Difference between revisions of "Why Nobody Cares About Injury Litigation"

From Legends of Aria Admin and Modding Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page with "[http://www.ardenneweb.eu/archive?body_value=What+Is+an+Injury+Claim%3F%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++A+claim+for+compensation+is+a+request+to+someone+who+has+injured+y...")
 
m
Line 1: Line 1:
[http://www.ardenneweb.eu/archive?body_value=What+Is+an+Injury+Claim%3F%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++A+claim+for+compensation+is+a+request+to+someone+who+has+injured+you+for+the+payment+of+monetary+compensation.+The+process+is+usually+outside+of+court+and+your+lawyer+handles+all+communications+with+both+the+defendant+and+his+insurance+company.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Special+damages+are+easy+to+calculate+and+include+all+costs+related+to+your+injury%2C+like+repair+and+++http%3A%2F%2Fboost-engine.ru+-+http%3A%2F%2Fboost-engine.ru%2Fmir%2Fhome.php%3Fmod%3Dspace%26uid%3D6424919%26do%3Dprofile++medical+bills.+General+damages+can+be+more+difficult+to+calculate+and+include+things+such+as+pain+and+suffering.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Medical+Treatment%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++A+claim+for+mount+carmel+injury+%5B+go+to+website+-+https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F707256777+%5D+is+unfinished+without+medical+treatment.+Workers+who+have+been+injured+must+receive+the+medical+attention+they+require+to+treat+their+injuries%2C+and+also+establish+that+someone+else+was+negligent.+It%27s+also+a+method+to+determine+how+much+the+accountable+party+owes+in+damages.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++California+workers+insurance+law+provides+you+with+the+right+to+receive+medical+care+that+is+deemed+reasonable+to+treat+or+relieve+injuries+and+illnesses+related+to+your+work.+The+doctors+who+provide+that+care+must+follow+guidelines+that+are+based+on+scientifically-supported+medical+treatments.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++When+calculating+your+total+amount+of+pain+and+suffering+an+insurance+adjuster+will+take+into+account+your+medical+expenses+to+see+how+serious+your+injuries+were.+They+may+employ+a+multiplier+to+determine+the+amount+of+damage.+If+you+have+gaps+in+your+treatment%2C+or+if+the+physical+therapy+you+receive+is+a+significant+portion+of+your+cost+an+adjuster+may+not+view+your+injuries+as+serious+as+you+claim.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++There+are+many+valid+reasons+that+a+gap+in+your+care+may+be+a+result+of+a+gap+in+your+treatment.+You+might+not+be+able+to+attend+a+doctor%27s+visit+due+to+issues+with+your+transportation%2C+family+issues+or+other+unavoidable+situations.+A+personal+injury+lawyer+with+years+of+experience+should+be+able+gather+evidence+that+the+delay+in+your+treatment+was+due+to+an+unavoidable+circumstance.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Lost+Wages%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++The+loss+of+income+as+a+result+of+injuries+sustained+in+a+car+accident+is+another+type+of+economic+damage+that+can+be+recouped+through+an+individual++carrboro+injury+-+https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F706829341++claim+or+lawsuit.+This+is+also+known+as+lost+earnings+or+lost+wages%2C+and+is+among+the+most+significant+losses+suffered+by+the+victims+of+their+injuries.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++The+loss+of+wages+can+be+a+huge+blow+to+an+injured+victim+and+are+usually+difficult+for+victims+to+manage.+People+who+work+full-time+or+even+those+earning+hourly+wages+can+lose+a+significant+amount+of+money+when+they+have+to+miss+work+due+to+an+injury.+In+addition+to+the+expense+of+working+a+few+hours+less+injured+workers+may+also+lose+out+on+company+perks+like+gym+memberships%2C+use+of+a+company-loaned+car+and+other+benefits.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++In+some+cases%2C+the+injuries+caused+by+a+car+accident+could+be+so+severe+that+a+victim+is+unable+return+to+work+or+they+permanently+lose+the+ability+to+perform+their+job+duties+due+to+physical+and+emotional+trauma.+In+such+a+case%2C+the+client+may+be+entitled+to+future+lost+wages+or+earning+capacity+in+addition+to+their+losses.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++In+order+to+receive+compensation+for+lost+wages+due+to+an+accident%2C+you%27ll+need+to+provide+proof+of+the+time+you+were+absent+at+work.+This+could+include+pay+stubs%2C+the+records+of+employment%2C+profit+and+loss+statements+and+tax+documents.+It+is+also+necessary+to+have+a+doctor%27s+note%2C+or+a+disability+slip+from+the+employer+which+outlines+the++metuchen+injury+-+https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F707198052++and+the+duration+the+patient+must+be+out+of+work+in+order+to+heal.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Pain+%26amp%3B+Suffering%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++It+is+difficult+to+prove+pain+and+suffering.+This+includes+any+discomfort%2C+pain+or+emotional+trauma+caused+by+an+injury.+It+also+covers+the+loss+of+enjoyment+and+any+disfigurement+that+may+have+occurred+as+a+result+of+the+accident.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Your+lawyer+can+help+you+determine+how+much+your+claim+may+be+worth+through+an+objective+assessment+of+your+injuries+and+how+they+affect+your+daily+activities.+This+type+of+information+is+more+compelling+to+a+jury+than+receipts+and+bills.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++There+are+many+methods+to+calculate+damages+for+pain+and+suffering%2C+such+as+the+multiplier+and+per-diem+methods.+With+the+multiplier+method%2C+your+actual+economic+losses+are+totaled+and+then+multiplied+by+an+amount+between+1.5+and+five+based+on+how+severe+your+injuries+are.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Other+non-economic+damages+you+may+be+able+to+pursue+include+loss+of+consortium+%28money+that+compensates+your+spouse+for+the+loss+of+companionship%29+as+well+as+physical+impairment+and+disfigurement.+Physical+impairment+refers+to+any+limitation+you+might+experience+in+your+daily+activities+because+of+the++orange+park+injury+-+https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F707276354+.+Disfigurement+is+a+possible+award+in+the+event+of+an+accident+that+causes+permanent+injury+or+scarring.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Pain+and+suffering+damages+like+other+damages+are+subjective+and+hard+to+quantify.+This+is+why+it%27s+important+to+keep+records+of+your+injuries+and+discomfort+in+the+event+that+they+occur+so+you+can+track+the+impact+on+your+life.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Damages%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++There+are+expenses+that+can+be+printed+on+a+receipt%2C+and+then+added+up+to+a+tidy+figure+but+there+are+also+costs+that+aren%27t+easily+quantifiable.+These+intangible+losses+are+dealt+with+by+general+compensatory+damages.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Emotional+distress%2C+for+example%2C+isn%27t+a+cost+that+can+be+printed+out+however%2C+you+might+be+able+recover+compensation+for+the+negative+effect+on+your+life+that+your+injuries+have+had.+This+can+include+anxiety%2C+fear+and+post-traumatic+stress+disorder.+It+is+also+possible+to+receive+compensation+for+the+lack+of+enjoyment+in+life+in+the+event+that+an++vinton+injury+-+https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F707411263++has+impeded+your+from+participating+in+activities+you+used+to+enjoy+prior+to.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++Special+damages+are+financial+compensation+for+costs+you%27ve+had+to+pay+as+a+result+of+your++university+heights+injury+-+https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F707409199++or+illness.+They+can+include+travel+to+and+from+the+hospital+prescriptions%2C+treatment+and+medication+costs+including+home+modifications+and+health+care+needs.+You+may+also+claim+lost+future+earnings+in+the+event+that+your+injury%2C+or+illness+prevents+a+return+to+the+same+job.%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++%3Cbr%3E+%3Cbr%3E++In+certain+cases+the+court+could+award+exemplary+damage.+These+damages+are+intended+to+punish+the+defendants+for+serious+misconduct%2C+like+defamation.+An+experienced+lawyer+can+help+you+determine+if+the+exemplary+damages+can+be+used+in+your+case. Injury Litigation]<br><br>[https://wiki-vehicle.de/index.php?title=Benutzer:LeiaCamarena Injury litigation] is a legal process that allows you to claim compensation for your injuries and losses. Your lawyer for [https://ncsurobotics.org/wiki/index.php/The_Ultimate_Glossary_For_Terms_Related_To_Injury_Litigation injury law] will construct strong evidence in your case that includes eyewitness testimony, medical documentation testimony of the defendant, expert witness opinions.<br><br>Your lawyer will file your lawsuit. When the defendant has responded and the case is moved to the discovery phase, which is a process of finding facts.<br><br>The Complaint<br><br>Before a lawsuit is filed the person who suffered the [http://gentleman.al/pyetje/why-you-should-focus-on-improving-injury-attorney/ injury lawyers] (plaintiff), must conduct pre-lawsuit investigation. This includes reviewing police accident reports, conducting informal discovery, and identifying potentially liable parties and available causes of action that can be filed against them.<br><br>The plaintiff may then file an accusation and summons. The complaint identifies the party who is being sued. It also details the harm caused by the defendant's conduct or  [https://wiki.darkworld.network/index.php?title=User:KiaRandell8503 injury litigation] inaction. It typically contains a request for compensation for injuries suffered by the victim, including medical bills, lost wages as well as pain and suffering, among other damages.<br><br>The defendant has 30 days to respond, which is also referred to as an answer. In this response, the defendant may accept or deny the allegations made in the complaint. They may also make an appeal or add a third party defendant to the suit.<br><br>During the discovery phase, both parties will exchange pertinent information about their positions and evidence. This includes depositions (also known as interrogatories), written questions (also called interrogatories), as well as requests for documents. This is typically the majority of the lawsuit timeline. In this stage, if there are any settlement options, these will be discussed. The case will go to trial if there's no settlement. During this period the attorney will present your argument before a judge or a jury and the defendant will take on their defense.<br><br>The Discovery Phase<br><br>The discovery phase is a formal process that permits your legal team and the at-fault party to exchange information and gather evidence. This can include witness testimony as well as details of your medical treatment, as well as evidence of the losses you've suffered. Your attorney can also use several different tools during discovery to assist your case, including interrogatories and requests for documents and depositions. Interrogatories are written questions that require a response written, while request for documents require the submission of all relevant documentation under the control of the parties. Requests for admissions require the other party to acknowledge certain facts, which can save time and money as lawyers do not have to prove these facts at trial. Depositions are live conversations with witnesses where your attorney is able to ask them questions about the incident under oath. have their answers recorded and translated by a court reporter.<br><br>Discovery may appear to be an uncomfortable, lengthy and invasive process, but it is essential to collect the evidence required to win your injury claim. Your lawyer will be in a position to discuss the details of the discovery process with you during your free consultation. If you attempt to conceal an injury that is preexisting and has gotten worse due to a preexisting medical condition The information could be discovered during discovery and your case could be thrown out.<br><br>The Negotiation Phase<br><br>The majority of injury cases seek to reach a settlement through negotiations. The process typically involves a exchange of back and to and back-and-forth between your lawyer as well as that of the responsible party's insurer. This may include informal conversations/correspondence (by phone, in meetings, by email) where the parties trade offers and counter-offers. Your lawyer can help you in deciding on the number of settlement that you want to demand and then help in negotiations.<br><br>The amount of damages, which includes medical bills, lost wages and future losses, is an aspect that is constantly changing. The severity of your injuries could increase as time passes, which could increase your future losses, and reduce the amount of your current losses. Your attorney will work to ensure that your damages are determined by the current state of your injuries and an accurate prognosis for your future recovery.<br><br>Insurance companies frequently attempt to limit the amount they pay by arguing about certain aspects of your claim. This can prolong settlement negotiations however, your lawyer has strategies to help you navigate these challenges and reach the most favorable outcome for your case. In some instances negotiations to reach an agreement could take months or even years. Negotiations can last for several months or even years, depending on various factors.<br><br>The Trial Phase<br><br>While the majority of cases involving injuries are resolved through settlement negotiations outside of the courtroom, your attorney could choose to take your case to trial if an acceptable resolution cannot be reached. This can be a costly lengthy and time-consuming procedure that can be stressful. The jury must also decide if you are paid for your injuries and should they, if so, in what amount. Your lawyer must thoroughly investigate your case to determine the circumstances of your injury, as well as the severity of damages, injuries, and the costs.<br><br>At this point, your attorney will call witnesses and experts to testify. They will also present evidence of physical nature, such as photographs,  [https://jrog.club/wiki/index.php/The_3_Most_Significant_Disasters_In_Injury_Litigation_History Injury Litigation] documents and medical reports. This is the "case-in-chief" phase. The defense attorney will call witnesses to testify as a counter argument and argue that the plaintiff should not receive damages. The judge or jury considers the arguments and evidence of both parties.<br><br>The judge will then explain the legal standards to be met in order for the jury to decide for the plaintiff and against the defendant. This is known as jury instruction. Each side then presents its closing arguments. If the jury is unable reach a decision, the judge will declare a mistrial. If you are not happy with the outcome of your trial, there may be an appeal to be made.
+
What Is [http://boost-engine.ru/mir/home.php?mod=space&uid=6425611&do=profile Injury Compensation]?<br><br>Compensation for [http://boost-engine.ru/mir/home.php?mod=space&uid=6424999&do=profile injury law] lawsuit ([http://101.51.137.134/nongkhai/index.php?name=webboard&file=read&id=268881 101.51.137.134]) is the amount given to injured workers in order to cover their losses from workplace accidents. These losses include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as future income and loss of enjoyment of life.<br><br>There are two methods to receive this kind of money: a settlement or a lawsuit. A lawyer can review your case and advise you on which option is best for you.<br><br>Medical Treatment<br><br>Medical treatment is a major aspect of your injury claim. The insurance company will pay for reasonable and necessary medical treatment. This includes medical bills from medical professionals and specialists. The insurance company will pay for prescription and over-the-counter medications and travel expenses to get to and from medical appointments.<br><br>Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, or special clothing. It is also possible to recover expenses for home modifications, including stair lifts and ramps. Medical expenses are the cost of diagnostic tests that are required to diagnose your injuries and monitor your recovery. You are also able to claim reimbursement for any procedure required to treat your [http://www.osmedics.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=40913 injury case]. The workers' compensation board provides guidelines for medical treatment for doctors to adhere to. These guidelines allow your doctor to provide the majority of your treatment without requiring your insurance company's approval.<br><br>Following the advice of your doctor can help you in your case. If the defendant or insurance company sees that you have been avoiding appointments and playing tennis on weekends despite the fact that you've suffered injuries, they might argue that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim. If you're always seeing health professionals and receiving intensive medical treatment it could be necessary to admit that your injuries were serious.<br><br>Lost Wages<br><br>The physical pain of injuries can be intense, but they can also be financially devastating. The costs associated with treatment can add up quickly, and those who suffer injuries must also contend with losing wages while recovering from their injuries. If you have missed work because of an injury, you may be eligible for compensation.<br><br>Proving that you lost wages is a difficult process and requires specific evidence. It is crucial to include copies of your previous pay stubs along with income tax documentation. These documents can be used by your attorney to prove the total amount of lost earnings because of your accident.<br><br>Your lost wages could include your normal hourly earnings or salary, possible overtime bonuses, commissions and more. You can also include any benefits that you no longer receive, such as free meals or car allowances.<br><br>You are also entitled to compensation for days that you've had to use vacation or sick leave to cover the days you missed due to your injuries. Your lawyer will calculate the fair market value of these days, and request reimbursement from the parties responsible. If your [https://motocom.co/demos/netw5/askme/question/15-reasons-not-to-be-ignoring-injury-attorneys/ injury lawyers] is permanent your lawyer may seek compensation for lost future earning capacity. This is a much more complex process that requires hiring a forensic accountant or actuary to demonstrate the loss of your future earnings potential.<br><br>Medical expense<br><br>You may be faced with high medical bills depending on the severity of the injury. This could strain your financial situation. The seriousness of your injuries may also hinder you from working and earning income for a significant period of time, putting a financial burden on you and your family.<br><br>You are entitled to reimbursement for all medical expenses that are related to your condition, including ambulance rides, doctor's visits and x-rays as well as hospital treatment. This includes supplies,  [http://diktyocene.com/index.php/15_Gifts_For_The_Injury_Attorneys_Lover_In_Your_Life injury lawsuit] medications, and orthopedic appliances. You may also claim reimbursement for travel expenses to and from medical appointments, as well as therapy. Keep receipts for all medical expenses. You will be reimbursed based on actual expenses.<br><br>Insurance companies and attorneys often use your medical bills as a basis to calculate damages specific to you. They then multiply the amount by a multiplier of 1.5 to 5 to calculate general damages. In general, minor injuries are at the lower end the spectrum, whereas serious or long-lasting ones will be on the top end.<br><br>The Kocian Law Group has the expertise to ensure that you receive the full amount of medical compensation that you are entitled to. We will push for insurance companies to pay the full amount that is recommended by your medical professionals, even if they dispute the necessity or reasonableness.<br><br>Suffering and Pain<br><br>The victim who has been injured is entitled to compensation for physical and emotional pain. The physical pain and suffering damages could include the past and future medical treatment. Discomfort and mental anguish, shame, shock, and sadness could also be considered.<br><br>It is difficult to put a cost on the suffering and pain caused by an accident, especially when it is a result of permanent injuries, such as being in an in-chair or blinded. But, it is essential for victims of accidents to be aided by an attorney in obtaining the proper evidence to show their losses.<br><br>In some cases the victim may negotiate a settlement to avoid going to trial. This is called a settlement agreement and typically involves an insurance company. The insurance company could utilize a multiplier, or per diem method to determine the amount of pain and suffering.<br><br>The courts use both the multiplier method and the per diem method to calculate compensation for physical and emotional injuries resulting from accidents. Both methods have pros and cons however, the amount is decided by the jury in the case. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist injured victims gather the appropriate proof to present a convincing case for fair compensation. The highly skilled lawyers at Adam S. Kutner &amp; Associates can help with the investigation and preparation of your case for court or settlement.

Revision as of 15:16, 18 May 2023

What Is Injury Compensation?

Compensation for injury law lawsuit (101.51.137.134) is the amount given to injured workers in order to cover their losses from workplace accidents. These losses include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as future income and loss of enjoyment of life.

There are two methods to receive this kind of money: a settlement or a lawsuit. A lawyer can review your case and advise you on which option is best for you.

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment is a major aspect of your injury claim. The insurance company will pay for reasonable and necessary medical treatment. This includes medical bills from medical professionals and specialists. The insurance company will pay for prescription and over-the-counter medications and travel expenses to get to and from medical appointments.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, or special clothing. It is also possible to recover expenses for home modifications, including stair lifts and ramps. Medical expenses are the cost of diagnostic tests that are required to diagnose your injuries and monitor your recovery. You are also able to claim reimbursement for any procedure required to treat your injury case. The workers' compensation board provides guidelines for medical treatment for doctors to adhere to. These guidelines allow your doctor to provide the majority of your treatment without requiring your insurance company's approval.

Following the advice of your doctor can help you in your case. If the defendant or insurance company sees that you have been avoiding appointments and playing tennis on weekends despite the fact that you've suffered injuries, they might argue that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim. If you're always seeing health professionals and receiving intensive medical treatment it could be necessary to admit that your injuries were serious.

Lost Wages

The physical pain of injuries can be intense, but they can also be financially devastating. The costs associated with treatment can add up quickly, and those who suffer injuries must also contend with losing wages while recovering from their injuries. If you have missed work because of an injury, you may be eligible for compensation.

Proving that you lost wages is a difficult process and requires specific evidence. It is crucial to include copies of your previous pay stubs along with income tax documentation. These documents can be used by your attorney to prove the total amount of lost earnings because of your accident.

Your lost wages could include your normal hourly earnings or salary, possible overtime bonuses, commissions and more. You can also include any benefits that you no longer receive, such as free meals or car allowances.

You are also entitled to compensation for days that you've had to use vacation or sick leave to cover the days you missed due to your injuries. Your lawyer will calculate the fair market value of these days, and request reimbursement from the parties responsible. If your injury lawyers is permanent your lawyer may seek compensation for lost future earning capacity. This is a much more complex process that requires hiring a forensic accountant or actuary to demonstrate the loss of your future earnings potential.

Medical expense

You may be faced with high medical bills depending on the severity of the injury. This could strain your financial situation. The seriousness of your injuries may also hinder you from working and earning income for a significant period of time, putting a financial burden on you and your family.

You are entitled to reimbursement for all medical expenses that are related to your condition, including ambulance rides, doctor's visits and x-rays as well as hospital treatment. This includes supplies, injury lawsuit medications, and orthopedic appliances. You may also claim reimbursement for travel expenses to and from medical appointments, as well as therapy. Keep receipts for all medical expenses. You will be reimbursed based on actual expenses.

Insurance companies and attorneys often use your medical bills as a basis to calculate damages specific to you. They then multiply the amount by a multiplier of 1.5 to 5 to calculate general damages. In general, minor injuries are at the lower end the spectrum, whereas serious or long-lasting ones will be on the top end.

The Kocian Law Group has the expertise to ensure that you receive the full amount of medical compensation that you are entitled to. We will push for insurance companies to pay the full amount that is recommended by your medical professionals, even if they dispute the necessity or reasonableness.

Suffering and Pain

The victim who has been injured is entitled to compensation for physical and emotional pain. The physical pain and suffering damages could include the past and future medical treatment. Discomfort and mental anguish, shame, shock, and sadness could also be considered.

It is difficult to put a cost on the suffering and pain caused by an accident, especially when it is a result of permanent injuries, such as being in an in-chair or blinded. But, it is essential for victims of accidents to be aided by an attorney in obtaining the proper evidence to show their losses.

In some cases the victim may negotiate a settlement to avoid going to trial. This is called a settlement agreement and typically involves an insurance company. The insurance company could utilize a multiplier, or per diem method to determine the amount of pain and suffering.

The courts use both the multiplier method and the per diem method to calculate compensation for physical and emotional injuries resulting from accidents. Both methods have pros and cons however, the amount is decided by the jury in the case. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist injured victims gather the appropriate proof to present a convincing case for fair compensation. The highly skilled lawyers at Adam S. Kutner & Associates can help with the investigation and preparation of your case for court or settlement.