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09 Mar, 2023 by Maureen
Having Burton Padove as my lawyer for my divorce was a smart decision. Initially, when I spoke with him on the phone, I could tell he was patient, knowledgeable and empathetic to my concerns! What a gem he proved to be! I was confident in him getting the results I deserved. He is thorough and takes the time to explain things to me which made me more confident through out the process. I was happy to find that he is also very responsive in returning my calls and our overall communication. I feel thankful to have met him. I wouldn't hesitate to call Mr. Padove if you need a fabulous lawyer!
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28 Aug, 2020 by Taleah
We needed an attorney that could protect our mother’s financial and medical legal issues and Burt was the right person for the job. He was respectful and so helpful and fast everything came together. We got her power of attorney and health care representative in less than a day. Burt understood our situation and was very knowledgeable and directed us so we understood what we need to do, if more people were like Burt the world would be a better place.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Steven
Burt, “B”, or Mr. Padove as he is known in practice, is highly knowledgeable and effective legal counsel. More importantly, he is extremely ethical, very realistic, and does not waste time when he has a chance to act, nor will he waste yours. Throughout the process of a very convoluted divorce (which included my son), Burton has saved me thousands of dollars in legal fees by making sure we do not go to court for long shots (which often I created as emotions run high during divorces). This is the reason why you hire an attorney. I would have made bad choices on emotion without him and his expertise. He could have easily gone to court at least 5 separate times for issues knowing it would be a waste of time and collect thousands of dollars in legal fees, but chose not to (while giving me the option so should I choose to). Burton does not tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to hear, and gives options that are realistic, and then acts with fast, surgical precision. He has advised me counsel in the best manner, even had to create novel motions due to the unique and complexity of my case, and did so effective and efficient, like it was the back of his hand. Like the other title review states, he truly has a heart, and he truly does care! If I did not work in Customer service, I would be surprised that he does not have hundreds of 5 star reviews, but given that I do; satisfied customers often don’t take time to write reviews, they go on with there happy life. The course was not easy, but Burt has given me back my life, stability, and a sense of well being. I thank him from the bottom of my heart, and I hope this review will allow YOU to consider him as your GO TO attorney. He certainly is mine.
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13 Dec, 2020 by Cindy
I would like to thank Attorney Walter Sandoval for services rendered on my behalf, everything was perfectly executed. I will always be grateful for all your efforts to ensure the best possible outcome for my case, which I was very pleased with. Thank you for representing me and for being by my side. Your legal expertise shone throughout the course of my case. I am grateful for your dedication and professionalism. Thank you once again for your legal advice, time and efforts. You are an important advocate that helped me through the most challenging moment of my life. I am now free to go on with the rest of my life in peace. In closing, I would also like to thank your Paralegal Sheila for the time she took to call me, throughout my case, to update me. She truly is an asset to your firm.
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25 Jun, 2020 by Lydia
Mr. Sandoval was thorough, detailed, compassionate and patient. He worked very hard on our case and achieved a conclusion that we were very happy with. I definitely recommend his services. Amazing to work with.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Sindel keister
Excellent results with my case, I am very pleased with the entire process and am impressed with the knowledge and professionalism from all staff in this office.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Yvonne farias
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26 Aug, 2024 by Omar estrada
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01 Oct, 2024 by Charles bennett
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceedingly outstanding work Sheila Blasko and Walter Sandoval did on my case. From day one, their professionalism, dedication, patience, understanding, and attention to detail was immaculate and beyond expectations. Sheila and Walter were not only knowledgeable, but also very compassionate and motivational through every step of a nearly four year process. They always kept me informed and up to date at all times and ensured a purposeful and positive outcome would be waiting at the end of this difficult journey. Thanks to their desire and commitment to my case, it has been settled successfully, and I could not be happier with the end result. If you are looking for a legal team that truly cares about your health, will fight for your rights you deserve, and is willing to put you on top of the priority list, look no further than Hilbrich Law firm. They have my utmost respect and my highest recommendation! Thank you so much for everything that you do!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Erich squire
My family has worked w/ Bill Cunningham for 40+ years with great results. I most recently worked with Mike Dobosz and Theresa Clements on our mother's estate with wonderful results.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Zoe heart
Absolutely amazing experience with Attorney Sandoval and Shelia. Everything was explained to me in great detail and I never felt left out of the process of what was going on! I couldn’t recommend this firm enough. It was professional and to the point, calming and very reassuring with every step.
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15 Jul, 2013 by Dolores guetzloff
nice young man explains more to my daughter cause I can't hear to well.
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What a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Do for You

A medical malpractice lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence or misconduct of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals. These lawyers assist in cases where a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death. Medical malpractice cases can involve misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and other forms of medical negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to improper medical treatment, a medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options, file a lawsuit, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

When Should I Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is essential if you’ve been seriously injured due to the negligence of a healthcare provider or institution. Situations where you should seek legal representation include:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If a doctor fails to diagnose or delays diagnosing a medical condition, leading to harm or progression of the illness.
  • Surgical errors: Harm resulting from surgical mistakes such as operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the body, or performing unnecessary procedures.
  • Medication errors: Injuries caused by prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, or mistakes made by pharmacists in dispensing drugs.
  • Birth injuries: Injuries to a newborn due to medical negligence during labor and delivery, such as failing to perform a timely C-section or improper use of delivery instruments.
  • Anesthesia errors: Complications arising from improperly administered anesthesia, which can lead to serious injury or death.
  • Inadequate follow-up or aftercare: Suffering due to lack of proper monitoring or care after a medical procedure, leading to complications.
  • Hospital or nursing home negligence: Harm caused by the negligence of hospital staff, nurses, or administrators who failed to provide adequate care.

Medical malpractice cases are complex, and hiring a lawyer early can help ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.

What Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Do?

A medical malpractice lawyer provides various legal services to help injured patients hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. Their responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating your case: Reviewing medical records and consulting with experts to determine if you have a viable claim based on the standard of care and harm suffered.
  • Filing a lawsuit: Initiating legal action by filing a complaint against the responsible parties in the appropriate court.
  • Gathering evidence: Collecting medical records, expert testimonies, and other relevant evidence to build a strong case.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Working to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries without the need for a trial.
  • Litigating in court: Representing you during trial proceedings if a settlement cannot be reached, presenting evidence and arguing your case.
  • Calculating damages: Assessing the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
  • Handling expert testimony: Coordinating with medical experts who can testify on how the standard of care was breached and how it led to your injuries.

How Are Medical Malpractice Lawyers Paid?

Most medical malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Key aspects of this payment structure include:

  • Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer's fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the settlement or award.
  • No upfront costs: You do not pay any legal fees unless the lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf.
  • Case expenses: Costs for expert witnesses, medical record retrieval, and court fees may be deducted from your settlement or award in addition to the lawyer's fee.

Always discuss the fee arrangement during your initial consultation to understand your financial obligations.

How Much Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is usually based on a contingency fee model. General estimates include:

  • Contingency fee: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total recovery amount.
  • Case expenses: Additional costs such as expert witness fees and court expenses can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.

Ensure you receive a clear explanation of all potential fees and expenses before proceeding with your case.

Top Questions to Ask a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Before hiring a medical malpractice lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with medical malpractice cases like mine?
    Confirm the lawyer has a successful track record with similar cases.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Understand the contingency fee percentage and any additional costs you may incur.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Seek an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential challenges.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Get an estimate of the timeline for settling or taking the case to trial.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and their level of involvement.
  6. Have you worked with expert witnesses?
    Verify the lawyer's experience in collaborating with medical experts essential for your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association for their license and any disciplinary actions.
  • Review their experience: Look for specialization in medical malpractice and a history of successful cases.
  • Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
  • Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
  • Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Medical records: All documents related to your treatment and injury.
  • Evidence of harm: Photos, medical bills, and records of lost wages.
  • Communication records: Any correspondence with healthcare providers or institutions.
  • List of healthcare providers: Names and contact information of all involved medical personnel.
  • Questions for the lawyer: A prepared list to address all your concerns.
  • Timeline of events: A detailed chronology of your medical care and the issues encountered.

Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.

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