FAQ

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You only pay a legal fee for representation if we garner you an offer of settlement.  You simply pay the costs associated with the representation (such as copying costs, transcription costs, medical report costs, and expert witness costs).  If an offer of settlement is made: Our firm will receive: 

                 30 % of the settlement if the case is settled before filing a lawsuit;

                 35% if the case is settled after a lawsuit is filed, but before trial commences;

                 and 40% if settlement or judgement is received in the clients favor after trial commences.

We have all seen those advertisements of big law firms seeking your business, trying to impress you with their fancy suits and their claims of success.  If you are able, read the small print during those ads.  You will find that some of the attorneys are not licensed to practice in Washington; rather, they hire contract attorneys who are often newly licensed to practice in Washington.  Others may be licensed to practice in Washington, but still hire out the work to attorneys on a contract basis.

When you hire Cordi and Bejarano, you are represented by either Michael Bejarano, or Elizabeth Cordi-Bejarano.  We will not hire outside counsel to represent you; We will not pass your case on to an attorney you have never met.  We do the work ourselves, so you can be sure that we will pursue your case to the full extent, representing your interests from start to finish.

No.  No legal fee is incurred before an offer of settlement, and costs will be billed as they are incurred.

Definitely No!  Do not talk to the other party's insurance company.  They record their calls and you may inadvertently say something that negatively impacts your case.  Call us right away and hire our office to represent you.  We will contact the insurance company and advise them to direct their questions to us, and not to make contact with you anymore.  We will protect your interests in order to maximize your settlement.  

The costs of criminal defense can vary depending on the type of criminal charge or charges you are facing.  We are happy to discuss your options in this regard.  Please give us a call to see how we may be able to help you.

Personal injury, motor vehicle accident, and motorcycle accident cases take quite a bit of time to resolve.  The time it takes to resolve depends on the types of injuries received, and the extent of the injuries.  If you require surgery, physical therapy, or other medical treatment, the case may take a year, two years, or more to resolve, because it is important to know the full extent of your injuries and your ability to fully recover, as well as how the injuries may affect you and your family in the future.  

Criminal cases take much less time to resolve, but again, it depends on the charge or charges you face and the complexity involved in the preparation of your defense.  With criminal trials, you are entitled to a speedy trial (a trial within 90 days of the day you plead "Not Guilty").   However, if you fail to appear for any of your hearings, or if it is necessary to continue a hearing to fully investigate, prepare your defense, or negotiate your case, time will be added to your speedy trial time allotment.