FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions Personal Injury Attorney Orange County NY

FAQ - Personal Injury Lawyer

1. Do I have a case?

Every potential claim is different. Only after a thorough analysis of the facts can a determination be made that further legal action is warranted. A preliminary interview is conducted when the initial call to this office is placed. If warranted, that call then leads to a more detailed interview in the office. Pat Owen personally participates in each interview and answers any and all questions at that time. The consultation and interview are free.

2. Are there time limits?

The time within which a lawsuit must be commenced is called the Statute of Limitations. These time limits vary depending upon the type of case and the age of the injured party. Because these times vary, it is very important to contact this office immediately! In addition to preserving the right to bring a lawsuit, there are numerous other benefits and rights which may be waived if more than thirty days have passed since the happening of the incident. Further details can be obtained by calling this office.

3. If I make a claim, will the cost of my insurance increase?

You pay for your insurance and, when the need arises, you are entitled to all of the coverages set forth in the policy. In most cases, this will not affect your future insurance rates as long as you were not at fault in the causing accident. It is extremely important that this office be contacted immediately so that all coverages can be identified and the right to pursue them preserved.

4. How much is my case worth?

The value in each case depends upon a number of factors, only one of which is type of injury. An opinion on case value can only be given when all the factors have been fully evaluated. Since this cannot be done when the initial interview is conducted, any lawyer willing to give an opinion without all the necessary information in hand should be avoided. This firm offers its opinion at the appropriate time. Ultimately it is you, the client, with your attorney Pat Owen's advice, who decides whether an offer or settlement is acceptable.

5. What is your fee?

This firm's legal fee is a percentage of the recovery obtained on behalf of the client and is payable if and when that recovery is paid, i.e., the fee is contingent upon the recovery. The percentage may vary, depending on the nature of the case and the age of the injured party, but will not exceed one-third of the settlement proceeds after out-of-pocket disbursements have been reimbursed to the firm.

6. Do I pay tax on the money I receive?

Money paid for pain and suffering is tax free for the victim.

7. How long will it take?

Each and every case is different. Some cases can be settled prior to bringing a lawsuit. Other cases settle during the course of pre-trial discovery after filing the lawsuit. A small percentage of the cases go to trial, and fewer yet, end up in the Appellate Court. This firm takes as long as necessary to maximize each client's recovery. You are advised of each settlement offer when made.

8. Will my case have to go to trial?

A very small percentage of cases are tried to an actual jury verdict. Over 95% of all cases are settled prior to trial. In cases handled by Pat Owen, his clients' verdicts have exceeded the defendant's last settlement offer. The firm's reputation for fair and direct dealing, along with Mr. Owen's reputation as a respected plaintiff personal injury lawyer, make trial to verdict unnecessary in the vast majority of cases.

9. What is meant by individual service?

When you retain this office, you become a member of the firm's professional family. The firm is selective in the cases it accepts in order to assure that each one receives the personal attention it deserves. You are not be shuffled from lawyer to lawyer. You will not need a six-digit number so that an operator can access your file. Most importantly, you are represented in a small-firm environment by an experienced and aggressive personal injury attorney who has personally handled some of the most difficult cases in Orange County to successful resolutions.

10. Do you do anything other than represent the injured in accident cases?

Our practice is dedicated solely to personal injury law and we only represent the side of the injured. Every personal injury client works with Pat Owen personally.

Call our Middletown New York office at (845) 692-8000 for a free initial consultation.

Patrick S. Owen
PLLC 250 Crystal Run Rd, Middletown,NY 10941
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Call to discuss your case without cost or obligation
(845) 692-8000