In North Georgia, Metro Atlanta, and Arkansas, attorneys who handle personal injury claims are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that you do not have to pay anything unless – and until – I win your case. My fees will be deducted from your settlement or award. If there is no recovery, I don’t get paid.

To even begin negotiations with an insurance company, your personal injury attorney will have to provide all documentation of medical bills, medical records, lost income, mileage, prescription receipts, and so on. For obvious reasons, this can usually only be done upon completing treatment. In the case of a wrongful death, it can sometimes move a little faster, depending on the circumstances. In any event, gathering all of this documentation does take time. In a simple case, I can usually have a demand package ready within 30 – 45 days of the completion of treatment. However, if a settlement cannot be reached and a lawsuit needs to be filed, it can take considerably longer. In North Georgia and Arkansas, personal injury lawsuits can vary in length from weeks to years in some instances. I need to thoroughly investigate your claim to make sure you get all the money you are entitled to.

Only about 2-3% of personal injury cases actually go to court. If the insurance company agrees to pay what I believe your case is worth, and you wish to settle for that amount, then you don’t have to go to court. If your case is handled properly, a full-blown trial is unlikely. Of course, if the insurance company refuses to pay the acceptable amount, then we get to proceed in court.