More on lawyer advertising and other things

Dianne says: Well I've talked about the first lawyer advertising, and about how some people think that lawyers who advertise aren't as "important" as those that don't and about how advertising was the gateway to let people know that they could sue and that a competent lawyer would look into their case without charging them a fee up front. 

What does a lawyer mean when he or she says there are no fees unless they win?  Well, in the Social Security format, that means that the lawyer will take your case, will investigate it, should start getting the necessary reports to document your "medically determinable impairment"  -- that's what Social Security looks for -- and then proceeds to do whatever is required until you have a hearing and a decision is rendered.  Now a lawyer is not obligated to put money out of his or her pocket to get records, but in the State of Ohio, doctors are supposed to supply records for use in Social Security claims for free.  That doesn't mean that you can use the records for your personal injury case or for anything else, because the records are released to you or your representative for the sole purpose of providing Social Security with evidence for your case.  We at Shifrin Newman Smith request all records and when necessary pay for such records without requiring you to pay us in advance.  Some times you've received treatment out of state and those records aren't free.  We will get them.  After the case is over, however, we will send you a bill for costs we have expended getting records on your behalf. 

Back to attorney advertising.  What does it mean when the lawyer says the first consultation is free?  Well it could mean that the lawyer will listen to your story and review any papers that you have.  It does not mean that the lawyer will necessarily give you any advice. 

What does it mean when the attorney says "We win more cases than anyone else."  Well, it could mean that that that lawyer dumps any cases that he or she thinks aren't winners.  Or it could mean that the lawyer only takes those cases that he or she thinks will win  for such reasons as the individual who is bringing the claim has such a severe impairment or is over 50 years old. 

What does it mean when the lawyer says "I'll make them pay!"   Well it should mean that the lawyer is working as hard as he or she can to win the case!  But that doesn't always mean that there is a big pay day!  Be an aware consumer!  Pay attention and investigate.  We at Shifrin Newman Smith are always happy to answer questions via the blog or e-mail or on the phone!