What If My Case Doesn't Settle?
Posted Monday, April 1, 2013 by Chris Thayer
Although most personal injury attorneys in Seattle, WA settle more claims than they take to court, some cases will proceed to trial. You may be frustrated at your attorney’s inability to predict whether yours will be one of these cases, but the truth is that no one can predict with 100 percent accuracy which claims will settle and which ones will need to be litigated.
Will It Cost More?
Before he takes your case to trial, your attorney will have to collect evidence, prepare documents, take depositions, and research the relevant legal issues. This can be time consuming. Most attorneys will require a larger percentage of your recovery if they need to do additional preparation. Your attorney should discuss all fees with you upfront in order to avoid any surprises.
What Will I Have to Do?
Your personal injury attorneys in Seattle, WA handle most of the hard work with regard to preparing your case for trial. But you need to also help your lawyer by considering the following:
-Provide your attorney with your current address and phone number.-Keep your attorney informed about changes to your medical situation. You should immediately inform your lawyer about any changes to your team of treating physicians, if you start new prescriptions, and when you get results of your medical tests.-Promptly respond to any requests from your attorney. These might include requests for certain documents or requests for meetings.-Keep records of medical expenses as well as any other losses you might have incurred, such as lost wages from time off work. Take notes about any doctor visits, whether they are for treatment or exams, and be sure to note the dates of those visits. What you remember vividly now may be harder to recall once your case goes to trial.-You may have to attend a deposition. Your attorney will help you prepare.
Free Evaluation
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, personal injury attorneys in Seattle, WA may be able to help. Contact Chris Thayer at (206) 340-2008 for a free evaluation.