• Phone: 219-736-9700
  • 8403 Merrillville Road, Merrillville, IN 46410

Law Office of David W Holub

A Law Firm Concentrating in Personal Injury Law

Common Questions Answered

 

The Law Offices of David W. Holub, P.C. provide a limited range of legal services and  concentrates in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Below are some common questions and some basic answer that we hope may address your concerns about whether you need to hire a personal injury attorney:

 

How do I determine my legal rights if I am hurt in an accident?

As soon as you have been injured, consult a personal injury lawyer to help you understand your rights.

Preserving evidence following an accident is critical. Whether you can recover and how much you may be legally entitled to recover, will depend on the facts and the evidence. If you delay in contacting an attorney it may prove difficult to locate witnesses, take measurements and photographs, and otherwise document the accident scene. You will need to speak with a personal injury lawyer for specific advice, but as a general guide we suggest that you:

  • Follow the advice of your doctors and work hard to regain your health
  • Be cautious about speaking to insurance claim people (your health insurance claim people included) without first obtaining legal advice
  • Keep everything pertaining to your case (bills, police reports, medical reports) in a box or grocery bag that you can take to your attorney

 

How much is my injury claim worth?

Every injury case is different. Rarely will any attorney concentrating in personal injury law be able to give you more than general advice as to the type of compensation you may get for your injuries. This only makes common sense. Until the full extent of your injury is known, including time lost from work, number of days in the hospital or under a doctor's care, no attorney can predict the amount you may be entitled to recover with accuracy. Be cautious of any attorney who claims to be able to assign a dollar value to your claim. Some attorneys seek publicity by filing suit for huge sums of money that in reality will never be obtained. That said, the more we learn about the facts outlined below, the better we can gauge what a jury will find your claim is worth, and having such information will be critical to help us achieve the best possible settlement or jury verdict:

  • Medical expenses (including estimated future treatment expenses)
  • Lost income (money lost when you are unable to work or undergoing injury treatment)
  • Permanent physical disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of family, social and educational experiences
  • Expenses associated with job retraining
  • Emotional damages such as stress, embarrassment, depression
  • Damage to property
  • Pain or suffering (both temporary and permanent)
  • Any other costs that were a direct result of your injury

 

Can I get by without a personal injury attorney?

On a very small claim you may not need a personal injury attorney. For example, if you get a tiny scratch on your arm a small bandage might be all the medical care you need, but if you break your arm, trying to set the break yourself will be nearly impossible. In cases big and small insurance companies often tell accident victims not to hire a lawyer. Such advice is not to be trusted because the insurance company's goal is to settle your claim for the least money possible. We are always willing to speak with you to help determine if you will need an attorney. There is no charge to speak with us to make this assessment.

 

How do I choose an attorney to represent me?

If you're like most people who've been injured in an accident, personal injury law is unfamiliar to you. That's why it's important to find a personal injury lawyer who has experience and who will be reliable and professional in handling your case. Here are just some of the many things a personal injury lawyer can do for you:

  • Investigate your case
  • Deal with insurance companies and opposing counsel
  • Interview witnesses
  • Collect information, including police reports, medical records and reports, and medical bills
  • Handle the maze of paperwork necessary to resolve your claim
  • Research current law

Moreover, not all lawyers are alike. Some factors to consider:

  • Board Certification.
  • Honest and ethical reputation.
  • Will lawyer listen to you and does the lawyer care about you?
  • Does lawyer explain the law to you and discuss resolving your case in a clear concise manner?
  • Will lawyer communicate regularly with you and return your phone calls, to keep you up-to-date on all settlement offers and developments in your case?

 

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