NO
GUARANTEES
It's never "fair."
You sometimes lose even if you win.
It's going to cost - financially and emotionally.
Don't sue someone lightly - too much is at stake.
Once you sue (or are sued), everything takes longer than you expect,
costs more than it should and is more complicated than you imagined.
Whatever relief you are seeking, in the end "It's never enough."
Even if your case is taken on a contingent fee basis (which unfortunately
many lawyers cannot afford to do anymore) don't expect the lawyer to
contribute his own money to pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as court
fees, filing fees, photocopying, etc. The lawyer is investing his time,
expertise and reputation. It is the client's responsibility to bear
costs and expenses of the lawsuit. (As a courtesy, small, routine disbursements
often are advanced by the lawyer, but prompt reimbursement is expected
and appreciated.)
When it comes time for the lawyer to be paid, please remember that you
sought out the lawyer's assistance and that you believed you most likely
would have gotten nothing without the lawyer's help.
You must be willing to give your time (for assembling information, preparing
for and taking depositions, cross examinations, testifying under oath);
money (paying fees and disbursements); and support (for emotional battles).
You must be truthful and willing to cooperate with the lawyer at all
times. If you are not truthful about the facts, you will be wasting
everyone's time as well as money. Don't expect the lawyer to put his
time, energy, money and reputation on the line if you don't.
In settlement discussions, you may feel as if you are negotiating with
your own money.
Any satisfaction you might expect may be outweighed by emotional stress
and pain.
Don't expect true justice - just some possible compensation and even
that is not guaranteed.
