Common Personal Injury Questions
We have assembled some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding personal injury. If you have inquiries that go beyond what is listed below, the attorneys at Feinman Law Offices stand ready to assist you. Please reach out by email or call our office in Andover, Massachusetts: 978-494-6669.
We serve clients in northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
If I have been injured, what kind of compensation can I receive?
Compensation for an injury can include:
- Medical expenses, both present and future
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
Why should I hire an attorney? Can’t my own insurance company handle the claim?
When talking about personal injury claims, an important thing to understand is that insurance companies are primarily concerned with their own profits, not your well-being. What this means is that they will take actions of greatest benefit to themselves.
You need someone to advocate for your best interests, which is difficult to do while you are recovering from an injury. By hiring an attorney, you will maximize your chances of a fair settlement and receive as much money as possible to help with the myriad costs involved.
Does it cost money to have an initial meeting about my case?
No. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients. During this meeting, we will discuss the details of your case, medical history and other relevant information that will form the basis of your claim. After this meeting, you are under no obligation to work with our firm. There is no risk to you.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Every case is different, so the exact fees will depend on the specifics of your situation. Some injury claims can be resolved in a straightforward manner, while others require more time and attention. We will discuss billing and payment during the free initial consultation.
Also, we will not charge you unless we recover a settlement in your favor. We are able to secure compensation in almost every case, but if that does not happen, you will not be billed for our services.
Do I need to pay in advance?
No. The lawyers at Feinman Law Offices work on a contingency basis, which means that you will not pay until you have received a settlement. Until then, you do not have to pay. This will help you focus on the more immediate expenses that arise as a result of an injury.
I have been injured and have a settlement offer from the insurance company. Should I take it?
Not before you have spoken to an attorney. In general, insurance companies will attempt to maximize their own profits by undervaluing your injury. They use a variety of techniques to accomplish this, one of which is to offer you a small settlement as quickly as possible before you have had time to understand the full extent of your injury and the related costs. Our attorneys have a great deal of experience in personal injury and understand what a fair settlement should look like. Consulting with us before accepting an insurance company’s offer will always work in your favor.
I was in a car accident, but don’t think I’ve been injured apart from some aches and pains. Do I still need to see a doctor?
Yes. A car accident injury is not always apparent at first. Seemingly innocent soreness could be masking something very serious, like a traumatic brain injury, organ damage or another condition. It is in your best interest to get a medical opinion as soon as possible, regardless of what you feel like initially.
Also, insurance companies will point toward any delay in treatment as evidence that your injuries are not that severe.
I was injured a while ago and already accepted the insurance company’s settlement, but now my medical bills are higher than I expected. Can I get additional compensation?
Probably not. When you accept the insurance company’s offer, you formally relinquish any ability to pursue additional compensation from them. This is why it is important to negotiate a fair claim as early in the process as possible. By completing a full course of medical treatment and speaking extensively with doctors, you and your attorneys will have the clearest sense of what compensation is truly fair in your case.