A: We live in an age of specialization. Some lawyers concentrate on only one area of law. In this way, we are able to focus our major efforts in keeping current in our areas of practice. We devote all of our professional activities to cases involving personal injury, disability and medical malpractice. We do not have a "general practice." T. Robert Hill is currently certified as a civil trial specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization.
Q: What kinds of cases does Hill-Boren P.C. accept?
A: We accept cases involving personal injury, disability, and employment wrongs or discrimination. More specifically, the firm accepts cases involving:
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Q: How do I hire a lawyer?
A: If you have not already done so, you may call and talk to our intake paralegal regarding the facts of your case. One of our lawyers will then determine whether you should make an appointment to discuss your case with a lawyer.
Q: Is there any charge for the initial meeting with a lawyer?
A: No. The first consultation with any lawyer in our law firm is free. The initial interview allows us to determine if you have a case and if we are willing to represent you.
Q: How do I pay my lawyer?
A: In the personal injury and disability fields of the law most fees are contingent upon recovery. In other words, in the average automobile accident case our firm charges a one-third (1/3) contingency fee. If no recovery is made, there is no charge for the attorney's time.
In workers' compensation cases the fee is generally 20% of the total recovery. Fees for other cases vary depending on their difficulty and other factors. In addition, the lawyer is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
Q: Do all cases have to go to trial before a judge or jury?
A: No. Over 95% of our cases are settled prior to trial. Generally, only the large cases or highly disputed cases end up being tried before a jury or judge. Today many cases are resolved quickly through other forms of
dispute resolution such as mediation and arbitration. We will discuss all available options with you.
Q: How long will it take to complete my case?
A: This question cannot be easily answered. Each case is different. However, on the average in West Tennessee, most cases are concluded soon after the client is released from the doctor. Unfortunately, some court dockets are crowded which sometimes causes delay. Also, it is sometimes difficult to get medical depositions from doctors who are very busy. These and many other factors play a part in how fast we can complete your case. Mediation or arbitration may significantly speed up settlement of a case.
Q: How will I be kept informed about my case?
A: You will be actively involved in the preparation of your case and will know its status at all times. We encourage our clients to talk with the legal assistant assigned to their case as often as necessary. From time to time information will be sent to you from the office which will also keep you informed of your case status.
Q: What do I do when I have a question?
A: We are interested in your questions and we want you to feel free to ask them. Our lawyers are busy and it may not be possible for you to talk directly to them every time you call. That is why we ask you to make use of our legal assistants. You should talk with them freely and openly and direct any questions to them. If the questions are legal in nature, they will advise your lawyer who will consult with you.
Q: Will my case be settled without my approval?
A: No. Your lawyer will discuss valid settlement offers with you in every instance, and no settlement offer will be accepted without your approval.
Q: How do I know what amount is fair for a settlement?
A: Your lawyer will explain clearly to you the factors which play a part in evaluating a claim. Your lawyer will make recommendations to you and try to clearly explain to you the reasons for the recommendations. Since our lawyers have experience in settling cases and know what juries and judges generally award in a similar case, clients usually follow our recommendations.
Q: Are legal assistants lawyers?
A: No. Legal assistants are highly qualified and experienced members of our litigation team. They help our lawyers prepare lawsuits by doing investigations, medical research, legal research and other important support work. They cannot give legal advice and you should not ask them for such advice. When it is necessary for you to have legal advice, the assistant will consult with a lawyer immediately. However, in the day-to-day preparation of your claim, you should give the legal assistants all of the cooperation you possibly can. It is to your benefit to work with them.
Q: What if I cannot come to your office during regular office hours?
A: Special arrangements can be made for you if you call and tell us your problem. When needed, we are able to schedule appointments at nightand on the weekends. If necessary, we will also come to the hospital or your home.
Q: Does your law firm handle lawsuits outside Tennessee?
A: Yes. Generally, we personally handle cases in Tennessee and North Mississippi. However, we have available to us a nationwide network of specialized personal injury and employment attorneys who work with us on cases. We accept riverboat and railroad injury cases from across the South. If you live outside Tennessee and have a serious injury case we would be pleased to talk with you and, if necessary, assist you in selecting a qualified lawyer near your home.
Q: How do I get more information about my case if I have not already hired a lawyer?
A: We encourage you to hire a lawyer competent in personal injury to handle your case. There is no substitute for professional assistance in highly specialized areas of the law. Upon inquiry we do provide prospective clients with information booklets covering such fields as workers' compensation, railroad workers' injuries and riverboat workers' injuries. We may also be able to answer questions over the telephone or via E-mail (law@hillboren.com) in our fields of practice (personal injury, woker's compensation and medical malpractice).
We're easy to talk to and your first visit is free.
At Hill-Boren we're here to help and we know how.
