(814) 946-1606

Collections

Q. What advantage is there for my business to use an attorney to collect debts?

A. Very often, our clients have sent request after request regarding unpaid invoices to their customers with no results. However, when these same customers see an attorney's letterhead, they realize that the business is not going to back off; and in fact, is serious enough to hire an attorney which could ultimately result in court costs to the delinquent customer in addition to the unpaid bill. Therefore, our clients achieve results without the necessity of going to court in most cases. Those instances when it is necessary, we have the knowledge to see that the correct steps are followed along the way to achieve the desired result in court.

Criminal Law

Q. Why should I hire a private attorney to represent me in a criminal matter rather than a public defender?

A. Not everyone will qualify for a Public Defender and often Defendants prefer to choose their attorney instead of being assigned one.

Estates

Q. When someone in my family dies, why do I need an attorney to probate a Will?

A. For several reasons: First, the laws are constantly changing and secondly, there are many allowable deductions of which the general public are unaware that can greatly decrease the amount of inheritance tax the heirs and beneficiaries of a Decedent may have to pay to the state. Lastly, during what is usually a very emotional time, an attorney and his office can relieve you of the worry of a myriad of details. We have software to prepare the necessary Petitions and Returns. We receive periodic updates that enable us to comply with any changes in the regulations from the county or state.

Q. Just how much is inheritance tax?

A. The rate of inheritance tax due on Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Returns is: 0% for spouses, 4-1/2% for parents, children, and grandchildren, 12% for siblings and 15% for any others.

Personal Injury

Q. What are the fees required to hire an attorney to handle a personal injury case?

A. In our firm, we handle all these cases on a contingent fee agreement of one-third (1/3) if it goes to trial or if it is a long, drawn-out proceeding; or one-fourth (1/4) if the case can be settled quickly. Our firm, unlike many others, advances all costs for doctor's reports, medical records, depositions and court reporters. Our firm never charges any fee unless our firm recovers money for the client. In addition to the lawyer handling the case, there will always be a staff person involved to keep the client updated and informed about the progress of the case. Lastly, our office is one of the few firms that will represent providers, meaning doctors, who have been challenged by insurance carriers concerning their billing.

Real Estate

Q. Why do I need an attorney to represent me when I am selling a house?

A. Normally, it is the buyer's attorney who conducts the closing. The Seller is normally responsible for preparation of the deed, which requires an attorney. This attorney can review the Settlement Sheet, or HUD-1, to see that the Seller is only charged for their proper share of costs, taxes, etc.

Q. What happens if I misplace the deed to my house?

A. It is not necessary to have your original deed when planning to sell your property. The attorney can obtain a recorded copy at the local county courthouse.

Q. Is it necessary to have a title search when I purchase a home even if I know the people who owned it were good, financially stable people?

A. When an attorney conducts a title search, he searches the records a minimum of sixty (60) years to insure that any present and/or prior owners have no outstanding liens that would result in a lien against your new home that would prevent you from obtaining a mortgage or selling the property in the future.

Social Security

Q. What is the process in filing a Social Security claim and what does the attorney do and charge for his services?

A. A claim for Social Security Disability is filed by the claimant (one that asserts a right or title) directly with the Social Security Administration through the local office and there is no filing fee. The Social Security Administration then requests all medical records to show that the claimant is totally disabled. Unless it is very obvious that the claimant is totally disabled, the claim will be turned down and a reconsideration can be requested. If the reconsideration is denied then an appeal must be filed requesting a hearing held before an administrative law judge. At the hearing the claimant will need to testify and submit any current evidence of disability. Our firm assists the claimant by filing the required appeal forms, updating medical records for the judge and explaining the process to the client to prepare them for the hearing. Our fee for representing you is 25% of back due benefits or $5,300, whichever is less. If the appeal is denied by the administrative law judge a request for review by the social security appeals council can be filed. The case can be appealed to the Federal District Court in Johnstown if necessary.

Our firm also has a working knowledge of how Social Security Disability claims and Workers Compensation claims impact each other.

Wills

Q. Why do I need an attorney to write a Will for me when I am not wealthy or own a business or have a large estate?

A. The main reason you should consult an attorney is because after many years of advising families in their legal affairs, he/she is aware of all the unexpected issues and/or complications that may arise. An attorney has the knowledge to include all the appropriate language in your Will to avoid any misinterpretations of your intentions, thereby avoiding conflict and misunderstandings among your loved ones when the time comes to probate your Will.

Worker's Compensation

Q. How can I file a claim for Worker's Compensation and what are the fees if I hire an attorney?

A. All claims for Worker's Compensation can be filed without a filing fee at the Worker's Compensation Bureau in Harrisburg. Our firm has the latest software to make certain that the claim is properly filed in accordance with compensation rules. Our fee to handle these cases is a contingent fee of 20% which must be approved by the compensation judge. Similar to personal injury cases, our firm advances all costs for deposing doctors which generally exceeds $1,000, the court reporter fees, fees for medical records and photography work, if necessary. This is unlike many firms who require the deposition fee of the doctor to be paid in advance by the claimant. Our allegiance is totally to the client/claimant and once we undertake a case, we see the case through to the end including appeals to the Compensation Board or the Commonwealth Court. Our firm handles all aspects of Worker's Compensation cases from fighting termination, petitions to seek payment of medical and hospitals bills, handling commutations, all compromise and release settlements. Where settlements are concerned, we handle them so that if social security is involved, the claimant gets maximum recovery under both. Lastly, our office is one of the few firms that will represent providers, meaning doctors, who have been challenged by insurance carriers concerning their billing.