When facing a legal issue, the first step towards resolution is often an intake call with a law firm. This initial conversation sets the foundation for your case. Whether you’re dealing with medical malpractice, sexual assault, an auto accident, or nursing home abuse, being prepared for this call can make a significant difference. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare for your intake call with Lipinski Law.
Why the Intake Call Matters
The intake call is your opportunity to provide essential information about your case. It allows our legal team to understand the specifics of your situation, assess the potential for legal action, and determine the best course of action. This call is also your chance to ask questions and understand how we can assist you.
What to Expect During the Intake Call
During the intake call, we will ask a series of questions to gather comprehensive information about your case. Here’s an overview of the key areas we will cover:
- Client Identification and Contact Information
- Full name and contact information for the injured party
- Date of birth
- Specific date(s) of the incident(s)
- Details of the Incident
- For medical malpractice: Specific medical errors, outcomes, and responsible parties. This could include the hospital, specific doctors, nurses, or other medical staff, as well as the practice group or other medical facility involved.
- For sexual assault: Details of the incident, involved parties, and any immediate actions taken. Involved parties could include the person who actually abused you, their employer, potentially a homeowner, or other parties who may have had a duty to prevent the assault.
- For car accidents: Accident details, involved vehicles, and any injuries sustained. This includes the make and model of the vehicles, the location and time of the accident, weather conditions, and any traffic violations. Additionally, details about the drivers and passengers, as well as any witnesses, are vital.
- For nursing home abuse: Nature of the abuse, involved staff, and any immediate actions taken. This could include physical, emotional, or financial abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Identifying the staff members involved, the management of the nursing home, and any immediate steps taken to report or stop the abuse are essential.
- Timeline of Events
- When the incident occurred
- Immediate actions taken post-incident
- Any subsequent medical care or legal actions
- Identification of Potential Defendants
- Names of individuals or businesses you believe are responsible for your injury. A business might be responsible if the incident occurred on their premises, if their employee caused the harm while performing job duties, or if the business failed to maintain a safe environment or adhere to regulations.
- Details of their involvement
- Damages and Impact
- Physical injuries or health complications
- Emotional distress or mental health difficulties
- Financial losses, including medical expenses and lost income
- Additional Relevant Information
- Signed documents or forms related to the incident
- Communications with involved parties
- Existing medical records or other documentation
- Filed complaints with relevant authorities, such as police reports.
Importance of Specific Dates
One of the most critical pieces of information you can provide is the specific date or dates of the incidents. This is critical because the statute of limitations (SOL) sets a deadline for filing a civil case. If too much time has passed since the incident, you may be prohibited from pursuing legal action. While there are limited exceptions to the statute of limitations in certain circumstances, they are few and pose significant hurdles. Therefore, it is essential to get your case moving as soon as possible to avoid missing these critical deadlines. One of the most common reasons we turn down cases is that too much time has passed to file a civil case.
Evidence to Collect
If you are involved in a car accident or subject to harm by someone, whether intentional or not, it is crucial to keep detailed notes and records. Do not delete any records, including text messages, emails, or any other forms of communication. These records can be vital in building your case and ensuring that all relevant information is preserved. Additionally, you should:
- Take Photos: Capture images of any injuries, property damage, and the scene of the incident.
- Gather Witness Information: Obtain contact details from any witnesses who can provide statements about the incident.
- Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep any physical items related to the incident, such as damaged clothing or personal belongings.
For more detailed information on evidence to collect in auto accidents and sexual assaults, please refer to our previous blog posts: 5 Types of Evidence That Can Disappear Quickly After an Auto Accident and How to Report Sexual Assault: Everything You Need to Know.
Conclusion
Being well-prepared for your intake call can significantly impact the success of your case. By providing detailed and accurate information, you enable our legal team to build a strong foundation for your legal action.
Our team thoroughly reviews each intake to ensure we understand the full scope of your case. While we strive to assist as many clients as possible, we cannot take on every case. If we determine that we are unable to represent you, we will provide feedback and explain our decision with compassion and respect. We understand how important your case is, and we encourage you to contact other attorneys who may have a different evaluation of your situation. Our goal is to ensure you receive the best possible guidance, even if it means seeking assistance elsewhere.
If you or a loved one are confronting the aftermath of an incident such as sexual assault, a car accident, medical malpractice, or nursing home abuse, allow the team at Lipinski Law to lift the legal burden from your shoulders. Reach out to us at 561-453-4800 or through our website at https://lipinskilaw.com/contact/ for a free, no-obligation consultation.
