Who Morgan and Morgan Is and What They Handle
Morgan and Morgan is a personal injury law firm with offices across multiple states, known primarily for handling car accident claims, slip-and-fall cases, and other injury lawsuits. The firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning they collect a fee only if they win your case or reach a settlement — you pay nothing upfront. They advertise heavily on local television and online, which is how most people first hear about them.
The firm handles cases where someone else's negligence or wrongdoing caused you injury or property damage. This includes motor vehicle accidents, premises liability (injuries on someone else's property), product liability, and workers' compensation claims in some states. Understanding what they do and how they work is useful whether you are considering hiring them or trying to understand a lawsuit someone else has filed against you.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan and Morgan works on contingency, so you pay no attorney fees unless they win your case or negotiate a settlement.
- The firm handles personal injury cases including car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, and property damage claims across multiple states.
- If you hire them, they will investigate your claim, communicate with insurance companies, and represent you in settlement talks or court.
- You can find information about any lawsuit filed against you through your state or county court's public records system, usually available online.
- If Morgan and Morgan has sued on your behalf, you should understand what settlement offers mean and what happens if the case goes to trial.
How Morgan and Morgan Takes On a Case
When you contact Morgan and Morgan about a potential lawsuit, they evaluate whether your claim has merit — meaning whether there is a reasonable chance they can win or settle it. They look at the facts of what happened, whether someone else was clearly at fault, the extent of your injuries or damages, and whether the at-fault party has insurance or assets to pay a judgment. If they decline your case, it usually means they believe the claim is too weak to justify the time and cost of pursuing it.
If they take your case, they handle the investigation and paperwork. This includes gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene or injury location. They also communicate directly with the other party's insurance company or attorney. You do not have to deal with those calls yourself — that is one of the main reasons people hire a lawyer. The firm typically handles all communication until the case settles or is ready for trial.
Settlement Offers and What They Mean
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. When the insurance company or defendant makes an offer, Morgan and Morgan will present it to you with their recommendation. A settlement is a binding agreement: you accept a specific amount of money in exchange for dropping the lawsuit and agreeing not to sue again for that same injury. Once you sign, the case is closed.
Your attorney's fee comes out of the settlement amount — typically 33 percent if the case settles before trial, or up to 40 percent if it goes to trial, though this varies by state and by the specific agreement you signed. Court costs and medical record fees also come out before you receive your portion. Your lawyer should explain these deductions clearly before you accept any offer. If you disagree with their recommendation, you have the right to reject a settlement and proceed to trial, though your attorney can decline to represent you if you choose that path.
What Happens If Your Case Goes to Trial
If settlement talks fail, your case may go to trial in front of a judge or jury. Morgan and Morgan will prepare your evidence, line up witnesses, and present your case in court. You will likely need to testify about what happened and how the injury affected you. The other side will present their version and argue why they should not have to pay.
A jury or judge then decides whether the defendant was at fault and, if so, how much money you should receive. This process takes longer than settlement and costs more in attorney time, which is why the contingency fee percentage is higher for trial cases. There is also risk: you might win less than a settlement offer, or lose entirely and receive nothing. Your attorney should discuss these possibilities honestly before trial begins.
Finding Information About a Lawsuit Filed Against You
If Morgan and Morgan has filed a lawsuit naming you as the defendant, you will receive official court papers — a summons and complaint — either by mail or through a process server who delivers them in person. These documents explain what the plaintiff (the person suing) claims you did and what they are asking the court to award them. Do not ignore these papers; responding within the important date is legally required.
You can also find the lawsuit yourself by visiting your state or county court's website and searching the public records database. Most courts now offer free online access to case information, including the complaint, any motions filed, and court dates. The case number appears on your summons and makes searching easier. If you have been sued and do not have an attorney yet, contact one when ready — the important date to respond is usually 20 to 30 days from the date you were served.
Your Options If You Are Being Sued
If you are the defendant in a Morgan and Morgan lawsuit, your first step is to notify your insurance company when ready. Most auto, homeowners, and business insurance policies include legal defense coverage, meaning the insurance company will hire an attorney to defend you at no cost to you. You are required to report the lawsuit promptly; failing to do so can void your coverage.
Your insurance company's attorney will handle communication with Morgan and Morgan and the court. You should cooperate fully with your defense attorney, provide them with all relevant documents and information, and be honest about what happened. If the case settles, your insurance typically pays up to your policy limit. If the judgment exceeds your coverage, you may be personally responsible for the difference, depending on your state's laws.
Understanding Contingency Fees and What You Actually Receive
A contingency fee arrangement protects you from paying attorney costs upfront, but it is important to understand what percentage the firm takes and what expenses come out of your settlement. Before you sign a representation agreement, ask for a clear breakdown: What is the attorney fee percentage? What counts as a court cost or expense? Will the firm advance those costs, or will they come out of your settlement? Some firms cover costs themselves; others require you to reimburse them.
If your settlement is $10,000 and the attorney fee is 33 percent plus $1,500 in costs, you receive $6,170 — not $10,000. Understanding this math before you settle helps you evaluate whether an offer is truly fair. If you disagree with how costs were calculated, you have the right to ask for an itemized accounting before you sign off on the settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Morgan and Morgan will take my case?
Contact them directly with details of your injury and how it happened. They will review your claim and tell you whether they believe it has merit. They typically focus on cases with clear liability and significant injury or damages, because those are the cases most likely to result in a meaningful settlement or judgment.
What if I disagree with a settlement offer my attorney recommends?
You can reject any settlement offer. However, your attorney is not required to take the case to trial if you refuse a reasonable offer. Discuss your concerns with them first — they may explain why the offer is fair given the risks of trial. If you cannot reach agreement, you may need to find a different attorney.
Can I find out how much other people settled for in similar cases?
Settlement amounts are usually confidential and not public record. However, jury verdicts in cases that go to trial are public. Your attorney can research similar cases in your area to help estimate what your case might be worth, but every case is different based on the specific facts and injuries involved.
What happens if I am sued by Morgan and Morgan and cannot afford an attorney?
Contact your insurance company first — they will provide defense at no cost if you have coverage. If you do not have insurance, contact your local bar association or legal aid office for referrals to attorneys who offer payment plans or reduced fees. Do not ignore the lawsuit; responding late can result in a default judgment against you.
How long does a Morgan and Morgan case usually take to settle?
straightforward cases with clear liability may settle in a few months. Complex cases with serious injuries or disputed fault can take one to three years or longer. Your attorney should give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your case, the court's schedule, and how quickly the other side responds.