What does it mean that Mr. Dippel is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization?
Less than 2% of active licensed Texas lawyers have achieved the status of Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law, according to Texas Board of Legal Specialization Records. Requirements include years of practice, number of trials sitting first chair, and recommendations by peers and judges. A Board Specialization exam must be passed, and there are heightened continuing legal education requirements that must be met each year, as well as other yearly compliance requirements. Achieving Board Certification is a special privilege, and it indicates special competence in the area of expertise.
What does it mean that Mr. Dippel is a Member of the College of the State Bar of Texas?
The College of the State Bar of Texas is an honorary society of lawyers who are among the best trained attorneys in Texas. Members are qualified attorneys who are interested in both high ethical standards and improved training for all Texas attorneys. The College recognizes Texas lawyers who attend at least double the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) required by the State Bar of Texas.
What does it mean that Mr. Dippel is AV Preeminent Rated?
An AV® certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment. It is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence, both as to his skill as a trial lawyer and his adherence to the highest ethical standards.
What does it mean that Mr. Dippel is a Texas Super Lawyer?
Texas Super Lawyers, a division of Thompson Reuters, selects attorneys using a rigorous, multi-phase rating process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. According to Thompson Reuters, only 5% of lawyers in Texas are selected.
Why should I choose your firm to evaluate my case?
We are good at what we do, and we take the time to explain your options, as well as the results of our work. Relationships with our clients – before, during and after the case – are important to us. There are many lawyers who advertise that they represent families who have experienced catastrophic injury or death; many of these firms, however, simply advertise and refer the case to a different firm, such as ours. Only a limited group of lawyers in the country specialize in the personal handling of product liability, automotive crashworthiness, premises liability, medical negligence, and complex injury litigation. In addition, Mr. Dippel's experience as a partner in a prestigious defense firm has taught him how large corporations and insurance companies defend cases, and thus how best to approach them when he is representing those who are injured.
Does your firm handle cases outside of Texas?
Yes. Mr. Dippel has filed cases throughout the country, including New York, Connecticut, Washington, Ohio, Florida, Nevada and others. In these circumstances, he strategically selects local lawyers to work with him. For these specific cases, he obtains special permission to practice in each state. He has also been admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the First, Third and Sixth Circuits.
An advertising lawyer said my case was worth millions, and he hasn’t even met with me yet. He is pressuring me to sign a contract. What should I do?
Lawyers should not promise you results or project recovery amounts without first fully evaluating and researching your case. For every million dollar case reported in the press, there are many more which resolve for less, or are even lost if not handled properly. An important part of your case is managing expectations. These are complex cases, and significant results are difficult to obtain. Grandiose, unsubstantiated promises are usually just an effort to "sign you up" on a contract. Educate yourself, and find a law firm with whom you are comfortable. Relationships matter. These cases involve difficult life decisions, and you deserve counsel who will place your - not their - interests first.
Do you have a nurse on the firm staff?
Yes. We are fortunate to have a registered nurse as a member of our staff. She has substantial experience working in emergency health care and is responsible for the medical evaluation and workup on cases.
How do I know if there is a case?
It is impossible to know until a certain amount of preliminary work is completed by our office. We will gather basic information, complete research, and interface with technical or medical experts in order to help you make this determination. The best way to begin this process is to contact our office.
Is there an initial consultation charge?
No.
There is a disagreement in our family about whether we should sue someone over the death of a family member. What should we do?
In circumstances involving serious injury or death, it is not uncommon for members of the family to disagree about hiring a lawyer. We have found the best way to thoughtfully address family concerns is to have a preliminary meeting to answer everyone’s questions and concerns. This provides all concerned with equal access to legal counsel and permits the family to understand, evaluate and choose a course of action that comports with their expectations as a group.
Does someone have to be catastrophically injured, or killed, in order for your firm to review a case?
Because the kinds of cases our firm pursues are complex and expensive, the nature of the harm suffered by the family is a consideration. Development of the case, and especially trial, is an extremely emotional event. It is not fair for the client to endure this process, only to result in our firm having spent more in case development than the jury might award.
The extent of the injury is an important factor to evaluate. While this is a consideration, it is not the only one, nor the most important. The tragedy your family has suffered must be viewed in its entire context, in order for us to thoughtfully counsel you.
How long do I have to file a case?
It depends upon the kind of case. Cases based on claims of negligence are generally controlled by a two year statute of limitations, though very limited circumstances may impact when the statute of limitations commences. Generally, if a lawsuit for a negligence claim is not filed within two years, you will, by law, be prevented from filing suit. If you suspect you may have a legal claim, it is always advisable to consult with a reputable firm immediately, for your own protection.
Will Mr. Dippel personally handle my case?
Yes.
If you cannot take my case, will you be honest about why?
Yes. There are multiple reasons why a case cannot be pursued, and we will give you our honest opinion. While we cannot represent everyone who calls, we try to help everyone in some way.
