Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

Navigating life after a sudden accident can bring serious anxiety and urgent questions about your recovery, finances, and legal rights. Shillen, Mackall, Seldon, Spicer, & Fraas provides clear, direct answers to the most common concerns for families across Vermont and New Hampshire to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Every case is unique, and you deserve answers. We provide private, no-cost case evaluations with zero obligation to help you find the clarity you need. Get in touch with our team today.

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

Many people worry about out-of-pocket expenses when hiring an advocate. We eliminate this barrier by removing upfront retainer fees and hourly billing cycles. Our team operates on a contingency fee model, meaning our payment depends entirely on successfully winning your case.

We advance all necessary expenses for medical records and court filings. If we do not recover financial compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, you do not owe us anything. This allows you to pursue justice without taking on personal financial risk.

What damages can I recover in a personal injury claim?

You can pursue financial compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This includes recovering money for medical bills, future care expenses, and lost wages from missed work. We also fight for non-physical damages such as physical pain, emotional suffering, and diminished quality of life. Our team meticulously evaluates your records to maximize your recovery.

Will my case have to go to a courtroom trial?

The vast majority of injury claims resolve through out-of-court negotiations rather than an extended courtroom battle. We gather detailed evidence and build every claim as if it is prepared for a judge and jury. This approach forces insurance adjusters to treat your injuries with respect.

If the negligent party refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will confidently take your case to trial. We fight to maximize your recovery and protect your future financial security.

How long does a personal injury lawsuit take?

The timeline for a personal injury claim depends on the unique facts of the accident and your medical care. A straightforward claim with clear liability might settle within a few months. Complex disputes involving severe injuries could take a year or more.

Rushing into a quick settlement is dangerous because you cannot reopen a claim if you need additional surgeries later. We ensure your long-term medical outlook is fully determined before finalizing any agreement.

What happens if I am partially at fault for the accident?

You can still seek financial recovery even if you share some blame for the crash. In Vermont and New Hampshire, courts apply modified comparative negligence rules. This framework allows you to pursue damages as long as your responsibility does not exceed 50 percent. Your final compensation will simply be reduced by your exact percentage of fault.

For example, if your damages equal 100,000 dollars and you are 10 percent responsible, you will receive 90,000 dollars. Our investigators work to prevent insurers from shifting blame onto you.

What should I do immediately after a motor vehicle accident?

Your immediate priority must always be seeking medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first. After ensuring your safety, try to document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage and collecting contact information from witnesses. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters until you speak with an attorney. Insurance companies often use early conversations to minimize payouts.

Contacting our team early allows us to preserve vital evidence and protect your rights from day one.

What is the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim?

The statute of limitations is the strict legal deadline for filing a lawsuit after an injury. If you miss this window, you lose your right to seek compensation forever. In Vermont, the deadline for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. In New Hampshire, the timeline is also generally three years.

Because preparing a strong case requires extensive investigation, we recommend speaking with our attorneys as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed safely on time.

What Makes Us Different?

Thousands of Clients Served Since 1980

“Words cannot express our gratitude for all the concern you have given us during our unfortunate time. The whole family wishes to thank you from our hearts for all your concern, input, and sincerity. We will never forget all you have done for us.”