What should I look for in selecting a lawyer to represent me?

Before hiring a lawyer, you should spend some time researching the law firm you are considering. Ask for information about the lawyer's education, training, and experience dealing with cases similar to yours. Ask the lawyer to go over the fee contract with you in detail, and be sure you understand how you will pay the lawyer's fee and costs at the end of the case. Ask about the possible adverse consequences if your case is lost. Ask if your lawyer intends to handle your case alone, and, if you are told that lawyers from outside law firms will be assisting, find out what the fee arrangements will be.

Will I have to put up any money to get started?

The majority of the cases we handle involve a contingent fee contract. That means we do not get paid until and unless our client makes a recovery. Generally, our fees will be a percentage of the recovery computed before deducting expenses. In some circumstances, we will represent a client on an hourly basis if the case calls for such a contract, in which case a retainer agreement may be made. In either instance, the full details of the fee and cost agreement you have with our firm will be explained to you in detail before we begin prosecuting your case.

What can I expect from my first appointment with your firm?

At The Meyers Law Firm you will find a courteous and professional staff. Meeting a law firm for the first time can be a distressing experience, and we will do our best to make you comfortable. Our staff reserves plenty of time to meet with new clients to discuss potential cases. Having documents at our disposal is beneficial, so we always suggest that new clients bring pertinent paperwork.

Will I have to put up any money to get started?

The majority of the cases we handle involve a contingent fee contract. That means we do not get paid until and unless our client makes a recovery. Generally, our fees will be a percentage of the recovery computed before deducting expenses. In some circumstances, we will represent a client on an hourly basis if the case calls for such a contract, in which case a retainer agreement may be made. In either instance, the full details of the fee and cost agreement you have with our firm will be explained to you in detail before we begin prosecuting your case.

Who pays for out-of-pocket expenses while my case is pending?

This will depend on the fee and cost agreement that is agreed to in your case. Where we are handling a case on a contingent fee basis, we advance expenses incurred during our representation. In that situation, our fee will be a percentage of the recovery computed before deducting expenses. If and when the case reaches a successful conclusion, the costs we have expended are returned to us out of your recovery.

What is involved in a lawsuit? What participation from me will be required throughout my case?

A lawsuit generally involves an initial pleading phase, a discovery phase, a dispositive motion phase, and the trial. The discovery phase of a lawsuit is the time when counsel for both sides work to “discover” the objective facts in a lawsuit. The first stage of discovery is written – the attorney on each side submits questions (“interrogatories”) and receives written answers, as well as requests for the production of key documents. Although your attorney is ultimately responsible for completion of written discovery, your participation will be required in answering certain questions asked by opposing counsel.

The second stage of discovery is the process during which depositions are conducted. A “deposition” is when a party must answer questions under oath about the circumstances involved in the lawsuit. If your case proceeds to discovery, you nearly always will be deposed by opposing counsel. Your deposition will take place in our office, with your attorney present. We will prepare you for your deposition, review the facts of your case with you, and answer any questions you may have.

If your case proceeds to trial, your attendance at trial will be required, as well as your testimony likely at some point during the trial.

How long will it take to get my case resolved?

For those cases which proceed all the way through to a jury trial, the process generally takes between one to two years, depending upon the circumstances involved in each particular case and the court within which the case is filed.

I have never been involved in a trial. How do you help me prepare?

Statistics prove that most cases get resolved prior to going to trial. Regardless, we prepare every case as if it might ultimately be decided by a jury. We believe in being prepared in the event that an agreement between the parties cannot be reached. By the time a case is ready for trial, our clients will have spent a great deal of time with the lawyers and support staff in our firm. You will know what to expect if and when your case goes to trial.

How do you decide whether to accept a settlement or take my case before a jury?

Deciding when to accept or reject a settlement offer is rarely an easy decision. Our lawyers will advise you of the pros and cons of trying your case versus settling it before trial. We will do our best to help you decide whether a settlement offer is a fair one, but the decision is ultimately yours.

I keep reading about "the tort system". Exactly what is a tort?

The word "tort" comes from the Latin word for "wrong". The tort system typically refers to the court system's handling of personal injury negligence and similar cases.

What should I do if I want to contact The Meyers Law Firm about my circumstances?

Click on Contact Us to complete an initial brief questionnaire, or call our office so as to give our intake specialist an opportunity to gather some information from you about your specific circumstances.

NOTE:   For questions related to specific circumstances with your employer and/or workplace issues such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wage-law, please see Employment Law Resources.