FAQ

We know choosing a lawyer can be difficult especially when you have so many questions about the legal
process and how your case will be handled. Below are a list of questions and answers you might find helpful.

Q: Why choose a law firm that concentrates only in certain areas of the law?
A: We live in an age of specialization. Some lawyers concentrate on only a few areas of law. In this way, we
are able to focus our major efforts in keeping current in our areas of practice. We devote a large portion of our
professional activities to cases involving personal injury and disability law. We do not have a “general practice.”

Q: What kinds of cases does the law office handle?
We accept cases involving personal injury; more specifically, the firm accepts cases involving automobile,
motorcycle or truck collisions; defective products; construction site accidents and insurance bad faith.

Q: How do I hire a lawyer?
A: To hire a lawyer, just pick up the phone and call to schedule an office appointment to discuss your case.
The Law Office of Richard Gregg, (408) 998-9008, will schedule you an immediate appointment at no cost or
obligation to you.

Q: Is there any charge for the initial meeting with a lawyer?
A: Not at our firm. The first consultation with a lawyer in our law firm is free. The initial interview allows us
to determine if you have a case and if we will be able to represent you.

Q: How do I pay my lawyer?
A: In the personal injury fields of the law, most fees are contingent upon recovery. If no recovery is made,
there is no charge. Fees for other cases very depending on their difficulty and other factors.

Q: Do all cases have to go to trial before a judge or jury?
A: No, roughly 85% of our cases are settled prior to trial. Generally, only the large cases or highly disputed
cases end up being tried before a jury or judge. Today many cases are resolved quickly through other forms of
dispute resolution such as arbitration and mediation. We will discuss all available options with you.

Q. How long will it take to complete my case?
A: This question cannot be easily answered. Each case is different. However, on the average most cases are
concluded quickly after the client is released from the doctor’s care. Unfortunately, some court dockets are
crowded which sometimes causes delay. Also, it is sometimes difficult to get medical documentation from
doctors who are very busy. These and other factors play a part in how fast we can complete your case.
Arbitration or mediation may significantly speed up settlement of a case.

Q: How will I be kept informed about my case?
A: You will be actively involved in the preparation of your case and will know its status at all times. We
encourage our clients to speak with us directly whenever they would like an update regarding their case. From
time to time, information will be sent to you from the office which will also keep you informed of your case
status.

Q: What do I do when I have a question?
A: We are interested in your questions and we want you to feel free to ask them. Because we are often in
court, it may not be possible for you to talk directly to counsel every time you call. For that reason, you should
feel completely comfortable communicating with my staff. You should talk with them freely and openly and
direct any questions to them. If the questions are legal in nature, they will advise counsel who will consult with
you directly.

Q: Will my case be settled without my approval?
A: No. Counsel will discuss valid settlement offers with you in every instance, and no settlement offer will be
accepted without your approval.

Q: How do I know what amount is fair for a settlement?
A: Counsel will explain clearly to you the factors which play a part in evaluating a claim. Counsel will make
recommendations to you and try to clearly explain to you the reasons for the recommendations. Since counsel
has experience in settling cases and knows what juries and judges will generally award in a similar case, clients
usually follow our recommendation.

Q: Are legal assistants lawyers?
A: No. Legal assistants are highly qualified and experienced members of your litigation team. They assist
counsel in preparing lawsuits by doing investigations, medical research, legal research and other important
support work. They cannot give legal advice. When it is necessary for you to have legal advice, the assistant
will consult with a lawyer immediately. However, in the day-to-day preparation of your claim, you should give
the legal assistants all of the cooperation you possibly can. It is to your benefit to work with them.