Frequently Asked Questions
1) WHY SHOULD I HIRE THIS LAW FIRM?
Reputation, results and personal service.
We limit our practice to a limited number of select cases. We strive to provide exceptional personal service to select clients and cases in which we firmly believe. Our results speak for themselves. The majority of our clients are referred to us by other lawyers and judges because of our reputation in the community.
Every clients’ case is personally handled by Timothy Reilley who is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. You will get the personal attention you deserve.
2) HOW SOON SHOULD I CONTACT AN ATTORNEY?
As soon as possible. If you have been seriously injured or are unsure as to the outcome of your injury, then an experienced personal injury attorney should always be consulted before you give any statements or sign any papers of any kind and as soon after your injury as possible. Many times sophisticated claims handlers working for the wrongdoer or its insurance company will try to appease a victim by an early offer of settlement or resolution, which will most likely be far less than the victim is entitled to receive.
In a serious injury case, you are better off hiring an attorney as soon as possible. Most firms offer a free consultation with no obligation therefore; you have nothing to lose by consulting an attorney before you accept the insurance company offer.
There is a statute of limitations that requires you to file suit within a specific period of time, depending upon the circumstances of your case, or else you will be prohibited from obtaining any compensation for your injuries. An attorney will be able to help you keep within the statute of limitations. There are also formal notice requirements if the wrongdoer is a governmental entity.
3) WHAT IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED PERSONAL INJURY TRIAL LAW ATTORNEY?
A Board Certified attorney is an attorney who has demonstrated special competence in a particular field in which the Texas Board of Legal Specialization has certified their competence.
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization is authorized by the Supreme Court of Texas to certify attorneys in 17 specific areas of law. Board certified attorneys have met specific requirements and passed a day long written examination. This very rigorous and demanding certification process is both individual and voluntary. It helps insure that the citizens of Texas receive the highest quality legal services.
Certified Personal Injury Trial Law attorneys have handled various aspects (including jury trials) of matters such as vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, or defective products which cause physical or mental injury to a person. The attorney must also have extensive knowledge of the law of evidence, procedure, and other substantive law in the trial of civil cases.
To become Board Certified in a specialty area, an attorney must have:
- Been licensed to practice law for at least five years,
- Devoted a required percentage of practice to a specialty area for at least three years;
- Handled a wide variety of matters in the area to demonstrate experience and involvement;
- Attended continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date;
- Been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges;
- Passed a 6-hour written examination.
No.
5) WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
We primarily work on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no attorney's fees unless we get a recovery for you. Contingency fees will range from 33 1/3% to 45% depending on the complexity of the case and the time and expense that will be necessary to prosecute your case. Also, we will pay all expenses necessary to litigate your case and if we do not obtain a recovery for you, we will not ask you to pay for those expenses. Bottom line, you will never pay the Reilley Law Firm any money unless there is a recovery on your behalf.
