Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Priest Abuse – Maryland
What if I was sexually abused by a priest in Maryland who is no longer alive?
It does not matter if the predator who sexually abused you is alive. Most cases under the Maryland Child Victim Act will be brought against the institutions covering up the abuse and were complicit in it. For example, a case involving a Roman Catholic priest who sexually abused children decades ago would be against the Archdiocese of Baltimore. This is a case of negligent retention and supervision. Because the archdiocese had the opportunity to stop the abuse when they first knew about it, but instead, they covered it up.
If I was abused by a priest in Maryland, how much would the case be worth?
The Maryland Child Victims Act places a cap on the amount of non-economic damages that can be recovered in a lawsuit. Non-economic damages are the damages for pain and suffering that were sustained by the person who was sexually abused. That includes the pain suffered during the abuse in the years that followed. The maximum amount in Maryland is $1.5 million.
What will happen if the Archdiocese of Baltimore files for bankruptcy?
We have represented over 500 people in diocesan bankruptcies. Our firm has been involved in multiple diocesan bankruptcies. Over two dozen dioceses around the country have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is not the end of the road for a claim for child sexual abuse. The archdiocese still has assets, including land, cash, and investments. Additionally, insurance coverage protects the archdiocese from claims for the negligent retention and supervision of their predator priests.
Many clergy abuse cases are being settled before going to trial. The process is complicated, and it’s more complex as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes an experienced attorney to proceed with a claim for damages. Contact Steve Boyd, PC, today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
What will happen if the Archdiocese of Baltimore files for bankruptcy?
We have represented over 500 people in diocesan bankruptcies. Our firm has been involved in multiple diocesan bankruptcies. Over two dozen dioceses around the country have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is not the end of the road for a claim for child sexual abuse. The archdiocese still has assets, including land, cash, and investments. Additionally, insurance coverage protects the archdiocese from claims for the negligent retention and supervision of their predator priests.
Many clergy abuse cases are being settled before going to trial. The process is complicated, and it’s more complex as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes an experienced attorney to proceed with a claim for damages. Contact Steve Boyd, PC, today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Personal Injury – NY
How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
If you were injured because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may have a personal injury case. Personal injury lawyers also routinely take cases involving abuse or on behalf of surviving family members for wrongful death. If you or a family member has been injured, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your damages. An experienced personal injury attorney from our team will evaluate your case for free to determine if you have a valid claim.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Every case is unique, and it’s impossible to determine how much a case is worth without evaluating all the facts. You may be eligible to recover damages for lost wages, medical expense, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. As an experienced personal injury firm, our legal team can estimate the value of your case based on the extent of your injuries, medical treatment required, and your ability to earn a living.
Our skilled personal injury lawyers have the expertise to investigate thoroughly, consult expert resources, advocate on your behalf, and secure compensation for your losses to the maximum extent of the law. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
You don’t pay any legal fees until we win or settle your case. We review your personal injury case for free, and there is no deposit or advance fee required. When a settlement or verdict is reached, then our legal fee is calculated at a percentage (usually one-third) of the total amount awarded. This is called a contingent fee agreement, which is how most personal injury lawyers are paid. Get a free case review by calling Steve Boyd, PC.
If I’m injured in an accident, what should I do?
Following an injury accident, our 24-hour response team can be reached at 716-600-0000 or 585-600-0000 and should be called as soon as practical. Additional steps that should be taken include:
- Seek medical attention
If your injuries are severe, call an ambulance.
If you hit your head, get medical care immediately.
For less urgent injuries, see your doctor as soon as possible. - Notify police immediately
Don’t count on the police to gather all the evidence
Ask for a copy of the police report - Take pictures of scene
Take pictures of your injuries, the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any object, equipment, or surface areas that may have caused your injury. If you are unable to take photos, have a friend/colleague/witness do it for you. - Identify witnesses
Obtain contact information for all witnesses: names, addresses, phone numbers, and license plate numbers. - Preserve your clothing
Place the clothes and shoes you were wearing in a bag for future evidence. - Notify your insurance company if you’re in a car crash
You must submit your application for no-fault coverage within 30 days of the accident. - Don’t give any written or recorded statements
Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer before giving a written or recorded statement to an insurance adjuster or anyone representing the party who injured you. - Notify the property owner if you’re injured on someone else’s property
Request to see the owner or manager on duty and obtain contact information.
If I’m injured in an accident, what should I do?
Following an injury accident, our 24-hour response team can be reached at 716-600-0000 or 585-600-0000 and should be called as soon as practical. Additional steps that should be taken include:
Do I have to speak to my insurance company after an accident?
If you were in a car accident, you should notify your insurance company of the accident. You must cooperate with your insurance provider as part of your insurance contract. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should speak with them without consulting a personal injury attorney. In some cases, you may be able to collect money for your injuries directly from your own insurance, and you don’t want to give them any statements that may damage your case.
Don’t ever contact the other party’s insurance company.
Why do I need a personal injury lawyer if I’m injured?
If you’re seriously injured, you’ll go up against professionals who do everything possible to minimize the damages paid for personal injury claims. Most people don’t have the legal experience to fight against big insurance companies and their team of lawyers. But our top-rated personal injury attorneys can help ensure you receive what you’re owed for your losses. Our experienced team will:
- Provide a free case review
- Identify & secure critical evidence
- Recruit experts from around the U.S.
- Locate & interview key witnesses
- Create an overview of current & projected medical costs
- Determine if additional insurance coverage may be available
- Pursue monetary damages that you may not even have considered
- Travel to you & other injured parties
Can I settle my case on my own without a personal injury attorney?
You can settle your own case, but usually for significantly less than what’s owed to you, in many cases only ten percent. You’ll most likely be dealing with insurance adjusters with years of training to minimize your claim. Insurance companies keep specialized staff to minimize settlements.
What if I’m injured but don’t want to sue?
Whether to sue or not is always the choice of the injured person. While some injured people don’t want to take money away from someone who didn’t intentionally hurt them, it’s important to understand that almost all injury settlements are paid by the defendant’s insurance, not the defendant. All drivers and most homeowners and businesses pay for insurance for the specific purpose of payment in case of an accident. Even if it is necessary to sue, the vast majority of cases settle without a trial through negotiation with the insurance company.
Are there time limits involved in making a claim for personal injuries?
Yes. Statutes of limitations differ from state to state. They often range from 90 days to three years from the date of injury, depending on the location and situation. (Please note: No-fault accident claims are different from personal injury claims and must be submitted to your car insurance within 30 days.) Once the statute of limitations has passed, you’re barred from filing a claim for damages. Statutes of limitations may be extended for children and people suffering from mental limitations or illness.
Who pays my bills after I settle my auto injury case?
In New York, the insurance for the car you were in when the accident happened pays your medical bills and lost wages. This is called a no-fault claim. It is not part of your personal injury lawsuit, which is against the other driver and their insurance company. If medical bills or wages are still being paid by the no-fault insurance when your personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company is settled, the personal injury settlement has no impact on these payments. They should continue to be paid by the no-fault insurer.