How do I know if I may need an attorney?
If you have been seriously injured or are unsure as to the outcome of your injury, an experienced personal injury attorney should always be consulted before you give any statements or sign any papers of any kind, and as soon after your injury as possible.
In a serious injury case, you are better off hiring an attorney as soon as possible. I offer a free consultation with no obligation, therefore you have nothing to lose by consulting with me. Most other attorneys operate the same way.
There is a statute of limitations that requires you to file suit within a specific period of time, depending upon the circumstances of your case, or else you will be prohibited from obtaining any recovery. An attorney can help make sure your claim is made before it expires.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a fee that is used by lawyers in most personal injury cases. The fee is usually paid as a percentage of your monetary recovery. A contingent fee is what is meant when you hear "there is no fee unless there is a recovery".
If I have a personal injury claim do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court between opposing lawyers or by the insurance company. Less than 5% of cases actually end up in a courtroom being heard by a judge or jury.
How long do I have to make a claim for Personal Injuries?
Generally, in Hawaii you have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss the statutory deadline for filing a case, your case can be thrown out of court. There are many exceptions to the “two year” rule, so you should not assume that two years applies to your case. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. (As just one example, you may have only six months to file a claim against a county.)
How long will it take to settle my claim or take it to trial?
The time it takes to settle a personal injury case depends on the circumstances surrounding the case. The more complex the case, the longer it may take to settle. Some cases we can settle in days, weeks, or months. Others can take years. If a settlement is not possible, and a case goes to trial, it will almost always be 1-2 years after the claim is filed. I am experienced in jury trials in Hawaii courts.
