If you are facing legal issues, you probably have a lot of questions are a bit stressed out. You aren't sure what you should do next. You may be worried about making a mistake that will hurt your legal rights or your future. You may be unsure about pursuing legal action. You might not know how you can find the best lawyer for your case.
At Fayan Law, Keith helps people just like you every day.
Not sure how to get started? Take a look at some sample questions to help you find a lawyer below. You will also find Keith’s answers to these questions. After all, this is Fayan Law’s website!
How long have you been in practice?
I began practicing law in 2004. Since then, I have helped injured individuals and small business owners obtain justice in and out of the courtroom. Additionally, I represent and sit on the boards of multiple nonprofits in Rhode Island. I am a firm believer that with education comes responsibility. That is why I volunteer to serve on nonprofit boards of directors.
Prior to my legal career, I served for more than 5 years as a United States Marine, working alongside the U.S. Department of State at embassies around the world, protecting ambassadors, diplomatic facilities and confidential information. I also earned a Bachelors and Masters of Science from Northeastern University College of Criminal Justice and spearheaded a long-term research project on school bullying through the Department of Justice before attending law school.
How many cases like mine have you handled?
I have handled hundreds of different types of cases since 2004. During that time, I learned that no two cases are the same. However, the strategies developed and discipline needed to maximize my clients’ recovery and overall satisfaction remains consistent. Call 401.475.2755 to speak with me directly about your case.
How often do you settle cases out of court?
Different problems call for different solutions. The client’s goal is paramount in evaluating problem solving strategies. Avoiding prolonged court cases is the best option for some clients, while immediately filing a lawsuit and going to court is better for others.
I always ask clients what outcome they expect from their case. Clients’ goals always govern the best course of action moving forward.
What are your fees and costs?
I routinely handle civil litigation cases and personal injury cases. The fee structure is different for each.
I work on a contingency-fee basis for my personal injury clients. The fees range from 30-40% of the total amount recovered, depending on the specific case. This means I only get paid if I can successfully recover for my clients. If you don’t get money, I don’t get money.
I provide free case evaluations for individuals injured at work, in car accidents, on the property of another or by a defective product.
I also handle veterans disability appeals on a contingency basis – typically ranging from 20-30% of any past-due benefits recovered. If you don’t get money, I don’t get money.
Civil litigation cases are billed on an hourly basis and invoiced monthly. Retainer agreements are typically required, though alternative billing arrangements are often considered.
What are the next steps?
Call me! Help me help you! You may be surprised how easy it is to get me on the line!
Call 401.475.2755 to speak with me directly. You can also email kef@fayanlaw.com.
Do I have a claim/case?
It depends. Anyone can file a lawsuit at any time. But whether you actually have a case you can win is a completely different issue. People often ask, “Will you represent me in a lawsuit?” My answer is always the same – it depends. Fayan Law, P.C. does not file frivolous lawsuits. We only take cases involving legitimate claims.
Generally, two things must exist for you to have a viable case or claim–there must be liability and damages. In other words, someone must have failed to meet their duty to you, and, as a result of their actions (or inactions), you suffered physical and financial injuries.
For example, a car runs a red light and crashed into you in the intersection. Drivers have a duty to stop at red lights. Here, the driver failed to meet that duty by running the light. They are liable for the accident. If you were injured as a result of the crash, then you also have damages. In this example, you likely have a good case against the driver of the other vehicle.
What if you ran the red light, struck another car, and were injured? Your claim would likely fail since it was your conduct that caused the accident. What if someone else caused the accident, but I did not get hurt? Your claim would also likely fail because of the lack of damages. You would still have a property damage claim for the damage to your vehicle but there would be no claim for personal injuries or accompanying pain and suffering.
If you have been injured in a car accident, crash, or workplace accident, as a result of a slip and fall, or by a defective product and would like more information about your rights, call 401.475.2755 or email kef@fayanlaw.com.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Let’s be honest – most people do not like talking about money. Money, however, is typically the only remedy available to you after being injured in a car accident or slip-and-fall. It is nearly impossible to evaluate the value of your claim at the time it happens.
First, the compensation to which you are entitled depends largely on the type and severity of your injuries, the length and extent of treatment, and whether you will require any future medical care related to your injuries. There are other factors too, such wages lost due to the accident. In the days following your accident, medical treatment is just starting and the severity of your injuries is being determined. Any “case value” suggested at this time would be premature and pure guess work. Don’t let any attorney tell you differently.
Next, facts often come to light in the middle of pursuing a claim that shift the potential value significantly. Sometimes medical treatment is vastly different from that which was anticipated at the beginning of the case or questions of liability arise. Always be weary of any attorney that provides you with a specific value at the beginning of your case.
I believe that my clients should focus on getting healthy, make all their doctor’s appointments, and follow all treatment and therapy recommendations. During that time, I will investigate and develop all claims to maximize your financial recovery. Clients are kept informed throughout the process and decide when and if to accept a settlement.
What Factors Determine the Value of My Claim?
There are many factors that go into determining the value of a claim. The amount of money to which you are entitled after being injured varies greatly from case to case. Typically, it is based on several factors, including:
- The age and health of the victim before the injury.
- The extent of the injuries.
- The amount of medical treatment needed.
- The ability of the victim to recover fully from the injury and return to a similar lifestyle.
- Whether the victim was required to miss work because of the injury.
- The presence of emotional and physical pain and suffering.
- Future pain and suffering and future medical treatment and expenses.
How Do I Choose a Lawyer? All Lawyers Are Not Created Equal!
All lawyers have two things in common – they attended law school and passed the bar exam. Beyond that, there are endless differences.
Whether you are injured in an accident or otherwise facing legal issues, your world may feel upside down. Your main priority should be getting back to normal as fast as possible.
It can be tempting to hire the first lawyer you speak with or the guy you saw on that commercial, but that might be a terrible idea. Many people don’t realize that lawyers sometimes advertise for cases they don’t actually take, in areas they have no experience in, and generally aren’t qualified to handle. Before hiring an attorney (and to avoid hiring the wrong attorney) try to always do the following:
- Do your research. Get started by researching and reading more about your rights and what to expect from the legal process. You should also check out the websites for law firms and lawyers you’d like to meet to get a better feel for their experience and the kinds of cases they take. Local bar association websites can also be a great resource for general information.
- Interview different law firms and attorneys. You want to make sure you’re getting the best person for the job and someone you feel comfortable with–lawsuits can take up to two-years! Meeting in person or chatting on the phone with an attorney can help you get a better feel for how a particular attorney might handle your case. First impressions matter!
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up! The right attorney will listen to what you have to say, respond directly and honestly, and give you clear answers in language you understand. Remember your claim could easily take 18-24 months. You will be working with your lawyer for months – even years! You deserve an attorney who will promptly return your calls and take the time to understand your perspective. You also need to be comfortable communicating with your attorney. If you don’t like your attorney, chances are you will not be comfortable speaking with them.
Referrals
Fayan Law clients also benefit from top-notch referrals to the best and brightest attorneys across many practice areas including, family law, criminal law, worker’s compensation, corporate law, entertainment law, land use and real estate law, employment law, bankruptcy, tax law, divorce, estate planning, wills, probate and trust and immigration.
Attorney Fayan has worked with dozens of attorneys throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and beyond. Unlike attorneys who practice in large law firms, Attorney Keith Fayan does not have an obligation to refer you to his “partner down the hall.” Instead, he is able to direct you to the best attorney for your problem, regardless of the firm in which he or she practices. The focus is on your needs and the best way to meet them.