Q.  How do I pay for my legal fees?
A.  We take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that if there is no recovery, then you owe us nothing for our services.

Q.  How do I pay for the expenses of the case?
A.  In most cases, the Richard R. Kennedy (APLC) will advance the expenses of the case. The expenses are then reimbursed to our firm at the conclusion of the case.

Q.  How do you decide if you will take my case?
A.  We carefully evaluate each potential case.  Our office does not take a high volume of cases.  This allows us to devote the time to your case that you deserve.  We determine whether to take a case based on our evaluation of your damages and the likelihood of success. Unfortunately, we cannot represent everyone who asks for and needs our help. If we believe that we can help you, we will take the case.  If we are unable to help you, we will be happy to give you the names of other attorneys for to interview.

Q.  How much is my case worth?
A.  The value of each case is different and must be evaluated separately.  We take a great deal of time to come to a proper evaluation of your case. Richard R. Kennedy (APLC) has been evaluating cases and representing people for over 40 years.  You must know, however, that we cannot ethically guarantee you a recovery.

Q.  How long will my case take?
A.  Some cases can be completed in a few months and others may take years.  If we can resolve your case without filing suit, it typically takes much less time.  If litigation is necessary, each court differs in time it takes to bring your case to trial.  While litigation tends to be slow, we make every effort to push the case to a fair and reasonable conclusion as quickly as possible.

Q.  Will I be consulted before my case is settled?
A.  Absolutely.  Our clients are an integral part of our “team” approach to representing clients.  We will give you copies of everything that we produce and receive about your case.  We will not settle your case without your express consent.  You rely on us for legal advice and opinions, but the final settlement decision is yours.

Q.  What should I do if I have been in an accident?
A. The first thing you should do is obtain medical care, either at the emergency room or with your family doctor. The second thing you should do is call Richard R. Kennedy (APLC).

Q:  What if I don’t feel hurt?
A:  It is very common for a person to not "feel" an injury for several hours or even days after an incident. If you think you might be hurt, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Q:  What should I do in the event of an automobile accident or car wreck?
A:  It is critical to collect the information that will help prove your claim later.  For a good checklist of the things you should do and not do at the scene, see our “10 Secrets” information form, which you can print out and carry in your car.

Q:  Someone representing a personal injury lawyer came to my home and said I should "sign up" with their attorney. Should I?
A:  In most states, including Louisiana, it is illegal for a lawyer, or lawyer's representative, to call you on the telephone or come to your home, hospital room, or anywhere else without your invitation to solicit your business.  It is also illegal for an attorney or attorney's representative to pay, or for any person to receive, money, gifts, or other compensation for referring a case to a lawyer or for becoming a client of a lawyer.  Any person committing such acts should be reported to the state bar association and the District Attorney's office.

Q:  What about these personal injury lawyers I see advertising on TV?
A:  Any lawyer can advertise on TV and say whatever they want about how good they are, how much money they have collected for other clients, and that they will get you money.  In our experience, many attorneys do not make good on what they promise the public in their commercial advertisements.  In many personal injury law firms, you never even meet the "celebrity," the one that you think will handle your case.  Instead, your case is instead handed off to a less experienced lawyer or even a secretary or paralegal (a so-called "case manager")!  At Richard R. Kennedy (APLC), you know you will meet with Richard or Richard III from your first meeting to your last meeting and at every significant stage of your case.  All legal decisions in your case will be made by your lawyer and not by an unlicensed "case manager, "after explaining our recommendations and obtaining your approval.  You are paying for an experienced personal injury lawyer, and that's exactly what you'll get at our law firm.

Q:  The insurance company keeps calling me and wanting to take a recorded statement.  Should I give one?
A:  It is common practice for insurance adjusters to call injured claimants to take a recorded statement before the victim has an opportunity to have their injuries evaluated and treated and before they can speak with an attorney to learn about their legal rights.  Often, the victim is still in shock or under the influence of medication prescribed by their doctor for injuries suffered in the collision and is not thinking clearly.  THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY WANTS!  Under NO circumstances should you talk to an insurance company without having an attorney, at least on the telephone with you, to protect your rights.  You are not required to give a statement, regardless of what the insurance company may tell you to the contrary.  But you have an obligation to immediately report any vehicle — automobile, motorcycle, or truck collision — to your insurance company and to cooperate with it.