My husband, a veteran, was killed due to the neglect of the Veterans Administration and other doctors. Lumpkin & Reeves handled my case in a compassionate, yet aggressive and effective manner. Their presentation at trial was effective, thorough, and very impressive. I would recommend their services to anyone in need of help.
~ S.H.
During the darkest days of my life, Lumpkin & Reeves compassionately and professionally represented my family and me. Jim Reeves’ knowledge of the law, familiarity with insurance companies, and consistent focus led to a successful outcome. The office staff provided excellent support and acted as a liaison throughout the engagement. In addition to having the very best representation, I also feel that I have new friends.
~ B.W.
Every parent’s unthinkable, unbearable nightmare is the loss of a child. Your heart and soul cannot and will not accept it. Such was my journey in May, 1999, when my daughter, Vicki Harris Haupt, was involved in a tragic accident in Tupelo, Mississippi. Vicki died 22 months later, after extreme suffering, as a result of negligence and the poor company policies of a large organization. When that company refused to pay Vicki’s $400,000 medical bill, even though she was covered through them, my unbearable grief became anger and rage. It was as if they were saying Vicki’s life was of no value. This added tremendously to my and my family’s suffering. I began to search for someone to help me make things right. I was blessed to have Jim Reeves as one of my attorneys. He patiently listened to my pain and began the battle to make things right. He guided me and my family through the long, sad journey of depositions and discovery. I was very impressed with his knowledge and expertise and I will forever be grateful for his compassion. Because of the efforts of Mr. Reeves and his co-workers, the mediation in my daughter’s death went very well. The other company repaid Vicki’s medical bills, accepted responsibility and did apologize for my daughter’s death. That was the most painful period of my life, but thank God I had Jim Reeves working for me and Vicki. I count Mr. Reeves as a friend. Anyone who may need an attorney will be well served with him.
~ C.H.
My husband was killed in an explosion while he was working at a heavy industrial site. I have two small children. My husband was the bread winner and I didn’t know what we were going to do, how I was going to raise my kids or send them to school, or even feed them. I had no money to hire an attorney and went to Mark Lumpkin and Jim Reeves who took my case on a contingency basis, handled all the expenses of the litigation, and recovered $2 million for me and my family. Now, although my little girls miss their dad and I miss my husband, we at least know that our financial future is secure. I will be forever thankful to them.
~ B.B.
I worked offshore all of my life as a fisherman. One day some of the overhead rigging on the nets broke loose allowing a 50 pound winch to fall and strike me in the head. I was in the hospital for over two months. I had a brain injury and my back broken in several places. My employer refused to pay for all of the medical expenses. Lumpkin & Reeves went to work and recovered over $1.5 million for me and my family. I am so glad that I called them.
~ M.S.
I was injured and had to have back surgery as a result of a fall when a local business did not secure its stairs properly. I had over $80,000 in medical bills and could not return to the job that I held before. Lumpkin & Reeves acted quickly and professionally and recovered all of my lost earnings and all of my lost future earnings. I was thoroughly impressed by their ability and ethics.
~ S.W.
After Hurricane Katrina destroyed both of our homes and all of our contents, our insurance company refused to pay anything. Jim Reeves went to work and when it was over, not only was the entire claim paid, but the insurance company paid our attorney fees and all other expenses. I don’t know where we would have been without Lumpkin & Reeves.
~ C.D.
THE DO’S
DO call your agent as soon as an accident or injury takes place. As soon as you get home from the car accident, or even before you go to the doctor, call your agent.
DO review and understand your coverage before talking to your insurer or your agent. Read the “Coverage” and “Exclusion” sections of your policy in particular.
DO take and keep detailed notes of all conversations with insurance company representatives, and get names, phone numbers, and job titles of people you speak with, including their supervisor’s name.
DO consider whether you might have insurance coverage under some other insurance policy as well. Many people have more than one policy that might cover a claim. In particular, look at homeowner policies, “umbrella” policies, and materials that came with your credit cards.
DO take pictures, if possible, of damage to your vehicle, the accident scene, and your injuries.
DO be honest and forthcoming with your insurer. Even if it is embarrassing, it is better if your insurer knows all the facts. Failing to be candid with your insurer might invalidate your policy or cause a denial of coverage.
DO understand the difference between replacement coverage and depreciated or actual cash value. If your policy provides replacement coverage, don’t settle a personal property loss for “actual cash value.” You may be required to replace the lost items before getting your full reimbursement if you have replacement cost coverage.
DO keep all receipts of meals, lodging, and purchases made in connection with time spent pursuing your claim or recovering from your injuries from the time of the covered event until final settlement with your insurance co.
THE DON’TS
DON’T give any recorded or written statements to your insurer until you are sure you understand your coverage. Remember you are not required to allow the insurance company to record your telephone conversation. If you have doubts, do consult an attorney.
DON’T automatically accept the estimate of your losses given to you by the insurer. Insurance companies will often try to get you to accept their estimator’s repair or replacement estimates, which might be a bit low.
DON’T sign any releases or waivers of any kind until you obtain legal advice. A bad financial situation after a major loss may make it seem necessary for you accept a premature, inadequate settlement from your insurer. But you may remember destroyed items after you have signed a release as to payment for your personal property inventory or other claims. For these reasons, it is advisable to consult an attorney before signing a release or waiver. Be sure to read the fine print on any payment from the insurance company.
DON’T accept any check that says “final payment” unless you are ready to do so.
DON’T ignore time limits set by your policy. Most policies require a signed proof of loss within a certain time limit. Many policies allow you only one year from the date of loss in which to bring a legal action if your claim has not been adjusted fairly. If your claim has not been settled to your satisfaction eleven months after your loss, consult an attorney immediately. A failure to do so could result in the loss of your right to sue.
DON’T forget that you have a contract with your insurer. Your insurer has a legal obligation to provide the coverage it promised to you. Be insistent about enforcing that obligation.
At Reeves & Mestayer, our cases come from people who know us and who have seen us in action; our clients and their families; former jurors; other plaintiffs’ lawyers; and even lawyers on the other side.
Biloxi
160 Main Street
Biloxi, MS 39530
Toll Free: 1-855-558-2977
Phone: 228-374-5151
Phone: 601-255-2720
Fax: 228-374-6630
