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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions people have about working with a lawyer. During your initial consultation, we will be happy to answer questions that are particular to your case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Elder Abuse Attorney?

The attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP, accept elder and nursing home cases on a contingency-fee basis. This type of agreement means you do not pay any attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket for legal representation. Attorneys’ fees are also contingent on the outcome of your case.

You benefit from legal representation in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of a settlement or jury award. We will only recover a fee if you recover compensation.

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Loved One is the Victim of Elder Abuse?

The first step is to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening. Otherwise, it can be reported to the police and appropriate agencies. For abuse in the community or a hospital, call Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832. For abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact your local long-term care ombudsman or call 1-888-452-8609.

The next step is contacting a California elder neglect lawyer to help you safeguard your loved one’s rights, investigate the abuse, and hold the facility accountable.

Can You Tell Me How Much My Case Is Worth?

There is no way to determine the exact value of an elder abuse or personal injury case, especially early in your case. However, an experienced attorney can give you an estimated range based on their experience with similar cases.

There are many factors that may influence the value of your case, such as:

Your total financial or economic damages
The severity of your injuries
The impact of your injuries on your daily life
The strength of your case
Whether you share fault for your accident
Insurance policy limits

Some damages are easy to calculate, such as lost wages and medical bills. Calculating the value of diminished earnings for the rest of your life or future medical needs, however, may require the help of experts. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering have no intrinsic financial value. These damages are challenging to calculate.

If your case goes before a jury, you may potentially be able to recover more than you could through a settlement. However, this introduces a new element of risk: the jury. The circumstances of your accident and even how sympathetic you or the defendant are can influence the outcome.

During your consultation and throughout your case, we will help you understand how these factors influence your case. We will also work tirelessly to document the value of all your damages and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

The vast majority of cases are resolved by reaching a settlement agreement outside of court. Very few personal injury cases actually go to trial, but it is more likely if the facts in your case are in dispute, a legal issue is being contested, or you have a high-value case.

An experienced lawyer will build your case as if it will go to trial from the beginning. The stronger your case and evidence, the more likely a fair settlement will be reached.

How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The more serious your injuries or the more complex your case, the more important it becomes to seek experienced legal counsel.

Legal representation is vital if your case involves a complex area of law, such as elder abuse or neglect, premises liability, commercial vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or serious work-related accidents. Determining liability, navigating decades of legal precedence, and interpreting specific statutes in these cases is best done with years of relevant legal experience.

Remember that the insurance company is not on your side, even if the insurance adjuster seems sympathetic and you receive a settlement offer. If you are being blamed for an accident or sustained serious injury, a lawyer will help you protect your rights and build the strongest case possible. This includes calculating the full value of your current and future losses.

Do You Accept Cases Outside of San Diego?

While our law office is located in San Diego, Berman & Riedel, LLP, accepts cases throughout the state of California.

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