Client Process

At Mann Law Firm, we use our years of legal knowledge and skill to make sure you get the justice you deserve. We know that the legal system can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together an outline, or map, of our client process from the day you contact our office to the day your claim is successfully resolved. While every personal injury case is different, there’s a general path that cases follow through the legal system. We hope this is helpful.

STEPS FOR THE LEGAL PROCESS

click on each step to take you to a detailed process

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STEP 1: INJURY

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You or a loved one is injured in a work accident, car crash, slip and fall, or other harmful event, including accidents that result in wrongful death.

STEP 2: CONTACT

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You contact our law firm anytime, day or night, via email, phone call, text, or referral from another law firm. Our staff will quickly gather important information about your case and connect you with an attorney if appropriate.

STEP 3: RETENTION

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You retain Mann Law Firm by signing a written agreement in person or via digital DocuSign. We are paid on contingency in personal injury cases, which means your attorney fees and case expenses are paid by the defendant through a settlement agreement or jury award in successful cases.

STEP 4: NOTICE

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We’ll notify the defendant’s insurance company that you have retained us as your legal counsel. This informs them that legal action has been initiated. We ask them to direct all future correspondence and communication to us so you are not bothered by them.

STEP 5: EVIDENCE PRESERVATION

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We’ll mail evidence preservation letters to various parties to ensure evidence is not lost or destroyed. This evidence can include police body cam footage, video surveillance, traffic reports, photos, medical records, and other important evidence.

STEP 6: MAXIMUM MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT

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After you’ve been seen by your doctor, undergone any lab tests and X-rays, seen a specialist if needed, gone through physical therapy, and completed full medical treatment, you’ve reached what’s known as “maximum medical improvement.” This means you’ve healed as much as you’re going to from your injuries. At this point, we can take stock of the damages you’ve suffered (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, impact on future earnings).

STEP 7: DEMAND

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We calculate your total damages and send a demand letter to defendant’s insurance company asking for a dollar amount in compensation. We present your case with supporting documentation, including medical records, photos, employment verification, witness testimony, and even expert witness reports, if necessary. The insurance company can pay the amount we demand, counter-offer with a different amount, or refuse to pay anything at all.

STEP 8: NEGOTIATION

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Your attorney will continue to negotiate back and forth with the insurance company to try to reach an acceptable settlement. Your attorney will keep you informed, and the final decision about whether to accept an offer will always be yours. You’re in the driver’s seat throughout the legal process.

STEP 9: FILE COMPLAINT

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If the insurance company does not make an offer that you’re willing to accept, then we’ll prepare and file a lawsuit in court (negotiations typically continue). Filing a complaint launches a series of legal filings including questions and answers from both plaintiff and defendant. Your attorney will assist you in answering questions.

STEP 10: SUBPOENAS & DEPOSITIONS

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Your attorney and defendant’s attorney will issue subpoenas to interview both parties, doctors, witnesses, police, and others under oath. If you are subpoenaed, your attorney will accompany you to your deposition. The defendant can also request that their own doctor examine your injuries.

STEP 11: MEDIATION

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A judge can strongly encourage both parties to participate in non-binding mediation to determine if a settlement agreement can be reached. The mediator is an independent third party.

STEP 12: YOUR DECISION

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You must decide whether to accept the insurance company’s final settlement offer or refuse it and go to trial.

SETTLEMENT (PATH A) OR TRIAL (PATH B)

STEP 13: SETTLEMENT (path A)

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You accept a negotiated settlement amount and avoid going to court.

STEP 14: PAYOUT (path A)

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You receive your settlement check, less attorney’s fees, outstanding medical bills/liens, and case expenses.

STEP 15: TRIAL (path B)

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Attorneys for both sides argue their cases in front of a judge and jury. You may have to testify. You could achieve a larger financial payout, or you could receive nothing (Very few cases reach the trial stage. Most achieve settlement earlier in the process.)

STEP 16: COURT DECISION (path B)

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The judge and jury reach a decision. Financial damages are awarded if successful.

STEP 17: PAYOUT (path B)

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You receive a check for the financial compensation awarded, less attorney’s fees, outstanding doctor and hospital bills/liens, and case expenses.

Attorney David Mann

Attorney David MannBefore leading his own firm, Mann served for several years as in-house defense counsel for a large insurance company, which gives him unique insight into how insurance companies work. He uses this critical knowledge as an advantage for his clients. He is a tough negotiator and litigator, and he is exceptionally strategic in building cases on behalf of personal injury victims.[ Attorney Bio ]

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