FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a lawyer to handle my personal injury case?
You should consult with an attorney in every personal injury case and decide after that consultation what is in your best interest. Claims adjusters are trained to settle claims to the insurance company’s advantage. Your lawyer is there to look out for your interests, not the insurance company’s interests.
What can I recover by filing a claim?
You are entitled to recover for all “damages” caused by your accident. Every case is different, however generally, you are allowed to be compensated for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Permanent physical impairment (also referred to as loss of function)
- Disfigurement
Do I have to file a lawsuit against the person who caused my injuries?
No, most personal injury matters are concluded by settlement with an insurance company. However, sometimes a lawsuit must be filed in order to obtain a full and fair recovery.
Will you be the actual attorney handling my case?
Yes, be careful about the meet and greet, and then never seeing that lawyer again. Large firms typically schedule new client appointments with a named partner only to later hand the file off to an overworked associate. Attorney John C. Dorn will be the attorney and the only attorney to work on your case from the initial consultation through completion by settlement or verdict.
I have been out of work since my accident and have no money to hire a lawyer. Are you able to help me?
Yes, all personal injury matters are accepted on a contingency fee basis which means there are no upfront costs to you. In fact there are no fees at all unless and until Attorney Dorn successfully resolves your case.
Many lawyers who handle personal injury cases make the same promises, why should I hire you?
Admittedly, I am not the attorney for every client or every personal injury case. There are many qualified lawyers throughout this state and across the country providing competent legal representation to injured clients. However, there are only a handful of trial attorneys who are also licensed physicians that provide or have provided direct patient care. I know first hand about bodily injury because I saw it and treated it every day for almost 20 years. Further, I testified about it as an expert witness many times allowing me to develop a unique “medical-legal” perspective which few others have.