Q: What will it cost me?
A: You pay nothing to Currie & Associates unless you obtain recovery for your claim. In almost every case, we advance all costs in an effort to get you compensation for your claim. If there is a settlement, verdict or award, and you end up recovering funds, our law firm generally takes a fee of one-third of the gross amount of that award, plus reimbursement for all costs advanced during the course of the suit.
Q: How long will it take?
A: Some cases settle quickly, some cases take years to resolve. The amount of time your case will take depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your claim, as well as where your claim is being prosecuted. Unfortunately, many of the outlying counties in Pennsylvania do not have the strict calendar system in place that allows cases to proceed briskly in Philadelphia. In New Jersey, all cases are meant to be resolved or tried within two years from the date they are filed, but even here, there is variation depending on the complexity of the case. When you contact us, we will be happy to discuss how long you can expect your case to take in light of its specifics.
Q: Will I have to go to Court?
A: If you are bringing a lawsuit, you must expect that you will have to go to Court. Most cases settle, but many do not. At the very least, you should expect to appear for a deposition, which is an out of court question and answer session where your testimony will be taken under oath. If your case has a more modest value, the matter may be heard at arbitration, which is a mini-trial, held outside of Court. Even in arbitration, your testimony will be absolutely necessary for the success of your claim. For more complicated claims with higher value, you should expect to go to Court and testify.
Q: Is there a time limit for bringing claims?
A: Almost every claim having to do with a personal injury in Pennsylvania and New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations. This means that the claims must be filed with the Court within two years of the date the claim arose. Some claims, however, require action far in advance of the two-year statute of limitations. If your claim is against a City, State or another municipal entity (e.g., SEPTA), you must give notice of your claim within mere months. In any case, you should contact us as soon as possible because, even if your case does not require immediate action, we will need time to review and evaluate the facts in order to provide you with the best representation possible.
Q: How much is my case worth?
A: Your case's value depends on numerous factors, including the permanency of any injuries you have suffered. If you have suffered an injury that will affect you for decades to come, and severely curtails your activities of daily living, your claim will be worth much more than one that causes you minor pain and inconvenience for a period of just a few months. When you contact us, we will be happy to discuss the range of values for your claim, depending on the specific facts and circumstances.
Q: What is a tort?
A: From the French word for "wrong," a tort refers to a civil wrong or wrongful act, whether committed intentionally or accidentally, from which injury to another occurs. Injury may be to your person or your property. Although Currie & Associates deals primarily with injuries to the person, we have expertise in all aspects of tort law, and urge you to contact us about any accidental or intentional wrong you have suffered.
Q: How do I go about picking the right lawyer?
A: Your personal injury claim requires carefully handling and expertise. You will have to work side by side with your lawyer, providing information and, eventually, testimony, so that your claim has a chance to succeed. It is essential that you work with someone who makes you feel comfortable and who is responsive to your needs. You do not want an attorney who tells stories of grand jury verdicts and settlements when the reality is that you have a more modest claim. You should meet with anyone you are considering hiring as your attorney, ask lots of questions, make sure that person returns your phone calls and explains the process in a way that you can understand.
Q. How can I contact J. Craig Currie & Associates?
1600 Market Street
25th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
currie@phillylaw.net
215-564-0833
TOLL FREE: 877-478-8529
FAX: 215-523-7911