PERSONAL INJURY

Does it cost me anything to meet with you?
No – we will meet with you and review your case at no cost to you.

I have been injured, but my pain is not that bad. My friends are telling me that I should meet with an attorney. When should I meet with an attorney?
Right away. The best way to determine whether you have a strong claim is by having an attorney evaluate your case. While you are deciding whether to contact an attorney, the insurance companies are gathering evidence that will damage your case.

I have been injured in a car accident. Am I entitled to any benefits from my insurance company?
Yes. Under Minnesota’s No-Fault Statutes, you are entitled to the following benefits from your insurance company:

• Payment of Medical Bills. Under Minnesota’s No-Fault Statues, you are entitled to receive $20,000 for medical care and treatment that is reasonable, necessary, and related to your automobile accident. This amount may be greater depending upon your insurance coverage.
• Right to See Doctors of Your Choosing. You have the right to receive medical care and treatment from any doctor you choose.
• Wage Loss. If your doctor places you on disability status, you are entitled to 85% of your weekly lost wages, up to $250 per week (this may be more depending upon your insurance coverage).
• Mileage Expense. You have the right to be reimbursed for all the miles that you travel to attend your medical appointments.
• Replacement Services. If your doctor places you on disability status, you are entitled to be reimbursed for having to hire persons to perform household duties that you usually perform, such as cleaning your residence, washing clothes, mowing the lawn, etc.

How much do I have to pay you?
We are paid on a contingency (percentage) fee basis, which means that we are paid only after we obtain a verdict for you or your case is settled. If we do not recover money for you, you pay us nothing.

How much is my case worth?
This is largely dependent upon the circumstances surrounding your case, including:

• Your medical care and treatment (the more medical treatment you receive, the more valuable your case becomes (usually)
• The severity of the accident’s impact (property damage)
• Future medical problems that you might suffer from as a result of the accident
• The amount of medical expenses
• Your lost income and your future loss of income
• The effects that the accident has had on your life

I have heard that some lawsuits take years – how long will my case take?
Every case is different. The length of time that your case takes will depend upon your injuries, and when your doctor(s) are able to determine the extent, severity, and permanency of your injuries.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Does it cost me anything to meet with you?
No – For your initial conversation, we will meet with you and review your case at no cost to you.

How do I know whether I have a “good case?”
The best way to determine the answer to this question is to sit down with the Stocke Law Office. Again, we will meet with you for a free consultation and analysis of your case. Following the consultation and analysis, we will provide you with our assessment of your case.

If I decide to retain you, how much do you charge?
Every case is different. In determining our fee, the Stocke Law Office will take into account the complexity of your case, the time involved, the gravity of the case, the degree of difficulty, the urgency of your case, and the necessity of declining other work based upon the hours required for your case.

I have heard that it is not even worth fighting a DUI and that they are impossible to beat – is this true?
Absolutely not. Many people do not realize that there are numerous
issues in a DWI case that can be challenged. These cases can, and have been, successfully defended.

WILLS & TRUSTS

Do I need a Will?
A Will is a crucial tool in an estate plan. A Will directs how you want your property distributed upon your death. A Will can address issues extremely important to you, such as: who do you want to be your personal representative (the person managing your estate), appointing a guardian for your minor children, whether you want certain property to be placed into trust for family members or others, along with directions as to the payment of your debts, taxes, and other financial matters.

What is a trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement where you, as the trustor/settlor place property in the custody of a trustee for the purpose of benefiting one (or more) beneficiaries. There are many different kinds of trusts. Some trusts begin operating while the trustor/settler is still living (an “inter vivos” trust).

What if we do not practice in the area of law that you were looking for?
Contact us, and we will refer you to an attorney who will best represent your interests.