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05 Sep, 2024 by Janis bultman
We recommend the Stein-Conaway law firm without reservation. Jeff Stein is a highly skilled and well-connected attorney with long experience who was recommended to our family by a prominent defense attorney in another county. We are eternally grateful for her recommendation. Jeff and the Stein-Conaway firm went above and beyond to help us through a thorny legal thicket with wisdom, compassion, respect, patience, and consummate professionalism. There were multiple hearings and other negotiations over several years. Jeff represented us nimbly. He was quick to communicate, explaining outcomes and detailing options in a way that was easy for us to understand and making recommendations for next steps. Knowing it would work to everyone’s benefit, he maintained good relations with the opposing party and was a well-known and respected figure in the courtroom. It was clear he genuinely cared about finding the best outcome for us in the long term, and that is exactly what he achieved. Thank you Jeff and the Stein-Conaway law firm!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Duane inglish
We stepped into a legal issue for a loved one feeling totally helpless. Stein-Conaway Law Firm's professionalism and complete focus gave us much needed confidence, hope and ultimately a great outcome.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Thejennyvelasco
Had a wonderful experience with Kara Stein-Conway. She always keeps me in the loop with her email updates. She is amazing at her job. I find this is a very rare thing in this industry.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Andy m.
Unique among attorneys.... Duncan is HONEST, and INTELLIGENT. He is also a brilliant litigator. I will consult with Counselor Skogsberg from now on. This review format only offers five stars, but he gets 10 out of 10.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Elleana gonzalez - mohsenian
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17 Nov, 2017 by Elsa comulada
Mr Skogsberg was highly recommended, thank you Dawn.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Kevin
I want to take a moment to thank the entire staff at the Daniel J. O'Neill law office in SLO town for their 2+ year work handling my neck injury claim. When I was involved in what I thought was a typical rear end accident in 2019, I didn’t realize my neck complaints would persist and worsen over time. It got to the point where conservative measures were not providing any relief but I had gotten to the point of just accepting that the pain I had was something I would need to get used to. After an initial consultation with his law office, Mr. O’Neill surprising offered to file a claim on my behalf. Not only did he offer to represent me, he also provided a different perspective regarding pain clinic procedures that were not previously considered. After several unsuccessful procedures locally in the Bay Area, he referred me to Dr. Jordon, a Pain Specialist in Santa Monica, that was able to identify the source of injury after specific diagnostic testing. It took approximately a year of procedures and tests, but eventually we were able to find some relief and resume a more normal lifestyle with the family. During this whole time, I never inquired about how much this case might be worth since my main intention was getting pain relief. Throughout the whole process of collecting records, submitting forms and discovery, the entire office staff was patient, respectful and thorough. It was clear that the behind the scenes work of the case was extensive. Mr. O’Neill and the support staff spent countless hours with preparation for our deposition, the IME and progressive negotiations with the insurance provider. In the end, with much diligence and savvy negotiations, I received a settlement beyond any of my expectations. I understand the settlement will not cure my neck issue, but it does provide some peace of mind for covering future care and future needs of my family. With much gratitude, I want to send my kindest wishes to the legal team of Daniel J. O’Neill. Your efforts and results are extraordinary!
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12 May, 2018 by Anonymous
After consultation, Mr. O'Neill agreed to take on my car accident case. He gave me instruction on what information he needed me to gather for him; police report, hospital and medical records etc. and I got busy doing just that. I called him back to explain that the hospital could not forward my records for a month to which he replied that it was fine. Just after I received the records and had compiled all the required information, I received an email from Mr. O'Neill's assistant that he was too busy and would no longer be helping me. I was devastated! I emailed and phoned him once, imploring him to please help me. If he was too busy at the time, i was willing to wait, but he still refused. i had only spoken to him a few times initially and the one other time regarding the wait for hospital records, so i wonder if it was not for some other reason than just being 'too busy' as I was willing to wait. I had spent much effort and money to gather all my information and records together ready to send to him. If Mr. O'Neill had indeed become too busy, then I feel it would have been respectful and more appropriate to refuse to represent the new cases rather than refuse my case that he had accepted a month prior. after my initial consult with Mr. O'Neill, i felt so hopeful and thought I had found a good, caring person to help me. Words cannot express the emotional devastation I felt when he 'dumped' me as it was during a very tragic and difficult time in my life. I feel Mr. O'Neill treated me disrespectfully and uncaringly.
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10 Apr, 2013 by Ryan
My experience with Daniel J. O'Neill was incredible. I could not have asked for a better Attorney. Everyone in his office was so professional. I was always treated with kindness and a welcoming attitude. Mr. O'Neill is really honest and open as well as being supportive and understanding. I felt so comfortable and taken care of. I also could not believe how hard he and everyone in his office worked on my behalf. I am sooo grateful for all that Mr. O'Neill helped me through. Their level of hard work communication and professionalism was remarkable. I would completely and without reservation recommend Mr. O'Neill and his team!!
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Questions? We have answers

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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