Lawyers & Their Clients

                                  Risks of Going to Trial

A recent study regarding civil lawsuits illustrates that plaintiffs benefit more financially when their respective cases reach settlements rather than being taken to court.  Contrary to the study’s findings many injury victims compare settlements to “only winning half the prize.”  They believe that by going to trial there is more money to be earned and additional compensation to be awarded.  However, the study indicates just the opposite and estimates that individuals are actually losing an average of $43,000 for each time that they decide to take their cases to court.  So why are people falling into this costly trap?  Many are blaming personal injury lawyers, criticizing their judgment, advice and private agendas. The study suggests that lawyers are not properly communicating with their clients as the risks of going to trial often go unexplained and trustworthy lawyer-client relationships rarely form. Furthermore, the study shows that lawyers are pushing their clients towards going to trial in hopes of collecting fees which are only guaranteed after a case is won.  Therefore, during a lawsuit it’s important for clients to make wise decisions and to properly manage risks. Fortunately for clients, lately it seems that the safer route (settling) has also become the more rewarding option, making the settling vs. trial call that much easier.     

Our office has found that juries throughout the City of New York and Long Island have become increasingly conservative with their awards.  Many attorneys believe that Nassau and Suffolk Counties are even more conservative than the Counties in New York City.  As a result we believe in having very detailed in-person conferences with our clients to explain the benefits and risks of settling their case and/or going to trial.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/08/business/08law.html?_r=1&em@oref=slogin

                    The #1 Complaint by Clients about Their Lawyers

The number one complaint that clients have about their lawyers…No return phone calls. The key to any relationship is communication. The attorney client relationship is no different. If your lawyer is not returning your phone calls in a reasonably timely manner it may be time to think of somebody new.