FAQs
1. Do I have a case?
It's difficult to say, because every case is different. If we have a brief phone consultation and you tell us the facts of your case, we can let you know what we think of your prospects.
Generally speaking, Oregon law requires wrongdoers to be held accountable for the damages they cause. Until we sign a retainer agreement, though, we can't give full advice.
2. Will my case go to court?
That's not always predictable, but, as a rule, most don't. The trend these days is for fewer cases to be tried. Last year, in Multnomah County, only about 90 civil cases ended in trial.
Our goal is often to settle, either directly, or through a mediator or settlement judge. This is because we know court cases are long and expensive, and can be risky. Insurers can win, too. But if the other side is not being reasonable, and we do go to court, our record there is good.
3. Can I afford you?
Our fees are based on an hourly rate, or paid on a contingent fee, meaning as a percentage of the settlements we win.
4. How long will the case take?
Again, this isn't predictable. Generally, our cases take six months to a year to complete. Some last several years, though. Winning a personal injury case can be a lengthy process. We always keep our clients apprised of where things stand.
5. Will you take the case?
We take a limited number of cases. We may spend 50 to 80 hours on a case, but some take up to 500 hours of work or more. For that reason, we look for a good fit.
Some factors we consider are whether a client has supportive doctors, whether his or her claim has red flags, and whether he or she is a reputable person. When we take a client on, we view it as forming a relationship, and we want to make sure it's mutually beneficial.
The cases we don't take, as a rule, include medical malpractice cases, regular workmen's comp cases, and the cases of people who have several prior injury claims or troublesome criminal histories.
That said, we can't know until we've spoken, so feel free to call for a consultation. If we don't take your case we'll be glad to refer you on to a qualified lawyer.