It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to quickly offer a settlement after an accident. While it may seem tempting to accept and avoid the complexities of legal action, it’s crucial to pause. Such offers often fall short of covering your long-term needs, and accepting could mean forfeiting your right to seek further compensation, especially if your condition worsens over time.
Choosing the right legal representation is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A respected law firm earns its reputation through a consistent track record of success and client satisfaction. If you’re seeking a personal injury attorney in Fresno, consider asking local professionals like judges, court reporters, or healthcare providers for recommendations.
We value transparency and will keep referring attorneys updated on case progress. Before making your choice, take the time to ensure your potential legal team has the experience and resources to effectively represent you, even if your case goes to trial or appeal.
At Miles, Sears & Eanni, we believe that everyone deserves their day in court, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. Unlike a retainer fee, which requires an upfront payment, a contingency fee means we only get paid if you do. Our fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you, typically ranging from one-quarter to one-third.
This percentage can vary based on the complexity of the case, the stage at which it’s resolved, and any expenses that have been advanced or incurred. If no recovery is secured, you owe us nothing in attorney fees, although you would be responsible for any costs advanced during the lawsuit. This approach allows us to serve clients who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation.
Typically, part of the contingency fee agreement is that litigation and case costs are advanced by the law firm. Once the case is resolved, the attorney’s fees are taken out first and then the costs are taken out, which results in the attorneys receiving a higher fee. Miles, Sears & Eanni does not follow this practice—instead, we take the costs out of the total value prior to calculating its attorneys’ fees. This results in a lower fee for you.
When selecting a law firm, certain responsibilities they take on can make a significant impact in your experience. At Miles, Sears & Eanni, we offer a range of services and help designed to put you, the client, at the center of everything we do. It’s our way of ensuring that your journey through the legal process is as smooth and supportive as possible.
Handling all calls and letters from insurance
Reimbursing lien holders
Educating you on the legal process so that you know the steps of the lawsuit and surprises are avoided
Providing a safe and trustworthy environment so you can focus on getting better and moving forward
Gathering medical records
Returning calls
Keeping you updated on the status of your case
Providing confidence in your lawyer, helping to take the focus off the lawsuit
Often resulting in higher-value settlements
Jumping on cases early (not waiting until the last minute to file your case)
Immediately hiring experts so they work the case up with you and your attorneys
Ensuring all of the documentation to support your claim is gathered
Handling cases thoroughly
Taking depositions to gather facts early on in the process
Having a good reputation in the local community
Taking a limited number of cases so attorneys are familiar with your entire case
Miles, Sears & Eanni offers free consultations with potential clients. Please call and speak with one of our team members to determine if your case is something that Miles, Sears & Eanni can handle.
Once a lawsuit is filed and the defendant(s) has/have appeared, a process called “discovery” happens where the parties exchange information and have a chance to develop evidence. Some of this is done in writing and others are done through oral testimony called “depositions.” Usually, as the case approaches trial, the parties will engage in settlement discussions at mediation or settlement conferences at the court.
We recommend hiring an attorney as soon as possible. Some cases have very short windows to file a claim or lawsuit and it is better to speak to an attorney before those deadlines have passed.
