After an accident, most people are dealing with more than injuries. They are worried about medical bills, missed work, insurance calls, and getting their financial recovery. At Slaughter & Lupton Law, our goal is to make the legal process easier to understand and running as smooth as possible from day one.
A survey conducted by Martindale-Nolo in 2017 concluded that plaintiffs that hired a lawyer for their injury claims received an average of $77, 600 in compensation. Compare this with $17,600, the average settlement of those injured persons who represented themselves (Martindale-Nolo Research).
While every case is different, here is what you can generally expect when working with our team.
Step 1: Your Free Consultation
The process starts with a free case review.
During this consultation, we will:
- Listen to what happened
- Answer your questions clearly
- Explain whether you may have a personal injury claim
- Discuss possible next steps
- Explain how contingency fees work
You do not pay anything upfront nor out-of-pocket. Our firm only gets paid if we recover compensation for you. This is commonly referred to as a contingency fee.
Speaking with an attorney soon after an accident can help protect evidence, preserve deadlines, and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
Step 2: We Handle the Insurance Companies
Once you hire us, we step in so you do not have to manage everything alone.
Our team will:
- Notify the insurance companies that we represent you and for them to stop bothering you any further about your injury claim.
- Gather accident/police reports and evidence
- Collect medical records and bills
- Gather wage information
- Gather information about “pain and suffering”
- Advocate for your rights and your maximum recovery with insurance companies, their attorneys and their adjusters
- Help coordinate documentation related to your injuries and treatment
One of the biggest sources of stress after an accident is constant communication from insurance companies. We help take that pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
Step 3: Your Medical Treatment Comes First
For most personal injury cases, the timeline depends heavily on medical treatment and recovery.
If you don’t have health insurance, proper medical treatment should still be a priority. Our team can assist with connecting you with medical treatment providers.
This is important because settling too early can be risky. If the full extent of your injuries is not yet known, you could accept less compensation than you truly need.
During this stage:
- You continue medical treatment
- Your doctors evaluate your recovery
- We monitor your case progress
- We keep you updated throughout the process
Step 4: We Build and Present Your Claim
Once treatment is complete or your provider advises that you have reached maximum physical recovery, we prepare a demand package to be sent to the insurance company.
This demand package may include:
- Police report (if police were involved)
- Property damage photos, injury photos
- Medical records, medical bills
- Lost wages (if applicable)
We then negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
Step 5: Settlement Negotiations
This is often the stage clients are most anxious about.
Many people assume every personal injury case automatically goes to trial. In reality, most cases settle before trial becomes necessary.
The decision to settle or continue forward is always yours. Our job is to help you understand your options clearly.
During negotiations, your attorney will:
- Advise when a settlement offer is received
- Discuss the amount of the initial settlement offer
- Consult with you whether to settle the case or reject the offer and continue negotiations
Our firm’s approach is built around keeping clients informed, not overwhelmed.
Step 6: If Necessary, We Prepare for Litigation
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or denies liability, your attorney will call you to discuss litigation.
Filing a lawsuit does not automatically mean you will end up in a courtroom trial. 67% of personal injury claims received compensation through a settlement while another 4% actually had their case go to trial (Martindale-Nolo, 2017).
Many cases still resolve during the litigation process through continued negotiations, mediation, or settlement conferences. If your case does move forward, we guide you through each step and prepare you for what to expect.
This process may include:
- Filing legal documents with the court
- Discovery and evidence exchange
- Depositions
- Mediation or settlement conferences
- Trial preparation if needed
Because our personal injury attorneys have decades of courtroom and trial experience, our firm is prepared to advocate for clients both inside and outside of the courtroom.
Step 7: Settlement & Disbursement
When your case resolves through settlement or verdict, we help finalize the remaining details.
This can include:
- Ensuring all outstanding medical balances related to your accident are paid in full
- Explaining settlement statement
- Disbursing funds
- Answering any final questions
Our goal is for clients to leave the process feeling informed, support, and cared for.
Common Questions About Our Process
Do I really need an attorney?
Yes, according to a survey conducted by Martindale-Nolo in 2017 concluded that plaintiffs that hired a lawyer for their injury claims received an average of $77, 600 in compensation. Compare this with $17,600, the average settlement of those who represented themselves (Martindale-Nolo Research).
Will I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many personal injury claims settle before trial. If court becomes necessary, we prepare you thoroughly and stand beside you throughout the process.
How long will my case take?
Every case is different. Factors that affect timelines include:
- The severity of injuries
- Length of medical treatment
- Insurance company cooperation
- Whether liability is disputed
- Whether litigation becomes necessary
We focus on pursuing the best possible outcome rather than rushing a case before its full value is understood.
What if I am still hurting after my case?
Some injuries improve slowly or create long-term challenges. This is one reason why we work to fully understand the medical impact of your injuries before resolving a claim whenever possible.
What if I have never hired a lawyer before?
Most clients have not. Part of our job is helping you understand each step in clear, straightforward language.
What Makes Slaughter & Lupton Law Process Different?
At Slaughter & Lupton Law, we understand that clients are not just looking for legal representation. They are looking for:
- Significant Personal Injury Law Experience with outstanding litigation trial experience to juries and judges on behalf of our clients
- Clear communication
- Compassion during a difficult time
- Honest answers
- Guidance they can trust
- A team that makes the process easier to understand
From your first call to the resolution of your case, our team is committed to helping you feel informed, supported and confident about what comes next.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided by Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every legal matter is different, and the outcome of a particular case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Viewing, reading, or interacting with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice regarding your particular situation, consult with a qualified attorney.