FAQs

1. Can I afford your legal services?
   Absolutely. Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus Sachs P.C., is paid on a contingency basis when handling wrongful death, personal injury and/or property damage cases. This means that you will not have to pay any legal fees unless we recover monies on your behalf. Our firm typically advances any costs or expenses associated with investigating and maintaining the lawsuit. We are reimbursed for these costs at the conclusion of your case. We make a full commitment to you and dedicate our resources to favorably resolving your case. Our fees are based upon a percentage of your award or settlement. Please note that this percentage is set forth by the New York State Appellate Division rules, not by us. No matter what your financial situation is, you can afford our legal services.
   
   
   
2. Do you think I have a good case?
   Obviously, every case is different and must be evaluated. As a result, most cases that we accept are accepted for investigation. This means that we believe that your case can be favorably resolved, and are prepared to devote the time and money necessary to proceed. It is ultimately the opinion(s) of our expert(s), however, which will determine whether you have a case or not. If we cannot take your case, we may be able to refer you to another attorney who might be able to help you.
   
   
   
3. What is my case worth?
   Again, every case is different and must be evaluated. No attorney can predict a specific recovery amount for your case. After a careful evaluation and investigation of your case, we may be able to give you more of an idea of your potential recovery amount, based on previous cases we have handled with similar injuries or circumstances. We will do everything legally possible to maximize your recovery amount. These examples are not meant to imply that you will receive a similar verdict or settlement award, but rather to serve as an indication of our legal team's skill in favorably resolving client actions.
   
   
   
4. Will my case settle or go to trial?
   Our legal team is always prepared to take a case to trial. However, our lawyers are also aware that some cases can best be resolved through alternate means, such as mediation, arbitration and/or a settlement. Depending upon the situation, court proceedings may or may not provide the highest recovery, or the quickest, most economical resolution of a case. Quite often, a settlement can be in the client's best interest. The settlement amount can be the same or even higher than if we took a verdict. Because of our track record, reputation, the quality of our cases and the high regard for the experts we are known to use, the overwhelming majority of our cases do settle before trial. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, we will aggressively protect our client's rights in court.
   
   
   
5. How long will all this take?
   Our cases, on average, are being concluded far faster that the state average. You should rest assured that this is not due to our taking any shortcuts; we leave no stone unturned! These quick resolutions are due to the attention, efficiency and skill that we bring to each and every case we handle. Although there are many factors that can affect the speed at which your case is resolved, it is not uncommon that cases handled by Schwartzapfel Partners may be concluded within two years from the time they are started.
   
   
   
6. How much of my time will be necessary throughout the course of the case?
   Every case we handle is unique, and there is no way to determine beforehand just how much of your time will be necessary throughout the course of your case. What we can assure you is that throughout your case, we will update you regularly with status reports and you are always welcome to call with any questions or comments you may have. We will never ask you to come into the office unnecessarily.
   
   
   During the course of your case, you may be required to attend at least one deposition, and in certain personal injury and medical malpractice matters you may be required to undergo examination(s) by medical professionals chosen by the No-Fault insurance carrier and/or the defense. We will work with you to make these appointments as convenient as possible.
   
   We understand that a legal action can be a time-consuming and difficult process, particularly for those clients that work to support a family. We make every effort to respect your needs while vigorously and aggressively advancing your case.