FAQ

Question: How is an attorney paid for the services provided?

Olsheski Law Co., LPA prides itself on offering clients fee arrangements that are both creative and most appropriate for the client and the matter. To that end, there are a variety of fee and billing arrangements.

• Contingent Fees – When a client has no other means by which to finance the litigation, an attorney can agree to fees contingent upon obtaining a recovery (whether by settlement, verdict or otherwise). If our client receives compensation, then our fee is taken as a percentage of the gross amount recovered. The percentage varies by the type of claim and the difficulty of the matter. If we do not succeed in obtaining compensation for the client, our firm receives no fee for its services. When it can be used, the advantage of this fee system is that the financial interests of the client and the law firm are always totally aligned with one another.
• Hourly Rates – Some of our clients prefer being billed monthly at an hourly rate. The actual rate charged will vary based upon the nature of the litigation, the services provided, and the attorney or support staff who is providing them.
• Blended Rates – Other clients prefer to benefit from a combination of both an hourly and contingent fee structure. The actual hourly rate and the percentage charged will be arranged by agreement with the client. This particular fee structure usually benefits both the client and the law firm when the risk is easier to calculate and the client is more sophisticated in litigation matters.
• Modified Percentage Fees – This is a contingency fee arrangement. The percentage is reduced for certain matters, or the percentage varies depending at which stage of the case it resolves. As the risk increases, the percentage typically increases too.
• Costs and Expenses – The expenses of litigation vary in amount and kind depending on the case. In some cases, these costs may be modest and include court filing fees, photocopying costs and travel expenses. In other cases, in order to properly prosecute the claim, expenses that are more extensive will be incurred for such items as expert witness fees, video depositions, and demonstrative aids prepared for trial presentation. These costs and expenses will be either paid from the client’s part of any recovery or paid as the case progresses. If there is no recovery for our client on a contingency fee matter, then costs and expenses are handled in accordance with the agreement we make at the time we accept the representation.

Question: When should I contact a lawyer?

Answer: Immediately. It is important to get an attorney involved in the representation immediately after an injury, death or other incident occurs. Otherwise, time becomes your enemy for many reasons; vehicles, documents, skid marks and other evidence can be lost; memories fade; and you may unintentionally do things that adversely affect your claim. Once an accident, death, breach of contract or threat of litigation takes place, you should consult with an attorney immediately because it is a “legal emergency.”

Question: How does an attorney decide if there is a claim to pursue?

Answer: The lawyer determines if there is valid legal theory to support the claim, whether there was a substantial injury or loss, and whether there is a collectable party or available insurance. Without all three of these elements, the attorney will advise you not to pursue the matter.

Question: How do I know if I need a lawyer?

Answer: If you were a doctor, would you operate on yourself? Of course not. There is an old adage attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Similarly, if you have a serious legal matter, why would you risk representing yourself?

If there is insurance coverage involved, there is no way that the average client can unravel and comprehend the policy language, and many insurance adjusters will take advantage of clients who they know are unknowledgeable about the claim handling procedures, the evaluation process and the statutes of limitations involved. Even your own insurance company cannot represent your interest. Clients need to know their rights, and the only way to assure they gain this information on which to make sound decisions is to engage the services of an attorney.

Question: How much am I entitled to recover?

Answer: Usually, a person or business that has sustained a loss because of the fault of another is entitled to fair and reasonable compensation in an amount that puts them in the place they would have been in had the incident never occurred.

In a personal injury claim, that includes the cost of related past and future medical bills and expenses, the related lost income or wages and compensation for the pain, suffering and anxiety experienced. In a wrongful death claim, generally, the next-of-kin are entitled to reimbursement of the funeral bills, loss of prospective inheritance and compensation for the loss of society, companionship, guidance, and love the decedent would have otherwise provided the family member. In some cases, there may also be a recovery for the decedent’s last medical bills and their conscious pain and suffering.

No two cases are alike. Until the facts and circumstances of the matter are thoroughly investigated, no attorney can give you an estimated range of recovery that is appropriate. Clients are unprepared to undertake this evaluation process without the assistance of competent counsel.

Question: How long will my case last?

Answer: As long as it takes to achieve a proper result.

There is no set time. Some claims can settle in as little as six months. Others, where filing a lawsuit is required, may take three years. Once a case is filed, the judge assigned will set the trial date and other dates that affect the timing of the matter.

Question: How do I select a lawyer?

Answer: This is the hardest question of all. First, you need to select a person with whom you feel you can develop trust and rapport. You are going to have a long-term relationship with this person. Therefore, if you do not get a good impression from the lawyer at your first meeting, it will not likely improve. Secondly, you need to inquire as to their experience, knowledge, and training. Get a lawyer who has the right tools for the representation you require. Lastly, it needs to be a lawyer who seems to be able to explain and communicate well with you. The best attorney in the world who you do not understand is not the right one for you.

Olsheski Law Co., LPA
600 East Rich Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-252-5500
Fax: 614-252-5058

The law firm of Olsheski Law Co.,  in Columbus, Ohio, represents clients in Franklin County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, Union County, Madison County, Pickaway County, Licking County, Logan County, and Ross County including Marysville, London, Circleville, Lancaster, Newark, Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Chillicothe and Bellefontaine.