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23 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Michael Watters and his team are highly skilled and experienced in navigating the complexities of divorce. Not only did he skillfully navigate the legal system and advocate for my financial needs, he understood the importance of equalizing finances between households so that I can really show up for my children. He clearly has seen it all before, understands dysfunctional family dynamics and anticipated what my family needed when I was not able to advocate for myself. Michael got a court order to begin paying child support and alimony when my ex had stopped; he called for a financial deposition to reveal the money that my ex had been trying to hide and could not be revealed in a simple tax return, he got my ex to pay money to me for the house that we had acquired while we were married and then had pressurized me into getting my name off of the title as I was leaving the house before we were legally separated, and he was able to get most all of my legal fees to be paid by my ex as he had the ability to do so. I am so grateful for Michael and his team's work on my behalf. Without Michael's help I still would have been an unsupported single mom stressed and not being able to fully show up for my kids who are really the ones who suffer most in these dynamics.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
I have had the pleasure of seeing Mike in action as a discovery referee, legal malpractice expert, and attorney. He is a seasoned litigator and expert who knows what he's doing and easily earns the respect of those who experience his work. The work product from his office is excellent. His integrity is unmatched. Importantly, Mike is an even better human being, and his care is evident at all phases. Shout out to George and Tim from his office who are also incredible to work with.
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06 Jun, 2023 by Chris
Mr. Waters is not only an exceptionally knowledgable Divorce Lawyer but a highly experienced litigator which is critical should your divorce reach the courts. I believe he represented my interests very well and I had full confidence that he would have won my case had we ended up going to court. However (against his advice) I decided to settle just to be done with the process. I felt he was fair in his billing and I would hire him again if I needed his services.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Rajesh shanmugasamy
Cuando llamé a David. Acepté contratar sus servicios y, literalmente, en dos llamadas telefónicas pudo resolver todo el caso en Santa Rosa en el Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Sonoma. Me ayudó a quedarme con mi familia e hizo lo mejor que pudo. Gracias, David por todo.
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11 Aug, 2021 by Dulce barrerra
There are few things you can control when you go to Court. Nothing is a given. You can control who represents you, and I am glad I made the best decision when I hired David. He was very methodical, and I felt comfortable with him the first time that I spoke with him. Everyone at David Chesley’s law offices are very professional and took their time with me and my case. Thank you for your work.
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19 Jul, 2021 by Wilfred martin
We called David’s law firm when seeking a Santa Rosa criminal defense attorney and he gave is helpful legal advice and he was able to answer all of our questions. Even though my brother’s criminal case was in Santa Rosa Court and he was not from California, the process the Law Offices of David Chesley had of dealing with the court was very smooth. My brother was facing 2 charges and David beat his case in front of a jury in Sonoma County Superior Court. I must admit I drove him crazy but he stood by my brother every step of the way. He gave great attention to us and applied his skill, experience, and expertise quite well in a very complex case. He seemed to have an excellent reputation inside the courthouse and in the community and was very attentive to my case. David and Debra are amazing! We are so grateful and now we can say we made the best choice, choosing David.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Kathy
Finding Richard was the best thing that could have happened to me when my claim was denied by my long term disability insurance company. it was so frustrating and scary, even, with so much on the line. His expertise, great listening skills, and calm demeanor always reassured me when we spoke. I really appreciate everything he did for me, and I know the positive outcome was a result of his knowledge and experience. I can't recommend him highly enough. You would be lucky to have him. I certainly was. Thank you again, Richard.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Johnston agreed to represent me in a retirement plan case with a former employer. He was very knowledgeable about ERISA and knew exactly what arguments to make to the judge on my behalf. Mr. Johnston was thorough in his preparation and confidently argued the key elements of my case. The judge agreed with him and he won the case for me. Mr. Johnston was a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend him.
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29 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
I contacted Richard when my LTD benefits were improperly denied by my former employer‘s insurer. His knowledge and experience in ERISA law were essential to the successful resolution of my case. He was able to clearly explain the process and confidently guide me down the long road to resolution, honestly and strongly advocating in my favor. Richard was a careful and patient listener, respectful of the path that brought me to his proverbial door, and considerate of the emotional struggle when a lawyer needs to hire a lawyer. He’s a true wordsmith, polite, and highly recommend.
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14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
We have used Charles Cochran 3 times over the past 15 years and each time he has provided us with effective and knowledgeable assistance. The first time was a case brought against us as a contracting company by an unhappy client. The claims were unreasonable. Usually in this situation there is some sort of compromise, no matter how unfounded the claims. Charlie made everything go away. The second time we were sued by the owner of a company whose board we served on. Again totally unreasonable claims and we won our jury trial case and the counter suit we filed with a substantial amount of money, the largest award in Sonoma County at the time. Thirdly, when we had difficulties with a Landlord/ tenant situation we again turned to Charlie and again he provided us knowledgeable and effective assistance.
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10 Sep, 2021 by Stacey swanson
Honest and caring people.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Erika mendoza
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Christian Razo for the outstanding work he did in handling my husband’s immigration case. From the very beginning, Christian demonstrated an incredible level of professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to our case. Christian Razo was always available to answer my questions, explain the complex process clearly, and provide invaluable guidance every step of the way. His attention to detail, thoroughness, and empathetic approach made a challenging experience much more manageable.
I was particularly impressed with how Christian Razo went above and beyond to ensure that everything was done correctly and on time. Thanks to Christian Razo tireless efforts, our case was resolved smoothly and successfully.
I highly recommend Kerosky & Gallelli Law Firm to anyone in need of immigration services. Their expertise and commitment truly set them apart.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Craig erickson
From our first phone meeting, Brian was able to answer all of our questions and help us feel at ease with the legal process. We had never needed to seek legal advise and we were unsure of how to proceed with our situation. Fortunately, Brian was a perfect fit and was very patient with us. If I ever have any legal questions in the future, I won't hesitate at all to call Brian and seek his services.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Lola johnson
Very thorough. Call backs were immediately made to us. He made our process very easy and understandable. I would definitely hire him again if needed.
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25 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
I asked the help of this Attorney and he rejected my case because I am not from the U.S. Totally unprofessional ethic by this guy who thinks he is an Attorney. No he is not. Less than zero attitude. He made his opinion and sorry I have to grade his awful professionalism.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Insurance Lawyer Can Do for You
An insurance lawyer specializes in legal issues related to insurance policies and claims. These lawyers help individuals, businesses, and insurance companies navigate disputes involving insurance coverage, claim denials, bad faith claims, and policy interpretation. Insurance lawyers can represent policyholders who feel they've been unfairly denied coverage, or they can work on behalf of insurance companies to defend against fraudulent or inflated claims.
Whether you're filing a claim, disputing a denial, or dealing with complex coverage issues, an insurance lawyer can provide critical guidance and legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you're entitled to under your policy.
When Should I Hire an Insurance Lawyer?
Hiring an insurance lawyer is advisable in several situations, particularly when disputes arise over insurance coverage, claim denials, or bad faith actions. Common reasons to hire an insurance lawyer include:
- Denied insurance claims: If your insurance company denies your claim, a lawyer can help determine whether the denial was justified or if you should challenge the decision.
- Bad faith insurance practices: If you believe your insurer has acted in bad faith, such as delaying payment or failing to properly investigate your claim, a lawyer can help you pursue legal action.
- Underpaid claims: If the insurance company has offered less compensation than you believe your claim is worth, a lawyer can negotiate for a higher payout or file a lawsuit.
- Coverage disputes: When there's ambiguity or disagreement about what your policy covers, a lawyer can provide clarity and advocate for your rights under the policy.
- Business insurance claims: If you own a business and are dealing with commercial insurance claims (e.g., property damage, liability, or professional indemnity), a lawyer can help ensure your business receives proper coverage.
- Third-party claims: If you're being sued for liability and your insurance company refuses to defend or indemnify you, an insurance lawyer can help enforce your coverage rights.
- Appealing long-term disability claims: If your disability insurance claim has been denied, a lawyer can assist in gathering evidence and appealing the decision to get the benefits you deserve.
What Does an Insurance Lawyer Do?
An insurance lawyer provides a wide range of services to assist with insurance-related legal issues. These can include:
- Reviewing insurance policies: A lawyer can review your insurance policy to ensure you understand your rights and obligations, as well as clarify what coverage is provided.
- Filing insurance claims: Assisting with the preparation and filing of claims to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.
- Challenging claim denials: If your claim has been denied, a lawyer can investigate the reasons for denial and file appeals or lawsuits to challenge the decision.
- Litigating bad faith claims: Representing clients in bad faith insurance cases, where the insurer fails to act in good faith by unfairly delaying, denying, or underpaying a valid claim.
- Negotiating settlements: Helping policyholders negotiate settlements with insurance companies to receive fair compensation for claims.
- Defending against fraudulent claims: Representing insurance companies to defend against false or exaggerated claims filed by policyholders or third parties.
- Handling disputes over policy language: Interpreting complex insurance policies and resolving disputes between the insured and the insurer regarding coverage limits, exclusions, and conditions.
How Are Insurance Lawyers Paid?
Insurance lawyers typically charge for their services in different ways, depending on the nature of the case and the type of insurance issue involved. Common payment structures include:
- Contingency fee: For many policyholders disputing claim denials or underpayments, lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means the lawyer only gets paid if they win or settle the case, taking a percentage (usually between 25% and 40%) of the recovered amount.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing legal issues, such as bad faith lawsuits or business insurance disputes, insurance lawyers may charge an hourly rate. This rate varies depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For simpler matters, such as reviewing an insurance policy or helping file a claim, some lawyers charge a flat fee for their services.
- Retainer: For businesses or clients with ongoing legal needs, an insurance lawyer may require a retainer fee, which is an upfront payment for future services.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Insurance Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an insurance lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the payment structure. General cost estimates include:
- Contingency fees: If your lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay any fees upfront, but the lawyer will take a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or judgment awarded.
- Hourly rates: Hourly rates for insurance lawyers generally range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. Complex cases involving bad faith or high-value business claims may require significant hours, leading to higher legal costs.
- Flat fees: For specific services, such as reviewing an insurance policy, lawyers may charge a flat fee ranging from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the task.
- Retainers: Businesses or individuals seeking ongoing insurance legal services may pay a retainer, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the lawyer and scope of work.
Make sure to discuss costs and payment structures with your lawyer before proceeding to understand how much the services will cost.
Top Questions to Ask an Insurance Lawyer
Before hiring an insurance lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
-
What experience do you have with insurance law?
Ensure the lawyer has specific experience handling cases involving your type of insurance, whether it’s auto, health, home, or business-related. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer works on contingency, hourly rates, or flat fees, and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case. -
What is your success rate with insurance disputes?
Ask about the lawyer’s track record in winning or settling cases similar to yours. -
What are my chances of success?
A good lawyer will provide an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses and outline the possible outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Get an estimate of how long it will take to resolve your claim or dispute, as some cases can extend over months or even years. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case.
How to Check the Credibility of an Insurance Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable insurance lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Review their experience in insurance law: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in insurance law and have experience with cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Search for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and professionalism.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have dealt with similar insurance issues.
- Check for industry memberships: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) can indicate the lawyer’s focus on insurance law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with an insurance lawyer, come prepared with the following documents and information:
- A copy of your insurance policy: Bring the policy related to your claim or dispute so the lawyer can review the coverage details.
- Any correspondence with the insurance company: Provide copies of letters, emails, or other communications between you and your insurer regarding the claim or denial.
- Proof of claim and supporting documents: Bring any documentation you have submitted with your claim, including receipts, invoices, photos, medical records, or repair estimates.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions you want to ask about your case, the legal process, and the potential outcomes.
- Timeline of events: Be ready to provide a clear timeline of the incident that led to the claim and any steps you’ve taken with your insurance company.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can ensure that the lawyer has all the information they need to assess your case and provide the best legal advice.
