Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Insurance Disputes

Below are some initial questions many clients have when they first contact Benjamin W. Glass, III & Assoc. PC. The questions below may address many initial concerns you may have. If you don't find the answers here, you should contact us for answers to questions specific to your firm. The consultation is free.

Virginia Personal Injury Attorney

• I visited a Northern Virginia personal injury attorney for a free consultation about my car accident case. I had not seen a doctor.
  
  This lawyer had a stack of business cards of doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors on his desk. He told me he could set me up on referal and I wouldn't need to pay anything up front to visit one of these health care professionals.
  
  Is this a good idea?
  
• I visited a Northern Virginia personal injury attorney for a free consultation about my car accident case. I had not seen a doctor.
  
  This lawyer had a stack of business cards of doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors on his desk. He told me he could set me up on referal and I wouldn't need to pay anything up front to visit one of these health care professionals.
  
  Is this a good idea?
  
• A friend was in a car accident and broke her arm. She got a lot of money. Will my case be worth as much as hers?
• If this is a case about my child's injuries, do I need to bring my child in to see you?
• If this is my child's case, will I need to bring my child into court at the time of trial?

Virginia Medical Malpractice Cases

• I was on a medical malpractice jury recently. Although we wanted to find for the plaintiff we were afraid that our verdict would destroy the doctor financially. His wife was sitting in the courtroom during closing arguments and we really felt sorry for them. Will a doctor be destroyed by a medical malpractice verdict?
• You declined my case. How come?
• Why do we need expert witnesses in our case?
• How can we prevent the doctor from altering my medical records?
• What is "informed consent?"
• What is the "continuous treatment" rule?
• If I sue my doctor, is he going to lose his license?

Car Accidents and Personal Injury Cases in Virginia

• I was hit by a drunk driver several months ago and walked away with only soft tissue injuries to my neck and back and a cracked rib.  Several lawyers told me it is not worth it to sue, but to get as much as I can from the drunk driver's insurance company.  My medical bills and loss of income total nearly $6000.  How much should expect to get in the settlement when I factor in pain and suffering and liability?
  
  
• What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage? Do I Need This Type of Coverage?
• I was involved in an accident and the other driver was insured by Allstate. I have received a letter from Allstate telling me that I don't need a lawyer. Is this true?
• Are photos of the accident scene helpful?
• If an insurance adjuster calls me after my accident to ask me questions, can I talk to him?

General

• What is your "success rate?"
• I am concerned about how easily it may be for information about my medical records to get into unauthorized hands. Does Virginia permit hospitals to distribute information about me to others?

Serious Personal Injury

• I have been injured in an accident and I need an attorney. Do I need to find a specialist or can I use a anyone who advertises in the telephone book?
• I have been involved in an accident and the medical bills are mounting. The insurance company for the driver who hit me says they will pay my medical bills and give me a " little something " for pain and suffering. They have asked me to sign a medical release. Should I take them up on their offer?
• I have been injured in an automobile accident. Will you refer me to a doctor or chiropractor that you work with?
• What is a life care planner?
• I heard about that lady who received millions of dollars from McDonalds after she spilled hot coffee on herself. Wasn't that an example of an outrageous jury award?
• I was serving on a jury and the plaintiff was asking for her medical bills to be repaid. The jury figured that the bills were probably all covered by insurance. Was this correct?

Medical Malpractice

• Is there any way to check up on my physician to see what her credentials are?
• The doctor prescribed a drug for my heart but the pharmacist improperly filled the prescription. Luckily, I was not harmed but I might have
• I have just been diagnosed with cancer and I believe that my doctor should have made the diagnosis earlier - How much time do I have to sue?

General

• If a family member has died and I need to come to you for legal advice, what documents do I need to bring to our meeting?
• I have heard about people who file frivolous lawsuits. What about businesses--are all of their cases legitimate?

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