Legal Tips:
Answers To Your Most Pressing Questions

• Accident Do’s & Don’ts
• Dog Bite Prevention Tips
• Free Consultation
• Nursing Home Warning
• Questions for your Doctor
• Do Your Research!
• What is My Case Worth
• What Now?

1. How long does a personal injury case take?

Once the decision has been made to file a lawsuit, clients deserve to know how long the lawsuit is likely to last. Again, although plenty of lawsuits do result in jury trials, most do not. Practically every lawsuit filed by our firm gets set for trial, and in most cases, that trial date is one year or less from the date the lawsuit is filed.

2. What rights do people in nursing homes have?

They have the right to make personal, private phone calls and visit with friends and family privately, be as drug-free as reasonably possible, receive dignity and respectful care, open and send their own mail, be informed and participate in their medical care.

3. What are some signs of nursing home abuse?

Bruises, black eyes, patches of missing hair, rope burns, many falls, bedsores, signs of being restrained or isolated, poor hygiene, rapid weight loss, a sudden change in behavior, not being able to see friends and family or having a caregiver that does not allow them to see people alone are all signs that something is not right. Trust your gut if you suspect abuse of your loved one. Read more about what to do if you suspect mistreatment.

4. Is there any way to prevent dog bites?

Yes. Teach young children not to approach a dog they do not know. Keep your own pet in another room when people come to visit who are not familiar with dogs or who have young children. Never try to play with a dog while the dog is eating or caring for puppies. Do not let your children near a dog who growls or behaves erratically. Never put your face or let your children put their face right in front of a dog. Remember that owners have a bias toward their own dog and believe that the dog will not bite anyone (even after there are warning signs) until it’s too late. Read more information on dog bites.

5. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company adjuster after an accident?

No. Never without your own attorney present. Clever, “sympathetic” insurance adjusters lure victims into cooperating by saying that giving a statement will “hurry up the processing of your claim,” or enable me to “process your bills” or even “be able to assist you more quickly.” This is always to your disadvantage. Always call a personal injury attorney first.

6. Why should I take advantage of the free consultation?

Every case at Barnes Cohen & Sullivan is examined and evaluated by senior partners Chuck Barnes & Glenn Cohen. We are passionate about using our experience and legal knowledge to hold negligent parties accountable for the damages they have caused. We will evaluate your case and aggressively fight to deliver the compensation you need and the respect you deserve. If you don’t need an attorney to collect, we will let you know.

7. What questions should I ask my doctor?

You can ask any question you need the answer to. You can also request they wear gloves, wash their hands, sterilize equipment, get new equipment, and ask about the hospital’s rate of infection in the operating rooms. Here are some basic questions you can always ask:

• What are my options?
• What are the possible benefits?
• What risks are involved in this treatment plan?
• What percentage of patients experience the risk and what percentage of patients experience negative effects from this treatment?

8. What is my case worth?

There are many factors that determine compensation in a personal injury case. Make sure you consider the future not just today’s medical bills. Here are just some of the items that need serious consideration:

• Do you need surgery or rehabilitation?
• Will you need additional medical care in the future?
• Does your injury prevent you from working now or in the future?
• Do you have lost wages?
• Do you have unpaid medical bills?
• What is the expected length of your recovery time?
• Do you have ongoing pain?

9. Do most personal injury cases go to court?

No. In reality, most claims are settled without a lawsuit being necessary. Notable exceptions include cases with disputed liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and cases having a claim value above $200,000. Settlement without a lawsuit can be advantageous to the client for the following reasons: attorneys’ fees are less; litigation costs are generally low; there is certainty in the outcome; and the case is usually resolved more quickly. An attorney can advise you on what is most likely to happen in your particular case.

NOT SURE IF YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY? GET A FREE CONSULTATION.

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you, speak with a personal injury lawyer first. Contact Barnes Cohen & Sullivan today to learn how we can help make sure you are protected and get the compensation you need and deserve. Protect your rights. Call today. Hablamos español. In Florida, call 940-300-1659. In Georgia, call 912-208-2578.