Steinhardt, Siskind & Lieberman in Baltimore: Personal Injury on Contingency
Steinhardt, Siskind & Lieberman is a personal injury law firm operating in Baltimore's legal services market, taking car accidents, slip-and-fall claims, and negligence cases exclusively on contingency, meaning clients owe no legal fees unless the firm wins a settlement or verdict.
What this firm actually handles
The practice focuses on motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and injury claims where a person has been harmed by someone else's negligence. The firm does not handle workers' compensation, medical malpractice, or product liability as a main line of work. Contingency representation means the attorney's fee comes only from recovery. If the claim settles or goes to trial and the client receives money, the firm takes a percentage (typically 25 to 40 percent of the award, depending on whether the case settles before suit or requires litigation). If there is no recovery, the client pays nothing.
How it compares to other Baltimore personal injury options
Steinhardt, Siskind & Lieberman operates alongside other contingency-based personal injury shops in Baltimore. Firms like Shamis & Gentile and Pejavic Law also handle auto and slip-and-fall claims on contingency. The distinction between them lies in caseload, case complexity, and trial appetite. Larger contingency firms may handle higher-volume claims with faster turnaround; smaller practices may give more hands-on attorney time per case. Asking whether a firm tries cases regularly or settles most claims early reveals how willing they are to go to trial if an insurer lowballs an offer. Contingency representation is not unique to Steinhardt, Siskind & Lieberman, so comparing fee percentages across firms and their willingness to advance case costs (medical records, expert reports) separates one from another.
Fee structure and what to ask
The contingency arrangement eliminates upfront legal costs but does not mean free representation. Ask whether the firm advances costs during the claim or charges them back from the final settlement. Some firms cover court filing fees, medical record requests, and expert witness fees during the process; others deduct these from the final recovery. Settlement authority also matters: ask whether the attorney handling your case can settle claims alone or must get approval from a partner. A firm that requires partner approval may move slower but adds oversight. Ask how long cases typically take from consultation to settlement, and whether the firm has a trial date if settlement talks stall.
Who suits this firm and who does not
Steinhardt, Siskind & Lieberman works for individuals with clear-liability claims, meaning the other party's fault is evident or will be easy to prove. Recent car accident victims, people injured on someone else's property, or anyone with medical documentation of injuries fall into this category. If liability is unclear, contested, or if the injury is minor, the firm may decline the case (contingency firms cannot afford low-value disputes). This is not the place for contract disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, or estate planning. It is also not suited for people who need free initial legal advice without committing to representation.
What the first consultation involves
An initial consultation at a personal injury firm focuses on liability, injury extent, and insurance. You should bring documentation: a police report or accident photographs, names and insurance information of the other party, medical records or bills from treatment, and a timeline of what happened. The attorney will ask how the injury has affected your life (time off work, ongoing medical treatment) and whether you received medical attention promptly. The firm will assess whether the claim is viable and what range of recovery might be reasonable given the injury severity and local jury awards. Many personal injury consultations are free and confidential; confirm this before arriving.
Hours and logistics
Confirm current hours by calling the firm directly, as legal office hours vary by attorney schedule and season. Street parking in Baltimore downtown or Harbor East (common locations for personal injury practices) fills quickly; ask the firm about parking when booking a consultation. Many personal injury attorneys in Baltimore work outside typical 9-to-5 schedules to meet client needs; if you work standard hours, ask whether evening or Saturday appointments are available.
Why it earns space in a Baltimore guide
Steinhardt, Siskind & Lieberman distinguishes itself by operating entirely on contingency, removing financial barriers for injured Baltimoreans who cannot afford hourly legal fees. In a city with significant traffic and pedestrian-dense neighborhoods, personal injury claims are common, and a firm willing to bet its own money on a client's case creates alignment between attorney and client interest.
