Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our personal injury attorney, Jason Reynolds, has plenty of experience with personal injury law. He knows the ins and outs of personal injury cases and can work with you to find the best solution for your individual case.

Yes. Our office hours are 9:00–5:00 Monday through Friday. Real people answer the phone – not a machine. After hours, you can e-mail any one of us, or text or call your attorney on his cellphone. We try to get back to you either the same day or the next.

We are diligent about returning calls and e-mails, but we’re also human – every now and then we may not get back to you as quickly as we intend. If we don’t, please call back.

We don’t know – at least not at the beginning. Anyone who gives you a number over the phone or the internet is guessing. It takes hard work to figure out what can be done with any given case – and even harder work to maximize the result.

We don’t advertise how much money we got for someone. Every case and every client is unique. It’s the client’s business and it should stay private.

We win a lot, but no, we don’t win every single one. One of the hardest things about being a lawyer is explaining to a client that we lost. The fact is if a lawyer takes the tough cases and fights for his client, he won’t win every time. The best we can do is make sure we are thorough and prepared for whatever happens. We have to be willing to go to trial and we have to be willing to settle – whichever is the best option for you. The decision to settle is ultimately yours. We give you the advice and insight to weigh your options, understand the risks, and make a decision you can live with.

We tell it like it is. We don’t make false promises about what we can do for you. We will let you know the strengths and weaknesses of your case – and give it to you straight whether it’s good news or bad news. We always have your very best interest in mind.

We won’t guarantee a certain result in any case (because we can’t – no one can). We promise to work hard on your behalf and take every reasonable step to make sure your case turns out the best it can.

We work as a team. You get a specific lawyer and paralegal when you sign up with us. The rest of the team pitches in to help, so you will get to know every one of us. Most of your day to day communication will be with your paralegal – who needs to know what happens every time you go to the doctor – but the lawyers are available when you need them.

Stephen is often in court or depositions, so may have to get back to you. We even put his personal cell phone numbers on his business cards, so you can call him at night or on weekends if there is an emergency.

As part of staying small, we limit our practice to workers’ compensation and personal injury. We don’t take every case that comes to us.

If you need a lawyer for social security disability, employment discrimination, real estate, divorce, criminal defense or writing a will, we can’t do that for you (although we do know some really good lawyers in those areas, so call us for a referral).

Stephen has been an attorney for over 20 years. Our Senior Paralegal, Angi Samuels, also has more than 20 years of experience in the workers’ compensation field — both as a paralegal and a former insurance adjuster. We are a small firm by choice. We believe keeping a small group of professionals makes us more effective as a team. Staying small with a practice focused solely on workers’ compensation and personal injury allows us to get to know each of our clients and provide the level of attention each case deserves.

It helps if you can bring any documents or letters you received from the insurance company, as well as any work slips and papers from your doctor and employer. Please also bring your most recent paycheck stub. If you don’t have this paperwork, don’t worry. We can get everything we need once we start working on your case.

No, we do not charge a retainer fee.

No. There are no upfront fees. Attorney’s fees are paid on a percentage basis. This is called a contingency fee, where attorney’s fees are paid if there is a recovery. We also advance the costs of litigation to be repaid out of money received as a settlement or award. Specific details are explained and set out in writing when you retain a lawyer.

There is no easy answer to that question — every case is different. Even if you don’t hire a lawyer, it is always best to discuss your case with a lawyer as soon as possible. The insurance company knows the hidden rules and tactics they and their lawyers can use to take advantage of you. A phone call is free and confidential.