FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. "What type of cases do you handle?"
I handle all types of matters involving litigation or the potential for litigation. I have a particular emphasis on personal injury cases, workers' compensation, employment disputes, and criminal defense, both in State and Federal courts.
2. "What types of personal injury cases do you handle?"
While I have experience in a wide range of personal injury cases, I maintain an emphasis in automobile accidents, "slip and fall" cases, and other types of premises liability.
3. "How can I get more information about my rights if I have been injured on the job?"
You can contact my office to schedule a free consultation about your rights and remedies under the Tennessee Workers' Compensation Act. You can also call the Tennessee Department of Labor, Workers' Compensation Division at (615) 741-2395, and speak with one of their specialists.
4. "What sort of disputes fall under the 'employment matters' heading of your firm?"
Employment matters are a significant part of my practice. I deal with a wide range of employment-related disputes, including claims of sexual, racial or religious discrimination under both federal and state anti-discrimination laws. I also handle claims of retaliatory discharge and wrongful termination. In addition, I assist clients in pursuing claims pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (also known as the "EEOC").
5. "Why do you handle criminal defense matters?"
Early in my legal career, I was an Assistant District Attorney in Nashville. The initial experience of working in the criminal arena made criminal law a part of my foundation as an attorney - criminal defense is "in my blood", if you will. I believe in the fundamental principles of our justice system and that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and has a right to competent legal representation. In my firm, I provide that service to each and every one of my clients. I practice criminal defense in both the State and Federal courts. I am a member of the Criminal Justice Panel for the Middle District of Tennessee, which includes Nashville and its surrounding counties.
6. "Is there a charge for an initial consultation?"
Generally, there is no charge for an initial consultation. Exceptions occasionally occur in the area of employment matters. However, that will always be determined at the time the appointment is scheduled.
7. "What other types of cases do you accept?"
Presently, I have cases pending involving civil rights violations, breach of contract, promissory notes, ERISA actions, products liability, medical malpractice, and defamation claims.
8. "What is a personal injury case?"
Any type of case where an individual has been injured, either physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of some third party.
9. "If you take my case, will you advance the costs of the litigation?"
Generally, I do advance litigation expenses such as filing fees, copying, postage, deposition costs, and the like. In turn, the client is responsible for reimbursing my firm for all such costs that are advanced on their behalf, as set forth in my firm's Fee Agreement. (To view a copy of the Fee Agreement, click here.) These litigation charges are tallied monthly, and an invoice is sent to the client for payment.
10. "Do you accept cases on a contingency fee basis?"
Yes. On most personal injury matters, I do accept representation on a contingency basis, which means that I collect when you collect, and not before. Of course, this is separate from the litigation expenses, which are advanced and reimbursed by the client on a monthly basis (see FAQ No. 9). The contingency fee is generally 33% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case. Workers' Compensation matters are handled on a 20% contingency fee basis, which is set by statute. There are other matters which I handle on an hourly basis.
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