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Important Questions To Ask An Injury Attorney

Aug 1, 2022

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INJURY ATTORNEY

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INJURY ATTORNEY

After an accident, you should seek medical attention and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. However, there are many attorneys, and some may be better suited to your case than others. What is the best way to determine which lawyer is the best fit for your case? What can you expect from your case? Are you even entitled to compensation? Make sure you ask the right questions before making any decisions. When seeking legal assistance for a personal injury claim, the following are some questions.

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT WHEN SEARCHING FOR A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

1. DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN PERSONAL INJURY LAW?

A lawyer, like a physician, specializes in a particular area of law. If you have suffered a personal injury, you will need an attorney specializing in personal injury law.

A lawyer who does not specialize in personal injury should not be consulted if you have been injured because of someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior. In addition, you need an attorney specializing in the type of personal injury you’ve suffered, such as a car accident or slip and fall. Even though most personal injury cases never go to trial, you want an injury lawyer who understands the ins and outs of these cases. 

2. DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS LIKE MINE?

Every lawyer begins his or her career with little or no legal experience, but you are probably not going to want your personal injury lawyer to gain his or her first legal experience with your case. 

You should hire an experienced attorney who can negotiate and proceed on your behalf. Additionally, you may ask about their previous experience with similar cases here.

Ask the injury attorney if he or she has handled a similar case. An attorney is not permitted to divulge specific information. However, they can share the basics of how the case is handled and the outcome of the case. 

An answer to this question can provide insight into the time and progression of a typical personal injury claim they have worked on similar to your claim. 

3. DO YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF WINNING PERSONAL INJURY CASES?

A personal injury lawyer’s success rate and the amount recovered for past clients are crucial factors to consider.

Even though few personal injury cases go to trial, you should still ask about their courtroom experiences.

A lawyer must be honest and transparent about how many cases have gone to trial and how many cases he or she has won.

King Law Firm attorneys have a long history of success with a 95% success rate and millions of dollars recovered for clients.

4. DO YOU THINK I HAVE A STRONG CASE?

Your case does not require a comprehensive analysis in this instance. In any event, it is always a good idea to ask the personal injury attorney why they believe there is a high likelihood of receiving compensation from the insurance company.

Furthermore, this question allows you to raise any areas of concern that may need to be addressed. The sooner you are aware of any threats to your case, the better.

5. IN WHAT MANNER DO YOU EXPECT MY CASE TO PROCEED?

One of the most important questions you should ask is how a personal injury lawyer would approach your case. Even though they cannot predict what the opposing side will do or how they will respond, they should be able to explain your case to you. 

You can get a good idea of what to expect as your case progresses by asking such a question. 

It is essential that you understand that the longer your case continues, the longer you may have to go without compensation to pay for medical expenses or to cover lost wages. As a result, many insurance companies will attempt to settle the claim as soon as possible.

A good attorney can move your case forward and be open and honest with you throughout the process. 

The answer to this question also provides valuable information about how your attorney will communicate with you and with others.

6. WHAT IS THE COST OF LEGAL FEES FOR MY CASE?

The majority of personal injury attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, which means that you do not have to pay them anything until you win – and if you win, they receive a portion of the award.

The hourly rate charged by an attorney could result in you paying a lot of money, regardless of whether you win or lose.

It is important that the attorney be willing to explain what the anticipated costs will be. Sometimes, the attorney will request a small retainer to cover anticipated court fees. 

Whether you will pay it on a contingency basis or not, you must understand the cost of proceeding with your case.

7. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PERSONAL INJURY CASES GO TO TRIAL?

You may be able to tell based on the answer to this question whether or not the attorney really cares about getting you the maximum compensation.

If they rarely go to trial, then this may indicate that they are more concerned with getting a payout than fighting for your full compensation.

It is important that you hire an attorney who is willing to go to trial if necessary and who is prepared to win. The last thing you want is to hire an attorney who will only settle cases to avoid a trial. 

8. HOW MUCH DO I PAY IF I LOSE?

It’s important to ask this question because some lawyers will require you to pay for any case-related costs in addition to their contingency fee.

If your case is unsuccessful, ask your personal injury lawyer, who will cover these out-of-pocket expenses. 

At King Law Firm, you pay nothing if we fail to win your case.

9. WHO WILL HANDLE MY PERSONAL INJURY CASE?

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important. In some large firms, it is not uncommon for the big-name lawyer to meet with clients before passing the case to an associate. 

Most lawyers are supported by staff while working on a case. However, you would like to know which lawyer will represent you during negotiations and at trial.

10. HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?

Bills pile up and paychecks are missed as your case progresses.

Additionally, you may be interested in knowing how long the legal process will take.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can give you an estimate based on past cases, but it’s not reasonable to expect an exact timeline.

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A LAWYER WHO CARES?

These are just a few questions you should ask your prospective personal injury lawyer. You can discuss many other matters with the lawyers you are considering. It is for this reason that we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us.

ARE YOU READY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE? Get in touch with us today.

 

 

Having a Registered nurse as part of your legal team can be very beneficial

Jun 16, 2022

Having a Registered nurse as part of your legal team can be very beneficial

law firm registered nurse benefits

by King Law Firm

Having a Registered Nurse as part of your legal team can be very beneficial.

Not every personal injury law firm employs a registered nurse, but at King Law Firm, our Registered Nurse and Attorney, Caroline Cusick Crawford, is an integral part of our team and a valuable resource for our clients. 

What Is the Role of the Law Firm Nurse?

Although our nurse does not treat clients, she is often integral to their physical and legal recovery. Meet our Registered Nurse and Attorney, Caroline Cusick Crawford. Her role as a Registered Nurse includes but is not limited to: 

  • Conducts a thorough review of medical records in a timely and efficient manner. Medical records are important to the client for several reasons. A client seeking a financial recovery through the legal system after an accident will need to demonstrate how extensive the harm was done was, and prove that those injuries were caused as a result of the accident; this allows the justice system to attempt to value these injuries. We have an on-staff nurse who is willing to assist our attorneys and clients in this regard. In addition, many doctors’ appointments are rushed, which can make it difficult to remember all of your questions. In addition to their professional advice, a staff nurse can advise you on when you should follow up with your doctor, whether you should consult with other specialists, and what questions you should ask your treating physician.
  • Provides personal service to clients, assisting them to understand what the future may hold following their injuries.
  • Contributes to case discovery and expert witness work. Nursing experts know how to ask questions, demand answers, and communicate with patients.

Depending on the nature of your injury, one or more of these responsibilities may be beneficial to you if you were injured by a defective medical product, victims of medical malpractice, injured in a serious motor vehicle accident, or suffered from another form of negligence. 

Caroline Cusick Crawford, Registered Nurse & Attorney at Law

Caroline Cusick Crawford is both an Attorney at Law (JD) and a Registered Nurse (RN).  She studied law at Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh. Caroline’s nursing background and understanding of health-related matters equip her with compassion and insight as she counsels clients who are coping with family challenges, the loss of loved ones, planning for their futures, or addressing serious injury and end-of-life concerns. Caroline’s academic training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Journalism from East Carolina University, an Associate of Science in Nursing from Nash Community College, a Master of Nursing and a Master of Healthcare Administration-Informatics from the University of Phoenix, and a Juris Doctorate from Campbell University’s School of Law.  

Caroline and the entire team at King Law Firm can help you get the compensation and benefits you deserve.

Our team is very fortunate to have Caroline as part of it, as she works on every case where her expertise can be useful. At King Law firm, we approach every client the same way. Each of our attorneys, paralegals, nurses, and other staff members is involved in each case. We are committed to utilizing all of our resources, including our staff nurse, in order to focus on each individual case and to provide each individual client with the attention and care necessary to recover as fully as possible following an injury. 

Contact King Law Firm today for a free case consultation by calling: (855) 206-0052

 

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

Apr 21, 2022

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

by King Law Firm

Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina exposed service members, their families, and nearby civilians to contaminated drinking water for nearly four decades. Cancer and other diseases have been diagnosed among many Veterans living and working in or near Camp Lejeune due to the toxic exposure.

VA Remedies are inadequate

Despite attempts to provide remedies, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has largely failed to succeed. According to a Veteran with pancreatic and prostate cancer, the VA’s approach to Camp Lejeune water contamination claims was as follows:

“Deny, deny, deny until they [the Veterans] die.”

Over the period 2011 to 2022, the VA granted 18,910 Camp Lejeune water contamination claims and denied 90,427 others, resulting in an overall approval rate of 17%. About 2,443 claims are still pending, and many Veterans have died from their service-related illnesses while waiting for their claims to be approved.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

As a result of the VA’s mishandling of Camp Lejeune claims, lawmakers have introduced H.R. 6482 (IH) – the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022. Under the bill, “certain individuals may sue and recover damages for harm from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.”

In addition to helping Veterans who have been denied VA benefits, this law will also allow family members and civilians who live or work close to Camp Lejeune to sue the federal government.

Who has the right to sue?

If you were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, you may sue for damages if you have been diagnosed with any of the following diseases:

  • Adult leukemia
  • Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Bladder cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Parkinson’s disease

Because the VA presumes that these eight diseases are related to service at Camp Lejeune, Veterans with these conditions should automatically be eligible for disability benefits. Veterans, family members, and nearby civilians may also be able to file a lawsuit against the U.S. government under H.R. 6482 for damages caused by the diseases listed above.

Other conditions that may justify Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 claims include:

  • Esophageal cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Renal toxicity
  • Female infertility
  • Scleroderma
  • Lung cancer
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Miscarriage
  • Neurobehavioral effects (such as headaches, lack of coordination, sensory disturbances, cognitive decline, and mental health conditions)

The individuals who come forward will need to demonstrate that their illness was caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, the applicants will be required to demonstrate how their medical conditions have adversely affected their quality of life.

The Veterans attorneys at King Law Firm Can Help!

Is the water at Camp Lejeune still contaminated?

Definitely not. Due to the fact that most contaminated wells at Camp Lejeune were shut down in 1985, claims can only be filed for those exposed from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as many as one million military and civilian staff, as well as their families, may have been exposed to the contaminated water during this time.

As a result of the contamination of the water, it contained benzene, vinyl chloride, dichloroethylene (DCE), and volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). As a result, people have developed cancer and other serious injuries.

How Should You Respond If You Consumed Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?

You can begin building your lawsuit against the federal government today if you have been diagnosed with cancer or another illness – or if you have lost a loved one – due to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

You won’t owe us anything unless you win. We will be by your side from beginning to end. Call King Law Firm today to begin the process and get your free no-obligation consultation. (800) 635-1683

 

What Are You Entitled to after a Car Accident

May 11, 2020

What Are You Entitled to after a Car Accident north carolina

What Are You Entitled to after a Car Accident?

Following a motor vehicle accident that takes place in North Carolina, there are several items of damage that you may be eligible to pursue via settlement or filing a personal injury lawsuit. First, you may be able to receive compensation for the property damage sustained to your motor vehicle. Second, you may be able to pursue compensation for all of your out-of-pocket costs that are related to the accident. Lastly, you may be able to make a claim for noneconomic damages like pain and suffering and punitive damages, in some cases.

The knowledgeable legal team at King Law Firm can help you pursue the recovery you need following a motor vehicle accident that was not your fault.

Property Damage

Motor vehicle accidents can result in property damage to all involved vehicles. In some instances, the accident victim may suffer only minor damage to his or her vehicle. In other cases, however, the accident victim’s vehicle may be totaled. In either case, the accident victim may be able to make a claim for property damages or repair costs that resulted from an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence.

Economic and Noneconomic Damages

Economic damages are in place to compensate an accident victim for all of his or her out-of-pocket costs that are associated with the accident. In order to be eligible for economic and noneconomic  damages, the accident victim must be able to show that another driver’s negligence caused the accident and that this accident resulted in various personal injuries and damages.

In terms of economic damages, the accident victim may be able to recover compensation for lost earnings, as well as damages for medical treatment, physical therapy, and any related surgical procedures.

Noneconomic damages are those types of damages that are not quantifiable in terms of an exact number. For example, if the accident victim suffered one or more serious injuries in the accident, he or she may be able to make a claim for all of the pain, suffering, and inconvenience which he or she experienced as a result of the accident-related injuries. Moreover, the accident victim may be able to make a claim for diminished earning capacity, loss of family support, emotional anguish, or mental distress that stemmed from the accident.

The primary purpose of both economic and noneconomic damages following a motor vehicle accident is to make the accident victim whole, to the greatest extent possible. Although money is oftentimes a poor substitute for the inability to perform a specific activity or bodily function due to an injury, it is the only available means of compensation in motor vehicle accident cases. 

Punitive Damages

The purpose of punitive damages is to punish an at-fault motor vehicle driver who causes an accident. Punitive damages may be available to an accident victim in cases where the at-fault driver was intoxicated or engaged in some other egregious behavior that led to the accident.

Call a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At the King Law Firm, our knowledgeable legal team can assist you with pursuing the maximum amount of monetary recovery available to you in your personal injury case. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney, please call us at (855) 205-9938 or contact us online today.

How to Sue After a Car Accident

May 11, 2020

How to Sue After a Car Accident in north carolina

How to Sue After a Car Accident

The State of North Carolina is a ‘fault state’ in the context of motor vehicle accidents. This means that if you are injured in an accident that is caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the ability to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit directly against that driver for damages. However, the process of filing a lawsuit can sometimes be complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, if you are contemplating filing a lawsuit after your car accident, it is important that you speak with an experienced attorney.

The North Carolina personal injury lawyers at King Law Firm can help you decide if filing a lawsuit is the best move for your case. If so, our team can assist you with filing your lawsuit and litigating your case through the court system. Please give us a call today to learn more about our services and how we can help.

Try to Settle the Case First

Before you file a lawsuit against the at-fault motor vehicle operator, you should make attempts to first try and settle the case with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This may take several rounds of negotiation. However, if a stalemate is reached and the insurance company refuses to offer you full and fair compensation for your injuries, then you may file a lawsuit against the driver who caused your accident.

Make Sure to Name all of the Necessary Parties in Your Lawsuit

When you file a lawsuit following a motor vehicle accident, it is essential that you name all of the necessary parties to that lawsuit. Obviously, you will want to name the driver of the motor vehicle who caused your accident. In addition, there may be several other individuals that you should name. For example, if the negligent driver was operating a commercial vehicle, you may be able to name the driver’s employer, such as a trucking company, as a defendant in the lawsuit.

A standard motor vehicle accident complaint names the necessary parties and typically contains a variety of boilerplate language. Most motor vehicle accident complaints include the following:

  • A case caption which lists all of the parties to the case
  • The date, time, and place of the accident
  • The reason or reasons why the at-fault driver was negligent
  • A statement as to causation
  • The damages (both economic and noneconomic) which the accident victim suffered in the accident
  • An ad damnum clause which states the amount of damages being claimed by the accident victim.

Making Sure to File the Lawsuit on Time

In North Carolina, there is a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accident cases. Therefore, if you suffer an injury in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you have three years from the date of the accident in which to file your claim or lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit in a timely manner, you will not be able to pursue damages against the at-fault driver.

Speak with a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case Today

At the King Law Firm, our legal team will ensure that your personal injury lawsuit is filed in a timely manner. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney, please call us at (855) 205-9940 or contact us online today.

Your Legal Options after a Car Accident

May 8, 2020

your options after a car accident

Your Legal Options after a Car Accident

If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by another driver’s negligence, there are several legal options that may be open to you. First, you may have the option of settling your case with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Secondly, you may decide to litigate your case in the state court system. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not offer you favorable settlement money, you may opt to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial or pursue some form of alternative dispute resolution.

The North Carolina personal injury lawyers at King Law Firm can help you decide on the best legal option for you and your personal injury case. Please give us a call today to learn more about how we can assist you throughout your personal injury legal matter. 

Settling Your Car Accident Case

One legal option that you may have a following your motor vehicle accident is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Once you file your claim, you or your lawyer will submit a demand package to the insurance company that includes all of your medical records and bills. The adjuster assigned to your case will then make a settlement offer.

It is important to keep in mind that most initial settlement offers from insurance companies are low. Consequently, it may take several rounds of negotiation before the insurance company’s adjuster makes an offer that is both reasonable and acceptable.

Filing Suit and Litigating Your Case in the State Court System

If the insurance company does not offer you a reasonable amount of money to settle your car accident case, you may decide to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and litigate your case in the state court system. However, just because you file suit against the responsible driver does not necessarily mean that your case will go all the way to trial. In fact, the vast majority of car accident personal injury cases are settled long before trial.

If you and your lawyer ultimately decide to take your case to trial, a jury will decide what if any damages you are entitled to as a result of the injuries which you suffered in your car accident.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Instead of going to trial, you and the at-fault driver’s insurance company may decide to pursue alternative dispute resolution. There are several types of alternative dispute resolution worth mentioning. First, you may decide to mediate your case before a neutral, third-party mediator. The mediator will work with both sides to help the parties try and reach a favorable resolution to the case.

As an alternative, the parties may decide to arbitrate the case in front of a neutral, third-party arbitrator. The parties will present their case before the arbitrator, just as if they were in trial, and the arbitrator will make either a binding or non-binding decision about the damages (both economic and noneconomic damages) to which the accident victim is entitled.

Speak to a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At the King Law Firm, our knowledgeable legal team can help you decide on the best course of action for your personal injury case. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney, please call us at (855) 206-0052 or contact us online today.