Frequently Asked Questions (Personal Injury)
Baton Rouge Car Accident Attorneys
1. Why should I hire an attorney to assist me in resolving my personal injury claim?
Choosing to hire a personal attorney may be the most important decision you make in your case. An experienced personal injury attorney will give you the advantage of having a skilled professional on your side who possesses both the experience and the insight to level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies and major corporations.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries while your attorney focuses on your case.
2. When do I need to contact an attorney about a potential personal injury case?
As soon as possible after the accident. It is vitally important to preserve all evidence, to contact all potential witnesses, take video and photographs of the scene, and document carefully the injuries and damages.
3. How does your law firm charge attorneys fees?
Most personal injury attorneys handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer will not charge you an attorney fee or costs unless there is a recovery. If a recovery is made, then the attorney's fee is based on an agreed percentage of the gross amount recovered. The lawyers at Herpin & deGeneres, L.L.C. feel you, the person who suffered the loss, deserve most of the recovered funds. For this reason, at Herpin & deGeneres, L.L.C. we typically charge thirty-three and one third (33 1/3%) percent contingency fee on most cases based on the gross amount of recovery before suit is filed. The initial consultation will always be free for a contingency fee interview.
The contingent attorney's fee does not include the costs of pursuing a claim, which may range from a little as a few hundred dollars to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. These costs are payable separately, and not as a part of the contingent fee. When costs are incurred in a personal injury case, we ask to be reimbursed at the conclusion of a case when your recovery is received.
4. What is my case worth?
Most people want to know immediately what their case is worth. The value of a claim is dependent upon a variety of factors, including the extent of liability by the wrongdoer(s), the severity and permanence of the injuries and damages, and the duration of medical treatment. Herpin & deGeneres, L.L.C. draws upon years of experience in evaluating and handling lawsuits and claims for our clients.
5. How long will it take to get a fair and reasonable recovery?
The length of time for recovery depends upon the unique facts of each particular case. Some cases can be settled fairly quickly, while others require several years of extensive litigation and sometimes a trial to obtain a fair result. However, your case will most likely settle after your symptoms have resolved and you have been released by your doctor. At Herpin & deGeneres, LLC we want you to receive fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries, so we typically wait until treatment is completed before attempting to settle with the insurance company. We do whatever it takes, both legally and ethically, to get the job done.
6. Will I have to go to court?
A claim can be settled at any time. If the insurance company agrees to pay what we agree your case is worth, and you wish to settle for that amount, then your case will not go to court. This is what happens in most situations. Some cases do require a formal trial proceeding. We prepare all of our cases as if they are going to court, and this is the very reason why most of our cases get settled outside of court. At Herpin & deGeneres, L.L.C. we are always prepared, and our preparation allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, helping you get the maximum recovery for your injuries.
7. What should I bring to our initial conference?
You should bring all records associated with your case that are in your possession, including medical records, medical bills, prescription receipts, police reports, insurance information, photographs, and the like. This will assist us in giving a prompt initial evaluation of your case.
8. I need someone to review my potential lawsuit. What should I do?
You need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. We would be more than happy for you to contact us at Herpin & deGeneres, L.L.C. and discuss your potential lawsuit. We suggest you come in to our office for a free consultation with an attorney. We'll help you determine what damages may be legally yours.
Free Initial Consultation
The attorneys at Herpin & deGeneres, L.L.C. have over 40 years collective experience in addressing personal injury questions. For a free initial consultation regarding your injury case, please call (225) 346-1600 or email us at info@herpindegeneres.com.
The Baton Rouge accident attorneys at Herpin & deGeneres, LLC handle auto accident cases, slip and fall cases, and bankruptcy filings in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales, and throughout Louisiana. Call (225) 346-1600 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced Baton Rouge auto accident attorney.
The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.
