GeneralFAQs

Certainly, but be aware that the answer will probably be that more research of law and investigation of facts is necessary before any accurate prediction can be made. Some types of cases – especially certain criminal charges – are so common that some prediction can be made, but under no circumstances can any lawyer guarantee an outcome. Beware of any lawyer that does so.

Lawyers have to follow very stringent ethical rules, especially regarding the handling of money and the representation of clients. Judges’ rules are even more stringent. To check out your potential attorney, search the state Bar Association where the attorney is located to see if they have any ethical complaints or malpractice suits filed against them (use www.kybar.org in Kentucky, or http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/ in Ohio).

Also, check to see how the attorney is rated on www.avvo.com. You can check out our blog post on hiring an attorney for more details.

No. A lawyer normally spends more time in an office than in a courtroom. The practice of law most often involves researching legal developments, investigating facts, writing and preparing legal documents, giving advice, and settling disputes. Laws change constantly. New law is enacted and prior law is amended and repealed. In addition, judicial decisions in court cases regularly alter what the law currently means, whether the source of law is the United States Constitution or a state constitution; federal or state statues; or federal, state, and local codes and regulations. For these reasons, a lawyer must put much time into knowing how the laws and the changes will affect each circumstance.

With legal advice, you get what you pay for. Although you should not expect to get good legal advice without paying for it, you should not pay for anything you can’t actually receive. As with any purchase, be sure to weigh the cost of purchase against the benefit of what you receive.

This depends completely upon the kind of case you intend to pursue. Be sure to ask the attorney about this when you are reviewing the contract. In any event, all fees and expenses will be shown to you at the end of your case. Itemized statements of expenses are also available on request.

Yes. Sometimes a specific lawyer is referred, and other times potential clients will be referred to the attorney referral hotline of their local Bar Association.

Yes, secretaries, paralegals and/or clerks will assist the attorney in working on your case. Further, Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC’ attorneys work in teams so you will always have access to an attorney that is knowledgeable about your case. However, if an attorney who does not work for Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC works on your case, you will be advised and the other attorney will wait on your permission before joining the legal team. If another attorney does work on your case, he will bill separately in the case of the hourly billing. In the case of retainer or contingency fee work, the attorney’s fee will not change, but will be divided among the attorneys.

No, although it does mean that another attorney will have to be brought in to assist with your case. Fortunately, this office has established working relationships with attorneys in Indiana, Texas, Michigan, West Virginia, and Virginia for a variety of cases. Further, some cases can be filed in Kentucky or Ohio, even if you live in a different state.

The safe answer is “As soon as possible”. The deadline for filing documents and actions can be as short as ten (10) days, such as for filing some appeals, or as long as fifteen (15) years, such as for some kinds of contractual disputes. The bottom line is, if you miss your deadline, you are probably out of luck. Calling a lawyer immediately is essential to preserve all your claims.