FAQs

Thankfully, most people do not suffer a serious personal injury very often, and for most people contact with lawyers and the legal system is not a frequent occurrence. The attorneys at the Law Office of William A. Gallina, PLLC in the Bronx provides the following answers to questions frequently asked by new clients who are unsure what to expect from the legal process. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, you are already under enough stress; we do not want to make the process of finding a lawyer or seeking recovery to be any more stressful. Hopefully, the following questions and answers will be helpful to you. If you have other questions, give us a call. When you are ready to hire an attorney to help you with your personal injury case, contact the Law Office of William A. Gallina, PLLC for a free initial consultation.

Q. What do I need to do when seeing a lawyer?

A. We offer a free initial consultation, during which time we can evaluate your case for you, and you can decide whether to retain us to represent you. We ask you to bring any documentation you may have regarding the accident and your medical situation. During your consultation, please feel free to ask questions. You may want to write some out ahead of time. Whether you are visiting with us or another attorney, find out what types of cases the law firm has handled and what the outcomes have been. Although every case is unique, you want a lawyer who has handled cases like your own with positive results.

Your role in the representation is to focus on your recovery, and to do what your doctor and lawyer advise you to do. Be honest and forthright with your lawyer from the very start; it can only hurt your case if you withhold information. Expect your lawyer to be honest with you as well and provide you with realistic expectations about your case. Expect a lawyer who will listen attentively to your needs and concerns, who will begin right away to work on your case and see that your needs are being met, and who will stay in contact and open communication with you throughout your representation. You will find lawyers like this at the Law Office of William A. Gallina, PLLC.

Q. How much is my case worth?

A. Every case is different and highly dependent upon a number of factors, such as the nature and extent of your injuries, how the accident happened and who was involved, and more. See our Verdicts & Settlements page for some representative results we have achieved for our clients, but remember that the facts of each case are unique and recovery in your case may be different.

In general, you are entitled to recover for your property damage, present and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation, and loss of income, including for work you missed to recover from the accident, as well as if your injury prevents you from working in the future at the same level of income as you had before the accident. You may also recover for "noneconomic" damages you have endured, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish. Some of these damages are easy to identify and quantify, while others are highly dependent on the specific facts of the case. Rest assured that we have the experience and ability to evaluate a case and persuade the insurance company or jury of the true amount of the value of your case.

Q. How long before my case is resolved?

A. It is hard for many people to understand that it may take several months, or even longer, before a case is successfully resolved. While it is true that most cases settle without the need for a trial, a long period of case preparation is often necessary to reach that point; often times, it is the pressure of an upcoming trial date that finally motivates an insurance company to settle. Also, we want to make sure that all of your medical expenses are covered, and it may be imprudent to enter settlement negotiations until you have reached a point where your doctor declares you medically stationary.

We understand the expenses you have incurred as a result of your injuries and the anxiety that comes with financial worries. We will not rush a case to a quick settlement that is not in your best interests. We will make sure you are getting the care you need while we work on your case. With over 30 years practicing personal injury law in the Bronx, we have the experience, resources and connections to help you get the medical care you need and to help you and your family while your case is pending.