When you are contemplating whether to take on a new case remember this expression: “The best case is the one I did not take.” How many times have you taken a case and then once you get deeper into the case you think, – why did I take this case in the first place? Doing your homework on the plaintiff and fully evaluating numerous aspects of the case including damages and potential expert witnesses can save you a lot of time, money and headache ? and maybe even a malpractice lawsuit.
In this course, trial attorney Dan Gilleon offers numerous points to consider before taking your next personal injury case. The main areas addressed by Mr. Gilleon include issues to consider at client intake, evaluating damages and the experts you will need for the liability & damages phase of trial. Further topics discussed include evaluating a potential plaintiff, language skills, appearance, age, occupation, criminal history, willingness to go to trial, liability, statutes of limitation, recorded statements to the insurance company, timing of the accident, property damage claims, police reports, witnesses, motor vehicle accidents, competing lawsuits, premises liability cases, the use of video, underinsured/uninsured motorist claims, treating doctors, insurance coverage, photographs of the vehicle & accident scene, medical treatment, specialists, lost work, bankruptcy and dog bites. Mr. Gilleon also discusses the following types of experts: certified safety experts, human factors experts, biomechanical experts, mechanical engineers, fire/explosion experts, medical doctors, the treating doctors, vocational rehabilitationists, life care planners and economic experts. When considering whether to take your next personal injury case its important to remember, “It’s never about the money, until it’s about the money.”
Dan Gilleon is a senior partner and founder of the personal injury San Diego law firm of Mitchell & Gilleon. He is a an experienced Plaintiff’s Civil Trial Attorney who recently acted as co-counsel for Brian Giles, former San Diego Padres player, who was sued by Cheri Olvera for palimony and domestic violence in a highly publicized case. He has obtained significant verdicts in the areas of hate crimes, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and personal injury. A recipient of the “Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award” given to him by peer attorneys, his extensive trial experience has led to several significant verdicts.