Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. The initial case evaluation is always free and fully confidential.

Each state has its own statute of limitations, and certain claims (such as those involving minors, government entities, or delayed discovery) follow different timelines. We recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible so critical evidence and deadlines are preserved.

Yes. While our offices are based in Maryland and Pennsylvania, we routinely co-counsel and litigate catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases across the country alongside trusted local counsel.

A senior attorney — not a screener — will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in plain language. There is no obligation to hire us afterward.

Yes. Every conversation with our attorneys is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you ultimately decide not to hire us. Nothing you share will be disclosed without your consent.

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider departs from the accepted standard of care and that departure causes injury. Proving malpractice typically requires expert medical testimony and a careful review of the records.

Complex malpractice cases generally take 18 to 36 months to resolve, depending on jurisdiction, the number of defendants, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.

Case value depends on the nature of the injury, projected lifetime medical and care costs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. After reviewing your records, we provide a candid, realistic assessment.

Both may be liable. Hospitals can be directly responsible for negligent hiring, supervision, credentialing, and staffing — and vicariously liable for employed providers or doctors who appear to be hospital agents.

Yes. Nearly every state requires qualified medical experts to establish the standard of care and show that the defendant's conduct fell below it. We work with leading specialists across every relevant field of medicine.

Common indicators include seizures shortly after birth, low Apgar scores, the need for cooling therapy, difficulty feeding, missed developmental milestones, and a later diagnosis of cerebral palsy, HIE, or Erb's palsy.

Statutes for birth injury claims are often extended for minors, but the specific deadline depends on your state and the facts of the case. It is critical to consult an attorney early — medical records and fetal monitoring strips must be preserved.

Recoveries typically address lifetime medical care, therapies, adaptive equipment, special education, lost earning capacity, and the family's pain and suffering. Our verdicts in this area have exceeded $182 million.

No. Cerebral palsy has many causes — including prematurity, infection, and genetic conditions. But a meaningful subset of CP cases stem from preventable birth injuries. A careful records review is the only way to know.

HIE is brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation around the time of birth. When it results from delayed delivery, missed warning signs on fetal monitoring, or mismanaged labor, it can support a malpractice claim.

Almost never. First offers are designed to close claims quickly and inexpensively, often before the full extent of injuries is known. Speak with an attorney before signing anything.

Get medical care, document the scene if you safely can, do not give recorded statements to the at-fault insurer, and contact an attorney before discussing fault or settlement.

Recoverable damages typically include past and future medical bills, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and — in some cases — punitive damages.

It depends on your state. Some bar recovery if you are even slightly at fault; most reduce your recovery by your share of fault. An attorney can evaluate how the rule applies to your case.

Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. We review every available policy — auto, umbrella, employer, and household — to identify all sources of recovery.

Most cases resolve through settlement, but we prepare every case as if it will be tried. Insurers and defendants pay more when they know your lawyer is willing and prepared to take the case to a jury.

Discovery is the pre-trial phase where each side exchanges evidence, takes depositions, and consults experts. It is the most labor-intensive part of litigation and often determines the case's value.

Settlements are typically paid as a lump sum or, for catastrophic cases, structured over time to fund lifelong care. We work with financial planners to protect your recovery.

A deposition is sworn testimony taken outside of court in front of a court reporter. In most cases the plaintiff is deposed by defense counsel. We prepare you thoroughly so you understand the process.

Personal injury cases often resolve in 12–24 months; medical malpractice and catastrophic cases more commonly take 18–36 months. Cases that proceed to trial or appeal can take longer.