Mississippi Accident Lawyer Blog

The cruise ship Costa Concordia with passengers and crew of over 4,000 crashed into a rocky reef because the vessel was 2.5 miles off course on friday the 13th, 2012. The island coast of Giglio is known for its rocky sea floor. Six people were killed, twenty were seriously injured and numerous others were unaccounted for. Because the size of the gash of over 160', the ship must have been moving pretty fast in the water at the time of the disaster.
Carnival Corp., a U.S.-based cruise giant,is the parent company who owns the company that caused the accident, Costa Cruises. This is not the first time that this company was involved in a deadly maritime accident. In 2010, the Costa Europa crashed into a pier in Egypt killing three crew members.
Some important questions need to be answered: why was the ship so close to the shore? why was the ship 2.5 miles off course? was the captain eating in the dining room or was he on the bridge? if he was on the bridge, what was he thinking? how fast was the ship moving? why didnt the captain, Francesco Schettino, call in a "mayday" at the time of the incident? why did the crew members tell passengers that everything was fine and there was no danger until the ship started turning over on its side? did the delay make use of some of the lifeboats impossible? why wasn't the evacuation organized? why were the instructions from the crew contradictory?

There were about 1,000 Italians,500 Germans, 100 French, 126 Americans and other passengers on board at the time plus 1,000 crew members. Some of the passengers told of their account. Mike van Dijk said that he had to scream at the controllers in order to release the lifeboats. Valerie Ananias from Los Angeles told of a couple handing them their baby during all of the frantic confusion. She said that she thought they were going to die at four different times.

WHO CAN MAKE A CLAIM FOR WHAT AND WHY?
Anyone on the ship can make a claim under maritime law for any damages that they received as a result of the accident,either as a passenger or a crew member. The owner of the ship in addition to the owner of the cruise line will be responsible for those damages. Damages may include wrongful death for the families who lost loved ones;or for personal injuries for those who survived the disaster. These damages may include pain and suffering, medical bills , emotional distress, loss of income, loss of the cost of the cruise, any permanent injuries. Because Carnival Corp. is a U.S. corporation, suit may be filed in the United States, if required.

Don't be fooled into hiring an attorney who claims to be an expert in personal injury and death cases. Research their track record and compare it to ours. We have been handling these type of cases for over 36 years and this is all we do. The law offices of Paul Snow has handled numerous maritime cases and has a license from the U.S.Coast Guard. We know these type of cases backwards and forwards. You can call us at 601-969-1977 or contact us online to ask any questions that you may have FREE of charge. WE do not charge any attorney fee unless and until we recover for you. If you were involved in this disaster or know someone who was and want to discuss the case, call now before it is too late. The insurance company for the cruise line hopes you don't call us, we hope you do. We are here to help you and protect your rights.

Do I need to hire a Lawyer?

You probably never thought about hiring a Mississippi accident lawyer until an accident or injury completely interrupted your normal life. If you are now experiencing stress and anxiety because you are uncertain about your future, we can help you. We listen to your concerns and quickly identify how the legal system can solve your problems. We then start working on your case immediately.

Discover The Key To Winning Your Case

Many people do not understand the importance of choosing the right lawyer for their case. Simply put, the Mississippi accident lawyer that you choose to represent you can be the difference between you receiving a fair settlement or no settlement at all.

The key to winning your case is really no secret. It is common knowledge that the person with the best attorney most often gets the best result. Just ask athletes, celebrities and the wealthy who always have a top lawyer at their side. The key for you is finding the best attorney for your case.

Avoid The Biggest Mistake By Asking These Questions

Choosing the wrong lawyer is a huge mistake and can be devastating to your case. Many people simply hire the first lawyer they see on television or the lawyer with the biggest phone book advertisement without knowing anything about the ability of the lawyer. Will you make this crucial mistake simply because you do not know the right questions to ask before you choose your attorney?

With such an important decision, you must be equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to make the smartest choice. This means knowing the specific Questions You Must Ask before hiring a lawyer for your case. You should only hire an attorney after getting honest and direct answers to these questions.

Our Vast Experience Gives You the Advantage

We are the smart choice for your case. Our law firm has represented injury victims and their families since 1974. We have successfully obtained jury verdicts in the courtroom and have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.

When you become our client, your case will be handled with complete integrity and dignity.

It is essential that you choose a lawyer that has handled Mississippi accident cases just like yours and understands exactly what is needed to win your case, especially when the stakes are so high. We have. We utilize the latest technology, the best legal research tools, and work with world renowned experts on our cases. As a result, we have achieved extraordinary results for our clients. Let us do the same for you. Our record of successful settlements and verdicts is well-documented.

Warning: Secret Deadlines Can Destroy Your Case

The legal system can be very confusing and unforgiving. There are strict time limitations for filing your lawsuit and making your claims. If you miss these deadlines, your claims may be lost forever. A delay in hiring a lawyer will affect the outcome of your case. We will start working on your case immediately.

Our Guarantees To You:

When you choose our lawyers to represent you, we GUARANTEE the following:

An experienced trial lawyer is assigned to your case
A complete analysis of your case
Honest and direct answers to all of your questions
Immediate investigation of your case
Immediate preparation and filing of your insurance forms
Immediate action getting your medical bills and lost wages paid
Phone calls returned within one business day

Read why these are important to you

We Answer Your Questions

At the Law Offices of Paul Snow, we give you honest and direct answers to your questions.

What does it cost to speak with Paul Snow?
How can I afford to have the Law Offices of Paul Snow to represent me?
How soon after my accident do I need to hire a lawyer?
Do I really need to hire a lawyer to settle my case?
What type of settlement should I expect?
Will I have to go through a trial in a courtroom?
Who will pay my medical bills?
How can I get paid my lost wages?
How long does it take from start to finish on a case?

To see how we can help make the legal system work for you, simply complete our Free Confidential Consultation Form or call us now so that we can start working on your Mississippi case immediately.

LAW OFFICES OF PAUL SNOW, Mississippi Accident Lawyer

1-800-640-4478 or 601-969-1977

Oil spills are probably some of the most devastating disasters to occur. The Exxon Valdez oil spill happened more than twenty-one years ago, but its effects are still being felt today. This oil spill occurred on March 24, 1989 and the leak was mostly confined to the surface of the ocean. The BP oil spill began on April 20,2010 caused when a damaged well pipe burst resulting in an explosion on the oil platform owned by Deepwater Horizon releasing oil 5,000 feet below the surface.

The Exxon spill was limited to a single tanker and spilled about 11 million gallons of oil in one day covering 1,300 square miles. The BP spill has spilled more than the Exxon spill so far and it is still going strong. Both spills have and will kill brown pelicans, egrets, terns, sperm whales, tuna, sea turtles and more. But, fish can't sue. Only people can.

The lawsuits in the Exxon spill were tied up in the courts for over 20 years. More than 32,000 fishermen, food processors, and Native Americans banded together to recover damages from Exxon. The case was drug out by Exxon lawyers for 19 years until it finally reached the Supreme Court. By this time, more than 7,000 plaintiffs have died. The lawyers won $500,000 million in actual damages and $5 billion in punitive damages. It took five years to get to trial;then it took another fourteen years in the appeals court where the case finally arrived in the Supreme Court before Justice John Roberts in 2008. By that time, the punitive damages were reduced to $2.5 billion.

The first question from Roberts was: "Isn't the question here how a company can protect itself from unlimited damages?" If Bush v. Gore had been decided differently, you might have had a chief justice who asked: "How can a fisherman protect himself from an oil spill?" But, by a 5-3 vote, the Roberts court cut the punitive damage award to one-fifth from $2.5 billion to $500 million. Another justice, David Souter,ruled with the majority and stated that Exxon's actions were not malicious. So if you drive a boat while drunk and cause millions and billions of dollars of damages, it is not malicious;but, if you drive a car drunk,it is not only malicious, but you go to jail. The Exxon case is a perfect example of judicial activism.

So, what is going to happen in the gulf of mexico? BP will pay for cleanup costs,various government agencies will assess huge fines for BP's conduct, but the real money will come during the tort claims process and trial. If we can prove punitive damages, i.e., that BP's conduct was grossly, wantonly, or maliciously done, then the door is open to punitive damages. The testimony of a rig worker claims that BP officials overrode rig operations and forced a speedy opening as opposed to considering the consequences of failing to repair several broken parts before opening. This proof, in and of itself, should make a jury issue on punitive damages.

TYPES OF DAMAGES AND LOSSES: People can make a claim for damages for loss of business, loss of job or reduced income, damage to property, vacation losses,etc. Some examples are: fishing, shrimping, oyster companies and employees, hospitality and tourism businesses and employees,property and boat owners, shipping and trade business and employees, vacationers (lost vacation deposits and expenses), cruise ship employees, charter services, restaurant owners and employees.

COMPANIES THAT MAY BE RESPONSIBLE: BP, Transocean, Halliburton,Anadarko, Cameron,Mitsui & co. and more.

We are working on investigations and damage claims to get compensation for those of you whose income, business, health, property, or other assets have been affected by the BP oil disaster. Investigated claims are settled faster. Your case could be settled quickly out of court to avoid long processes.

We will supply you with BP claim forms and information for maximum recovery. Call our toll free number if you have any questions, 1-800-640-4478. We cannot send out any claim forms until you complete our form under "contact us" on our website at www.accidentattys.com.

Your BP claim forms and information are free as a service to you and we will help determine if you are eligible for any recovery of damages.

Why I became a Lawyer?

I was in the eighth grade and approximately 13 years old when I decided that I either wanted to become a golf pro or a lawyer. After graduating from high school, I was one of the best golfers in the State of Mississippi and received a golf scholarship to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). My freshman year, I became a pledge in one of the fraternities on the Ole Miss Campus among 50 other pledges. After the first semester, only 10 of the 50 pledges made passing grades. 40 of the pledges flunked out of college. Of the 10 pledges that made their grades the first semester, three of us became lawyers, two of us became doctors, and one of us became a flight instructor in the Navy. I knew then that I must have some common sense and hard-working ability to succeed in school. I married my high school sweetheart and went to a local community college for my sophomore year. My junior year, I returned to Ole Miss and graduated with a business degree in May of 1972. Two weeks later, I entered the University of Mississippi School of Law. Because I was paying my own way through law school, my goal was to finish the three year curriculum course in two years and three months. I worked extra jobs during college and knew that I would have to work extra jobs during law school, in addition to obtaining student loans. I took extra courses during the summertime in order to complete law school early. At that time, my income was below the average poverty level for the country. I was married and at that time, had one child, and just did the best I could.

Midway through my law school career, my father became paralyzed and I had to miss one summer of law school to help take care of my father. While I was taking care of my father, I worked for a local law firm as a law clerk and learned valuable experience in how a law firm operated. When I returned to law school, I had a new-found knowledge that assisted me in my classes. Also, while I was in law school, I was the President of the legal fraternity, President of the Lamar Society of International Law, and I drafted legislation which was passed by the Mississippi lawmakers. I graduated law school in December of 1974, which took two years and six months instead of two years and three months. Of the 360 students who started law school when I did, only 80 graduated.

After graduating from law school, I started working for the law firm of Barnett, Montgomery, McClintock & Cunningham. Ross Barnett was an ex-governor of Mississippi. These lawyers were trial lawyers and I received valuable experience learning how to try cases while working for this firm. I tried 10 jury trials by myself my first year out of law school. After a year and a half of working at the law firm, I went out on my own and have been on my own ever since, for the past 34 years. I was the youngest President of the Hinds County Trial Lawyers Association and joined numerous organizations during my career.

I have devoted my career to representing individuals who have been injured or killed in accidents or wronged by big corporations and insurance companies. I represent the little guy against the large businesses and corporations who try to take advantage of the less fortunate. There is nothing more satisfying than taking on one of the biggest corporations in the world and making them answer for the problems they have caused numerous victims. I am proud to be a trial lawyer who represents individuals against corporate America.

When those who have been injured or killed have nowhere else to turn, they turn to me. I believe one of my goals and duties as a human being is to help others. I am always in favor of the underdog. When we walk into the courtroom, there is no other place on this planet where an individual can stand on equal footing with a huge corporate defendant. This is the war that I fight. It is waged at a battlefield on which I gladly stand. My strength is derived from the belief that my God-given talents are given to me for a reason. My goal is to make myself available to those who have been wronged by others' misconduct. It is not a glamorous calling and there is no guaranteed income. My goal is to achieve justice for my clients, working to right wrongs, not hide them, working against the wrongdoers, not for them. At the end of the day, I know that I have given someone without hope a fighting chance.

I have litigated and settled just about any type of accident or injury case that you can think of. I have spoken at seminars and taught other lawyers how to handle accident and injury cases across the country. I have written numerous articles, also teaching other lawyers how to handle these type of cases. A lot of lawyers hire my law firm in order to represent their clients in working-up serious injury and death cases.

If someone asked me what kind of lawyer I am, I say I am a trial lawyer. I believe in America, our form of government, individual freedom, and our American legal system. I represent and help people to protect, enforce and preserve those precious rights and individual freedoms which were so wisely granted by the founding fathers of our great nation. The spark that was ignited in me in 1964 has kept me satisfied for over 34 years of trial practice. I am proud to be an American and I am especially proud to be a trial lawyer.

One day, we will all be judged for our actions. As far as my actions go as a plaintiff attorney, I look forward to placing them before the ultimate judge. I represent plaintiffs and I would not change that for all the money in the world.

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered. Proverbs 21:13.

Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow 601-969-1977.

You probably never thought about hiring a Mississippi accident lawyer until an accident or injury completely interrupted your normal life. If you are now experiencing stress and anxiety because you are uncertain about your future, we can help you. We listen to your concerns and quickly identify how the legal system can solve your problems. We then start working on your case immediately.

Discover The Key To Winning Your Case

Many people do not understand the importance of choosing the right lawyer for their case. Simply put, the Mississippi accident lawyer that you choose to represent you can be the difference between you receiving a fair settlement or no settlement at all.

The key to winning your case is really no secret. It is common knowledge that the person with the best attorney most often gets the best result. Just ask athletes, celebrities and the wealthy who always have a top lawyer at their side. The key for you is finding the best attorney for your case.

Avoid The Biggest Mistake By Asking These Questions

Choosing the wrong lawyer is huge mistake and can be devastating to your case. Many people simply hire the first lawyer they see on television or the lawyer with the biggest phone book advertisement without knowing anything about the ability of the lawyer. Will you make this crucial mistake simply because you do not know the right questions to ask before you choose your attorney?

With such an important decision, you must be equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to make the smartest choice. This means knowing the specific Questions You Must Ask before hiring a lawyer for your case. You should only hire an attorney after getting honest and direct answers to these questions.

Our Vast Experience Gives You the Advantage

We are the smart choice for your case. Our law firm has represented injury victims and their families since 1974. We have successfully obtained jury verdicts in the courtroom and have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.

When you become our client, your case will be handled with complete integrity and dignity.

It is essential that you choose a lawyer that has handled Mississippi accident cases just like yours and understands exactly what is needed to win your case, especially when the stakes are so high. We have. We utilize the latest technology, the best legal research tools, and work with world renowned experts on our cases. As a result, we have achieved extraordinary results for our clients. Let us do the same for you. Our record of successful settlements and verdicts is well-documented.

Warning: Secret Deadlines Can Destroy Your Case

The legal system can be very confusing and unforgiving. There are strict time limitations for filing your lawsuit and making your claims. If you miss these deadlines, your claims may be lost forever. A delay in hiring a lawyer will affect the outcome of your case. We will start working on your case immediately.

Our Guarantees To You:

When you choose our lawyers to represent you, we GUARANTEE the following:

An experienced trial lawyer is assigned to your case
A complete analysis of your case
Honest and direct answers to all of your questions
Immediate investigation of your case
Immediate preparation and filing of your insurance forms
Immediate action getting your medical bills and lost wages paid
Phone calls returned within one business day

We Answer Your Questions

At the Law Offices of Paul Snow, we give you honest and direct answers to your questions:

What does it cost to speak with Paul Snow?

How can I afford to have the Law Offices of Paul Snow to represent me?

How soon after my accident do I need to hire a lawyer?

Do I really need to hire a lawyer to settle my case?

What type of settlement should I expect?

Will I have to go through a trial in a courtroom?

Who will pay my medical bills?

How can I get paid my lost wages?

How long does it take from start to finish on a case?

To see how we can help make the legal system work for you, simply complete our Free Confidential Consultation Form or call us now so that we can start working on your case immediately.

In some instances, you may be able to settle your claim with the insurance company by yourself, without an attorney's help. It's important that you realize you are going up against trained adjusters who probably get praised and promoted for keeping their side's cost down.

Still, you may be able to settle your claim by yourself:

1. When you don't mind gathering all of the information necessary to determine the value of your claim;

2. When you don't mind going to the time and trouble of interviewing necessary witnesses;

3. When you think you have all of the bases covered;

4. When you know the insurance company is not trying to take advantage of you.

If your case is complex, you should consider hiring an attorney. Your accident lawyer can advise you on the proper course of action, tell you your legal rights, tell you what to expect regarding the progress of your case, evaluate your case, negotiate a replacement auto and repairs, negotiate a full and fair settlement of your claim, put an estimated value on your case, and represent your interests aggressively to get you fully compensated for the accident.

Injured victims often share this concern: Will I get more money handling my case myself? Or should I hire an attorney?

As you may know, your attorney usually charges a portion of the amount he recovers for you as his attorney's fee. Fortunately, the amount of money your lawyer recovers is usually much more than you could have recovered on your own. In nearly all cases, your lawyer gets enough money to pay his fee and add money you receive.

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation to discuss your case. DO NOT wait until it is too late to do anything on your case. There are time deadlines that must be met. Call now.

Seven Misconceptions About Injury Cases

MISCONCEPTION #1: I can settle my case without hiring a lawyer.

If you're happy with the amount of money the insurance company offers for your car - and if you're happy to have your medical bills paid - then you're right. You don't need to hire a lawyer.

Still, it's important that you understand what you're entitled to. In most cases, you are entitled to more than merely payment to cover your medical bills and repairs to your car. That's why I urge you to talk with a lawyer over the telephone before you accept an insurance company's offer.

When you speak with a lawyer, you'll learn that a lawyer can help you in a number of ways. First, he can help you get your car repaired. Second, he can help you get the fair value for your car. Third, he can help you get a fast settlement on your car.

Your lawyer takes the hassle out of dealing with the insurance company. And, in our office, we provide all these services for our clients at NO CHARGE. In other' words, we don't take one penny of the money we collect for damage to your car. Our fee is limited to a percentage of what we recover for your injuries and damages - nothing more.

MISCONCEPTION #2: An attorney requires a down payment to accept your injury claim.

No. In our office, we accept most accident cases for a contingency fee. This means we get paid out of the money we recover for you. If you collect nothing, you pay nothing for our services. To start, you can talk with us for free. And if you hire our services, you pay nothing until your case settles and we recover money for you.

MISCONCEPTION #3: I'll have to go to court to get what my case is worth.

Usually not. Most injury cases are settled before your case goes to court. When the insurance company realizes you and your lawyer are ready and willing to go to court, usually the insurance company starts making reasonable offers for your injury claim. If we don't like the first offer, we make a counteroffer. Then we go back and forth until both sides agree on a certain amount. In most cases, injury claims don't require a court trial.

MISCONCEPTION #4: You have to accept what your lawyer tells you.

Certainly not. Anytime you feel confused - anytime you don't understand what's going on anytime you don't feel right about something - you're entitled to get a second opinion. In the field of medicine, if your doctor suggests major surgery, you know it's wise to get a second opinion. Likewise, anytime you speak with one lawyer, you're perfectly free to confirm his advice by seeking a second opinion from another lawyer. In our office, we offer second opinions without cost or obligation of any kind.

MISCONCEPTION #5: Once you settle your claim, you can get more money in the future if you have additional medical bills.

Not true. Usually, once your claim is settled, it is over forever!

MISCONCEPTION #6: You have only one year to file a lawsuit.

No. You have three years from the date of the accident and, maybe, even longer if you were under 21 years of age at the time. Even so, the evidence you need to prove your case may disappear over time, so the sooner you contact an attorney, the better.

MISCONCEPTION #7: If you are partly at fault for causing the accident, you are not entitled to any money.

No. Both sides may contribute to an accident and you are still entitled to recover money.

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. DO NOT wait until it is too late to pursue your case. There are time deadlines that will prevent you from pursuing your case if they are not met, so call now.

16 Tough Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Lawyer

1. How long have you been practicing in the specific field of accident and injury law?

2. Are you board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy?

3. How many cases have you handled that involve injuries like mine?

4. How many jury trials have you tried that involve injuries like mine?

5. How much money have you gotten for persons who have injuries like mine?

6. How many of your articles have been published in the area of accident and injury law?

7. How many seminars have you presented concerning this area of the law?

8. Do you have expert witnesses available who will help in cases with my type of injury?

9. Are you admitted to practice law in more than one state?

10. Are you admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court?

11. Do you offer a 24-hour telephone answer-line for injured victims?

12. Will you give an estimated opinion of my case for me without cost or obligation?

13. If I can't come to your office, will you come to my home or office?

14. Will you send me a free Consumer's Guide for Injured Victims?

15. Do you conduct free educational seminars so I can learn more about injury cases?

16. How many multi-million dollar verdicts and/or settlements have you achieved for your clients?

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. DO NOT wait until it is too late to discuss your case. There are time deadlines that must be met. Once the deadline has passed, your case will be over forever.

8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting An Accident Lawyer

MISTAKE #1: Choosing a lawyer who doesn't have enough trial experience.

The most important factor in choosing an accident lawyer is his knowledge, skill and experience handling injury claims. This includes (1) experience handling injury cases, and (2) experience taking injury cases to trial. In most cases, the money you hope to recover for your injuries will come from an insurance company - either the other person's insurance company - or your own. And one of the reasons insurance companies have so much money is because they pay accident victims like you as little as possible - often less than you deserve. Make sure the lawyer you select has extensive experience handling personal injury cases at trial. Your best choice is to select a lawyer who is a board certified trial lawyer.

MISTAKE #2: Choosing a lawyer only because you like his advertising.

A flashy TV commercial or Yellow Page ad doesn't mean anything except that the lawyer agreed to pay for the ad. Advertising can make almost any lawyer look like an expert. Don't choose a lawyer solely because you like his ad. Make sure you ask questions about the attorney's experience and his track record in handling injury claims.

MISTAKE #3: Choosing the lawyer who promises you the most money.

The amount of money you're entitled to recover, called "damages," is based on many components: (1) the length of your recovery, (2) the dollar amount of your medical bills, and (3) the dollar amount of lost wages, (4) pain and suffering, and (5) the severity of your injuries and damages. No one can tell you exactly what your case is worth until they gather all the facts. Anyone who promises you a certain amount of money before he gets this information is making a promise he probably can't keep.

MISTAKE #4: Choosing a lawyer because he expects to settle your case.

Most injury cases are settled without going to trial. Even so, if you hope to get a fair settlement for your injuries, your lawyer must be willing to take the insurance company to court. Otherwise, the insurance company has no incentive to offer you a fair amount of money for your injuries. If you hire a "settling attorney" - one who usually settles his cases and seldom goes to court - you can expect to receive less money for your injuries than if you hire a skilled trial attorney. Remember: The most powerful weapon you can use against the insurance company is your willingness and ability to take your case to trial.

MISTAKE #5:Choosing a lawyer because of a referral from a friend.

When a friend refers you to a lawyer, be careful. Yes, your friend probably means well. But your friend may not be the best source for a referral. You see, people often select a lawyer because they like him. But you need a lawyer who is much more than just a nice person. You need an attorney who has the trial experience to go up against billion-dollar insurance companies. Insurance companies hire experienced investigators, adjusters and lawyers to work against you. You need a highly experienced lawyer and his investigators working for you. Your best choice is to select a board-certified trial lawyer who will discuss his track record with you, case by case.

MISTAKE #6:Choosing a lawyer because he appears successful.

A handsome office and an expensive car don't tell you anything about the lawyer's experience. Don't judge a lawyer by appearances. Judge a lawyer by whether he has the knowledge, skill, experience and willingness to (1) sue the other party, and to (2) take your case to trial, if necessary. That's the BEST way you can be sure you recover the amount of money you deserve.

MISTAKE #7:Choosing a lawyer because of the location of his office.

You may be inclined to select a lawyer who has an office down the street from your home. But this could be a big mistake because what you gain in convenience you may lose in experience and knowhow. Most of the work between an injury lawyer and his client is done by mail and over the telephone. I encourage you to hire a board-certified trial attorney, even if you must drive a little farther to his office. You may find that the extra minutes on the road will be well worth your effort in the end. And if travel is difficult for you, we will be glad to come to your home or office. Just ask. We serve clients all over Mississippi and Louisiana.

MISTAKE #8: Not reviewing the lawyer's track record.

You can get a good idea of a lawyer's experience by reviewing his track record of cases that he has settled or taken to trial. Ask the attorney how many cases he has settled for over $1,000,000, between $500,000 and $1,000,000, and so forth. This will give you a way of determining the level of the attorney's experience.

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. Do NOT wait until it is too late to pursue your case. There are time deadlines that will end your case forever if the deadline is not met.

15 Secrets to Getting a Fair Settlement for Your Injuries

SECRET #1: Conduct a complete investigation. Make sure you collect witness statements, police reports, medical reports and anything else related to the accident. You may need to hire private investigators and accident reconstruction experts. They can gather added physical evidence, such as pieces of the -automobile. The other party's insurance company will collect all sorts of information which may be used against you. You'll be at a serious disadvantage if you don't conduct a thorough investigation to help support your claim.

SECRET #2: Get photographs of all important elements in your case: Your car and the car that hit you. The accident scene. Your injuries. And so forth. Photos are vivid evidence of what you experienced. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Juries find photos to be powerful proof of your injuries. So make sure either you or your attorney gets plenty of photographs.

SECRET #3: Don't release your medical records to the other party's insurance company. Many accident victims make the mistake of signing a release for the other party's insurance company. This gives your opponent access to your medical records. YOUR insurance company is entitled to your medical information. But the other party's insurance company should NOT have this information because it may use the information against you. Don't release your medical records to the other party's insurance company.

SECRET #4: Get the insurance company to set up a high reserve account. After an accident, the insurance company establishes a reserve account to cover all the costs they expect to pay for your claim. The amount of money put on reserve is based on whatever facts the insurance company has soon after the accident occurs. If the reserve set aside for your injuries is greater than your damages, you shouldn't have much trouble collecting for your injuries. But if the reserve is too small, you'll need to get the reserve increased. Rather than increase the reserve, the insurance company will first put pressure on the adjuster to settle your claim. And, naturally, he'll put more pressure on you.

SECRET #5: Keep the adjuster informed about the seriousness of your injuries. If the adjuster sets up a small reserve account, he will be surprised if you ask for much higher damages in the weeks or months ahead. If your injuries have grown worse - or if other problems have arisen - make sure you keep the adjuster informed so he can increase the reserve account as your case progresses. Then, when the time comes to settle your claim, the adjuster will have the amount of money he needs to pay you for your injuries. If his account is too small and he needs to increase it, he'll look bad to his supervisor. This will only work against you. Keep the adjuster informed as your case progresses.

SECRET #6: Don't let the insurance adjuster pressure you into settling your case. Adjusters use all kinds of methods to get you to settle for a smaller amount than the fair value of your case: The insurance adjuster may try to get you to admit that the accident was your fault, or at least partly your fault. The adjuster may try to get you to give a recorded statement or sign a statement, either of which may be used against you later at trial. What's more, don't be surprised if the insurance adjuster is polite. His kindness may be a tactic to get you to settle for less than your case is worth - and to get you to settle soon, often BEFORE you hire an attorney. The longer your file remains open, the more heat the insurance company puts on the adjuster to resolve your claim. Don't give in to the adjuster's pressure or kindness. Instead, hold out for every penny you rightfully deserve. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable amount to settle your case, your lawyer can file suit and tell you whether the insurance company offers are reasonable or unreasonable.

SECRET #7: Keep a day-by-day diary of your injuries. If your case goes to trial, you need to be able to tell the jury how many days, weeks or months you were in pain, how long you suffered from headaches, how long you experienced muscle spasms - and so forth. Unless you keep a daily log, your answers may be vague and inaccurate. Don't risk hurting your credibility. Keep a detailed diary so you can back up your claims for damages.

SECRET #8: Know all your damages. They include (1) cost of medical treatment, (2) pain and suffering for your injuries, (3) loss of income for time off work, (4) loss of consortium, (5) loss of business, (6) cost of a rental car, (7) cost of fixing your car, (8) cost of hiring a housekeeper, (9) cost of hiring an in-home nurse, (10) cost for psychological counseling caused by stress or some other aspect of the accident, (II) cost of hiring a taxi service to and from your doctor's office - and ANY OTHER money you paid out or lost as a result of your injury.

SECRET #9: Keep all bills and receipts related to your accident. If you don't save your bills and receipts, you may not be able to prove the amount of your damages. Be sure to save everything: doctor bills, hospital bills, pharmacy bills and all other bills you incurred because of your accident.

SECRET #10: Know all your injuries. Many victims feel that if it doesn't hurt, it isn't injured. Yet injuries caused by accidents may not develop for days - even weeks. Don't be too quick to rule out injuries just because they haven't yet appeared. Also, accidents can cause the injured victim to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This means the victim becomes less able to cope with stresses in his or her life. Depending on how well you cope with stress, you may want to be evaluated for this problem in addition to your physical injuries.

SECRET #11: Know your sources for insurance coverage. In many cases an injured victim can legally collect from two or three different insurance policies at the same time. Yet many accident victims don't know where to look for various insurance coverages. If you're interested, call me and I'll tell you how to determine whether you can collect from more than one policy.

SECRET #12: Stay under your doctor's care until your doctor releases you. Many people stop going to their doctor when they feel better, before the doctor releases them from treatment. Make sure you continue going to the doctor until your doctor releases you! He knows the complications that could result from your injury. And the cost of going to the doctor will, in the end, be paid by the other party's insurance company if your case is settled. If you can't afford the continuing cost of treatment, I invite you to call me to discuss your options.

SECRET #13: File your lawsuit right away. After your doctor releases you from treatment, prepare your case quickly and file your lawsuit. Insurance companies are not in a hurry to settle cases (1) unless they can settle the suit for far less than it's worth,or (2) unless they feel the pressure of the approaching court date. Insurance companies usually get serious about settling if they see they'll have to start paying lawyers to defend your case. So file your lawsuit right away and put pressure on the insurance company.

SECRET #14: Ask a qualified trial lawyer to evaluate your case. You probably had a doctor evaluate your injuries. So doesn't it make sense to have a lawyer evaluate your legal claim? The insurance company wants you to settle quickly in hopes that you'll settle for far less than your case is really worth. An experienced personal injury trial attorney can help you by reviewing your file. He will look at the police report, doctors' statements, medical bills, time lost from work and other information. Then he can give you an informed opinion about the estimated value of your case. If you'd like me to evaluate your case - without any cost or obligation - please don't hesitate to call.

SECRET #15: If you decide to hire a lawyer, choose a trial attorney who isn't afraid to go to court. Insurance companies keep tabs on lawyers. They know which lawyers will take them to court - the fighters. And they know which lawyers will not go to court - the settlers. The fighters usually get more money for their clients than the settlers. An experienced trial attorney can usually get you enough additional money to cover his fee and increase the amount of money you receive. While I can't say for sure that you need a lawyer, I urge you to at least talk with an accident lawyer to make sure you're not settling for less than you deserve.

If you have any questions, you may call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 for a FREE consultation or contact us online. Do NOT wait until it is too late to do something on your case because there are time deadlines that must be met or else your case will be over forever.

Offshore Accidents

If you are injured or know someone who was killed in an offshore accident, do you know your rights?

If you know someone who was injured or killed as a result of the actions of someone else or conditions of a vessel, you should contact an experienced maritime attorney. Paul Snow discusses some of our past experience in representing families of victims of such accidents. Because the rights of the family members of a maritime accident dramatically depend on the classification of the vessel involved and the status of the victim as a seaman or a passenger, the family's rights must be analyzed carefully by an experienced maritime attorney. The Law Office of Paul Snow is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Louisiana, and have handled a number of offshore accident cases in the past to successful conclusion.

If you are injured or know someone who was killed on a fixed platform, do you know your rights?

A determining factor will be whether the platform is located in state waters or on the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States . The victim's rights can depend upon whether the accident resulted from the negligence of a vessel operating near the platform, the platform operator itself, or its contractors. Analyzing the rights of the victim in such an accident is extremely complex and you should contact an experienced maritime attorney if you have been injured or know someone who has been killed on a fixed platform. The Law Office of Paul Snow is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Louisiana, and have handled a number of fixed platform accident cases in the past to successful conclusion.

If you are injured or know someone who was killed on a vessel such as a jackup, semi-submersible drilling rig, or drilling ship, etc., do you know your rights?

Rights of maritime victims depend upon whether the victim is an employee of the operator of the vessel, a passenger, or a member of the crew, or which jurisdiction governs the area in which the accident occurred. You should contact an experienced maritime attorney if you are injured or know someone who was killed as a result of the actions of someone else or condition of the vessel. Because the rights of the victim of an offshore accident depend on the classification of the vessel involved and the status of the victim as a seaman or passenger, the rights of victim must be analyzed carefully by an experienced maritime attorney. The Law Office of Paul Snow is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Louisiana, and have handled a number of maritime accident cases in the past to successful conclusion.

Will I be fired if I bring a claim?

When someone is injured or killed in an offshore accident, usually the employer's insurance company will pay for the medical bills and compensation while the victim is out of work. The employer will recover the money they paid out if the victim is successful in making his claim against a negligent third party who caused the accident; therefore, the employer should be more than agreeable to allow the claim to go forward since the employer will be reimbursed any monies that they spent through their insurance company if the claim is successful. The Law Offices of Paul Snow is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Louisiana, and have handled a number of offshore accident cases in the past to successful conclusion.

The Law Offices of Paul Snow handle claims involving wrongful death and personal injury of workers aboard: jackup drilling rigs, semi-submersible drilling rigs, drill ships, barges, supply, utility and crew boats, seismic vessels, dredges, jackup barges, diving vessels, commercial fishing boats, offshore and inland tug boats, and helicopters.

If you have some questions, call Paul Snow now at 1-800-640-4478 for a FREE consultation to see if you have a case or contact us online.

The Law Office of Paul Snow represents clients seriously injured in accidents caused by another party's negligence in:

Vicksburg, Tupelo, Starkville, Southaven, Ridgeland, Pearl, Pascagoula, Olive Branch, Natchez, Meridian, Laurel, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Gulfport, Greenwood, Greenville, Columbus, Clinton, Clarksdale, and Biloxi. We also represent personal injury accident victims in Louisiana from New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

We are dedicated to seeking justice for our clients and obtaining the maximum recovery for their accident cases.

Personal Injury Lawyer Paul Snow represents personal injury victims in a number of areas, including:

Car / motorcycle / truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, exposure to hazardous substances, Jones Act seaman claims, legal malpractice, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, onshore & offshore injuries, premises liability, and products liability.

Our successful track record of obtaining the best results for our clients allows us to provide our clients with the manpower, resources, and tools necessary to successfully resolve your personal injury claim.

Over the years, we have developed a network of highly qualified experts and other key professionals that we rely on to help us to prove our clients' injury/accident cases.

The Law Office of Paul Snow will deal with the insurance companies of the parties liable for the accident to make sure that you are treated fairly and that you receive the maximum recovery that your injuries warrant. We will fight for what is in your best interest, whether we decide to settle the case out of court or take the case all the way to trial. We will fight for your right to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.

We seek justice for our clients and understand that a good settlement or a victory in court requires hard work, dedication, and ongoing communication with accident and medical experts, legal professionals, and especially our clients.

The statute of limitations for filing an injury action or lawsuit in Mississippi may limit your claim. Please call us right away to discuss your case FREE of charge. We handle injury and accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay for our services if we obtain a recovery for you.

To schedule your FREE consultation with Paul Snow, call 601-969-1977 or 1-800-640-4478 or contact us online.

The Law Office of Paul Snow has handled a substantial number of cases involving severe injuries and death and has achieved structured settlements and verdicts totaling over $60,000,000 during our 34 years of practicing personal injury law, ONE CASE AT A TIME.

We represent people who are injured and/or killed in:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
ATV accidents
Train accidents
Offshore accidents
Boating accidents and
Brain and Spinal cord accidents.

Our cases also cover the areas of:

Products liability
Nursing home negligence
Medical malpractice
Legal malpractice and
Injuries on the job.

Our law offices are located in Jackson, Mississippi and we represent clients in Mississippi and Louisiana.

We encourage you to read your free copy of "8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting An Accident Lawyer." If you hire the wrong lawyer, you could lose a lot money and your case could drag out for months longer than necessary.

Don't be fooled by the TV attorneys. Compare our track record to theirs. Our record of personal injury verdicts and settlements speaks for itself. We aggressively pursue catastrophic personal injury claims, often leading to multi-million dollar recoveries.

The Law Office of Paul Snow represents clients who have suffered serious injuries, and loss of loved ones in car/truck/motor vehicle accidents in the counties of Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Copiah, Warren, and the cities of Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Greenville, Meridian, Tupelo, Southaven, Vicksburg, and Pascagoula.

No matter how complex the case is, we are here to serve you. If you need a personal injury attorney, contact Paul Snow by calling 1-800-640-4478 or contact us online.

Our Mission
To seek justice for our clients by leveling the playing field against big insurance companies and corporations and helping our clients get their lives back.

Our Track Record: $16,500,000 - Structured settlement for brain injury victim

$10,000,000 - Settlement for van rollover accident

$8,000,000 - Wrongful death verdict

Board Certified. Licensed in Mississippi and Louisiana

What We Do
Trucking Accidents Car Accidents Premises Liability Products Liability Offshore Accidents Wrongful Death Aviation / Helicopter Accidents Boating Accidents Drunk Driving Accidents Fire / Burn Injuries Maritime - Admiralty - Jones Act Motorcycle Accidents Paraplegia Pedestrian Accidents Serious Personal Injury Train Accidents / FELA Claims Traumatic Brain Injury Spinal Cord Injuries Birth Injuries Insurance Denial of Claim Medical Malpractice Nursing Home Negligence Quadriplegia Legal Malpractice On the Job Injuries ATV Accidents Uninsured Motorist Claims.

419 S. State Street, Suite A-100 Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Local: 601-969-1977 Toll Free: 800-640-4478 Email: paulsnowiii@msn.com

Alan West of Olive Branch, MS was killed in a two-car accident when his car was involved in an crash with a vehicle driven by Cherrese Cooper-Holmes. West was headed northeast on Miss. 713 and the other driver was northbound on I-69 when the vehicles collided at the Lake Cormorant interchange.

The accident is still under investigation. The family of Mr. West may have a claim against the other driver's insurance company for wrongful death damages which may include loss of income, loss of love and affection for the family of Mr. West, medical and funeral bills, pain and suffering, and all other damages allowed by law for the wrongful death.

Our law firm handles wrongful death and personal injury cases. That is all we handle. We have been successfully representing clients in these type of cases for over 30 years all over MS and LA including Jackson, Olive Branch, Meridian, Tupelo, Southaven, Columbus, Starkville, and Clarksdale. If you have any questions about a wrongful death case or a personal injury case call Paul Snow now for a FREE consultation or contact us online. We represent clients involved in all type of accidents including car accidents, truck accidents, 18 wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, offshore accidents, product liability accidents, ATV accidents, medical and legal malpractice, and on the job injuries.

Donald Bernius was arrested and charged with boating under the influence in an accident on the Tchoutacabouffa River near Biloxi, MS. Christopher Webb was thrown overboard and died as a result of the boating accident. His brother, Shane Webb, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The accident happened when the at fault boater was trying to get away from a marine patrol officer and hit the other boat head-on.

Anyone who was hurt by this drunk boat driver can make a claim against this person's insurance company. BUT, be careful who you make a claim against and what you say happened. The driver's homeowner's policy and car policy will probably not apply to this boating accident; but, the boat policy may provide liability insurance for the accident if it is not excluded from the policy. The boat insurance company may try to claim that since their driver was in the process of a crime, i.e., fleeing an officer, then there is no coverage. IF that happens , then the family of Mr. Webb should consult with a Mississippi Accident Lawyer as soon as possible to protect the families rights.

Also, the bar or alcohol establishment who sold the alcohol to the driver may also be sued for contributing to the accident. You would have to prove that the driver was visibly intoxicated when he bought the alcohol in order to recover against the bar. This is called liquor liability.

If the boater did not have any insurance, then the family may make a claim against their own boat policy for uninsured benefits if they bought that type of coverage on their policy.

This could end up being a complicated case. An attorney with experience in these types of cases is crucial. Our law office has been handling cases like this for over 30 years and has extensive experience in successfully settling these types of cases for our clients.If you would like a FREE consultation, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or 1-800-640-4478 or contact us online. We do not charge any attorney fees unless we recover for you. Call now before it is too late.

An accident in Monticello, MS left an 85 year old woman dead when she failed to yield the right of way and hit the left side of an 18 wheeler at the intersection of Hwy. 84 and Ferguson Mill Road. The impact occurred just behind the rear wheels of the big rig. Anna Mae Bilyeu was killed on impact. The Jaws of Life were required to free her from the vehicle.

There have been 30 accidents at this intersection since the bypass opened in 2006.

If you know of someone who has been killed in an accident, whether from car, truck, motorcycle, or by a drunk driver, call Paul Snow now for your FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights. We do not charge any attorney fees unless we recover for you. We represent clients in all type of cases including offshore, premises, products, nursing home, legal malpractice,on-the-job injuries and wrongful death.