The most asked question I get is, “why are you a better lawyer than the TV/BILLBOARD lawyers, with catchy phrases and phone numbers. It’s a really good question. Lawyer ads with phone number, and catchy phrases can get pretty confusing. Trying to figure out what makes one law firm better than another is a challenge.
Don’t get me wrong. Some of those advertising lawyers are good, however, unless your case is worth $1M they probably would never personally talk to you. You will deal with a legal assistant/case manager, trained to handle calls. Of course, that person is NOT a lawyer or trained paralegal. In addition, would you ever hire a brain surgeon from a Billboard Ad?
The case managers/assistants, are not always able to spot issues that add tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars to a settlement/verdict. Your lawyer must be able to reframe chronic pain and suffering, and show it as a tangible, life-altering experiences.
Non lawyers don’t understand how to educate insurance adjusters and defense lawyers, to truly understand the seriousness of a client’s injuries… that result in pain. These assistants don’t maximize settlements to reflect the totality of your loss.
When victims give up activities they love, Golf, Tennis or Paddle Ball, that may sound trivial to some. However, the goal of your attorney is to show others how these needs are to be compensated by additional money.
Many lawyers likewise don’t understand what clients go through, because they have not been a victim like us. They have not walked in our shoes and tied our laces. They don’t understand how the doctor’s advice, not to lift over 5-10 lbs, affects you…and your family.
We accident victims consider the psychological effect on a child weighing over 10 pounds and raising their arm to be lifted. Will not lifting them cause psychological harm to the child, let alone you? The weight limitation, also affects your lifting luggage and groceries etc…so no trips or shopping?
A non-accident victim attorney doesn’t understand the physical/psychological damage, let alone sleep and nightmares encountered. Most lawyers don’t understand, you don’t have to hit your head for a Traumatic Brain Injury. This is the most important factor for maximizing settlements.
Horns and screeching brakes may cause you to tighten your neck and shoulder muscles, afraid you were going to be hit again. I did this for months and looked in the rear and side view mirrors constantly afraid of another accident.
Good lawyers assist clients with tow-yards, body shops and reminding clients to remain silent and not talk to the insurance company or police. SILENCE is important. It’s not what you said. It’s what the police/insurance company, THOUGHT you said.
If you say something, you are locked into that statement. If your lawyer says it, s/he can say they must have misunderstood what their client said. Remember, insurance is not on your side; You are not in good hands; and your friendly neighbor will not give you a piece of the rock.
Lawyers have challenges with insurance company’s; obtaining traffic accident reports; dealing with car rental & repair, and loss of earnings. It’s important to find a competent doctor who knows how to write a Med/Legal Report for your client…and we help with that too.
As a faculty member/lecturer for the International College of Orthopedic Surgeons annual conference, I taught the docs, “How to Write a Medical/Legal Report”, that is sent to the insurance company/court. This is often, NOT taught in the medical schools many of our local doctors attended. It is the most important factor in maximizing your settlements.
An accident can be difficult, but not choosing a lawyer. There are two major rating publications that list every lawyer in the USA. Martindale’s highest rating is AV Pre-eminent. Avvo’s is 10.0/5 Star… and Google’s 5 Star is also a good indicator. These ratings reflect the highest confidential Peer opinions by Judges and attorneys.
Many holiday PI/DUI’s from Thanksgiving through New Years are coming up in court, only to be replaced by new ones from Superbowl parties. The recent holidays led to an increase of parties, drinking, driving and accidents.
I hosted a legal talk show and legal column for over a decade, where I advised, “people don’t plan to fail. They fail to plan.” Thus, I suggest, “Plan now for who you would call if you were in an accident or arrested for a DUI while you are sober and not stressed.”
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Dale Gribow’s distinguished 5 Star PI/DUI legal/philanthropic career, warranted 30+ Top Lawyer Awards; 9 Man of the Year; 4 Dale Gribow Days and Mr. Charity…in recognition of dozens of charitable awards. He limits cases and personally answers calls.
