FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you need additional information in any of these areas, do not hesitate to contact Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller. We will be happy to assist you.

 

 

 

 

 

F A Q

How do I know if I have a legal issue?
When in doubt, ask. If you are not sure whether your issue is “legal” in nature, give us a call. We will be happy to discuss your options with you and to schedule a consultation, when appropriate. Legal matters are not always as simple as they can appear to be. An attorney’s perspective is often helpful in guiding you through life’s decisions and dilemmas. Let our attorneys assist you in those times. Legal advice is often a worthwhile investment which proves to be invaluable down the road.

Do I have a case?
Whether or not you have a case depends upon the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your legal issue, as well as the law governing your type of claim. Unfortunately, there is no formula that can be applied to every issue to determine if a valid legal claim exists. If you would like to consult with one of our attorneys to evaluate your case, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.

Do I need an attorney?
Every competent adult is entitled to represent himself or herself in court in any type of case. While there are some claims that may be simple enough to be handled yourself, many cases involve legal issues that are best handled by a professional. Some individuals may be comfortable taking on a complex claim on their own, while others may want to retain an attorney even for a simple matter. Whether or not to hire counsel is a matter of personal preference; however if you case is complex or concerns an issue that is very important to you, we would suggest that you hire counsel. Please bear in mind that there may be law or other legal issues of which you are unaware which may complicate your case. If you would like to consult with one of our attorneys, please contact our office.

Do you charge a consultation fee?
Most attorneys at Mattleman, Weinroth, & Miller, P.C. do charge a consultation fee for an initial meeting with a client. However, this fee may be waived within the discretion of the attorney under certain circumstances. Please call our office to discuss our matter with our staff and arrange a consultation with the appropriate attorney, who can provide you with a quote at that time.

How much will it cost to litigate my case?
The cost of litigation depends upon many variables, including the complexity of your claim, the court in which it is filed, and whether or not a settlement is reached. While the vast majority of cases do in fact settle, there is no guarantee that your matter will not require a trial. There are certain instances in which a case may be taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there is little or no cost to you unless you win. However, please note that under the rules of professional conduct attorneys are not allowed to take certain types of cases on a contingency basis.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?
As stated above, several kinds of cases may be taken on a contingency basis, which means that the attorney only gets paid if you win. If your case is not the type of claim which permits a contingency fee arrangement, there are several services throughout the state which provide free legal services to those who qualify. See our Resources page for more information.

Should I talk to anyone about my case?
Once you make the decision to retain an attorney, you should refrain from speaking or communicating to the opposing party or that party’s representatives. Direct all communication to your attorney, once he or she has been retained, and let your attorney know you are doing so.

How long do I have to file my case?
The amount of time an individual has to file suit is governed by the statute of limitations and varies with the type of claim. For example, cases involving personal injuries must generally be filed within two years of the date of injury, while contract cases must usually be filed within six years. Because the statute of limitation may be different depending on your legal issue, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible. Consulting with an attorney can help you determine whether or not your action is “out of time”.

How do I prepare my case?
Prior to meeting with an attorney, it is helpful for you to gather all pertinent documents and to compose a narrative of the events that brought you to this point. In a contract case, for example, a detail of the dealings with the other party (who said what to whom, and when) allows your attorney to quickly learn the facts of your case and to formulate a legal strategy to accomplish your goals.

Do you take cases outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware?
Attorneys are only permitted to handle cases in the states in which they are licensed (with certain limited exceptions). The attorneys at Mattleman, Weinroth, & Miller, P.C. are only licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware (or a combination thereof). However, we have a national network of firms to whom we are happy to provide you a referral.

The FAQ Answers on this web site are not intended as a substitute for legal advice and are distributed for general informational purposes only. While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this document, Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions or damages resulting therefrom. If this web site is inaccurate or misleading, you may make a report to The Committee on Attorney Advertising, Hughes Justice Complex, CN 037, Trenton, New Jersey 08625.