Are there some cases I can or should handle myself?

ANSWER: Yes. While there is no hard and fast rule, we will usually tell you that minor injury matters are best handled through your local county small claims court, which does not require a lawyer. The circuit clerk in your county is required by law to assist you in filing a small claims petition and serving the other side. You will usually receive a prompt hearing before a judge which is very much like the "Peoples Court" television program except you have the right to ask questions of the other side as they do of you. There are other situations in which you may not need a lawyer such as when your damages easily exceed the available insurance coverage, but even then you may need to talk to an attorney to determine what insurance coverage is available and whether there are any other source of compensation to pay for your damages. Our best advise is for you to contact a lawyer in any event, so that you know what your options are and can make an informed decision before proceeding with your claim. One of the biggest problems we run into are clients who have attempted to handle their own claims before consulting an attorney and as a result have given away important legal rights or have undervalued their case so that it is difficult, if not impossible for an attorney to get fair compensation.