money equal to the amount of those bills. In fact, in some situations, you can be paid three times for the same bills. This is totally proper, legal and ethical. In most situations you are entitled to money for your pain, suffering, inconvenience, aggravation, lost wages, permanent injuries, future medical costs and other expenses you have had and will have due to the injury. Return to the Top of the Page Through its workers' compensation plan, your employer will pay your medical bills and may provide you a weekly payment if you are unable to work. They may even offer you a lump sum settlement to compensate you for any permanent injuries. But this settlement will likely be based on the opinion of a doctor hired by your employer. To help ensure that your permanent injuries are compensated fairly, we will typically send you to another doctor who is familiar with the workers' compensation system and your type of injury. If you were injured at work due to a defective product, another person or another company, you may also have a claim against the responsible party. Return to the Top of the Page The best way to select an attorney is to schedule a free consultation with one who is experienced in personal injury law. Choose someone who can provide examples of similar cases they have handled successfully. Ask for references. It is also important that you feel comfortable with the attorney you hire, as you will be working closely with him. Most important, hire a service oriented attorney who realizes that he is working for you. Return to the Top of the Page (1) Document The Incident Your attorney will assist you in gathering evidence for your case. You will likely need photographs of the scene as well as the names, addresses and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses. Photographs of your injuries, of you in your hospital bed, or of your damaged vehicle can be emotionally powerful evidence. (2) Save And Preserve Whatever Caused Your Injury The cause of an injury can be difficult to prove, so save whatever it was that led to your injury - the substance you slipped on, the shoes you were wearing, the spoiled food you ingested, the defective product and its instructions and packaging. (3) Obtain Needed Medical Treatment If you have an injury but do not see a doctor, an insurance adjustor or jury may not believe you were injured. Your attorney can direct you to a doctor who specializes in your type of injury. (4) Give A Statement With Your Attorney Present The insurance company may tell you they need you to provide a recorded statement. In fact, they simply would like to have one so they can use it against you later. Keep in mind that insurance adjustors work for the insurance company so they want to pay you as little as possible. Never give a statement to an insurance adjustor without consulting your attorney. Return to the Top of the Page |

