Many people do not know what an experienced lawyer can do in these types of cases. I can�t speak for every experienced personal injury attorney, but here is a list of the types of services that my office will often provide to our clients:
- Conduct initial interview with client.
- Educate and teach the client about the claim process.
- Educate and teach parents and/or child about the court approval and Settlement Guardian ad Litem process (in cases involving injured children).
- Educate and teach client about the litigation process.
- Draft and file petition to appoint the Settlement Guardian ad Litem (SGAL) (in those cases involving children).
- Gather written records and documents to support the claim, including medical records, school records, police report, etc.
- Perform investigation of the client�s claim, including gathering witness statements, photographs, diagrams, and physical evidence.
- Read and analyze applicable insurance policies that may apply (e.g., auto, homeowners, health) to see what coverage is available to pay for the client�s damages, like medical, hospital, and wage loss benefits.
- Meet and confer with the client�s medical doctors and other healthcare providers to fully understand the client�s condition.
- Meet and confer with the SGAL to discuss the case and provide all relevant information regarding the child�s claim (in cases involving children).
- Obtain specific reports from experts to support the client�s claim.
- Analyze any pertinent legal issues that may affect the client�s case, such as the dog bite statute, common law principles, contributory negligence, assumption of risk, comparative fault, etc.
- Analyze client�s health insurance or governmental benefit plan to ascertain whether any money spent by either entity for the benefit of the client (like health care expenses, wage loss benefits, etc.) must be repaid.
- Analyze and address any liens asserted against the settlement recovery. (Various healthcare providers, insurers, or governmental agencies may file liens seeking to be repaid money for benefits already paid to or on behalf of the client.)
- Assist client in locating available resources to assist with his or her recovery (local, state, federal, and nonprofit assistance programs).
- Contact the insurance company about the claim and conduct periodic discussions with the carrier about the case so that appropriate reserves are set aside to settle it.
- Conduct negotiations with the insurance adjustor in an effort to settle the claim, either prior to litigation or trial.
- If a lawsuit will be filed, prepare and draft the summons and complaint to file in court.
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Christopher M. Davis is a
Seattle attorney focusing on personal injury cases. He is also known as a animal attack and
dog bite lawyer and has written the book 'When The Dog Bites' as a legal resource for dog bite victims.
