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Reviewing Your Claim for “Fleas”

Reviewing Your Injury Claim for "Fleas"

Our Skilled Santa Monica Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

Are you having trouble finding representation willing to take on your personal injury claim? Has firm after firm failed to get back to you—or outright rejected handling a suit on your behalf? If so, it could be because there is an issue with your case. To properly proceed with their potential claim, it is critical that injury victims understand what these issues are and, if they can, address them.

Unfortunately, few firms are forthcoming with the real reasons they will reject a prospective claim—if they even get back potential clients at all. At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we don't believe individuals should have to wonder about their legal prospects and continue to seek counsel without being fully apprised of their options. Our knowledgeable and dedicated Santa Monica personal injury lawyers are frank, attentive, and supportive to all the injury victims who come to us and always provides accurate answers about the viability of a claim.


Answers you can trust, call us at (310) 692-9582 to schedule a free case evaluation.


Making Sure Your Case Does Not Have "Fleas"

As a mentor once told us: "if a case has too many fleas, it's a dog; don't take it." Sometimes, the "fleas" aren't always apparent to injury victims, leaving them frustrated and ill-informed. At our firm, however, we believe in providing straight answers for clients who may be hampered by factors they're not aware of.

Common factors likely to have a claim rejected include:

  • Delayed medical treatment. Did you wait a significant amount of time after your accident to go to the doctor? If so, it will be easy for insurance adjusters and defendants to claim that your injury wasn't that serious, or that your actual injury occurred after the accident itself.
  • Lack of clear answers. A successful injury suit depends on clear and incisive presentation both on paper and, if needed, in court. If you go to a lawyer and cannot provide clear, succinct answers upon your first consultation, it's likely that they will assume there is more to the story than you are willing to admit.
  • Delayed attempts to file. Did your accident happen years ago? Even if you are still trying to take action within the statute of limitations, a large gap of time only allows for you—and possibly other lawyers—to harm your claim's chances at recovering money. Any evidence to help support your claim may also be unavailable if you wait too long.
  • Suspicious history of injury claims. If your current claim is just one of several you've tried to pursue in your adult life, it will likely hurt your credibility. Defense counsel and insurance adjusters see this kind of history with a claimant and, in short-order, can characterize them as an opportunist.
  • Numerous claim rejections. Claims that have already been rejected by other firms around town likely has an inherent weakness. Personal injury firms can only commit their time and resources to claims they think they can win. If they have determined an issue with your claim early in the vetting process, it is going to be "a pass."
  • Limited damage to your car. For auto accident claims, the seriousness of your claim should be evident in the condition of your car. Generally speaking, car claims with $1500 or less in damages are likely to have a tough time convincing a judge or jury that substantial injury compensation is warranted.
  • Lack of supporting eyewitnesses. This can be particularly problematic for lane change and intersection accidents. Often, without witnesses, these claims boil down to two conflicting accounts of who is actually at fault. The result is no awarded compensation and a waste of everyone's time.
  • Lack of serious injuries. Minor cuts and bruises are an unfortunate part of an accident, but they do not necessarily call for aggressive legal action. Even if the other party admits fault, without the presence of broken bones, hospitalization, scarring, and other serious effects, any awarded compensation will likely be low.
  • Consistently bad impressions. Filing an injury claim isn't a popularity contest, but coming off unlikable, dishonest, or insincere can hurt your overall case. Remember, in the end, a judge and jury will have to side with you and your hardships to award you compensation.
  • Unrealistic expectations about compensation. Unfortunately, too many potential clients believe that their accident comes with a silver lining. However, personal injury firms do not want to take on clients who believe they've won the lottery. Multi-million dollar verdicts are not the norm and no attorney wants to take on a client they know they cannot make happy.

Do you still need an honest and incisive appraisal of your potential injury claim? If so, our team is ready to help. We have helped countless injury victims assess the circumstances of their accident and always provide the guidance they have needed to make an informed choice about their claim.


If you have concerns, we have answers. Contact us today.


 

Why Choose McGee, Lerer & Associates?

What Makes Us Different
  • Four Convenient Locations
    We have 4 offices in Southern California - Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, & Long Beach.
  • 24/7 Availability
    We're available before and after normal business hours to meet with you and start your case.
  • No Fees Unless We Win
    Until and unless we succeed in providing your compensation, we don't charge you a dime. Learn more here.
  • Personalized Attention
    We take the time to understand each aspect of your case in order to tailor your solution.

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Our Previous Clients Tell Their Stories

Learn What It's Like to Work With Our Firm

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "This law firm is very professional"

    After my car accident, I didn't know what to do. I tried to fix the problem myself, and my insurance ignored me. After speaking with Catherine and her working group Maria and Nick, I have actually been able to achieve what my insurance said would not be po

    "They make you feel like you are their only customer"

    They were always available to answer my messages and questions. I am very grateful to them. I recommend them.

    "They sit and talk to you before making any moves or decisions. I would highly recommend them!"

    Very professional. Made my case go smoothly and made me feel comfortable during it. They kept me updated constantly whenever anything new came about. They sit and talk to you before making any moves or decisions. I would highly recommend them! Thank you gu

    - J.L.
    "they are the ones you want in your corner in any automobile accident."

    I had Catherine represent me and my grandmother 10 years ago in a car accident. I couldn't tell you how professional and quickly she handled our case. Catherines strong determination against the issuance companies got us to get the medical rehabilitation w

    - A.G.
    "I was referred to them by my brother who had them handle his case as well, I wouldn’t go to any other lawyer"

    I was in a motorcycle accident back in May and Catherine and Joanna have been able to help me through the entire process, I was referred to them by my brother who had them handle his case as well, I wouldn’t go to any other lawyer

    - R.J.
    "We could not have asked for a better outcome!"

    I am writing this review on behalf of my son. We can’t recommend the McGee-Lerer team strongly enough. I found them online ...

    - Brent, Google Review
    "They have restored my faith in lawyers!"

    Don't hesitate to hire these guys. I had heard nothing but horror stories about accident attorneys before hiring them. But I ...

    - Omana, Google Review
    "They wanted to know what was important to me, what were my concerns and questions. I liked that."

    My dentist and my friend's dad both recommended this firm. So glad they did. I was very happy with how they handled my case. ...

    - Darya, Google Review