Communicating With Your Attorney

So you hired a lawyer. Great! You now have a legal expert who can handle your case and the complexities that come with it.

How you communicate with your attorney over the next weeks and months will significantly impact your claim.

The First Meeting

At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we always try to meet with new clients face-to-face to get to know them personally and answer all of their questions and concerns. This does two things: it helps to provide our clients peace of mind and establishes how important facts will be relayed between the client, the lawyer, and the case manager.

During this phase, we gather all of the information and facts provided by you, including police reports, witness statements, insurance coverages, and damages. The more information you can provide us, the better prepared we are to take on the insurance companies.

Getting Medical Treatment

The next phase of the process is all about the client receiving the medical care they need to recover from all of their injuries. It is crucial that you keep your case manager and attorney informed of all appointments, tests, and referrals so we can keep a list of all of your doctors. This includes:

• EMTs and ambulance from the scene of the wreck
• Emergency room and treating doctors
• Chiropractor visits
• Any medical doctors or specialists (physiatrist, orthopedist, neurologist, etc.)
• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, myelogram, EMG, etc.
• Prescriptions
• Physical therapy office and appointments
• Surgery consults and recommendations
• Permanent Partial Disability rating (PPD)

Having all of your medical treatment information sent to us in a timely, consistent manner builds a solid foundation for your personal injury case. Without the information, there is no case!

To speed the process along, your case manager will reach out to you every couple weeks or so to check on your progress and request any information they need that hasn't been sent yet.

After Treatment Is Completed

When you have completed all of your treatment and the doctor has released you from their care, we will promptly order your medical records from the providers. It can take providers anywhere between 30 and 60 days to pull your files, make copies, and send them to us.

During that time we make sure to verify all providers and facilities with you and review all lost wage information and tax returns.

Once the files are received, your attorney and case manager prepare your demand package. When that's complete, they call you for approval of the demand.

Sending the Demand

With your approval, the demand package (which contains details about the wreck, injuries, medical treatment, and other damages you suffered) is sent to the insurance company. Insurance companies typically take 21 to 60 days to review the demand and consult physicians on whether the treatment you received was reasonable and necessary.

Once their review is complete, they respond to the demand. As soon as it arrives, we contact you to discuss their response and the next steps going forward.

This is where the negotiation process begins. It is our goal to push them as high as we can during negotiations.

Please note: We do not make a demand without your approval and we do not settle a case without your approval.

We can make recommendations about the amount we should ask, but ultimately the decision rests with you, the client, on whether or not you are satisfied with an offer.

Settling Your Case

After agreeing to settle your case for a certain amount with the insurance company, we move your file to our accounting department. During this phase, we negotiate all medical bills and insurance liens that need to be paid.

The insurance company sends a check to us and it is deposited into the firm's trust account to hold onto until negotiations have been completed (this usually takes about 30-60 days).

After all bills and liens have been paid, we prepare a final disbursement summary and schedule a time for you to come in to pick up your check. Delays may occur but we will always keep you informed of any changes.

Contact Gary Martin Hays & Associates to Discuss Your Case

We can't start working on a case, however, until you call us. That's the most important step in the personal injury claim process. Even just talking to one of our lawyers can benefit the outcome of your claim.

The best part? Consulting with our firm is free. There are no hidden fees or obligations. Our personal injury attorneys and case managers will be upfront and honest about your case and recommend options that are best for you.

We also welcome walk-ins and appointments! Call (770) 934-8000 or contact Gary Martin Hays & Associates online today to schedule your free consultation.

 

FURTHER READING:

Emergency Car Accident Kit Checklist

7 Important Qualities to Look For When Hiring a Car Wreck Lawyer