What do I need to bring with me on my first visit?

At your first visit you should bring all information you have regarding the incident, all medical bills in your possession, a list of all doctors and hospitals, and your other healthcare providers with addresses, and the last three years of tax returns, if you have lost wages as a result of the incident. You may be asked to bring additional information at the time your appointment is scheduled.

If I want to hire FFRB&S, how will the firm be paid?

FFRB&S works almost exclusively on a contingency fee basis. What that means is that FFRB&S do not usually charge their clients an hourly fee. Rather, FFRB&S agrees to accept as payment a percentage of whatever recovery is obtained by FFRB&S on behalf of the client. If their is no recovery, the client doesn't owe any fees. FFRB&S works only under Florida Bar and/or court approved contingency fee contracts. In short, FFRB&S doesn't get paid unless the client gets paid.

What about the cost of litigation?

Again, if a client retains FFRB&S, the firm pays all costs associated with the filing of the case. This includes filing fees, investigative costs, litigation costs (including witness fees, document copying charges, postage and other day to day expenses). Fortunately, FFRB&S rarely loses a case, and therefore doesn't have to deal with that contingency, but should FFRB&S fail to recover on behalf of the client, the costs are usually born by FFRB&S.

If I hire a well-known firm like FFRB&S will I receive the personal attention that I desire?

Absolutely - at least with the practice of law! The attorneys at FFRB&S have over 50 years of combined experience in litigation. FFRB&S is a plaintiffs' litigation firm - we don't defend injury, consumer fraud or coverage cases. FFRB&S doesn't handle anything other than serious personal injury, medical malpractice, consumer fraud and insurance/HMO coverage litigation and appeals on behalf of injured plaintiffs. We believe that the practice of law is an endeavor which requires specialization, so we don't handle cases involving subjects with which we are not familiar. That is why we don't handle family law, criminal matters, unemployment or worker's compensation.

Where should my case be filed, and why?

FFRB&S has experience, and is admitted to practice, in both the state and federal court systems in Florida. Moreover, because of FFRB&S close relationship with several firms based in many different states, if an attorney is needed in some other state, FFRB&S will either make the necessary referral or engage in a joint representation agreement with a firm based in the forum state. In either event, the client's fee obligation remains the same, and FFRB&S share whatever fees are awarded with referral or co-counsel.

Will I have to attend court hearings?

There will be pre-trial court hearings in your case that you normally will not have to attend prior to the trial date. We do anticipate your deposition will be taken at which time you will be asked many questions by the other side's attorney concerning your background, the events surrounding the occurrence, and details of your injuries or damages. If your presence is needed for any court hearing, you will be notified well in advance. We will also be able to give you at least several weeks notice of the trial date.

How long will my case last?

We hate to give a lawyerly-like answer, but...it depends. The court system is severely backlogged, and despite repeated requests from the Florida Supreme Court, the legislature has for years failed to adequately fund the circuit and county courts. As a result, judges are overworked and cases are delayed. But at FFRB&S, we aggressively pursue your case and employ whatever methods are necessary, within the rules and ethical guidelines, to prosecute your case as quickly as possible. We realize that while the judge or opposing counsel may have hundreds or even thousands of cases, you have only one and that case is most important to you. Because it is important to our client, it is important to us, and we do whatever we can to bring about a timely - and positive - resolution.

If a settlement offer is made, how will I know if it is fair and whether or not I should accept it?

Deciding whether to accept or reject an offer of settlement is often a difficult decision. Based on our experience and knowledge of results in similar cases, FFRB&S can advise you of the advantages and disadvantages of going to trial vs. settling out of court. We do our best to always answer your questions so that you can decide whether a settlement offer is fair. The decision to settle, however, is always ultimately the client's decision.

How do I know that FFRB&S knows what it is doing?

One way to select an attorney, and develop confidence that the attorney is proficient and capable handling cases like yours, is to look to previous successes by the firm. At FFRB&S, we are very proud of our track record, and the wonderful victories we have secured for our deserving clients. Please take a moment to visit our 'Verdicts and Settlements' link on this website to learn more about our firm's experience and success.