| Dos and Don'ts |
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Do: 1. Call as early in the case as possible. 2. Obtain all the reports, depositions, and accident reports that are available. 3. Put a hold on the evidence or otherwise secure it. 4. Give us your back-up person and all phone numbers. 5. Tell us when you will be available. 6. Give us full and precise data such as names, addresses, claim number, etc. 7. Describe the accident causing the claim. 8. Provide follow up data promptly. Don't be afraid to leave it with the expert's secretary. 9. Allow adequate time for a proper investigation. 10. Describe any intermediate reporting desired (i.e. phone, memo, tape, reports only to attorneys). 11. If you are expecting to use an attorney or law firm, tell the expert who it is, and if they are on the case yet. 12.
Tell the experts promptly if the case settles, or if depositions,
tests, examinations, or investigations are cancelled. Don't:
1. Decide in advance what kind of an expert to use.2. Permit the evidence to be repaired, altered, or destroyed. 3. Specify the precise test you think is needed. The experts may see it differently. 4. Limit the fee for the expert. You will likely limit his effectiveness. Talk it over with him prior to giving the assignment if you are worried about the extent of work required. 5. Expect perfection on short notice. 6. Expect fast responses after authorizing lengthy laboratory testing, land surveys or soils testing. (Biological testing for example often takes 60 days.) |
