Negligence is a complicated theory of law. In fact, law schools devote entire semesters to teach students the theory of negligence. Negligence is also ever changing as it is defined by cases which are decided on a nearly daily basis. However, simply put, negligence is a person’s failure to exercise due care. To prove a case based upon a theory of negligence you must prove that the individual or entity who caused your injury owed you a duty. Next, you must prove that they breached that duty by either their actions or inactions. Then, you must prove that their breach was the legal and actual cause of your injuries. Lastly, you must prove the damages which you have suffered.
2. Am I injured?
Injury is a very subjective feeling. Many times accidents lead to injuries which are not severe enough to warrant pursuing a claim and many times injuries take place which are not someone else’s fault. Sometimes injuries can take years to fully manifest while other injuries are severe yet heal quickly. If you have a question regarding your potential injury, call us for a free consultation.
3. Do all lawyers have the same amount of experience and training?
Absolutely not. Experience and training differs greatly from lawyer to lawyer and from law firm to law firm. The lawyer you hire to represent you in your injury case should have a “proven” track record of resolving cases like yours either through settlement or trial. Many lawyers are only equipped to settle your case. Many lawyers don’t have either the trial experience or the ability to take your case to trial. The insurance companies know who these lawyers are and they don’t offer them full settlement value because they know there is little chance the lawyer will file suit.
4. Does the manner in which a lawyer advertises reflect his or her ability?
Usually not. Advertisement is available to all lawyers in all areas of the law. Just because a lawyer appears in TV commercials or on billboards or in the yellow pages does not mean that they are qualified to handle your case. Although most law firms including the King Law Firm advertise, do not choose you lawyer based upon advertisement. Ask to see your lawyer’s qualifications and ask them specifically if they are experienced in handling cases similar to your own.
5. Are all lawyers skilled in the art of negotiating?
No. The art of negotiation is not something that is easily taught. Intimidation can play a major role in a lawyer’s ability to negotiate. Insurance companies can be very intimidating to most people and many lawyers. You should hire an attorney who is not intimidated by insurance companies but instead has a reputation for not backing down from them. Again, the insurance companies know who they can intimidate and who they can’t. We pride ourselves on our reputation of not backing down or giving in to insurance companies and the settlements we receive reflect that reputation.
6. Is a big out of town law firm better?
When deciding which lawyer or law firm you are going to hire it is important to take into consideration where the lawyer is located. Many firms which advertise locally do not have an office here in the Ocala area or have only an understaffed office ran by an associate and/or paralegal. Remember you are paying for the services of a lawyer, make sure that the law firm you hire is going to have a lawyer represent you in every aspect of your case.
7. Will my lawyer be personally involved in my case?
At the King Law Firm, absolutely. As mentioned before many other law firms will allow paralegals or other assistants to handle aspects of your case which should be handled by the lawyer. Many times these law firms are trying to handle too many cases at one time or the lawyers are simply unwilling to have direct client contact. We will provide you with personal representation by the lawyer from the beginning of your case to the end. We will handle every legal aspect of your case and we will not allow you to receive less representation than you deserve.
