Frequently Asked Questions
We are focused on trying cases for our clients whenever that is necessary. Having your day in court allows you to put the facts of your case in front of your peers and allows them to make a decision based on the facts in the case.
Do you charge for a consultation?
We never charge for an initial consultation. At the free initial consultation, we will discuss the details of your potential case, the legal process and answer any questions you may have.
What about out-of-pocket fees?
There will never be any up-front, out-of-pocket costs from you. You will not pay us anything unless and until we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor.
What will this cost?
We have the financial resources to ensure that your case is well-prepared for a successful resolution, whether that ultimately occurs by settlement or through trial. If for any reason, we are unable to obtain money for you by verdict or settlement, you will not be obligated to pay the firm a fee or to reimburse us for any costs that we expended. Upon a resolution of your case, our legal fee is calculated as a percentage of the settlement or judgment. Any costs associated with your case (e.g., filing fees, expert witness fees and fees to obtain medical records) will also be paid out of the monetary recovery. Therefore, the compensation for our services is tied to our performance.
Who will work on my case?
The Locks Law Firm takes a team approach in every aspect of our business. You, as the client, will be a part of that team, as we work towards an award and obtaining compensation for you. The firm is fortunate to have a hard-working staff of individuals to assist award-winning attorneys in achieving the best results for you. Your case will never be handled by just one person. Instead, the collaboration between support staff and attorneys, and led by a firm's partner, in each individual case we handle, ensures that you are represented as thoroughly and completely as your needs require.
How long will my case take?
The length of a case, from the initial free consultation through to the resolution of the case by settlement or jury verdict, depends on several variables, so it is not possible to say exactly how long a case may take. The duration of a case is often dictated by the individual court in which the case is filed. Some courts designate a time period for discovery of evidence by each party that may be a year or longer. Other courts have a backlog of cases and therefore, the oldest cases in a county will be considered before a more recently filed case. Though some cases do settle before going to court, a settlement would not usually occur until just before the scheduled trial.
Does it matter how long I wait to file a lawsuit?
Yes. Each state has laws that provide time limits to formally file a lawsuit or claim. These laws, called the "statute of limitations", will prevent an otherwise viable claim from being considered if it is not filed on time. Therefore, it is important to contact us, or any lawyer, as soon as possible after you have been harmed.
Do all cases go to trial?
No. Many times, for a variety of reasons, including the uncertainty of a jury's trial verdict, trial can be avoided through an amicable settlement; however, the Locks Law Firm prepares every case as if it will proceed to trial.
Can I bring a case for a family member who has died?
Yes, a claim for damages can be brought on behalf of the deceased by an appropriate representative of the individual.
How will I be kept informed about my case?
At the outset of our representation, you will be provided with the names and contact information for each member of the Locks team that will be assisting you on your case. We will routinely keep you informed of significant developments in your case. We also encourage you to contact us by phone or e-mail at any time with questions and we will promptly reply.
How much can I expect to win?
Unfortunately, in the early stages, it is very difficult to predict how much a case may be worth. There are many factors, including the judge and jury members assigned to a case trial, which make each case unique, and a specific monetary award cannot be predicted.
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Locks Law Firm only provides legal advice after having entered into an attorney client relationship, which our website specifically does not create. Conversations that originate from website messaging, chat or other two way web based engagement do not create an attorney client relationship. It is imperative that any action taken be done on the advice of counsel. Because every case is different, the description of awards and cases previously handled do not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases. The firm practices law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey & New York as Locks Law Firm. Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America and other organizations that rate attorneys are not designations that have been approved by the State Supreme Courts or the American Bar Association.