HOW MUCH IS MY CASE WORTH?

Cases have value based on largely on two components of damage once liability has been established. These components include general damages and special damages. General damages are non-economic in nature and typically include pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Special damages are economic in nature and may include medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, property damage and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Determining how much a case is worth is often difficult. There is no tried and proven formula for determining the value of one's general damages claim. This aspect of one's claim is quite individual in nature and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The attorneys at The Barber Firm will have a pretty good feel for the value of your general damages claim based on our combined years of skill and experience. He or she will consider such factors as your age, disability, if any, the effect upon your life and lifestyle, extent and nature of medical care received, residual pain,  limitations, restrictions, scarring, etc.

 

Determining the value of one's special damages claim is much easier and is based upon such things as the past medical expenses, cost of future care, past lost earnings, anticipated future losses based on additional time one will be away from work or, in the event of a serious injury, loss of earning capacity given that individual's inability to return to his or her usual occupation. Property damage can be assessed based on the cost of repair or replacement. Economists and/or accountants may also be employed by The Barber Firm to assist in determining the present value of your future losses.

 

In the end, the attorneys at The Barber Firm are generally able to provide their clients with at least a "range" as to the value of their case. Case value, however, is often based, at least in part, on additional factors such as where your case is venued, the skill of opposing counsel, the credibility of witnesses, etc. Naturally, being experienced attorneys, your attorney at The Barber Firm will have considered these additional factors when providing you their thoughts concerning the value of your case.

 

WHAT HAPPENS FIRST?

The process starts with your describing to one of our experienced personal injury attorneys the details of what occurred and what injuries you suffered. This initial contact may be in person or telephonic. The facts you provide are analyzed to determine whether you have a case and if it is worth pursuing.

 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

If we determine your claim viable, you would then meet with the attorney assigned to manage your case. This in-person meeting may be at your home, our offices, or where you are hospitalized or being cared for. We will go over the merits of your case and explain the legal process. We will also answer any questions you may have at that time. This meeting will result in the formal establishment of the attorney/client relationship.

 

WILL I HAVE TO PAY?

Not directly for civil/personal injury cases. At The Barber Firm, your personal injury claim is handled on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs or fees with us. Direct fees are assessed from the outset for criminal cases.

 

WHAT IS A CONTINGENCY FEE?

The Barber Firm collects a contingency fee only if and when a monetary settlement or verdict has been achieved on your behalf. If no award is obtained, we do not collect a fee. Our contingency fee is in line with other top quality lawyers who handle serious personal injury matters.

 

HOW LONG DOES THE LEGAL PROCESS TAKE?

This is often hard to estimate however, there are times and circumstances where a quick resolution may be reached. In most instances, however, the time to settlement or verdict is usually significant, up to 1-2 years. You should never count on a monetary settlement from a lawsuit as an immediate source of income.

 

WHY SHOULD I WORK WITH THE INJURY RESOURCE CENTER AT THE BARBER FIRM?

Because we are experienced personal injury lawyers with a proven track record of aggressively pursuing and obtaining justice for our clients. We sincerely care about our clients and provide them with the highest standard of legal services without compromising our personal or professional ethics or integrity. We are committed to helping our clients access the resources to recover physically, emotionally, mentally and economically from the consequences of their injuries. We speak honestly and frankly with our clients and tell them the truth about what we can and cannot do to help them. We devote ourselves fully to each client's case and never take on more cases than we can handle. We know the law and how to apply it to our clients' best interests. We will not “sell our clients out” by accepting "low ball" settlements offers from insurance companies or opposing attorneys in order to effectuate a quick settlement. Our lawyers are well known for their dedication to obtaining "full value" settlements for our clients.

 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT MY PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY TO DO FOR ME?

Most importantly, your personal injury attorney should your "champion", the one who will fight for you, be your voice in legal matters and an aggressive, effective and tenacious advocate in the pursuit of your rights.

 

Your attorney should educate you about your rights, the legal basis of your claim and provide you an estimate of the damages you may be able to recover. Your attorney should keep you informed of the status of your case and be available to you to respond to any questions you may have.

 

WHY SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO ASSIST ME IN RESOLVING MY PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

An experienced personal injury attorney will likely obtain a higher net settlement for you than you could obtain on your own. Further, he or she will serve as your guide through the legal process ensuring your rights are at all times protected.

 

An insurance industry research institution studied personal injury claims processed by the injured person alone, versus personal injury claims handled by attorneys. They determined that those represented by attorneys had a higher net recovery to themselves (more money in their pocket after attorney's fees and costs) than those without attorneys.

 

HOW DOES YOUR LAW FIRM CHARGE ATTORNEYS FEES?

For civil/personal injury cases, we only work on a contingency fee, meaning that if we do not win, we do not get paid. Injury victims cannot afford to pay an attorney by the hour. Criminal cases, however, we require fees assessed to be paid upfront. This is because criminal cases can require hours upon hours of costly investigation and at the end of the proceedings there typically are no monetary settlements or rewards granted by the court as there are in civil cases.