Q:

I just need to know if I have a case. Can I briefly explain by phone what happened, and then you can tell me if you can take my case?

A:

Usually not. We do not give legal advice over the phone. From our experience, the best way to seriously and professionally evaluate a case is to do so in person and in as thorough a manner as possible. So for us to properly evaluate your case, we ask that you set up an initial consultation with us to discuss all the specifics of your situation.

Q:

How do I know if I have been discriminated against?

A:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of age. Further, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of a disability.

What constitutes employment discrimination? Simply stated, an employer may not refuse to hire or to discharge any individual - or otherwise to discriminate against any individual when it comes to hiring, firing, promotions, pay, training, or other workplace conditions - because of an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

There are many complex factors, though, that are involved in this analysis of the facts.

Q:

How do I know if I have a lawsuit?

A:

During the consultation, we evaluate the facts you present to determine whether a definite legal dispute exists and whether litigation would be the most appropriate means to resolve the dispute.

Q:

Why do I have to pay a consultation fee?

A:

Betz & Associates maintains a very active caseload, with our attorneys devoting a great amount of energy in service to our clients. Time spent in a consultation is time away from another client's case. Yet, consulting with potential clients is a necessary, crucial step in any law practice. During the consultation, we listen carefully to a potential client's situation, determine whether a bona fide legal dispute exists, and preliminarily evaluate avenues to resolve the dispute. For these reasons, we believe that a fee is appropriate for rendering such a service. From our experience, this is the best method for you to receive a serious professional evaluation of your case.

Q:

It will take just a few minutes for me to tell the attorney about my case. Do I still have to pay the full amount for the consultation?

A:

Yes. Experience tells us that we must allow an hour and a half for each consultation. We need to hear your story in full in order to gain at least a preliminary understanding of all the specifics of your situation and advise you as to your options.

Q:

Do you take contingency fee cases?

A:

We take some cases on a contingency basis; however, all potential Betz & Associates clients are required to pay a consultation fee. Further fee arrangements will be based on the specifics of your case, and will be discussed at the initial consultation.

Q:

If I was referred to you by the Indiana Bar Association or another attorney, am I still required to pay the consultation fee?

A:

Yes. Our practice is to require all potential Betz & Associates clients to pay the initial consultation fee unless waived prior to the consultation.

Q:

Is the consultation fee due at the time of the consultation?

A:

Yes. We ask that the fee be paid in full on the day of your consultation.

Q:

What type of payment do you accept?

A:

We accept cash, check, or money order.