WHY IS A
LAWYER NECESSARY?
The law requires the injured party to prove fault and damages
against the at fault party. The defense of the at fault party is taken
over by the insurance carrier and their lawyers - all trained
professionals whose sole task is to reduce the value of your claim.
Your lawyer takes on the burden of proving your case. Robert E. Barnett
and his associates investigate, gather data, evaluate complicated
liability rules relating to the fault of all parties concerned, and
advise you on the most reasonable action to pursue your claim. Mr.
Barnett is experienced in evaluating damage issues pertaining to loss of
income, pain and suffering, and all claim-related injuries. He handles
lien claims from MediCal, Kaiser, other medical payment providers, and
workers' compensation. Mr. Barnett tracks the strict time deadlines
involved and files the legal papers necessary to preserve your case. The
expertise, knowledge and experience of Mr. Barnett and his associates
provide a team approach to representation in your case. You are no
longer alone to face the demands for proof by the insurance company and
their lawyers and adjusters.
IS THERE A CASE?
To determine whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed with
legal action, we will consider the evidence available. We will honestly
evaluate the potential for financial recovery, and explain the
applicable rules to you.
WHO IS THE ADVERSARY?
(Opponent)?
Usually the insurance company who represents the responsible party
(defendant) is your opponent. While the insurance company adjusters are
frequently friendly, you must understand that their goal is to settle
your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. Their goal is to defeat
all or part of your claim if they can.
HOW SOON SHOULD I SEE A LAWYER?
Right away! The first task is an investigation to document and prove
a claim. In an auto case, photograph of the vehicles and the collision
site must be taken before this evidence disappears. Also statements of
witnesses must be taken while memories are still fresh. Equally
important is the photographing of injuries and documentation of medical
treatment to prove what you have had to endure.
An expert may need to be consulted and is more effective if able to view
and study the fresh, original evidence.
Frequently, photographs of the automobile involved in the accident need
to be preserved, and can sometimes prove to be the deciding factor later
in a case. For example, in a major truck collision case, recently won by
Robert Barnett's office, the opponent was at the scene within an hour of
the collision. Luckily for our client, an independent photographer took
pictures that were not obtained by the opponent, which proved the
defendant was at fault.
IS OUR FIRM LARGE ENOUGH TO HANDLE A MAJOR CASE?
Yes, Usually the attorney pays the costs of the case and is
reimbursed when the case settles. (Technically, these costs are
considered a loan to the client.) The Barnett Law Firm has sufficient
economic resources to pay for whatever investigation, experts, or
resources are necessary to prove the case. Our staff is well qualified
and compares to any of the work units in major law firms in Sacramento
or San Francisco. Associate attorneys who are trained specialists in the
personal injury field are part of the staff that works on each case.
Mr. Barnett and his staff have over 70 years of experience in successful
representation of individuals in personal injury matters.
A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF LEGAL, FACTUAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH IS COMPILED
BEFORE ANY DECISIONS ARE MADE. NO CASE IS SETTLED WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT. |