Ivanhoe, CA Personal Injury Law Firms & Lawyers

It is possible. The problem is, the lawyer will insist on a flat fee based on his estimate of how many hours of his time the case will take, and it is difficult to estimate. However, some attorneys may actually prefer such an arrangement. Keep in mind, however, if the case is resolved quickly and easily, you would still be required to pay the entire flat fee. Attorneys often charge flat fees in criminal matters. One reason, however, is we have a good idea of how many hours will be spent even if it goes to trial. Civil cases are harder to predict.

The 'dollar value' of damages is inherently uncertain, especially near the beginning of a case. The lawyer should question you closely about all the facts of the accident, and all the effects of the accident on your life (medical bills, additional costs for household work, lost wages, pain and suffering both temporary and permanent, loss of pleasurable activities, effect on sex life, etc. etc.) The lawyer will probably consult one of the journals or treatises which examine settlements and jury verdicts in this State and throughout the country, and apply the premium or discount which has been calculated on the averages as applying to awards in the given county. A very weak rule of thumb is 'three times specials.' That is, add up the total of the special damages meaning those which can be readily measured in dollars, and multiply by 3 for a final settlement. My own experience is that this is not a very reliable rule of thumb, but it could be a starting point for thinking things through. Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer. Good Luck.

The Indiana wrongful death act allows a law suit for the benefit of the husband and the two children. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death.