Taking & Investigating the Case

• Author: Larry Booth/Roger Booth
• Pages: 53-80

1-1 (Rev. 2, 11/13)

Chapter 1

TAKING & INVESTIGATING

THE CASE

I. SIGNING UP THE NEW CASE

A. Deciding Whether to Take the Case

§1:01 Be Selective

§1:02 Checklists: Cases to Avoid; Cases to Accept

§1:03 Withdraw Early if the Case Goes Sour

§1:04 Winning Over Potential New Clients

B. Fee Agreements

§1:10 Form: Contingency Agreement

§1:11 Form: Contingency Agreement—Medical Malpractice

C. Interviewing the Client

§1:20 Get All the Facts

§1:21 Form: Interview and Investigation Sheet

§1:22 Form: Wrongful Death Damages Questionnaire

§1:23 Undisclosed Prior Injuries

§1:24 Form: Client’s Confidential Information Booklet

§1:25 Form: Records Authorization

§1:26 No Promises—Fact Sheets

§1:27 Form: Client Handout—A Few Facts About Liability Cases

§1:28 Litigation Is Unpredictable

§1:29 Checklist to Review With Client: Why Litigation Is Unpredictable

§1:30 Understanding the Social Media Problem

§1:31 Handling the Social Media Problem

§1:32 Form: Sub Rosa Videos and Social Media Information Policy

II. INVESTIGATION

§1:40 Investigate Early

§1:41 Checklist: Early Investigation

§1:42 Investigate Your Own Client Before Defense Does

Personal Injury Handbook 1-2

§1:43 Caution: Never Give the Defense a Signed Authorization for Release of

Medical Records

§1:44 Dealing With Poor Descriptions of the Accident in Medical Records

§1:45 Investigation During Discovery

§1:46 Investigation During Trial

III. SUMMARY

§1:70 Checklist: Dos and Don’ts in the Handling of Personal Injury Cases