Q.

How much is my case worth?

A.

The answer to this question is one of the most difficult questions we are asked. The straight and honest answer to this question is "it depends." Each case has a value depending on liability, i.e., who is at fault, the severity of the injuries, past medical bills, future medical bills, past loss wages, loss of earning ability, pain and suffering and other factors.

However, based on our claims experience, our track record of trying cases, we are generally able to provide you with a range of value, after we have obtained all the necessary information. Although some attorneys will give you an exaggerated value to obtain your case, we refuse to do so until we have the information necessary for us to provide you with a fair evaluation and range of value.

Finally, we have published many cases in the Florida Jury Verdict and Settlement Reporter, which is a publication we receive and review on a monthly basis on all settlements/verdicts of personal injury cases in Florida. We also utilize our vast experience to tell you if you have a case and the range of value utilizing all the information available to you

Q.

What is the usual course of a personal injury case?

A.

After you become our client, there are many things that occur immediately. We notify the adverse party and/or insurance companies of our representation. We begin obtaining all the documents necessary to present your claim to the insurance company or adverse party. We will typically obtain accident reports, medical records, photographs of accident site, photographs of injuries, income tax returns, photographs of family members, information about the adverse parties insurance coverage and/or assets.

After obtaining all the necessary information and after your medical condition has stabilized, we typically do a demand to the insurance company or adverse party demanding a settlement on your behalf. The last thing we want to do is resolve a case while our client is still healing or does not have a clear understanding of their future medical condition. Our fear is to let a client settle a case and then find out shortly thereafter that they need future surgery or other significant medical needs. If your cases does not settle "presuit," then the next step in a lawsuit.

Pursuing a lawsuit is very time consuming. There are many things that occur after a lawsuit is prepared, filed and delivered to the adverse party. The parties engage in discovery, which allows both sides to obtain sworn oral testimony, submit written questions to be answered under oath and request production of documents.

Even though a law suit is filed does not mean it will go to trial. Several opportunities to settle may be offered in litigation. In Florida, it is mandatory to attend court ordered mediation which is where the parties sit down with an independent mediator and try to resolve the issues and settle the case. Finally, the case is set for jury trial by a judge who determines when your trial will be set.

Our goal is to achieve the maximum compensation for each client by settlement or trial in a timely fashion, keeping our clients informed along the way.

Typically, a auto accident or negligence lawsuit takes approximately one year to conclude. Naturally, that time range is subject to change depending on the complexity of the case. Usually, medical malpractice, product liability or multi adverse party cases take longer.

Q.

Why do I need a personal injury trial lawyer?

A.

Only by retaining a personal injury trial lawyer can you make sure you understand and appreciate your legal rights. Each partner at The Bodiford Law Group has over twenty years trial experience. Insurance companies know The Bodiford Law Group's trial experience. A personal injury trial attorney is much more experienced in the field than a real estate, divorce or criminal lawyer. Our goal is to achieve the maximum compensation for each client by settlement or trial, if necessary.

Q.

Should I try to settle my case with the insurance company without an attorney?

A.

Insurance companies are large corporations that are profit driven like any other company. Do you honestly believe that the insurance adjuster is representing your interests or the interests of the insurance company they work for? Insurance adjusters are experienced in negotiations and trying to pay you the least amount, which will not be what your case is worth.

Why do you think many insurance companies contact you immediately after an accident trying to settle your case? Did you know that some insurance companies even write to their policy holders to not get an attorney! The reason they do this is because they have determined on a national basis that a settlement with a unrepresented injured person will be lower than a person who is represented by an attorney. Remember, the insurance adjusters are very experienced and work for the insurance company and do not have your best interests at heart.

Therefore, while you may attempt to settle without an attorney, our experience with these attempts have repeatedly proven to result in an underpayment of what your claim or your case may be worth. Do not attempt to negotiate your personal injury case on your own without first contacting an attorney for a free consultation. Please contact us for your free consultation.

Q.

How can I afford to hire a lawyer?

A.

We understand injury victims can not afford to pay an attorney by the hour or front the costs of a lawsuit. All consultations regarding personal injury are free. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis which mean we do not get paid an attorney's fee unless we obtain a settlement of your case or an award from a jury trial. In the unlikely event that we do not obtain compensation for you, you will not owe us fees or costs.

Q.

How much time do I have to bring a lawsuit?

A.

In Florida, there are certain time limitations to file a lawsuit in the correct court of law or it will be forever barred. Therefore, your should contact a personal injury attorney immediately to determine what time deadlines apply to your case. Since we offer a free consultation, do not let the passage of time prohibit you from bringing your claim or lawsuit.

Q.

Can we settle without filing a lawsuit?

A.

Many of our cases settle without the necessity of having to file a lawsuit. That is, because of our strong reputation as a personal injury trial firm, we are able to successfully obtain a fair settlement for our clients. Some cases are settled after a lawsuit is filed, but before trial. However, if the pre-suit settlement offer or the in-suit settlement offer is unacceptable, the case proceeds to a jury trial to obtain justice for you.

Q.

How long will it take for my case to resolve?

A.

Typically, auto accidents, slip and fall, dog bite, or other negligence actions takes three months to one year, after we begin representation of you. Quite naturally, medical malpractice, product liability, multiple party cases or complex cases may take longer; depending on the circumstances . One of our greatest concerns is that our clients case is settled timely, but not before your medical condition has stabilized and your future medical needs and other needs are known and evaluated. We often settle cases quickly and our goal is to obtain the most money for you by settlement or litigation or trial, if necessary.

Q.

I am injured and unable to get to your offices? What should I do?

A.

We are always willing to visit a prospective client in the hospital, at your home or place of business. Please call and we will set your appointment.