Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a laywer?

What do personal injury lawyers do?

How are personal injury claims evaluated?

How do injury attorneys charge for their time?

If I am injured in an accident, what should I do?

DO I NEED A LAWYER?
At Goodson & Company, we recommend that all injury victims at least seek an initial consultation with a lawyer even if there are early indications that an injury will resolve in a short period of time.

In truth, from the time an accident is reported to an insurance company, an experienced and well-trained adjustor begins collecting information in an attempt to reduce the value of a personal injury claim.

The insurance adjustor will seek taped interviews from the injured claimant as well as from the investigating police officer and all witnesses, shortly after the occurrence. The adjustor will ask questions regarding the severity of the claimant's injury as well as information regarding the victim's pre-existing medical history.

Before consenting to an interview with an insurance representative, consult with competent legal counsel who practices personal injury law. An attorney can advise you as to the probable questions an adjustor will ask as well as the purpose behind such questions. Armed with this information, you are less likely to be caught off guard, and you will answer the questions clearly. Ideally, an attorney should be present during the interview. In addition, the attorney can assist you by photographing the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and your injury. It is important to collect as much evidence as possible as soon as possible to enhance the claimant's ability to prove the claim.

WHAT DO PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS DO?
At Goodson & Company, our lawyers immediately begin collecting evidence that is pertinent to the claim. This includes taking photographs of the injury, accident scene, and damaged vehicles. A police report may be obtained and accident witnesses are interviewed.

All medical records, bills, and physician reports are gathered in order to document the cause, extent, and severity of the injury. Lost wage information is also collected.

After completion of the accident investigation and the medical documentation has been received, the attorney will prepare a demand letter to the insurance adjustor. The demand letter will contain a settlement proposal that has been approved by the client before being sent to the insurance adjustor.

A reasonable amount of time is given to allow for a complete opportunity to negotiate a settlement of the claim. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit is commenced against the negligent parties. Representation includes all office and telephone consultation, the preparation and filing of all pleadings, all legal research, investigation, assistance with expert evaluation, all correspondence and all court appearances.

HOW ARE PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS EVALUATED?
There is no scientific way to put a dollar value on an injury claim. In general terms, the greater the likelihood that the injury victim can prove each and every element of his personal injury claim, the more valuable the injury claim becomes.

Factors influencing the value of an injury claim include whether the accident was the result of the exclusive negligence of the defendant or more likely the result of the combined negligence of the defendant and injury victim. The value of an injury claim is enhanced if the victim does not have a pre-existing medical history of injury to the same area of the body that was injured in the accident. The extent, nature and permanence of the injury are also important factors in determining the value of a personal injury claim.

At Goodson & Company, the attorneys draw upon their substantial experience in trying and negotiating similar claims in order to assist our clients with achieving full and fair compensation for their injury claims. Clients are provided with thorough and accurate information, including recent Ohio jury verdict decisions, that allow clients to make an informed decision as to whether to settle their injury case or go to trial.

HOW DO INJURY ATTORNEYS CHARGE FOR THEIR TIME?
At Goodson & Company, our attorneys represent injury victims on a contingent fee basis. In other words, you will not owe an attorney fee unless a settlement or verdict is obtained on your behalf. If a settlement or verdict is obtained, the attorney fee is usually one-third of whatever amount is collected. The fee for each case is determined after a thorough evaluation of the case and discussion with the client.

Goodson & Company will advance any out of pocket expenses incurred in preparing your case. If out of pocket expenses remain due and owing at the end of a case, the out of pocket expenses are deducted from the settlement or verdict. Clients are kept informed of the out of pocket expenses incurred during each stage of representation.

At Goodson & Company, we keep our fee and expenses predictable and subject to your control. There is never a fee charged to a client for an initial consultation on an injury case.

IF I AM INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Seek medical treatment immediately. Follow your doctor's instructions, and do your best to make a complete recovery. Be a compliant patient by keeping all physician and physical therapy appointments. If you are unable to work, obtain a work release from the treating physician and return to work on his/her instruction.

Insurance companies aggressively investigate and oppose personal injury claims. Do not discuss your claim with anyone other than your immediate family, physician, or attorney. Neighbors and co-workers are often contacted and interviewed by insurance investigators. Further, the surveillance of claimants by private investigators in moderate to severe injury cases is becoming more prevalent.

Never consent to a taped interview until you have had an opportunity to talk with an attorney. Never speak with an insurance adjustor about the severity of your injury and your anticipated recovery, until all of the facts are known.

If you have a legal question, contact us now at brettgoodson@goodsonandcompany.com or stephanieday@goodsonandcompany.com or alisondevilliers@goodsonandcompany.com