Accidents - Generally

Unusual events occur every day, very often as a result of someone's negligence.  That is when a person or company acts in a manner that is recognized as being below the standard of care that we would normally expect from someone similarly situated in a civilized society - such as ours.  

Generally, all genuine injury resulting from negligence is compensable.  As your lawyer our first job is to determine whether there is a source available to obtain a recovery on your behalf.  Not all negligent parties have insurance coverage, and many who are not insured do not have the financial resources available to pay for the damage they have caused.  At this time we will also review any incident or police reports you may have.  In most cases our office will be able to assess whether there is such a source available in a short time, and often by the time you contact our office you will already have that information available for us.

Also, during our initial meeting together we will discuss your physical complaints, review any medical records available and decide the appropriate type of medical provider you should see next.  Your complete candor and honesty is essential at this point because this decision generally sets the stage for how your continuing care and treatment will be managed throughout the case.

Retained experts are experts that we hired to persuade a jury by offering their opinions which are based upon the application of their professional training and experience to the facts and circumstances of your case.  

Depending upon the facts of your case, there may be one or more experts that we hire to offer testimony.  This often relates to the issue of liability - who is at fault and why - where the expert will offer professional opinions about the proper standard regarding the area of his or her expertise.  

It is also common that we will need to hire one or more doctors to act as your medical exerts. Usually they will be your treating doctors, however there are times when we may hire a doctor as an expert who has not treated you, but may have examined you only.   This is also a retained expert and, along with your treating doctors, a retained medical exert will be expected to offer testimony should your case go to trial.