Don't believe everything you see and hear
Just because it is on tv or the radio does not make the statement true. This is a time for me to get on my soapbox on an issue that bothers me. Let's get this out of the way first. I don't have a problem with law firms that advertise. That being said, where I get twisted is when the advertising borders on misleading. You know the advertisements I am talking about. The ones with the call to action to find out what your case is worth and the ones with attractive and completely healthy actors reciting something like, "I was disfigured in a car wreck and (fill in the blank) got me $750,000!" The truth is that to get a 6 or 7 figure damage award, a person generally has had the type of injury that I would not wish on my worst enemy. In the real world insurance companies do not throw out money like drunken sailors. They are in the business of making money, generally, at your expense.
Anyone that tries to lure you into their office with promises of an unrealistic recovery or that they can meet with you and tell you what your case is worth, is not being completely straight with you. Sure, I can tell you what your case is worth if you have some damage to your car and were not injured, but once we get into the realm of valuing personal injury cases it becomes more difficult. If someone tells you they can tell what your case is worth, without reviewing your medical records, your medical history, determining your financial losses, and learning how your injuries have changed your life, then they are either sitting on top of a mountain in a white robe or they are taking a shot in the dark. More likely the latter than the former.
One of the more difficult things for an attorney to tell a client is, "No, I can't give you a good assessment of the value of your claim until I have the records necessary to make the correct assessment." Good clients appreciate an attorney that will be honest with them rather than telling them what they want to hear.
The law offers clear guidelines on what can and can't be part of a claim. Seasoned lawyers will make and take the time to carefully evaluate your case and not create expectations of a recovery that may not come to fruition. They understand the client's interest comes first.
