LOL?

Always the punch line to jokes, lawyers sometime get a bad rap.  No doubt, some of the derision is well-deserved.  I always used to get a good belly laugh at dry-wit lawyer jokes.  Heck, I told my share of them without a second thought.  I joined in on the guffaws wondering if we attorneys really were all on a joyride to hell.  Then something happened a few years ago…

The greatest day of my life was the day that I accepted Jesus Christ into my Life.  But it was an interesting transformation for me in my life and practice because I was already an established personal injury attorney when I got saved.   After my rebirth, one doctor friend of mine tried to warn me, “say goodbye to your career” and proceed to try to convince me that people want their personal injury attorney to be unsaved, vicious and wicked.

Indeed, some people think that it is odd when I tell them that I am both a born-again believer and a personal injury attorney … as if those two things do not go together.  But I wondered for a long time if the idea that a lawyer could be saved really is somehow an offense to some folks.  I have learned from being on both the defense and plaintiff side in injury cases that people are bias and sometime untrue to what they believe.  Despite what we all learn on Sunday, there really is a sentiment in our humanity that doesn’t always want to prefer the other’s advantage … a mindset that rails against doing unto others as you would have done unto you.  I know this sentiment all too well, since I try personal injury cases in court before juries.

I remember early in my practice when a jury consultant explained to me during an important trial this certain psychology of which to be aware, explaining to me that despite what we prove in our case, “some jurors simply do want to enrich their neighbors.”  Being able to discern this sentiment in a potential juror can be very helpful in securing a just and fair verdict.  My job as a litigator is made easier when I find jurors who are walking in what they claim to believe.  People should want the best for others, not just financially (in terms of fair compensation), but also spiritually.  Is that notion too revolutionary?

People should not only prefer — but also insist – on their attorney being Saved.  Personally, if I am going to court for any reason, I want the person who is speaking on my behalf to the court or to a group of strangers (called a “jury”) to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ … the Wonderful Counselor.  I am a better attorney when I consult with Him …. More, I am a better person.

A very wise theologian once explained to me that “Nothing lost in God’s economy.”  I have come to find that to be true.  I continued to practice law and to represent people for their injuries after my salvation.  As I walk with God, I see things and have new insights that simply did not exist years before when I was unsaved.  I continue to help people – only now with a new-born passion that is breathed into me.  Many clients have confided in me that it is very comforting to have an attorney who is living the surrendered life … and that you don’t have to leave the Kingdom in order to find a good attorney.

Who Is Responsible for the Accident?

A fundamental question following any accident is that of liability. Liability is the legal concept that is essentially means “fault” — the question of who is at fault for the accident. Although the concept sounds simple, the determination of liability is sometimes not simple at all. In many cases, more than one party (person or corporation or other legal entity) is liable. Indeed, more than one insurance company may be trying to assess their own financial responsibility.

From time to time, a person who is making the accident claim may be liable to some degree for his or her accident. Percentages are often used by a court or jury to describe liability — for example, a plaintiff (the accident victim) being found 30 percent liable, and the defendant being 70 percent liable.

In most cases, even if the person making the claim is partially liable, he or she may still be eligible to recover damages.

How Much Is Your Accident Claim Worth?

Although the same types of accidents are common—for example, car crashes or slip and fall, or premises liability, etc.—every particular accident and resulting claim is unique. Establishing the value of an accident claim involving injury is not an exact science, since the ultimate answer of the “worth” of the case is determined by a judge or jury. Some of the obvious consequences of an accident and injury are easy to describe, and it’s easy to put a dollar amount to them. Other consequences are not so easily explained, and require an expert opinion. The following are the most common losses taken into consideration when determining compensation in an accident claim involving injury:

• Medical costs and related expenses
• Income lost because of the accident, because of time spent receiving medical treatment or undergoing rehabilitation
• Permanent disfigurement or physical disability
• Emotional damages, such as stress, depression, embarrassment, or strains on family relationships
• Loss of family, social, or educational experiences (e.g., missed school or training, vacation, special event, or other opportunity )
• Damaged property

The Romano Law Firm Can Help

Whatever the nature and extent of damages or the type of injury you’ve suffered, it will be very helpful for you to have the guidance of an experienced attorney when you make an accident claim. Whether your accident was very recent and you haven’t begun the accident claim process, or if you’re already further along in the process, the oversight of a skilled attorney could make the difference between a successful claim and an unsuccessful one. Contact the qualified attorneys at The Romano Law Firm today to arrange a private and FREE consultation. We will explore with you all options and help you determine the best way to seek compensation.

The Romano Law Firm, P.A. handles injury and wrongful death claims throughout Florida and Oklahoma
Wrongful death suits can come about as a direct result of:
• Automobile / Vehicular Accidents
• Negligence
• Personal Injury Accidents
• Workplace Accidents
• Dangerous or Defective Products
• Fire

Common things to expect when one has experienced the wrongful death of a friend or relative can range from loss of income, sorrow, mental anguish, loss of companionship, hospital bills, and other economic damages.

In addition to car accidents, one of the most frequent causes of wrongful death is medical malpractice. Thousands die each year because this kind of wrongful death is not filed or goes unnoticed. Contact the Romano Law Firm if you think a relative or someone you know died as a result of medical malpractice. You may be able to file a Wrongful Death suit, if there is a loss of substantial loss of income and benefits caused by the victim’s death or loss of inheritances caused by the wrongful death of the individual.

The Romano Law Firm is available for home and hospital visits by appointment. 918-409-7711

Who Is Responsible for the Accident?

A fundamental question following any accident is that of liability. “Liability” is the legal concept that covers the issue of “fault” — the question of who is at fault for the accident, or what caused the injury or accident. . Although the concept sounds simple, the determination of liability is sometimes not simple at all. In many cases, more than one party (person or corporation or other legal entity) is liable.

Sometimes the person who is making the accident claim is liable to some degree for his or her accident. Percentages are often used by a court, jury, or fact-finder to describe liability — for example, the injured party (plaintiff, or accident victim) in some jurisdictions may be found up to 50% at fault and still be able to make a claim for the remaining liability attributed to the other party. A rough example of that is when there is a car crash involving two cars, one which had the right of way, but was speeding.
Even if the person making the claim is partially liable, he or she may still be eligible to recover damages.

What is the value of Your Accident Claim?

Although the same types of accidents are common—for example, car crashes and “slip and falls,” every particular accident claim is unique in its evaluation. Calculating how much any specific accident claim is worth is not an exact science. Some of the consequences of an accident are easy to describe, and it’s easy to put a dollar amount to them. Other consequences are not so easily explained. The following are the most common losses taken into consideration when determining compensation in an accident claim:
• Immediate Property damage losses and other economics losses.
• Medical costs and related expenses , including medication (both prescription and over-the-counter)
• Lost wages, loss of opportunity and other Income lost because of the accident, or because of time spent receiving medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation or physical therapy
• Permanent disfigurement, physical disability, or death
• Emotional damages, such as stress, depression, embarrassment, or strain on family relationships
• Loss of family, social, or educational experiences (for example, missed school, training, vacation, or a special event)
• Loss of health benefits, loss of sick or vacation time (which had to be used as a result of the car accident or treatment)
• Damaged property
• Future economic losses, such as future medical treatment, medication, or future surgery)
• The law even allows compensation for such issues as inconvenience of having to visit the doctors several times a month (or week), and gas mileage (which can add up quickly)

Why a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help?
No matter the type of accident, or the kind of injury you have suffered, it will be very helpful for you to have the guidance of an experienced personal injury trial attorney when you make an accident claim. The Romano Law Firm, P.A. wants to help. Whether your accident was very recent and you haven’t begun the accident claim process, or whether you are already further along in the process, the oversight of a skilled attorney and the claims handling expertise of our office will make the difference between a successful claim and an unsuccessful one. Contact us today to arrange a private and confidential consultation — your circumstances and options will be explored in detail. And we will put you on the road to make you whole again – physically and financially.

1. Seek immediate representation. Many people believe that hiring an attorney is the last thing to do. However, legal representation early in the process may help you from falling into the traps and pitfalls, which laypeople may not know about. We can make sure that your injury is properly documented (often beginning with hospital treatment). We can make sure that the proper parties are stepping up to the plate — and in most cases, we are able to help you avoid a deductible.

(For immediate help call the Romano Law Firm >> (918) 409-7711)

2. Seek medical treatment. Of course, in an emergency, hospital treatment is first. A diminished value in injury cases is often attributed to lack of treatment (and therefore lack of documentation regarding the severity of an injury). Sometimes a simple hospital visit or follow-up referral is not sufficient to document a claim, and specialists are required. We help guide the way.

SMALL FIRM HEART … BIG FIRM MUSCLE
3. Report the accident to your own insurance company. In many case, you have an obligation to report the claim to your own insurance company. However, you are cautioned against the many pitfalls of discussing your injury, or speaking directly with the insurance company of the party responsible for the crash. Even during the reporting process, it is helpful for legal counsel to be involved with every communication with the insurance company so that your interests and rights are not violated, and since the Romano Law Firm does not charge and hourly rate, there are no legal fees for having us help to handle these details.

4. Don’t be lead by fears. From personal experience, after being hit, it can be intimidating to get back on into your life and back on the road. Even getting behind the wheel can be a little dreadful. Putting you on the path towards wellness and wholeness can be reassuring and comforting. The Romano Law Firm can help. We know the Way!

(For immediate help call the Romano Law Firm >> (918) 409-7711)