Questions and Answers
How do I know if I have a case?
To have a personal injury case, you must be able to prove
that you have suffered a significant injury. In addition, you
must be able to show that someone else (the defendant) is at
fault under a negligence, strict liability or intentional
misconduct theory. The most common cause of action is
negligence. In a negligence action you (the plaintiff) must
prove that someone (the defendant) caused you to suffer
How long will it take?
We protect our client’s rights in an aggressive and rapid
manner, but because of court congestion, lawsuits generally take
several years to reach the trial stage. During this period of
time, we are working very hard on your behalf. Unlike what you
see on television shows, most of the work on a case takes place
well before the trial. This is the time when we are busy laying
the groundwork for your case, gathering medical records and
reports, accident reports and work records, taking photographs
and conducting other types of investigation. This is also the
time when we develop and research theories of liability and
When litigation formally begins, medical information,
wage records, expert witness information and other documentation
is exchanged with our adversaries. Testimony of all parties and
certain witnesses is taken during depositions, known as
“Examinations Before Trial.” This is also the time when the
injured plaintiff has a medical examination performed by a
qualified physician who has been hired by our adversary. This
entire process is referred to as “discovery,” and while we move
through this phase as rapidly as possible, there is often a
waiting period before the trial date is set.
How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you have been seriously injured or if you are unsure
as to the long-term impact of an injury, an experienced personal
injury attorney should be consulted before giving any statement
or signing any papers of any kind. This should take place as
soon after the accident as possible.
If you suffer an injury or lost wages from an automobile
accident, it is very important that you file a “no fault benefit
application” within thirty (30) days of the accident.
There is a time limit, known as a “statute of limitations” that
requires that a lawsuit be filed within a specific period of
time, depending on the circumstances of your case. If you do not
file within the time limits, you are prohibited from obtaining
any compensation for your injuries. An attorney will help you
stay well within the statute of limitations.
How much is my case worth?
Determining the value of your case depends on a great
many factors that are different in every case, depending on the
severity and long term effects of your injury as well as the
defendant’s degree of negligence. Are you unable to work because
of the injury, and what was your income before the injury? How
much were your medical expenses? What costs were created by the
accident - including maintenance of your home or business? Do
you have other sources of income that will offset the losses
caused by the accident? These and many other factors are
considered when determining the value of your case.
How much does it cost to bring a personal injury lawsuit?
If you decide to retain our services, we will work for
you and your family on a contingency basis. This means that we
do not receive a fee unless we are successful in obtaining
settlements or recovering compensation. Otherwise, you will not
be billed for our services. All of our clients are provided with
a written retainer agreement that clearly spells out this
Preparation of a case for litigation involves out-of-pocket
costs: court and filing fees, investigation expenses, transcript
costs, charges for medical records and reports, expert witness
fees and other costs. In nearly all cases, The Law Offices of
Osborne & Associates can advance these costs, knowing that most of our
clients would find it burdensome to pay these expenses. Once the
case is completed, the expenses and legal fees in your case are
deducted from the money we recover on your behalf and you and
your family receives the remaining money from your settlements.
now and let us get you the justice you deserve!
Boulevard, Suite 200, Sherman Oaks, California, 91423, (818)