Attorneys

What to look for when selecting an ethical Insurance Claims Attorney:

Remember, when you hire an attorney you are paying for a service and you should be satisfied with the quality of that service. They should return your phone calls promptly, communicate with you personally and keep you updated on the status of your case. The attorney should also discuss the terms of your contract, including fees, up front. If you believe your attorney's performance is less than stellar, realize that you can replace them at your own discretion.

Interview them to decide which attorney you would like to handle your case. This interview takes place at an initial consultation. Don't expect your case to be solved during this visit. Consultations usually last 30 minutes so be prepared. Here are a few tips to get you ready.

• Write down your story, in your own words before your meeting to organize all of your thoughts;

• Make sure to bring copies of any documents that may affect your case;

• Give your attorney any names or dates that affect your case so the attorney has an idea of who is involved;

• Be prepared to answer all the attorney's questions; the attorney knows which questions to ask to help you;

• Always tell the truth even if you think some details may hurt your case.

• Don't lie or exaggerate the facts;

• Avoid becoming too emotional;

• Make sure you feel comfortable before leaving the attorney office. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Questions to ask an attorney:

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Do I need legal representation for my problem?

3. Have you handled cases like mine in the past?

4. What have results been on my type of case?

5. Will you be handling my case personally? If not, what kind of work will you be doing and who will be doing the rest of the work?

6. How available are you for meetings and phone calls?

7. How do you handle fees? Get a written retainer including:

   • Charges: Do you charge by the hour, a flat rate or contingency?

   • Services that are included

   • Extra fees that will be assessed

   • How you will be billed

8. What are the possible outcomes in cases such as this?

9. How long do you expect this matter to take?

10. What are my alternatives?

11. Do you recommend arbitration or mediation?

Insurance Claims Tips:

• Make sure you record and safely store, a tape depicting all/most of your insured property.

• Keep policies in safe, but readily accessible location.

• Report losses to agent/insurance company as soon as possible and definitely within the time frame set forth in the policy.

• Document all phone calls/conversations with the insurance agency/company.

• Maintain all property involved as well as possible for reasonable inspection by the insurance company.

• DO NOT give any recorded/written statements without the advice of an attorney.

• DO NOT cash any drafts/checks sent by the insurance company until you know whether that check extinguishes all claims you may have.

Vaughan & Maxwell, P.A.

Vaughan & Maxwell is a renowned consumer and injury law firm committed to serving aggrieved individuals in Florida and the United States. The firm has been honored with an AV rating from Martindale-Hubble; that being the highest rating possible and based upon reputation within the legal community.

In the mid 1980s, the firm focused primarily on workers' compensation lawsuits, but shortly expanded to cover other areas of injury practice. Vaughan Maxwell now handles a wide variety of personal injury claims including wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, mass tort and product liability cases, bad faith insurance claims, and certain consumer fraud and class action cases.

The attorneys at Vaughan & Maxwell have successfully litigated against many multi-million dollar corporations such as Disney, Universal Studios, Florida Hospital, Orlando Regional Medical Center, and more. Vaughan & Maxwell is networked in with a group of skilled law firms nationwide to collectively battle large companies without being financially intimidated. Vaughan & Maxwell has handled numerous claims on the state and national scene against major companies with successful results. See our web site for results as well as pending cases - www.vaughanpa.com

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement.  Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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