Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Law Firm FAQs
FAQs
Can the HHP Law Group handle my case?
The lawyers of the HHP Law Group focus on matters involving individuals who have been catastrophically injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice and car and trucking accidents; the improper handling of insurance claims; and complex business litigation. However, the lawyers of the HHP Law Group also have experience in many other areas of civil litigation and handle cases involving premises liability/slip and falls, products liability, dram shop liability, motorcycle accidents, construction defects, real estate disputes, and estate litigation. Contact us to today with any civil matter, and if we cannot help you, we will work to get you to someone who can.
What is the difference between an insurance claim and a lawsuit?
If you have been seriously injured or suffered other damages, there may be insurance which could provide benefits to help you with your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. A claim has to be initiated with the insurance company for it to determine coverage, liability, and damages. Many insurance claims resolve without the need for commencing a lawsuit, which is the formal process of filing a complaint against the at-fault party.
What does the civil litigation process involve?
If the matter is not able to be resolved pre-suit, a complaint is filed formally initiating a lawsuit. Typically, an insurance company will hire a lawyer to represent the at-fault party (defendant). Once an answer has been filed, the case will then proceed forward with discovery which is an opportunity for the parties to obtain information about the case from each other and third parties. After discovery, the parties will formally attempt to resolve the matter through a process called mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, and the parties are not otherwise able to resolve the matter, a trial will ultimately be held where a judge or jury will render a verdict as to fault and damages.
Will I have a trial?
Many cases settle before the need to file a lawsuit. Even if a lawsuit is filed, the overwhelming majority of cases still settle before a trial. However, civil trials do still happen for a variety of reasons, and the lawyers at the HHP Law Group are experienced trial attorneys who are ready and willing to take your case to trial if necessary.
How long will my case take?
Each case is different, and unfortunately the saying that “the wheels of justice turn slowly” is generally accurate. The claims and litigation process takes time. Much of this delay is a result of a congested legal system and outside of the parties’ and lawyers’ control. However, the HHP Law Group will do everything in its power to advance your case as expeditiously and efficiently as possible.
What if the injured person has died?
All too often the injuries suffered by someone are so catastrophic that they ultimately die from them, or they might subsequently die as a result of something unrelated. Fortunately, the claims they would have had can survive their death and be brought by the appointed personal representative on behalf of their estate and certain beneficiaries. At the HHP Law Group, we can guide you through the process of becoming appointed as a personal representative of the estate granting you the power to pursue the case.
What if a party is a child?
Minor children generally cannot bring a lawsuit in their own names. Rather, the parent or legal guardian of the minor child must bring the action on behalf of the child. Most settlements involving minor children must be court approved to make certain that settlement proceeds are being appropriately used for the benefit of the injured child. At the HHP Law Group, we work closely with third parties who are able to provide our clients with multiple investment options to safely secure and grow the financial recovery to maximize its benefit for an injured child.
What are the attorney fees and costs?
Payment of attorney fees and costs is determined on a case by case basis. The majority of personal injury claims (medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, etc.) are on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney fees are a percentage of any recovery by way of settlement or trial verdict. Additionally, the costs to pursue the matter (third party expenses, filing fees, etc.) are advanced by the HHP Law Group to be repaid out of the recovery.
In other cases, the attorney fees and costs are paid on an hourly basis with a refundable retainer amount being deposited at the beginning of the case.
Will I be charged for a consultation?
Generally, the HHP Law Group does not charge for initial phone or in person consultation. If there is an exceptional circumstance where there is a consultation fee, you will be provided advance notice.