Frequently Asked Questions

If any of the frequently asked questions below does not answer a question that you may have, please feel free to conctact us anytime. We offer FREE consultations and if we handle your case, there are no fees unless we recover money on your behalf! Our dedicated attorneys are committed to helping you and your family in any way possible.

Q: How soon after an accident or injury should I contact an attorney?

A: As soon as possible you should contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of The Gomez Firm. Consultations are always free. When you are injured, whether it's an auto accident or a slip & fall or due to medical negligence, or a defective product, insurance companies immediately throw people and money into the investigation, all working against you. The Gomez Firm works for you. The time right after the injury can be crucial to protecting your claim; the injury site unchanged and witnesses' memories are freshest. Also, the choice of the appropriate doctor can be vital to the health of your body and your case.

Q: Should I talk with an Insurance Representative first?

A: No. It is important to consult an attorney first. Insurance companies may contact you directly unless you are represented by an attorney. You are encouraged to retain an attorney as soon as possible to review your case. Insurance companies have their own best interests in mind. Many times, the insurance companies will try and have you sign a release without fully explaining all of the rights you may be giving up.

Q: How do I know if I have a Personal Injury or Accident claim?

A: To have a personal injury case, you must be able to show that you have been injured. This may be a physical injury or it may be an emotional injury. In addition, you must be able to show that someone else (the defendant) is at fault for your injury under a negligence, strict liability or intentional misconduct theory.

Q: How do I pay for legal services?

A: In all injury claims, we work on a contingency fee agreement, clearly explained in an employment contract, signed by both parties. This means that we receive as our fee as a percentage of any recovery. If we are unable to recover any money damages, you pay nothing.

Q: What is “Liability?”

A: Liability may result from being “at fault” in an accident. Liability is a term used to express whether a party is responsible for damages. Multiple parties can be deemed to be liable for your injuries, including yourself. If you are partially responsible for your own injury, then you will be deemed “comparatively negligent,” which will reduce the amount you could be awarded in a lawsuit.

Q: What are “Damages?”

A: Damages are the amount of injury suffered by the plaintiff, expressed in monetary terms. In the American legal system, money is the measure of how much damage has been done to you, the plaintiff. Damages include: pain and suffering, loss of consortium, medical bills (past and future), and loss of wages (past and future). All of these factors, when considered together, comprise damages. It is by considering these factors that we, The Gomez Firm, come up with a rough estimation of the “value” of your case.

Q: How do I get paid for my damages?

A: There are, generally, two avenues for obtaining money for your injuries. The avenues are: 1) filing a lawsuit (suing), or 2) reaching a mutually agreeable financial arrangement (settlement) with the responsible party. In either case, rest assured that all defendants will have legal representation to protect their interests. Therefore you should protect your interests as well with qualified representation. In a majority of cases, the parties will settle. Even after a lawsuit has been filed, settlements often occur. However, in seeking full recovery for damages, one should be prepared to go all the way to trial, if necessary.

Q: What is my accident or injury claim worth?

A: There is no formula to determine compensation in a lawsuit. Financial considerations can include lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, loss of consortium, and property damage. Economic factors like age, current level of employment, and education will also be taken into account when determining how much compensation to award. Punitive damages may also be awarded. To give you an idea of the level of compensation you might receive, we will need to discuss your case further. Contact the experienced attorneys of the Gomez Law Firm to arrange a consultation.

Q: How long will it take to pursue my case?

A: The answer to this question depends on the nature of the case. Every case is unique and presents its own challenges. The nature of the case dictates the length of time necessary to bring your action to its conclusion. During your initial consultation, your attorney will be able to give you a better idea of how long your particular case may take. Understand, however, that this is an estimate, as facts and circumstances often change during the course of a case.