Personal Injury Lawsuit Settlement?
968044
Two years is actually fast in legal terms to conclude a claim.  Usually, the carriers pay quickly to close the file; I'm fairly positive your attorney will receive the Joint Tortfeasor Release and Indemnity Agreement within a few days of the agreed upon settlement.  After you have signed the documents, the carrier cannot "take" the money "back" unless you somehow obtained it fraudulently.
978241
It depends even when the other person admitted they were at fault their incurance will try and prove your injuries were not from the accident. They don't want to pay you, thats how they make money. Time for a settlement can be a few months or a few years. Lawyers are helpful in getting you what you need but the cost can be astronomical. Consult with a lawyer and your finances BEFORE making a decision.
997216
I feel for you.   I have handled multi-state claims, and claims for some of the tribes in the sovereign indian nations.  I know that all or most of their workers comp claims are handled this way  - - When a worker becomes injured, the claim is governed by the sovereign indian nation - period.  You have NO recourse or avenues via the State Workers Comp Board - probably this is WHY you are not able to find an attorney who will take your case.  From what I remember, your avenue of "appeal" is via the Tribal Elders or Tribal Counsel.  \nOn another note, when we opened the claims for those workers, we would apply "most" of the laws and rules in the state that had jurisdiction over the claims.  \n\nNOT sure HOW you were injured.  IF your injury was caused by negligence on the part of the place where you worked, you may be able to file a lawsuit - either by "tort" or "premises liability".   \nIF you decide to go that route, I would highly recommend retaining the services of a lawyer who SPECIALIZES in tort and liability claims. ALSO make sure that the attorney has a good working knowledge of workers comp.   But the PRIMARY qualification under THIS scenario would be tort & liability. \n\nI used to work with an attorney who worked on the reservation, but I lost touch with him.  \n\nIf you want to try your luck in an open Forum discussion, I noted that http://www.Prairielaw.com  is good & they have attorneys who may be able to help.  \nIf you want workers comp resources check out http://www.GettingWorkersComp.com \nThey have all kinds of stuff.  \nGood luck.    \n\np.s. - I posted a question about a "workers comp rally" could you please do me a favor & post a comment about what you would want at such a rally.  Thanks much.
437035
There have been several out of court settlements. I have helped some firms here in Florida as a consultent for fishing interests with some turtle net excluders and some modifications to shrimping laws.\nloligo1@yahoo.com
640261
If the suit was settled and the settlement has been paid without appeal (which can take a while), then the settlement funds should have gone into a trust to be paid to the class members.  You need to find the trustee for the class and find out about claim procedures.  The best way to do that is probably to contact the class attorneys.  Good luck.
193871
loook at the document which awarded you money and make sure there is no disclaimer stating that this is the only compensation that you can receive. next call a free consulation lawyer and see what he says.  most lawyers who work in personal injury charge a 33% fee and some will not charge you if they dont collect something for you,  good luck and good health
1079708
don't sue if they're willing to pay the medical bills\nbut what an odd accident\nnever heard of anyone getting hit by a hearse
514346
Ernie, why on Earth should this person go to that law firm if the verdict was for the defense?  This gal asking the question is seeking to be a plaintiff.\n\nIn any event, were you hurt in the accident?  If not then you don't have a lawsuit.  If you were hurt, go to any reputable personal injury lawyer in your area.  You don't need someone who's done a tanning bed case.  This is basic personal injury law.  Go to www.martindale.com to find a listing for lawyers in your area.
785700
I've heard of cases where someone was injured at a business they owned and ended up having to hire a lawyer to sue his own business so the insurance company would pay up.  Weird.
681185
See a lawyer first, most have doctor's that handle auto cases & know how to word the paperwork....Then go see specified doctor....Most injury lawyer's will take payment after the case is settled, from the settlement.....
916792
Given your background info, it is advisable for you to contact a lawyer who specializes in workers comp. You may have a case for getting some relief.\n\ncc
1138701
I'm a J.D. and was similarly injured in an auto accident that caused numerous ruptured discs.  Though your injury is serious and your suffering severe, your recovery will depend on the amount of the negligent driver's auto-insurance coverage.  Most accident cases are settled out of court, with no fault insurance taking care of all medical bills up to a certain dollar amount, as much as $500,000, but that of course depends on the particular carrier and policy.  When people buy car insurance they do so in increments; in most states, 25/50 is the lowest possible amount of coverage a driver may have, meaning that if you are injured by that party, the maximum you will be able to recover from their insurance would be $50, 000.  If you are lucky, the other driver's coverage will be greater.  Of course, your recovery would be augmented by any personal recovery against the other driver.  Have you brought suit against the other driver?  If that is the case, as much as 5 years can pass before the case is finally resolved.  I couldn't see a jury coming back with more than a $100,000 verdict in your favor, and that's a stretch.  I truly empathize with you and wish you well in your future recovery as I know your struggles.
248930
You must have a strong case.  The injury must be the restaurant's responsibility through negligence.  You need to document the injury and cost of medical treatment (doctor's bill?).  Then you must preferably have the names of witnesses who were present and can (if necessary) testify that they saw the negligent act.  Try to recall the wait staff (name?) who may have witnessed or caused the incident.  Did you show the injury to restaurant management and did they try to assist you?  You likely will need a good attorney who will likely take the case only if the one third of a settlement (including pain, suffering and disfigurement?) pays more than enough for their efforts.  Of course the attorney will want to know how much of your own carelessness (if any) contributed to the injury.  I would not expect to collect if I enter a restaurant and deliberately used their knife to stab myself in the hand, right?  Good luck.
320984
i feel so bad for you, i am sorry. these things should not happen. i`am facing a case now about to call the lawyer and say settle, but i feel i`am getting screwed even before anything starts. car accident messed up back or tho claims arthritis my Dr. says nerve damage yet the or tho gives me nerve blocker medicine. well if i settle and arthritis is the issue i will gain very little monetarily. plus live with nerve damage the rest of life. but we need the money from settlement to help us out since i`am out of work.yes you can reopen a case if not by a different argument .
1121538
yes......such as medical, trespass, insurance? what exactly do you need to know?\na TORT is a civil wrong for which the victim receives compensation in the forms of damages.
1101358
The Statute of Limitations for a personal injury case is 2 years from the date of the accident.  If you do not either file a lawsuit or settle the case, any claims you may have had will be forever barred.  Do you live in Florida?  If so, you can contact Mr. Bruce Kaster, (352) 622-1600.  He is an excellent attorney.  I work for a law office in Texas and he is handling a case for us in Florida.
387410
Unfortunately, no you cannot re-open such a case, not without new evidence. The best you can do is go after your lawyer, but it probably won't help a whole lot.  Very valuable lesson is to be learned here- you were so young when it happened- you body had many changes to go through yet and with Firestone's record, you should have had a clause put in the settlement (or not settled at all) that future consequences of the accident could be claimed.