Do I really need a lawyer?
More often than not, yes. Certainly almost
anybody is free to represent themselves in a court proceeding, but
it is similar to the old saying, "a doctor who treats himself
has a fool for a patient." In a personal injury case you will
often be dealing with a trained professional adjuster who may hold
several licenses, handles hundreds of cases, has access to company
lawyers and has the backing of a multimillion dollar corporation.
These people are not looking out for your best interests. Likewise
in any other area of law such as a divorce, employment law, contract
disputes, etc., you will want to know your rights. Don’t
rely on what, "a friend of a friend said . . ." Instead
speak to a professional.
Why should I hire Brush & Pujol, P.A., instead of another
firm?
Simply put, quality of representation and
personal attention. Robert Brush and Alex Pujol each graduated in
the top of their respective classes at law school. Together they
have more than 30 years of legal experience and have successfully
handled a variety of complex cases from mass torts to auto accidents
to dog bite cases. Bob and Alex have in the past represented some of
the largest companies in the United States, companies which
typically hire only the brightest and most qualified attorneys. Now
Bob and Alex are using that experience to help injured people. Don’t
be fooled by attorneys who say they’ve never worked for insurance
companies. They may not have had the qualifications. In a fight, don’t
you want an advocate who understands what the other side may be
thinking?
Many law firms often require you to meet with a
case manager or other nonlawyer. In these firms rarely does the
client have the opportunity to meet with his or her own lawyer.
While this assembly-line method may be very cost effective, it does
not coincide with the philosophy of the lawyers of Brush &
Pujol, P.A.. Here, your first conference will often be with the
very lawyer who will handle your case start to finish. Your attorney
will be available by phone and by appointment.
What are trial attorneys?
Trial attorneys are those attorneys willing to go
into a courtroom to fight for your rights. The attorneys at Brush
& Pujol, P.A. have extensive courtroom experience and will
not shy away from taking your case to trial.
Do I have to go to a trial?
No, the decision is usually up to you.
Surprisingly very few cases do go to trial. This is because most
cases settle because of the uncertainty of the jury (or even
non-jury) trial experience. Contrary to popular myth, there is no
explosion of frivolous lawsuits. Yet, you should have attorneys who
are willing to guide you through the trial process if the facts of
your case so merit.
What is a mediation?
Mediation is a settlement conference which
takes place prior to a case proceeding to trial. Each side appears
with their lawyer before a person known as a mediator who is
selected by the parties. The mediator makes no final decision in
the case, but, instead is a person who is familiar with the area
of law and will help each side understand the risks of going to
trial. All information contained in the mediation conference is
confidential and cannot be used in court. If the parties are
unable to settle the case during the mediation, then the case
proceeds to trial.
PERSONAL INJURY
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
The answer to this question can vary greatly
depending on the complexity of the case. For instance, the typical
medical malpractice case can take between one and two years from
the date the complaint is filed to get resolved, but the average
premises liability/auto case or any other type of general
negligence case, is typically resolved within four to eight months
after you have completed treatment.
- What is personal injury law?
Personal injury law, also known as tort law, is
the name given to the area of law which provides some remedy when
your body, mind, dignity or reputation has been damaged because of
the wrongful action of another. In this civil area of law the
person who caused the damage is not subject to imprisonment. The
remedy therefore is usually money damages, and in some cases an
order of the court for the Defendant to cease engaging in a
certain act.
- What are personal injury lawsuits?
A personal injury claim or lawsuit may exist
almost anytime you have received an injury to your body because
someone did something wrong or made a defective product. The most
common personal injury cases are automobile, truck and motorcycle
accidents. Other common cases are slip (or trip) and fall, dog
attacks, medical malpractice, sexual abuse, denial of civil
rights, unfair employment practices, slander and attacks by third
persons where the land or business owner did not provide adequate
security measures. When you have received an injury to yourself or
your property, seek advice from a personal injury attorney.
- What is a wrongful death case?
A wrongful death case is simply any personal
injury case that has resulted in death.
- How will I pay all my medical bills and regain my lost
wages?
If you have been injured, you will likely have
medical bills from physicians, hospitals, physical therapists, and
other health care providers. Those bills will be in your name and
will usually be sent to your address. You are primarily
responsible for paying your bills, regardless of the cause of your
injuries. The at-fault person’s liability insurance carrier is
responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for damages
incurred, which includes medical bills and reimbursement of lost
wages, but this may happen only after you hire a lawyer to fight
for your right of reimbursement. There may be other ways to put
your medical bills on hold or make up for lost wages, which the
lawyers at Brush & Pujol, P.A. will go over with you.
- What Issues will I face in making a claim for my injuries
sustained in an auto accident?
A claim for injuries, sustained in an
automobile accident, is usually based upon carelessness or
negligence. In worse case scenarios, it is based on an intentional
or reckless act.
The two categories of issues that typically
arise in a tort claim after an automobile accident is the
following:
* Liability - who is at fault and to what
degree
* Damages - injuries or losses that were caused
by the accident
In some cases certain types of insurance will
provide coverage for certain types of damages.
- If I slip and fall at a business, is the owner of the
business or other premises legally responsible for injuries
sustained?
Typically, it is the duty of an owner to
exercise reasonable care in the maintenance of the premises and to
warn a visitor of any dangerous conditions that are known. For
example, if an owner, or his employees, knows that there has been
a spill within their establishment, then they must act reasonably
to clean up the spill and to prevent visitors from walking through
the spill.
It is the responsibility of your experienced
personal injury attorney to gather the relevant facts and to know
the applicable legal principles in order to determine if the owner
can be held liable for the injuries caused in a fall. Frequently,
it is a difficult process because most of the evidence and
testimony must come from the owner and his employees.
-
How much will it cost to prosecute the case?
Even though the costs involved with a case can
run anywhere from $20,000 to $175,000 and up, it costs you
nothing, unless there is a recovery. Brush & Pujol, P.A.,
will advance the costs of the litigation and charge you nothing
unless a settlement or judgment is collected.
- How does Brush & Pujol, P.A. get paid?
Our legal fees come from a percentage of the
total amounts of benefits we recover from the insurance companies
on your behalf. In some instances, insurance companies may be required to pay our legal fee in addition to also paying your
benefits. If the amount of the court ordered fee equals or
exceeds the contingency fee, then you receive all of your benefits
without any portion being deducted for legal expenses.
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