FAQ

What will take place during my initial consultation with the lawyer who may represent me?

We will advise you as to what steps you may want to take, so that we can effectively work together on your case.

When I call The Bogdan Law Firm regarding my case, what information should I provide?

You should collect as much evidence as you can and provide it to us as soon as possible. For example, information such as the insurance companies involved, witnesses (names, addresses, telephone numbers), police reports, photographs, medical bills, and names of treating doctors are all important to the investigation of your case.

What are the fees and costs to me for The Bogdan Law Firm’s representation of my interests?

The Bogdan Law Firm collects fees and expenses in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death cases only in the event that money damages are awarded. If no money damages are awarded in your case, you pay no fee to The Bogdan Law Firm.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Depending on the length of your medical treatment, the complexity of the case, and our detailed preparation, the time it takes to resolve a case will vary from case to case. We will discuss with you on a regular basis the time it will take to resolve your problems. We will explore settlement opportunities at every phase of the lawsuit and involve you in the settlement process. Your case will be concluded either as soon as we can agree to a fair settlement or the court awards us a final judgment.

What must a plaintiff prove to recover for an assault or battery?

If a dog bites a person, is the owner liable for doctor's bills?

What does a person have to prove to win a slander or libel claim?

Does the average member of the public have any privacy rights?

Can a person recover damages for injuries sustained on someone else's property?

Is an owner of property liable for using deadly force to defend their property?

What remedies does a railroad worker, who is injured while working, have?

What is a slip and fall action?

Who pays workers' compensation benefits?

In most states, employers are required to purchase insurance for their employees from a workers' compensation insurance company (also called an insurance carrier). In some states, however, very small companies (with fewer than three or four employees) are not required to carry workers' compensation insurance. In some states, larger employers who are clearly financially stable are allowed to act as their own workers' compensation insurance companies (also called self-insuring).

When a worker is injured, his or her claim is filed with the insurance company -- or self-insuring employer -- who pays medical and disability benefits according to a state-approved formula.

Are all on-the-job injuries covered by workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation covers most, but not all, on-the-job injuries. The workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers, even if an injury is caused by the employer's or employee's carelessness. But there are some limits. Generally, injuries that happen because an employee is intoxicated or using illegal drugs are not covered by workers' compensation. Coverage may also be denied in situations involving:

self-inflicted injuries (including those caused by a person who starts a fight)
injuries suffered while a worker was committing a serious crime
injuries suffered while an employee was not on the job, and
injuries suffered when an employee's conduct violated company policy.

Does workers' compensation cover only injuries, or does it also cover long-term problems and illnesses?

Your injury need not be caused by an accident -- such as a fall from a ladder -- to be covered by workers' compensation. Many workers, for example, receive compensation for repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome and back problems, that are caused by overuse or misuse over a long period of time. You may also be compensated for some illnesses and diseases that are the gradual result of work conditions -- for example, heart conditions, lung disease and stress-related digestive problems.

Are You Covered by Workers' Compensation?

Most workers are eligible for workers' compensation coverage, but every state excludes some workers. Exclusions often include:

business owners
independent contractors
casual workers
domestic employees in private homes
farm workers
maritime workers
railroad employees, and
unpaid volunteers.

Check the workers' compensation law of your state to see whether these exclusions affect you.

Federal government employees are also excluded from state workers' compensation coverage, but they receive workers' compensation benefits under a separate federal law.

In addition, about one-third of the states do not require workers' compensation coverage of employers having fewer than a designated number of employees -- three to five, depending on the state. So, if you work for one of these employers, you may be excluded from the state program.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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