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28 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired him, was very rude and useless! Very disrespectful, and rude did not care to learn anything about my case
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12 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
45 minutes into my plea hearing Patrick Flake had not yet made it to the court room when they called my name. I let the judge know my lawyer wasn’t there yet and he allowed me to go call him. He answered the phone and informed me that he didn’t know we had court that day. So I waited for him to get there and went about putting in the plea that he advised me to put in. Clearly he never even really paid my case any attention despite the $5,000 I paid him to give me competent legal advice by reviewing the evidence in my case and to be on time to defend me on my court date. I was 19 and charged with delivery of marijuana which Mr. Flake refused to even show me a motion of discovery for or give me any information about but I later obtained a document that stated that a confidential informant was given x amount of money to purchase pills and marijuana from me. When the CI came to my house inquiring about those substances The document alleged that I told the CI that I didn’t have anything it would be later. Anyway, being that I was so young and had no idea what to do in this situation I just accepted these poor practices and kept him as my lawyer. I was convicted of conspiracy to deliver marijuana. If he had done his job correctly the outcome may have been different.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Coy and got the Flake. Worst defense attorney I have ever dealt with still a prosecutor watch out potential clients. He will serve you up with your head on the platter.
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06 Sep, 2022 by Margaret
She is incompetent and unorganized. If you are a woman, be especially wary because she appears to favor males in divorce cases.
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, Linda D. Shepherd was a very poor choice for an attorney. She was inept and unprofessional. She does not return phone calls or email. I definitely regret hiring her.
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20 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired this lawyer to do my divorce/custody. Worse mistake ever made. When I first met her she seemed very nice and knew what she was doing. It all started to go down hill once I had paid her. She was very rude to me over the phone, she would basically talk down on me. When she found out who my ex husbands lawyer was, she started to tell me that she respected that lawyer and was friends with her so right then and there I automatically knew I wasn’t going to get anything I had asked for. It was almost like she was scared to fight for me against the other lawyer. Well that’s when she started to ignore my texts and phone calls. She didn’t speak to me for about a month and a half. That’s when my soon to be ex husband started texting me saying his lawyer couldn’t get ahold of mine either. We all tried and no response. Well we basically did our divorce and custody papers through his lawyer only! He would contact me and let me know what was going on and what his lawyer was going to put in the papers. I had no support what so ever from my lawyer because she still wouldn’t contact me. Well I finally got fed up with it and told her that I paid her to be my lawyer and she needed to contact me!!!!! When she finally contacted me she said “I had a class Monday and I wasn’t able to speak.” Which does not explain where she was the rest of the Month and a half. She called me and I told her what me and my husband had agreed upon and she started gripping at me some more and talking down on me. She then told me a day and time to come into her office to sign my divorce papers. When I showed up at her office she took me to the room to sign the papers. While she was being very unprofessional and telling me that I shouldn’t sign them because I was going against the advice of my lawyer and saying I needed to take it all to court. She was not ever there for me to give me advice or to help me. She wanted to push it as long as she could so we would have to go to court. But I signed my papers and left. I would not recommend this lawyer to anyone! I wasted my money on her. I basically paid her for nothing because she didn’t do anything I asked of her and all she did was bring me to her office and let me sign my divorce papers.
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31 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
We hired Pat as a divorce and custody lawyer after having wonderful experience with her in my criminal case. She was rude, talked down to us and was not on our side the entire time. She was on the other party's side because she knew their attorney. She ignored us for nearly 3 months, I had to do the majority of the investigating, and then let things go.Then gave us bad advice to give my husbands kids up for adoption to people who are alcoholics and child abusers. It was unfair treatment and we let her go as our attorney. We were aware that she had an excuse of family issues at the time our case was in full swing but that does not excuse her behavior. Now we will never know if those kids will survive the holidays.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Jessica is the worst lawyer. she was handling my exspungenent and pardon. She never call back or email you about anything concerning your case. I been battling with her for three years and current and I still don't have my expungment. Always have an excuse. It's a sad and shame to be paying people and trusting them and you get stop in the back.
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03 Jun, 2015 by Ab
I would not recommend Jessica Yarbrough to anyone seeking legal representation. She has poor communication and is simply non responsive. She represent me for handle an auto accident claim . She never returns phone calls .I went a total of 4 months without a single update on my case and when She finally responds She gives excuse after excuse , Just I wast a lot of my time .DO NOT EVER USE THIS LAWYER!!!
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25 Feb, 2024 by Jon
Justin, multiple times, exposed my defense to the court and he has represented me twice without permission. He also uses his brother in law Travis Morrison as "special sitting clerk" to keep you from being able to file complaints with judicial ethics board. The Hurst family has a long criminal history. I have not been able to find an attorney to help me because it is known that they "own Hot Springs".
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22 Jan, 2015 by Gerry griffin
Was told my charges were dropped as a court agreement was ment,he was to make sure as my attorney after a fullfield my end it would be dropped 7 yrs later I find out it has not been dropped ,foa a year I have been asking him to correct the error,I almost never get a reply and have been told he will show that he filed stamped by the courts with the judges signed paper hand delivered to my work three days ago ,he has left with no reply,I'm very upset,also a other case a year later I filled adoption of my child nothing but a bill from Justin Hurst,going to file with the board
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09 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Used for divorce. Came highly recommended. Maybe he was very good once, but he isn't any longer. Totally disorganized. A child visitation hearing was held without Mr. Kidd even informing me, the plaintiff(!); and he agreed to changes to the visitation agreement in ways that I had specifically told him previously that I would not accept. He seemed completely unaware of filings that the opposing council (my ex's lawyer) had made - I had to find them on the Court Connect website and tell HIM about them, instead of the other way around. He is unreachable by phone or email for weeks at a time. I think he has way too many clients / cases - he told me "we have 250 cases going on, so I can't know everything." Don't be #251....
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31 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
He is in Arkansas magazines as awesome, NOT TRUE! A close friend that told me about him, and went with me to meet him. I used him for my divorce, although not listed as his specialty, just says family, he assured me he would be on top of my case. It was awful. My soon to be ex was on the stand lying and I told Kidd during. When it was his turn to question him (ex), he didn't say a thing. Then while I'm being questioned, neither side said a thing about the lies. It was humiliating. I stayed on top on what I owed him and paid all up front and continued to ask what I owed. Was told, face to face, I owed nothing more. Month after divorce final I received a large bill. (I will just leave it at that)
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01 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
I was a client of hers. We went to court I paid her in full. My child support was reduced but I lost 2 weeks in the summer. I showed he pictures of my son's face and the hand pri t on it. That was never brought up in court. She seemed to more on the mothers side not the child's side
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19 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I had rights she failed to inform me about. In court, it was too obvious she was fixating on irrelevant, even stupid criteria. Did not put my star witness on the stand. At the end, she used phrases that the other side said often.
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09 Aug, 2022 by Cathie
Wouldn't recommend it took ZiAd Masri 3.5 years to settle a none fault Accident. Other people were cited. I could add quite a bit more, but I will say this people do your reviews .before hiring an Attorney ! or anyone as far as that goes.
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22 Jul, 2020 by Dustin
My wife and I use this attorney he is unprofessional and will tell you that he cant get information about your case and tells you he cant help you with anything after taking your case and getting the run around and getting no where for 2 months and when we had him send me the files after he said he couldnt help us.I review them myself and what did I find the information he lied saying that he couldnt find or get .And what information he didn't have on the files and said he couldnt get I searched on Google took me 30 seconds to find. So what take from my experience is that he will lie to clients and not put no effort fighting for you.DONT WASTE YOUR TIME
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27 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Do not hire this attorney. He practiced with Thomas Burns (who has been under review by the board), and like two birds of the same feather, they flock together. Weber will take your money and represent you about as effectively as you would represent yourself. I wouldn't hire this attorney again even if he'd represent me for free.
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23 Sep, 2009 by Tammy
I paid Scott $1250. to represent me in a case against my ex husband and he moved from Paragould to Jonesboro without telling me and I'm assuming any other clients either. When I tracked him down he was working for the prosecuting attorneys office. Since then I have had 3 very short conversations with him. He promised each time to get back to me. He doesn't keep his promises. He avoids my phone calls, text's and emails. I am in the process of getting a letter (with a law students help) to the Arkansas Bar Association and filing a complaint against Scott Ellington. If he would have returned my calls and money i would not have had to do this. I am also consulting an attorney in Jonesboro to take action against Scott Ellington. Do not trust this man because he will make you believe he can help you and after he gets your money you will not hear from him again!
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22 Jun, 2021 by Jeff
I called to do a consultation. I got a ride receptonist that hung up on me. She asked me what it was in regards to i went to explain she rudely interrupted me/ cut me off and then hung up the phone in my face. If this is the best you can do i feel sorry for your companies well being hiring somebody as bad as she is.
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03 Feb, 2015 by W.k.
He is brilliant, intelligent a great person, sure had fun preparing the case with him as we got closer to the final hearing on a divorce. But when it got down to it as if we got a flat tire and the transmission went out. Some folks tried to warn me. Obviously I did not listen and I am paying dearly. First off, he gave me bad advice on a false protection order that was based on lies & outright false accusations and it resulted an unfair ruling. I compiled evidence of the plaintiff being a manipulator, perjurer, child abuser and slanderer of compelling evidence of my innocence and sent it to his office for submission. None of it was submitted, nor did he object to the courts proceedings. He actually let a junior (novice) attorney in family law (Debra) from the Reese Law Firm run over us (the defense). Its not understandable or comprehensible of how an attorney could be this ineffective or sleep at night with a conscious. I have not spoken to my child in almost 5 years due to his ineptness and his lack of skill to face a fight. He basically cowarded down in circuit court Maybe the courts fixed or still set in the stone age in Arkansas and he knows that a man does not have a chance in ARKANSAS and lawyers are just there to take your money, either way.
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28 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Handled a DWI case for me. Charged me over $700 and told me I could get my license back. I had to call numerous times before his secretary would tell me anything at all. Once I got done with court he told me to go the driver control and get my temporary license so I could drive. I went to driver control and was told that a law had been passed that made me lose my license for 6 months no matter what. He never told me about this law, instead took my money and told me false information. After the court case I called him numerous times and never got any word back from him. He is by far the worst lawyer I've ever been to. I'm not out over $700 and have to pay even more money to put an interlock device in my car. He didn't tell me about the law either because he didn't know about the law or because he just wanted to take a little bit more money. By far the worst lawyer I've ever had to deal with and I would never recommend him to anyone, ever.
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27 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Kermit the Frog would offer better representation. Disorganized, unfocused, lack of professionalism, questionable knowledge of the law.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Jethro
Law Firms of Little Arkansas In my humble opinion, my experience with Cara L. Miller Law Firm in Little Rock, Arkansas proves it is unworthy of any favorable comments. Dealing with Miller’s law firm was a devastating ordeal. This lawyer claims to be qualified in real estate, bankruptcy, and business law for both professional and individual clients. From my individual client point of view, the firm was not upfront with me regarding its experience and capability to handle my personal affairs and never demonstrated a strong sense of professional knowledge nor the attributes of an effective organization. For example, I was referred to another lawyer associated with this firm, but he was moving to a new job. Despite the poor service I received, the firm overcharged my account.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
This is the Hoxie City Attorney in natural state of Arkansas. I was released from my volunteer position as a volunteer fire fighter. There are two ways to ve released from the fire depart. One is a very simple non confrontational way that occurs anytime during your 90 day probation. Or you are past your probation and they have to cite cause after exhausting a prescribed disiplinary procedure. So it is a mystery as to why I was let go for cause. I am still in probationary period according to the department even though I disagree. So why was i told there were four seperate complaints against me. Yes complaints I never was told about. Seems weird, but that is what happened. This attorney I use the term loosly was rude to me over the phone. She tried desperately to make me believe I have no legal recource in this matter. The complaints were relayed to me as a pig farmer in black rock - well that is incorrect the complainer is Zack Wilson, who once I process my FOIA with Hoxie, could end up in court for liable or slander. You see there can be no live stock in the city of black rock. Oh well off I go to anouther volunteer fire department, were I wont be released because of a neighbor like Zack Wilson upset over me correctly insisting he cant have pigs in the city limits. I was told to consult with this attorney over the dismissal by my former supervisor on the fire department.
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10 Jan, 2019 by Mistyc rising
I hired Mr Campbell for a garnishment. He has been uncommunicative for months at a time. He doesn’t respond to emails either. He has no secretary so you know nothing about your case. He didn’t inform me when he received funds. And he didn’t inform me when he stopped receiving funds. He also kept funds and made excuses as to why money wasn’t dispersed to me for two months. And still has yet to tell me why the garnishment stopped. When I complained about the lack of communication he fired me as a client. Worst lawyer I’ve ever worked with. Now I’m in the process of hiring another lawyer to finish my case.
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06 Jan, 2015 by Matthew
On June 2, 2014 I had mediation. Previous to the mediation I was told not to roll over that it looked like the other party was after more money. Any time that Mr. Gilbert talked with the other attorney he agreed that they were correct and should be accommodate. When the mediation was over the other party got more money and full custody. While mediation began Mr. Gilbert sat there and did very little. I let him know prior that I was willing to do anything to be able to continue to be able to see my children. I now have less contact with my kids than before. I also am struggling to keep my house, because of the bills that have been acquired from this incident. I am not a felon and have not been convicted of anything. This is not the reason that I see my kids less.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
We wanted to fight for custody. We were ready and motivated. We poured our hearts and souls into the case, thinking he was doing his part too. Only for him to do NOTHING helpful the day of. He spoke to the defendant for maybe 35 seconds and the plaintiff for maybe 2 minute. We left heart broken, blindsided, and feeling betrayed. This was years ago. Maybe he's changed.
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Questions? We have answers

What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You

A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Whether you've been hurt in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

Personal injury lawyers act as your advocate, navigating the legal system on your behalf and dealing with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle complex legal matters and help you avoid common pitfalls.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where you've been harmed due to another's negligence. Some key scenarios include:

  • Severe injuries: If you've suffered significant or permanent injuries that result in substantial medical bills, a lawyer can help ensure you are fairly compensated.
  • Long-term or permanent disability: Injuries that affect your ability to work or require ongoing medical treatment are complex, and a lawyer can help estimate long-term damages.
  • Disputed liability: If the responsible party or their insurance company denies liability for your injury, a lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.
  • Insurance company lowball offers: Insurers often try to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement.
  • Medical malpractice claims: Injuries caused by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider due to negligence require a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice law.
  • Exposure to hazardous substances: If you've been injured due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances, a lawyer can help pursue legal action.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process is crucial, especially if you're unsure of the full extent of your injuries or damages.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

A personal injury lawyer provides a wide range of services to guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. They can:

  • Evaluate your case: A lawyer will assess the strength of your claim and determine whether you have a viable case.
  • Investigate the incident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions is key to building a strong case.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and aren't taken advantage of.
  • File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement can't be reached, the lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
  • Help calculate damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
  • Prepare and file legal documents: Lawyers handle all the paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, including filing motions and discovery requests.
  • Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, the lawyer will argue your case before a judge and jury to obtain the compensation you deserve.

How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either through settlement or a court judgment. Here’s how it works:

  • Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award, typically between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it's resolved.
  • Costs and expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, the lawyer may deduct other costs associated with the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. These expenses are often advanced by the lawyer and repaid out of the settlement.
  • No upfront payment: Since the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning, you usually don’t pay anything upfront.

Always discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to avoid surprises.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, the amount you pay will depend on the outcome of your case. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Contingency fees: Typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. The percentage may increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
  • Other costs: In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, medical record retrieval fees, and court costs. These are often deducted from your settlement, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.

While the cost may seem high, hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly increase the amount you recover, making it a worthwhile investment.

Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right representation. Here are some important questions to ask:

  1. What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award.
  3. How long will my case take?
    While it's hard to predict, a lawyer can give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled.
  4. How often do you take cases to trial?
    Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    In larger firms, junior lawyers or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it's important to know who will be managing your claim.
  6. Do you have references from past clients?
    Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and professionalism.

How to Check the Credibility of a Personal Injury Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a credible personal injury lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any history of disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Online platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews can provide insight into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
  • Look at their track record: Review their experience with personal injury cases, particularly how many cases they’ve successfully resolved or taken to trial.
  • Ask for references: Credible lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their work.
  • Check professional memberships: Lawyers who are members of respected organizations, like the American Association for Justice (AAJ), often have a solid reputation in the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, prepare the following:

  • Detailed account of the accident: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and locations. Include any witnesses or police reports if available.
  • Medical records and bills: Bring any documentation of your injuries, treatments, and associated medical costs.
  • Insurance information: Provide your insurance details and any communication you’ve had with the other party’s insurance company.
  • Employment and income records: If your injury has impacted your ability to work, bring proof of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
  • Photos or videos: If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, bring them to your consultation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions to ask, including how the lawyer will handle your case and what you can expect in terms of timeline and outcome.

By preparing thoroughly for your first consultation, you’ll help the lawyer understand your case more quickly and get a better sense of your legal options.

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