Michael Brook: As usual, the time has come for the weekly ten-minute communication with Michael Brook, head of the Bureau of Accident Investigation and Traffic Accidents. Hello!
Alexander: Hello, Michael. Hello, dear listeners. I traditionally wish everyone good health and hope they avoid any unpleasant situations. However, in the event of an injury involving your friends, acquaintances, loved ones, colleagues, or family members, the best thing to do is call me at 718-256-5610. Save my number in your mobile and carry it with you at all times. I will connect you with a lawyer any day of the week, at any time, day or night. This service is free, and I will organize a consultation with a lawyer specifically experienced in the type of injury involved.
So, once again, my phone number is 718-256-5610. Many listeners ask this question: In what situation does it make sense to change lawyers? For example, they found a lawyer, and he is handling their case, but he keeps saying the case is in court or something similar, basically, stalling and seemingly wasting time. How can they check if there's a point in changing their lawyer? If it makes sense, how do they do it? Please answer this question.
Michael Brook: In this situation, if a lot of time has passed and the case has stalled, a new lawyer may simply refuse to take over the case. They might say it's better to stay with the current lawyer. These situations do happen. If too much time has passed, the current lawyer might be willing to get rid of the case, but the judge won't release him, and a new lawyer won't want to take it because they know they won't make any money from it. Thus, if you have doubts or suspicions regarding your lawyer, it's better to consult as soon as possible without waiting many years. If a lawyer tells you that your case is in court, he should give you an index number that allows you to check everything happening with that case in court.
When someone calls me indicating they want to change their lawyer, I first offer a free consultation with one of my lawyers. My lawyer will tell them in detail what's happening with their case, totally for free, and then advise whether it's worth switching or not. A new lawyer will only take a case if they are sure they'll get much more than the previous one. If the previous lawyer had offers from an insurance company, the new lawyer must give them 1/3 in accordance with these offers. Therefore, they must be sure they will get a considerably larger amount.
Let me give you an example. A client approached me who had fallen on a construction site in New York, breaking his leg. He got a lawyer recommended through a union. After a year, he felt his case was making no progress, so he called me. I arranged a consultation with my lawyer, Harland Wittenstein. During the consultation, Harland noticed that almost nothing had been done, and there was a meager offer of $30,000. Harland Wittenstein managed to get him 1.5 million dollars, although the previous lawyer received $10,000 for the $30,000 offer he had, even though he didn't do anything. My advice to you is to call me as soon as you have the slightest doubts at 718-256-5610.
Alexander: Thank you for your always detailed and clear answers. Let's hear from Yuri. Yuri, your question, please.
Yuri: On my way to work, I fell just a block from the entrance. There were uneven slabs; I tripped, broke my arm, and instead of work, ended up at urgent care where they put a cast. My question is about payment. Does work cover it, or how should I act in such a situation?
Michael Brook: In this situation, I'll arrange an appointment with a lawyer specializing in falls on city sidewalks. They will determine the cause of your fall and who can be held responsible. Sometimes, insurance for the surrounding building is liable for such slab irregularities if they are nearby, obliging the owner to replace them. If it's purely on the city side, then the city is liable, and my lawyer must prove that the city was already aware of it. The lawyers I work with specialize in these cases and are typically very successful in obtaining necessary evidence.
Besides, I'll arrange an appointment with a lawyer specializing in work-related insurance called Workers' Compensation. Depending on your distance to work, the lawyer will advise if a separate case for Workers' Compensation insurance can be opened. If possible, they'll register it, covering your treatment and any missed work time. If not, they'll help arrange temporary disability. This consultation is also entirely free. So if something like this happens, call me as soon as possible at 718-256-5610, or enter this number online and access my site to download all my information. The site contains numerous important insurance tips, so I highly recommend visiting my website.
For example, I was approached by a man who, like you, fell on uneven sidewalk slabs near his workplace and ended up with a similar arm fracture. This was a large commercial building, responsible for the sidewalk, and my lawyer successfully obtained $250,000 from their insurance. Additionally, the associated Workers' Compensation lawyer got him an extra $80,000, covering all treatments and the salary for the work year he missed due to his arm injury. So, if something similar occurs, call me at 718-256-5610 as soon as possible.
Alexander: Thank you. Let's hear from Irina. Irina, what's your question?
Irina: I overheard Grant's question about changing lawyers, and I feel my situation is similar. I was crossing the road and got hit by a car; I didn't have any fractures, but doctors discovered a massive spinal hernia, recommending surgery. Additionally, I've been receiving treatment for six months, and it feels like the case is just stuck. Is there a way to check its status?
Michael Brook: Essentially, if you're still undergoing treatment, no significant case developments occur. The main lawyer's work starts after you finish treatment to get a complete diagnosis and consequence description. Nevertheless, if injuries are severe and surgery is needed, sometimes my lawyers obtain funds without waiting for treatment to end. They send the case to court and can wrap it up in two or three months, especially with serious injuries from car accidents. Our lawyers typically get full insurance payouts from the responsible party quickly, then check for additional policies for extra compensation.
We had a similar case like yours, Irina. A woman crossing the street got hit, resulting in a finger fracture and a large spinal hernia. Her doctor said surgery was the only option and referred her to a surgeon. The surgeon performed a brilliant operation, fully restoring her health. My lawyer swiftly secured her full insurance worth $100,000 in just two months. Moreover, they discovered the car belonged to a company and acquired an additional $200,000 from its insurer within 1.5 to 2 years. Thus, if something like this happens, call me immediately at 718-256-5610.
In case of an accident, injury, or fracture, Michael Brook, head of the Bureau of Accident Investigation and Traffic Accidents, will connect you with experienced lawyers to ensure maximum financial compensation: 718-256-5610.