Legal Question in Personal Injury in Alabama

Re: my fall

Sorry to hear about your problems. But I wouldn't count on your lawyer to solve all of them. Personal Injury cases can take years, and you may not recover for future medical expenses. Do you not have insurance to take care of these medical issues? A lot of personal injury cases won't be settled until you've reached maximum medical improvement. Once settled, you won't be able to go back and get more money for other medical expenses related to the accident. That is why you need to get whatever medical treatment you need before your recovery - there is no way to know what the cost will be.

Some, but not all, doctors will perform a necessary medical procedure and take a lien on the proceeds of the settlement. That may depend on the type of case and the obviousness of a recovery. Is liability a slam dunk? If so, then it is a matter of negotiating a damages figure.

However, you say you fell. Respectfully, so what? People fall all the time. That does not make it the "big" company's fault. In Alabama if you are so much as 1% at fault you get $0. That may be why your doctor won't do the surgery on a lien basis.

If you are disabled, you need to get on medicare and get them to pay for your medical bills if possible. If you are not, you need to find another way to pay for the medical procedure first.

The bottom line is that your lawyer can't make you well - only your doctor can, and your lawyer will almost always take a long time getting your money - it's the nature of the beast. So find a way to get the money for surgery or other medical care.

Good luck.

Sterling L. DeRamus

Re: my fall

Because you are already represented by an attorney I cannot give you any specific information or advice as to your case. I would suggest that you meet with your lawyer in his or her office to discuss your case and view any and all correspondence regarding your case.