As usual, it's time for our weekly ten-minute chat with Michael Brook, head of the Bureau of Accident and Traffic Incident Investigation. Hello, Misha.
Michael: Hello, Alexander. Hello, dear listeners. I wish everyone health and hope that you avoid any kind of trouble. However, if any injury occurs to your friends, acquaintances, family, or colleagues, it's best to call me at 718-256-56-10. Save this number on your mobile and always have it with you. I can connect you with a lawyer any day of the week, at any time, for free. I will arrange a consultation with a lawyer who specializes in the specific type of accident you’ve experienced. Once again, my phone number is 718-256-56-10.
Many listeners ask, in what situations does it make sense to change lawyers if they feel their current lawyer is dragging things out and not making progress with their case? How can they verify the lawyer's work, and what should they do if they decide to change?
Michael: If a lot of time has passed and the case is stagnant, sometimes a new lawyer may not take over the case, suggesting that you stay with the old one. Situations where an old lawyer isn't released by the judge, even if they want to get rid of the case, do occur. If a new lawyer believes they won't earn anything from the case, they might refuse to take it. Hence, if you have doubts about your lawyer, consult with another one as soon as possible. Don't wait for years. A lawyer should provide you with a case index number, which you can use to track court proceedings.
When someone calls me wanting to change their lawyer, I offer a free consultation with one of my lawyers. They will explain everything happening with the case in detail, free of charge. Afterward, they’ll advise whether a switch is warranted. A new lawyer will only accept the case if they are sure they can get significantly more compensation than the previous lawyer. For example, if the previous lawyer had an offer from an insurance company, the new lawyer is obligated to give one-third of that offer to the previous lawyer.
Take the case of a client who fell at a construction site in New York, breaking his leg. He was referred to a lawyer through his union, where he signed documents. A year later, feeling that no progress was made, he called me. I facilitated a consultation with my lawyer, Harlan Wittenstein, who checked and found little had been done; the only settlement offer was a paltry $30,000. Harlan managed to secure $1.5 million for the client, and legally had to pay $10,000 to the previous lawyer because of the original $30,000 offer. So, if you have any doubts, call me immediately at 718-256-56-10.
Yuri: Hi, I was on my way to work and fell near the entrance due to uneven slabs, breaking my arm. What should I do in such a case?
Michael: I’ll arrange for you to consult a lawyer specializing in slip and fall cases on urban sidewalks. They will investigate what caused the fall and identify who can be held accountable. Sometimes, the insurance of a nearby building may cover such incidents if the slabs are near the building. If it's the city’s responsibility, our lawyer needs to prove that the city knew about the issue beforehand. My team specializes in such cases. Additionally, I’ll help with workers' compensation if you were en route to work. This insurance covers treatment and lost wages. In any case, call me at 718-256-56-10 for a free consultation.
For example, another client fell near his workplace due to similar slabs and needed serious surgery. Our lawyer secured $250,000 from the building's insurance and another $80,000 from worker’s compensation. Don't delay; call me at 718-256-56-10 for assistance.
Irina: Hello, I heard about changing lawyers. I was hit by a car while crossing the road. No fractures, but I have a large hernia, and the case seems stagnant. Can I check its status?
Michael: If your treatment is ongoing, not much significant happens in court. Serious cases, such as those requiring surgery, sometimes move quickly. We send such cases to court before treatment concludes. Often, especially with car accidents, our lawyers obtain full compensation from the at-fault party promptly. A similar case involved a woman with a hernia from an accident. Without waiting for treatment to conclude, my lawyer secured a full $100,000 insurance payout in two months, later finding an additional $200,000 from the car owner's business insurance. If needed, call me at 718-256-56-10 for help.
Michael Brook, head of the Bureau of Accident and Traffic Investigation, will guide you to experienced lawyers who will secure maximum compensation. Call 718-256-56-10.