Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common questions about injury claims, fees, deadlines, records, litigation, and what to do next in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

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Support Note: This is for practical resource for injury victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and emphasizes that clients can begin with the basics even if they do not yet have a perfect file.

EXPLORE PRACTICE AREAS

Start here if you are not sure what to do next

Most people who reach this page are trying to answer one of a few practical questions:

  • Do I even have a case?

  • Do I need to bring everything before I call?

  • How long will this take?

  • How are fees handled?

  • Will I have to go to court?

  • What should I save right now?

The goal of this page is to answer those questions in clear language and help people understand what matters most before they contact the firm.

Getting Started & Fees

  • Yes. A consultation is confidential, and you may discuss sensitive issues with discretion and respect. Your current FAQ page already states this directly.

  • For qualifying matters, Edelstein Law works on contingency. That means there is no attorney fee unless the firm obtains compensation. Many firms advance common case costs and then address reimbursement through the recovery if the case succeeds.  

  • No. A short factual summary is enough to begin. If you have incident reports, photos, medical paperwork, insurance information, witness names, and a short timeline, those items are helpful — but if they do not have everything, Edelstein Law can still begin with the basics.

What to bring to a consultation

If available, bring:

  • incident or crash reports,

  • photographs or video,

  • medical records or discharge paperwork,

  • insurance information,

  • witness names,

  • a short timeline of events

You do not need the perfect file:

  • People often wait too long because they think they need to “finish” their documents first. That usually helps the defense, not the claimant. Bring what you have. Missing pieces can often be requested or preserved later.

What to avoid sending too early:

  • Avoid uploading Social Security numbers, banking credentials, or unrelated sensitive identifiers through general web forms unless the firm specifically requests them through a secure channel.

  • A viable case is usually built on two things:

    • liability — who is legally responsible, and how strong the proof is

    • damages — how significant and well-documented the harm is

    • Case value is driven by liability strength and damages, including medical costs, future care needs, wage loss, impact on daily life, permanency, liens, and related legal and evidentiary issues. Value is evidence-driven, not guesswork. 

    • No. Rough calculations are educational tools, not promises.

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How cases are evaluated

 

Process, settlement, and litigation

    • Timelines vary depending on the severity of injury, treatment duration, disputed liability, and court scheduling. Some matters resolve in months, while others take significantly longer.

    • Not always. Many cases are resolved without trial, but credible trial readiness improves settlement leverage, especially in serious-injury matters.

    • Edelstein Law confirms representation in writing, gathers records, preserves evidence, notifies insurers and defense counsel, and builds a clear liability and damages narrative. 

    • Yes. With proper authorizations, Edelstein Law can obtain medical records and billing records and work with providers and experts to document causation, permanency, and future care needs

    • Clients should expect clear communication about key milestones such as records, demand, negotiations, filings, discovery, and mediation, and it asks clients to report changes in treatment, work status, phone numbers, or addresses promptly.

Request a Free, Confidential Case Review:

Tell us what happened and what you’re dealing with now. We’ll respond promptly, explain your options, and outline next steps.

  • No fee unless we win

  • Fast Response

  • Serving Pennsylvania & New Jersey—All Counties

  • Prefer to call? — Philadelphia (215) 893-9311New Jersey(856) 809-3150

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.