Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
How much will cost me to hire an accident attorney in Kentucky?
The vast majority of personal injury cases are handled on a “contingency” basis, meaning that there are no up front fees, and the attorney only collects a fee if he wins your case.
A “no fee unless you win” contract can range in terms of the percentage requested. Most contingency fee contracts fall within the 33 1/3 % to 40% range. The percentage charged will be dependent on the complexity of the case and the likelihood of litigation.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
The time required to resolve your case will depend on both the complexity of your case as well as the statute of limitations in your State.
Complex cases with numerous parties or extensive evidence may take months or even years to prepare for trial. Since the filing of a case starts the clock running towards a trial date, most lawyers like to conduct a thorough fact investigation prior to filing a lawsuit.
Every claim has an applicable law called a “statute of limitation” which requires that a lawsuit be filed within a certain period of time after the claim arises. The filing of a claim with the insurance company does not stop the running of this statute.
Sometimes well-intentioned auto accident claimants decide to deal with the liability insurance company directly in order to save attorney’s fees, thinking that they can always hire an accident lawyer if settlement negotiations break down. Please note: do not depend on the insurance company to advise you regarding the statute of limitations laws.
How much money will I recover?
No insurance adjuster, judge or jury is going to fully appreciate what you have gone through. Money, no matter how much you get, is going to bring back your health or give you back the months and years you have suffered. The amount of money you can expect to recover will be determined by a number of factors, including:
- how badly you were hurt;
- how much documented wage loss you can produce
- whether your injuries are permanent
- whether your earning capacity has been diminished by your injuries or illness
- your age and expected earnings over the course of your life
- whether you were at fault in any way
- the amount of insurance coverage available to you
- the presence of any aggravating factors on the part of the defendant - such as prior knowledge of a dangerous condition or intoxication
Should I accept a settlement offer from an insurance company?
Your decision about whether to accept a settlement offer should be based on a thoughtful and informed evaluation of the merits, as well as the problems, with your case. Your lawyer, with training, experience and some personal detachment, will be a useful resource for you.
Taking your case to court is unusually unpredictable. Even trial lawyers with years of experience will admit that there are no sure things when you go to court and even the strongest cases have been lost for no logical reason. In some cases going to court does make sense, and you should rely on your lawyer as your advocate and representative to offer you guidance.
Free Consultation
Our firm offers a free consultation and charges no up front fees to handle your personal injury or wrongful death case. We make home and hospital visits and will do whatever we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve in a timely manner. Give us a call at (502) 589-9353 or contact us online to learn about how we can help you.
