More often than not, people choose an attorney because of recommendations by people they know. This is probably because they have no other basis for making a decision. The following are reasons you should consider me as your attorney:
1. I am board certified in personal injury trial law.
Less than 3% of all attorneys licensed to practice law in Texas are board certified in personal injury trial law. Because I am board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, you can trust that I have the education, the training, and the acknowledged experience to represent you at the highest level. Top of Page
2. My fees are normally lower than most personal injury attorneys.
In most personal injury matters, the claimant is incapable of paying for the attorney's efforts except by payment of a percentage of the recovery. A personal injury attorney will typically charge one-third (33 and 1/3%) of the gross amount recovered, and more if suit must be filed or an appeal is necessary. Case development expenses, court costs and litigation expenses incurred may be additional to these fees. Top of Page
My fees are negotiable.
A. I will receive no attorney’s fees unless you recover. Further, if there is no recovery, you will not be responsible for any case development costs, court costs or litigation expenses. You (or your insurance company) will be responsible, of course, for any unpaid medical bills.
B. My fees are a percentage of the gross amount recovered before deductions for expenses.
(i) If I settle your claim without filing suit my fees normally are 30%. (Most cases settle if they are properly developed.) I will not settle your claim without your consent.
(ii) If settlement does not occur and you direct me to file suit, my fees normally are 33 and 1/3%. Attorney fees will increase to 35% if an appeal is necessary.
C. Case development costs, court costs, and litigation expenses are paid from your share of the recovery. Medical bills, as required by law (or per your instructions), are paid from your share of the recovery as well. Otherwise, you are responsible for payment of your medical bills.
"Case development costs" include all charges billed by other businesses for medical bills and records, expert reports, and other expenses of similar nature. (You are not charged for or responsible for services of my staff, ordinary office supplies, local transportation, faxes, long distance, or other similar items.) Top of Page
3. I carry malpractice insurance for your protection.
Many attorneys spend a lot of money marketing themselves with expensively designed websites, telephone book and television advertising, but do not carry malpractice insurance. Just as all responsible drivers carry liability insurance regardless of their driving skills, good attorneys carry malpractice insurance. We are all human and capable of making mistakes for which we should be held responsible. Good attorneys respect their clients and recognize the importance of carrying malpractice insurance so that if they do negligently cause harm to their clients, they can compensate them adequately. Top of Page
4. I will personally meet with you to discuss your claim.
You cannot judge well whether you will have a good working relationship with an attorney without first meeting the attorney. Except in unusual circumstances, you should meet with your attorney before you decide to sign a contract for legal services.
As your attorney I have the ethical obligation to represent you zealously and to the best of my ability, regardless of the fees to be earned. This duty can best be met by personally working with you from start to finish.
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Copyright © 2009 David B. Pittard All rights reserved