12 Questions to Ask a Law Firm

  1. How long has the lawyer been practicing personal injury law?

    In over 50 years since our practice began on the Portland Waterfront - now with seven offices throughout the state of Maine - we have represented more than 25,000 Mainers in their personal injury and disability claims. Our law firm is among the most experienced personal injury firms in Maine. Since 1974, our attorneys have helped Mainers gain the access to justice they deserve, and have helped accident victims and disabled persons recover over $500 million in damages and benefits.

  2. Does the lawyer offer a free office or phone consultation?

    You can talk with the attorneys at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein for free, at absolutely no cost or obligation. We have always offered free, initial, confidential consultations by phone, at one of our seven convenient offices, or at another location of your choice. If you prefer, we are happy to meet with you virtually and securely from the comfort and safety of your home.

  3. Does the lawyer handle cases on a contingent fee basis?

    All of our cases are handled on a contingent fee basis. We produce results or we don't get paid. You owe us nothing unless and until your case settles. A contingent fee means that the lawyer's fee is a percentage of the money the lawyer obtains to compensate you for your injuries. If there is no recovery, then there is no fee.

  4. Does the lawyer do only one thing-help injured and disabled Mainers?

    Our law firm only represents injured and disabled people - this is the only work we do at our firm. We never represent insurance companies or people accused of causing accidents. We believe it is absolutely critical that your attorney represents only injury victims. Personal injury law is a specialized area of law that requires the expertise of a specialist for best results on a consistent basis.

  5. Will the lawyer visit you at your home or the hospital?

    We understand that mobility can be a challenge after an accident. If you are unable to meet with us at one of our five convenient offices, we will meet with you at any location in Maine that is comfortable for you. To obtain critical case-related information, including photographs and statements, our staff will meet you at your home, in the hospital, or another location of your choice if you are unable to come to one of our offices. Each of our seven offices is wheelchair accessible.

  6. Does the lawyer have the staff to properly handle your case?

    The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has an extraordinary team of lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, finance professionals, and administrators who are solely committed to helping accident and disability victims. Our law firm has experienced attorneys and case managers who work in teams handling claims like yours. In addition to our experienced attorneys, we have a large staff of case managers and assistants, as well as dedicated intake, finance, information technology, marketing, and reception departments. An attorney and case manager will be assigned to work on and monitor the development of your case. Your case manager will be responsible for gathering all of the relevant medical records, police records, employment records, bills, and insurance information that may be needed depending upon the nature of your claim. Our staff will take care of all the important details so that you can focus on getting proper medical attention and recovering from your injuries as quickly as possible.

  7. Does the lawyer have expertise in technology, a comprehensive web site, and Internet capabilities?

    Our firm is held in high regard for our dedication, commitment, and investment in the deployment of advanced technologies. The firm's Technology Team is led by a full-time information technology specialist whose major responsibility is to remain on the forefront of the latest technological advances. We are leaders among law firms with our expertise and implementation of the latest technologies, including our case-management software. We also have in place a Disaster Recovery Plan to ensure that all of the information we store digitally about our clients and their claims is safe and secure from all disasters. Our web site is one of the most comprehensive personal injury web sites in Maine. Our blog is one of only a handful of lawyer blogs in Maine and is packed with important information relevant to all Mainers. Our email blasts are sent to over 5,000 current and former clients and contain educational information of importance. Every person on our entire staff can be reached directly by email, dedicated phone numbers, and fax numbers that connect directly to their computers.

  8. Does the lawyer have adequate financial resources?

    Our firm has the financial stability and strength to pay all client costs before a settlement is achieved. We never ask our clients for a retainer or to pay in advance for client costs. When choosing a personal injury law firm, it is critical that you select a law firm that has the necessary staffing, financial stability, technology, and longevity of service to injury victims. Also of great importance is access to conveniently located offices. Insurance companies vigorously challenge injury claims. You need an attorney with the organization and strength to go the distance on your behalf.

  9. How quickly will your phone calls be returned?

    We have built our reputation on providing top-notch client services. Our clients' interests and concerns are our number one priority. Promptly returning phone calls is an important part of the service we offer all our clients. We strive to give each of our clients the individual attention they deserve.

  10. What is the lawyer's policy about keeping you informed?

    Every member of your legal team - lawyers, case managers, and legal assistants - can be reached on his or her direct phone number, exclusive email address, dedicated fax number, and through our toll free phone number (1-866-275-4563). You will receive copies of all letters and correspondence sent from our office. Close client communication is a top priority at every step in the process.

  11. What do our clients have to say?

    Many of our clients are referred to our office by satisfied clients whom we have helped in the past. Other lawyers, doctors' offices, court personnel, and even employees of insurance companies, have referred friends and family to our office, confident that their claims will be handled by an extraordinary team of professionals. See our "Testimonials" page for a sampling of statements made by actual clients about our representation.

  12. Are communications confidential?

    Each of our lawyers and all staff members will treat your communications with our office in a highly confidential way. Our computer system and all of our offices are protected from intrusion of unauthorized persons. The information you communicate to our staff will not be shared with others without your specific permission. After your injury, the selection of a lawyer may well be the first decision about which you have total control. This is also one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It is essential to have full confidence and trust in your lawyer. These 12 questions will give you some guidance in formulating your thoughts for discussion with a personal injury attorney. Our answers will give you better insight into the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein.