This is an excerpt from one of the recent episodes of 'Do I Need a Lawyer?' hosted by: Gary Martin Hays.
I'm Gary Martin Hays.
Now let's go to the next question from one of our viewers.
Gary: My husband was hurt in a wreck when someone ran a red light and crashed into the passenger's side of his truck. They had to cut him out of the vehicle and then take him by ambulance to the hospital. He spent two nights in ICU and has been moved to his own room now on one of the floors. We both feel like we need a lawyer to help us, but we have never been through anything like this before.
So two questions for you:
(1) Do we need a lawyer?
(2) Can you explain the process to us?
Lindsey in College Park
Lindsey - I am so sorry to hear about your husband's wreck and injuries.
Please know he - and your entire family - remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Let's start with the first question:
(1) Do we need a lawyer?
Without a doubt, I would encourage you to hire a lawyer.
At a minimum, I encourage both of you to at least consult with a lawyer.
And this was not mentioned either, but I am sure there are other worries:
Who will pay for the hospital bills?
Who will pay for the continuing medical needs in the future?
If Lindsey's husband was working, I'm sure he is going to miss some significant time from work.
Who will compensate him for his loss time from work?
What if he can't return to work?
Now let's look at Lindsey's second question:
(2) Can you explain the process to us?
I can't speak for how other law firms handle claims, but I'll be happy to share how we typically work for our clients because I am very proud of what we do.
In fact, I've been sharing with other lawyers in Georgia how we work for our clients since 2005.
Step One: Contact our law firm for your FREE, no obligation, consultation.
The only way we can assist you with your claim is for you to pick up the phone and call us. We can't call you and we will not call you. In fact, it is unethical for any attorney to try and contact you to ask you to hire them.
Step Two: We Come to YOU.
If we decide to take your case and you agree to hire us, then we can send one of our investigators to meet with you.
The investigator will help you complete all of the paperwork we need so we can start working for you immediately.
If you would like to come to the office, we can do that as well.
Step Three: We don't get paid unless we get money for you.
Our contract is simple - You do not pay us any money up front, we are not paid by the hour or by the phone call.
We only get paid if there is a recovery for you. If there is no recovery, then there are no attorneys' fees - period.
Step Four: We take care of all of the legal hassles.
We deal with the insurance company and their lawyers. This allows our clients to focus on going to the doctor and getting better.
Our clients are often able to get advances on their settlement from some finance companies if funds get tight.
Step Five: We Meet with you!
I make it a point to try and meet all of my clients at my office - whenever possible.
We try to schedule this appointment within 30 days after the accident.
This allows our clients the opportunity to meet me and the other members of my staff that will be working on their case.
I will go over the facts of their claim and advise them on what we must prove to be successful.
Georgia is my home. It's where my family lives, my kids go to school, my family goes to church.
You hire my firm - I'm available to meet with you.
Step Six: We work to settle your claim!
When you finish your medical treatment, we collect all of your medical records, bills, and lost wage information. We prepare a detailed demand package, get your approval, and then work to settle your case.
If we can't settle your claim, and we must file a lawsuit to protect your rights, we do it.
Step Seven: We get you Your Money!
When the settlement check arrives, we take care of making sure all of your medical bills are handled, and we negotiate any liens that may be placed on your file.
Once complete, we schedule a time for you to come pick up your check.
Our goal throughout the entire process is to take care of all of the legal headaches and hassles. This way, you can focus on getting better.
Find a location near you