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ARTICLES
What to expect at your initial attorney consultation?
Most plaintiff's counsel handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney gets paid an agreed percentage of the recovery and only gets paid when there is a recovery. Therefore, an "initial consultation fee" is usually waived. Many times attorney fees and costs will be a focal point of concern for the client at the initial meeting. Defer discussions about fees and costs until your prospective attorney has enough facts to determine exactly what is involved.
For a variety of reasons, clients may be inclined to conceal from the attorney facts which they believe may be adverse to their case. It is important to understand at the outset that complete candor is essential to competent and effective representation. To encourage candor prospective client's should know that his or her consultation is a privileged communication protected by law from disclosure to adversaries.
To maximize the effectiveness of your initial consultation the following documentation should be provided by the prospective client.
- Insurance information including automobile, homeowner's, medical and/or disability policies, if appicable.
- Names and addresses of adverse parties, and their insurance carriers.
- Names and addresses of any witnesses to the incident as well as your injuries.
- Any written statements already given by you to police, witnesses, or the other party, as well as statements of witnesses or the other party.
- Official accident reports prepared by police, paramedics, fire department, CHP or other agency.
- Any photographs of the accident scene, vehicles or objects involved.
- Any physical evidence of the accident such as torn clothing, pictures, equipment or instruments.
- Medical and hospital reports and bills.
- Repair bills or estimates.
- Lost earnings documentation, such as prior paycheck stubs or statement from employer.
- Any "out-of -pocket" expense documentation incurred such as car rental costs, towing charges, photographer's costs, etc..
During the course of meeting with your prospective attorney he will also want to collect background information about you. A competent attorney will want information regarding your marital status, dependents, employment history, earnings, medical and claim history. This information is essential to a proper valuation of your claim and the amount of damages to seek.
Finally, at the conclusion of your consultation it is imperative that you and your prospective attorney review the entire report together to be sure that all pertinent facts have been accurately stated and recorded. With this information your attorney will have the foundational information necessary to provide you with and formulate appropriate legal advice. If you need help evaluating a claim, please contact our offices at 949-719-2669 or e-mail at rmonaco@monacolawoffice.com.
Actual resolution of legal issues depends upon many factors, including variations of facts and state laws. This article is not intended to provide legal advice. The reader should always consult with legal counsel regarding the specific facts of their case and the appropriate state law before taking actions on matters discussed in this article.
If you need the assistance of an experienced
and aggressive California attorney, call the Law Offices of
Randell A. Monaco today for your free consultation.
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Disclaimer: The domestic violence, spousal abuse, wife abuse, abusive behavior, felony, misdemeanor, criminal defense or other legal defense information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results portrayed here were dependent on the facts of that case and the results will differ if based on different facts. Please contact a domestic abuse lawyer or spousal abuse defense attorney at one of our law offices located in Newport Beach, Orange County, California. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the State of California.
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