FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers from Trusted Kansas City Injury Attorneys

The trial attorneys at Adler & Manson have been privileged to counsel hundreds of clients who received substantial cash settlements for their claims by following some simple steps after their injury. Following these guidelines can help you get the most from your claim should you become injured in a car accident, a truck accident, by a defective product, on unsafe property, by a health care provider, or on the job.

Q. What should I do at the scene of an auto accident?

A. Get the other driver’s name, license number, vehicle tag number, and insurance company name, and policy number. Be sure a police report is made so the officer can confirm details of the accident later.

Always consult an attorney before appearing in court as a witness or pleading guilty to or paying a traffic ticket that results from an accident.

Q. I’m not sure the other party was at fault. Why should I pay an attorney to find out?

A. Call Adler & Manson and speak with one of our attorneys at no obligation or cost to determine whether you have a case.

Q. How can I be sure an attorney will return my calls and keep me informed about my case?

A. Adler & Manson was founded with the client in mind. The attorneys at our firm realize we work for you. We make it a policy to return calls the day they are placed whenever possible, and to copy you on all important documents.

Q. Why shouldn’t I negotiate with the insurance company myself?

A. You will very likely put more money in your pocket with a competent attorney handling your case.

Without an attorney, you must negotiate directly with experts who work these kinds of cases every day and are paid to save money for the insurance company. And, without an attorney involved, the insurance company need not worry about defending in a jury trial, so they have less incentive to negotiate with you.

Adler & Manson’s fees for injury cases are based on a percentage of the amount you collect, and you pay the fee only when you receive your money.

(The ethical rules require us to disclose that clients may be responsible for litigation expenses other than attorney fees.)

Q. Will it take a lot longer to get my money if I hire an attorney?

A. Because the attorneys at Adler & Manson have solid reputations among insurance company adjusters, we are able to settle many of our cases for fair sums without filing suit. Most often, this means you’ll get your money sooner.

Q. Do I have to come to your office?

A. If you have been injured, our attorneys will meet with you at your home or the hospital at no charge or obligation. We can also provide you transportation to our offices. Evening and weekend appointments are available as well.

Q. The insurance company has already offered me a sum I consider fair. Should I contact an attorney anyway?

A. Yes. Our attorneys will consult with you at no cost or obligation to tell you if we feel the amount offered is fair and should be accepted. You can then accept the offer and owe us nothing or hire Adler & Manson to assist you.

Q. Why should I sue the nice people who were at fault?

A. The attorneys at Adler & Manson will make every effort to resolve your case without filing suit. We work with insurance company representatives to civilly, ethically, and fairly settle your case.

Even if your medical bills are paid by health insurance, you may be entitled to receive additional money equal to the amount of those bills. In fact, in some situations, you can be paid three times for the same bills. This is totally proper, legal, and ethical.

In most situations, you are entitled to money for your pain, suffering, inconvenience, aggravation, lost wages, permanent injuries, future medical costs, and other expenses you have had and will have due to the injury.

Q. If I was injured on the job but it was my fault, do I have a case?

A. If you are injured as a result of an accident on the job, you are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if you were at fault.

Through its workers’ compensation plan, your employer will pay your medical bills and may provide you a weekly payment if you are unable to work. They may even offer you a lump sum settlement to compensate you for any permanent injuries. But this settlement will likely be based on the opinion of a doctor hired by your employer.

To help ensure that your permanent injuries are compensated fairly, we will typically send you to another doctor who is familiar with the workers’ compensation system and your type of injury.

If you were injured at work due to a defective product, another person, or another company, you may also have a claim against the responsible party.

Q. How and when should I go about selecting an attorney?

A. The sooner you employ a qualified attorney, the better for your case. It is important to do so early so that the attorney can help you gather evidence and document the incident before evidence is lost or witnesses move. Keep in mind that there is a statute of limitations for injury cases. That is, after a certain point in time, you will be barred from bringing a lawsuit.

The best way to select an attorney is to schedule a free consultation with one who is experienced in personal injury law. Choose someone who can provide examples of similar cases they have handled successfully. Ask for references. It is also important that you feel comfortable with the attorney you hire, as you will be working closely with him or her. Most important, hire a service-oriented attorney who realizes that he or she is working for you.

Q. What should I do if I’m injured?

A. Whether you are injured in an auto accident, by a defective product, on unsafe property, on the job, or by a medical care provider, immediately consult an attorney experienced in these types of cases to begin investigating your case and help you accomplish the following:

(1) Document the Incident

Your attorney will assist you in gathering evidence for your case. You will likely need photographs of the scene, as well as the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of eyewitnesses. Photographs of your injuries, of you in your hospital bed, or of your damaged vehicle can be emotionally powerful evidence.

(2) Save and Preserve Whatever Caused Your Injury

The cause of an injury can be difficult to prove, so save whatever it was that led to your injury – the substance you slipped on, the shoes you were wearing, the spoiled food you ingested, the defective product and its instructions, and packaging.

(3) Obtain Needed Medical Treatment

If you have an injury but do not see a doctor, an insurance adjuster or jury may not believe you were injured. Your attorney can direct you to a doctor who specializes in your type of injury.

(4) Give a Statement with Your Attorney Present

The insurance company may tell you they need you to provide a recorded statement. In fact, they simply would like to have one so they can use it against you later.

Keep in mind that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company so they want to pay you as little as possible. Never give a statement to an insurance adjuster without consulting your attorney.