What is Case Evaluation?
A free consultation with a personal injury attorney to assess the strength of your claim, potential damages, and whether to pursue legal action.
Understanding Case Evaluation
Most personal injury attorneys offer free case evaluations because they work on contingency. During evaluation, attorneys review facts, assess liability and damages, explain the legal process, and advise on options. There is no obligation to hire the attorney.
Examples
- 1Initial consultation about car accident
- 2Attorney reviewing medical records and bills
- 3Assessment of case value and strategy
Related Terms
Contingency Fee
A fee arrangement where the attorney's payment is contingent upon winning the case. The attorney receives a percentage of the recovery, typically 33-40%, and no fee if the case is lost.
Statute of Limitations
A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the statute of limitations expires, the claim is typically barred forever.
Settlement
An agreement between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial. Settlements typically involve the defendant paying the plaintiff an agreed-upon sum in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit where each party can obtain evidence from the opposing party through various methods including interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents.
Deposition
Sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness or party that is recorded for later use in court proceedings. Depositions are a key part of the discovery process.
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