Why You Should Choose Barthelette Law
Selecting the right personal injury lawyer matters. So why choose Barthelette Law? Here are ten reasons why.
Reason 1: I Will Be Your Zealous Advocate
As your attorney, I will be your zealous advocate.
In Offutt v. United States, 348 U.S. 11, 13 (1954), the United States Supreme Court stated that lawyers must give each client “fearless, vigorous and effective advocacy.”
What does this mean?
It means I will represent and defend your interests to the best of my ability. Your rights will be protected. And I will use all ethical and legal means available to get you a fair result.
Reason 2: I Will Work On Your Case
If you select Barthelette Law, you will work directly with me. You will not be directed to a lawyer you’ve never met in person, nor will your main contact be a non-lawyer. You will work with me.
Because you will work directly with me, our attorney-client relationship will be stronger. And I believe the stronger our attorney-client relationship – such as the more we communicate – the better the chance we achieve a favorable result.
Reason 3: I Will Explain The Personal Injury Process
If you have never had a personal injury claim, the personal injury process may seem overwhelming and confusing. Medical bills, uninsured motorist coverage, lost wages, common law duties, and statutory duties – it can be quite confusing.
I’m here to explain the personal injury process.
Generally, there are two primary phases in the personal injury process – the pre-suit phase and the lawsuit phase.
First, there is the pre-suit phase. After your accident, your focus must be on your health and recovery. While you focus on your health, I begin building your case. This includes investigating the cause of your accident, gathering medical records, researching potential liability theories, and interviewing witnesses. Further, in most cases I will prepare a demand letter on your behalf in an effort to settle your case without having to file a lawsuit. If we are unable to settle your personal injury claim, we will then file a lawsuit, the second phase in the personal injury process.
Second, there is the lawsuit phase. During the lawsuit phase, the parties will exchange written discovery, subpoena documents from various parties (including medical providers), and take depositions of the parties and witnesses. Additionally, the parties will participate in mediation, which is a confidential proceeding in which the parties try and settle their case. If the parties are unable to settle their case informally or through mediation, they proceed to trial.
Regardless of the phase, I will keep you informed each step of the way. And you will learn about the personal injury process.
Reason 3: I Will Explain Personal Injury Law
Personal injury law is founded on negligence principles. What is negligence? Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care under the circumstances.
To prove a standard personal injury claim, you have to prove four elements: (1) duty, (2) breach of that duty, (3) causation, and (4) damages.
First, you have to prove the other party owed you a duty of reasonable of care. For example, drivers owe other drivers a duty to drive safely and obey traffic laws. Second, you have to show the other party breached his or her duty of care. This means you have to prove the other party did not use reasonable care. Was the driver speeding when he or she hit you? Did the driver hit you from behind? Third, you have to prove the other party’s conduct caused your loss or damage. This means the other party’s negligence was the source of your injuries, not, for example, a prior accident or preexisting medical condition. Fourth and finally, you have to prove your damages. This means you will need evidence – such as through your doctors – that your damages and injuries were the result of your accident.
Different personal injury claims involve different legal principles. Regardless of the type of personal injury claim you have, I will explain the personal injury laws that apply to your claim.
Reason 4: You Will Have Access To Me At All Times
I believe in frequent attorney-client communication. You can call me anytime with your questions or concerns. On most occasions, I will call you back the same day. If not, I will return your call the next day. Additionally, many of my clients prefer to email or text. If you prefer to communicate or reach me in these ways, I am happy to accommodate.
I do not believe the attorney-client relationship should be cold or distant. Instead, it should be built on frequent, honest communication.
Reason 5: I Will Work Hard To Maximize Your Financial Recovery
At Barthelette Law, we do not settle cases simply to earn a quick buck. Instead, we work hard to maximize your financial recovery at every stage.
In some cases, insurance companies will be reasonable and settle personal injury cases when they realize their insureds are at fault for causing your accident.
But in other cases, insurance companies will not be reasonable and settle personal injury claims despite the fact that their insureds were at fault for causing your accident. When this happens, I do not back down or settle for less than what your case is worth.
We fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Reason 6: We Do Not Charge A Fee Unless We Make A Financial Recovery
As your personal injury lawyer, I work on a contingency basis. What does this mean?
This means I take a percentage (usually 33% or 40%) of the total settlement I obtain on your behalf. Let me give you a simple example. If your personal injury case settles for $10,000 and my contingency fee is 33%, that means I will charge $3,330. Your recovery will be $6,670, or $10,000 minus my $3,330 contingency fee.
Additionally, you will not be charged any out-of-pocket costs or expenses. Instead, I will pay for out-of-pocket costs and expenses, which will later be reimbursed from your settlement.
Bottom line: you do not pay a dime until we make a financial recovery on your behalf.
For more detail on contingency fee agreements, click here.
Reason 7: We Have Significant Experience With Personal Injury Law
Before opening Barthelette Law, I primarily worked for insurance companies defending against personal injury claims. The experience gave me tremendous insight on how insurance companies analyze and evaluate personal injury claims.
I have taken my prior experience and now use it to benefit my clients with their personal injury claims.
My website discusses our practice areas, which include: car accidents, slip and fall accidents, child injuries, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, and hit and run accidents.
Further, my blog discusses the most frequently asked questions and legal issues in personal injury law. Additionally, my blog discusses my recent personal injury cases.
Reason 8: Your Personal Injury Settlement Will Be Higher With Counsel
In an interesting study by Martindale-Nolo Research, it was found that personal injury attorneys were able to obtain settlements approximately three times higher than when personal injury claimants represented themselves.
Yes, even after paying their lawyer’s contingency fee, the study showed clients walked away with more money in their pocket.
This is important because you only get one chance to settle your personal case.
Reason 9: I Will Save You Time
Handling a personal injury claim – reviewing medical records, conducting research on legal theories, preparing demand letters – takes a lot of time.
I will handle these tasks, and others. I will save you time.
Reason 10: I Will Help Carry Your Burden
On top of your physical injuries after an accident, you may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed with the issues you now face – medical bills piling up, missed time from work, and the effects on your family.
You are not alone in dealing with your personal injury claim. I am here to help answer your questions, concerns, and worries.
Call Barthelette Law, Your Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer
At Barthelette Law, we have many years of experience handling personal injury claims.
If you would like to learn more about Barthelette Law, don’t hesitate to call. We are here to answer all of your questions.