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02 Oct, 2024 by Itz trouble
25 Sep, 2024 by Matthew mcdermott
The only attorney anyone should call. Personalized attention and excellent communication. Digs deep, develops thoughtful analysis, and walks you through your options and scenarios.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jonathan simmons
This is by far the best legal service I have experienced in my life so far. The paralegal, Mrs. Tori Gantt, was very professional and did a wonderful job keeping me up to date with the process and status of my case. The attorney, Jerry Meehan, was awsome and professional with a welcoming personality. I really felt comfortable and didn't feel like a stranger at all. Attorney Meehan, also made sure I got the best professional service with expedited results, that I was very satisfied with.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Payton handrahan
09 Oct, 2024 by Pamela pepper
Peter O’Reilly and his team are Outstanding. They communicate quickly, follows up with you whenever and most importantly ease your mind about legal matters. When I tell you Peter is a force to be reckoned with and I can’t tell you how he goes above and beyond to get it done!!! Thanks to the entire O’Reilly team!!!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Parker
15 May, 2024 by Blake jones
This firm came highly recommended and I am completely satisfied with my results. From the day I hired them I felt a weight lifted and also felt I was in good hands. I could not have asked for a better outcome in the subject matter. I highly recommend this firm.
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05 Jan, 2024 by J sha
06 Jun, 2023 by Marshita chisolm
02 Oct, 2024 by Itz trouble
25 Sep, 2024 by Matthew mcdermott
The only attorney anyone should call. Personalized attention and excellent communication. Digs deep, develops thoughtful analysis, and walks you through your options and scenarios.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Jonathan simmons
This is by far the best legal service I have experienced in my life so far. The paralegal, Mrs. Tori Gantt, was very professional and did a wonderful job keeping me up to date with the process and status of my case. The attorney, Jerry Meehan, was awsome and professional with a welcoming personality. I really felt comfortable and didn't feel like a stranger at all. Attorney Meehan, also made sure I got the best professional service with expedited results, that I was very satisfied with.
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22 May, 2023 by Jacquelyn
Mr Forman is a true professional. He was instramental in helping me to facilitate back child support. His time, patience and experience are bar none. If you want results, then look no further.
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03 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
I consulted with 15 lawyers and hired 2 two lawyers prior to finding Mr. Forman. Not only was he able to finally put an end to my horrific 2.5 year divorce case, but he did it quickly and at a fraction of the cost. He is a man of few words and a man of action. He was extremely accessible and shattered the norm for how poorly my previous lawyers treated me. Mr. Forman spotted helpful issues that my other attorneys didn’t, and he strategized in a way that moved my case forward quickly, negotiating a settlement offer I am extremely happy with. My biggest regret was not hiring him sooner. Don’t waste your time looking any further than Mr. Forman!
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25 Jul, 2022 by Jim
Greg successfuly negotiated an alimony settlement for me. His tactics were direct, efficient and incisive. You won't be coddled or given warm fuzzies, but this man will get your job done and it will likely cost you less than predicted. I will recommend him to anyone seeking legal assistance in the family law arena.
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11 Mar, 2019 by Cynthia
Meagan was able to get me in for a consultation quickly and after speaking with her for 5 minutes I knew I wanted her to represent me in my divorce. She was direct and honest about process. She was also able to refer me to other professionals that helped me get the best outcome possible. She responded quickly by email any time I had questions or concerns.
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08 Sep, 2017 by Jolie
I came to Meagan at the advice of another divorce attorney in Charleston and it was a great decision! She did everything she promised and went above and beyond in my circumstance. She is top notch in her communications as well as her ethics. My journey through the legal process was long and difficult but Meagan stood strongly throughout the whole process.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Georges
Meagan is very aggressive in criminal defense, assesses the situation rapidly, and takes immediate action. She advised me on how to build up evidence for a case, when to proceed with full force prosecution, and when to cut my losses and move on. She was able to meet with me on very short notice. She is very pleasant to interact with and genuinely cares about her clients. I would not hesitate to recommend her.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Mary
Evan was great to work with. I got what I needed exactly. Absolutely recommend.
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13 May, 2023 by Tyler
Evan took great care of us on several occasions. Great to work with! Attentive and caring with reasonable fees.
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17 Apr, 2023 by Earl
Glad I decided on Evan. I would highly recommend that you would give him a call if your ever in need of legal services!
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03 Sep, 2020 by Tom
I cannot thank Matt enough for the time and dedication he gave to my case. He was professional and constantly me updated on the status of the case and always had our next best plan of action ready to go. He got the severity of my charges dropped considerably, and I am still able to drive with my license. Thanks again Matt, you're amazing at what you do!!
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20 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
He was efficient and thorough. He went above and beyond to ensure I was represented properly. He did his due diligence and always was straight forward. I appreciated him and his hard work. He has a tremendous work ethic and is extremely fair.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Extremely knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. Kept me abreast of every issue , date and nuance regarding my case. I received the best possible outcome thanks to Mr. Marin's legal expertise and preparedness.
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30 May, 2017 by Gillian thompson
Great firm, great people. Ms. Shaw is passionate about her clients and fights for you.
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18 May, 2017 by Robert beeson
17 May, 2017 by Johanna cogar
22 Nov, 2021 by Danniel
Absolutely amazing, they took care my every need. Great to work with, they actually care for you the person, not just the case. If I could give them a thousand stars I would.
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05 Nov, 2021 by Ramona
We want to genuinely thank you (Nate and Brad) and all of your staff for the handling of my girlfriend’s case. Your professionalism and dedication that you showed us confirms that your firm was the perfect choice.
Being Canadian and not knowing US State Law could have been very stressful but you explained and educated us throughout the entire process. You answered our endless emails and constantly reassured us that we would get through the difficult time together. Your ability to develop such a strong lawyer-client relationship had a great impact and alleviated much stress and anxiety.
We want to give a personal shoutout to Brad for your sharp negotiation skills!
Thank you for your determination and skill.
With gratitude …
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02 Jul, 2021 by Monika
Mr.Hughey and his staff team were very persistent, very nice to me and my mom they got the job done I was recommended by a friend about this law firm and I’m so glad I did…. THANKYOU!! All So Much!! I will be sharing my experience to others and putting out a very positive word hopefully I won’t have to come to y’all again “ under bad circumstances” but if I or my Family ever in need I know who I can count on…!!
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18 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
David has helped me for many cases and every single time he delivers. He is very patient and answers all questions in a timely manner.
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28 Jan, 2021 by Buoppha
I’ve been using David’s as my attorney for about eight years now. I trust him with my case and as well as my family case and he will always be the first on my referral list.
I first ran across David when I got out of school many years ago. I got into a bad collision and already had attorney representing me at that time. The attorney at that time did a horrible job on my case where I retain David to replace them and he did an outstanding job. David was able to get me 5/6 times more then what the original attorney said my case was worth.
David and his team are wonderful and caring people who really listen and understands your concerns and worries. 10/10
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30 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
We had a deadline looming in a few days to submit an appeal we had prepared and decided to run it by an attorney and revise it as needed. The SC Bar Association Referral Service matched us with Mr. Nauheim. He was very busy but took time out to talk with us, rewrite our appeal, and did it in the span of a day because of the few days left in the appeal process. We thought he definitely improved what we had written and he explained what the appeal should contain. We greatly appreciated his help. I believe he is an ethical person, and I recommend him without reservation for matters in his area of law based on our experience with him.
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25 Sep, 2021 by Jake
Adam Young saved my life. I was charged with two charges that would’ve ruined my professional life. My arresting officer seemed to like me and told me to hire Adam if I had the money to do so. It was the best money I’ve spent in my entire life. Within a few months Adam Young got both of my charges dropped and expunged, and I got my life back without having to go to a single court hearing or worry about any details of my case (because he confidently told me I’m not going to go to jail and my charges would be dropped upon hiring him.) He also did the same thing for my girlfriend a few months later. He’s the best criminal defense attorney money can buy in the Charleston area.
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01 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
There are some people who make a huge difference in your life direction. Adam Young, thanks to his wisdom, confidence, professionalism and compassion, is one of those people. A family member was wrongly accused and Adam did what was necessary to have the charge dropped and record expunged. We will be forever grateful for him and his abilities as the BEST defense attorney in Charleston.
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18 Jan, 2019 by Michelle
Adam is professional and to the point and gets the job done with positivity, confidence and dedication to the needs of his clients and their families. He adds a warm, personal touch that is very endearing but takes affirmative action which exudes success. Top shelf without a doubt. I highly recommend his services and would not hesitate to call on him again should the need arise.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Craig
Dealing with Mr. Bostic was one of the most pleasant professional experiences I've had. He was thoughtful, kind, considerate, and he had clearly reviewed the details of my case prior to our discussion. He spoke w candor and he helped me to understand nuances of my situation that had not even occurred to me. He is obviously extremely knowledgeable but is able to speak with you in a way that is easy to understand without seeming condescending. I recommend him and his office without reservation.
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18 Jul, 2017 by Jeff
Curtis Bostic and the attorneys at Bostic Law Group were both professional and tenacious in dealing with my legal case. I definitely recommend them.
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13 Feb, 2016 by Martin
Curtis and Peter have handled several legal matters for me personally and for my business. They have kept me informed of all options and have pursued the best possible results for all of my legal issues. I will never use any other law firm, as long as they are still providing legal services.
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20 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Forsythe was very professional in handling all of the matters in a very complex custody case. She is incredibly diligent with her paperwork and clients. It was a very long and arduous process, in which she was very supportive. She was never compromising in anyway, and was never willing to let us make any decisions that would put us, our family, or the the children in jeopardy. She is compassionate, understanding, and very good at her job. She knows the laws very well and performs fabulously in court. I would highly recommend her for your family court needs as she worked exceptionally with my family.
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19 Aug, 2015 by John
Michele is always professional giving sound legal advice, even at times when it was not what I wanted to hear pertaining to my case. Michele is highly recommended and highly regarded in the legal community, always seeking fairness, and justice!
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12 Aug, 2015 by Jack
I have had the distinct pleasure to work with Michele on both personal, probate and highly complicated business matters including successful law suite filings, negotiations to settle out of court and appeals over the past 5 years. When she couldn't handle the work, she made excellent referrals. I would highly recommend her.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I didn’t have to search for an attorney, I was referred to him and I am so glad I was. He took the stress away from my situation and made my case a breeze. Call William, you won’t be disappointed!
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27 Apr, 2016 by Stephanie
From the beginning, William has been patient in listening to my concerns, responding to them, and advising me in the best course of action, both in a rental dispute and a contract agreement!
He is communicative, thorough in documentation, and generally a wonderful service provider, but beyond that his close attention to a case makes me feel taken care of and protected during maneuvering through the sometimes intimidating waters of the judicial system.
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17 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired William Crantford to help me with a traffic violation. He was always very prompt in answering my questions and kept me up to date on any changes that were happening with my case. He always had time for me and made me feel like I was in good hands. He dealt with the traffic ticket penalty and the traffic court in a timely manner.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Cynthia
Looking for an attorney.... Look no further. Without reservation I highly recommend Monoc Law firm (Charleston SC), and feel honored to pen this review for an outstanding, AMAZING attorney as Katie Monoc. This review will appear be over the top. Well, Katie deserves nothing short of an over-the-top review based on the services she provides. I met Katie after an injury in 2019, when I made the best decision ever to select her as the attorney for my injury case. Katie kept me informed regarding the process and she made no promises as to the possible outcome of my case until she had all the information needed to make a clear, concise, and appropriate assessment to damages. Katie is not just knowledgeable, honest, and caring but very methodical in how she proceeds with her cases. Having candid conversations with Katie, I learned that she does not work for herself, but she does work tirelessly for her clients.
MONOC LAW FIRM IS “BEST” #katiemonocisamazing
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18 Jul, 2019 by Brett
Katie is great! Not only did she work hard on my case, she also worked quickly to get the matter resolved. In the end I received a result I was pleased with in a shorter time frame than it easily could’ve taken. Her knowledge of the law is evident and she is also great as a person. Call Katie!
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20 Mar, 2019 by Leslie
After recently purchasing a home, there were issues that required legal guidance. My closing attorney recommended Katie Monoc and it was a very positive experience. She gave me options, kept me in the loop every step of the way and thoroughly explained possible outcomes. Had a very good outcome in my case. I would definitely seek her services again
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17 Sep, 2023 by David montanaro
Spent a lot of time and listened and gave me advice at no charge. Very knowledgeable.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Joseph
Chris represented me and throughout the process was diligent, available, and professional. During his representation of me he was responsive to my calls and e-mails. He devised a strategy that led to a great result for me. I highly recommend him.
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16 Oct, 2016 by Rivana
Chris Romeo did an incredible job. He was able to get all of my medical bills paid and continue to help me as well. His professionalism as well as his ability to fix my situation makes it an obvious choice that if I'm ever in this situation again, that I would not hesitate to reach out to him.
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05 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I have known Sara for many years and highly recommend her for anyone seeking an extremely professional and hard working attorney.
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04 Apr, 2018 by Kelly
Sara Turner has been my attorney for the last year for a child custody case. She has set the bar high in terms of professionalism. She thinks outside of the box and is very thorough in her counsel. I would recommend her to anyone looking for an outstanding attorney!
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03 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Great hard working attorney. Very thorough and a zealous advocate. I have known her now for several years, and would recommend her to anyone needing an attorney.
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29 Nov, 2022 by Ben
I met Mr Clawson while he was working on a case for me and handled everything with the respect and knowledge of my case that was top notch. He and his staff kept me up to date on everything I recommend Him and his staff if you need them
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05 Feb, 2022 by Paula
I highly recommend Sam and Christy. They worked so hard for my husband and I and supported us during the worst time in our lives. No matter how many questions we asked, they were there to answer them. Everyone in the office is so patient and welcoming. Hands down, the best lawyers in the state!
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11 Aug, 2021 by Bianca
I highly recommend Sam and Christy. They have done such an amazing job helping me and my family get through a tough time. I can’t Thank them enough
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09 Nov, 2022 by April petty
I worked with Meagan for a little under a year. I never once went to a court hearing, but she somehow managed to get me out of my felony charge. I got to live my life day to day while she was at work with the solicitor. I truly appreciate everything she was able to do for me. I know that not every case is guaranteed, but I knew from the moment that I spoke to her, she was who I wanted to represent me. I hope I never need legal representation again, but if I do, I won’t hesitate to come back! Thank you Meagan!
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18 Feb, 2019 by Charlene chance
31 Jan, 2018 by Allen frazier1
I had her and yes she’s the best, If you’re up against the big doggs you gone need someone who can stand with the best!
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26 Nov, 2017 by Bryon
William Nixon was an incredible asset for myself and my family. I was in a good bit of trouble due to my addiction. I was full of fear and was a broken man mentally, physically, and spiritually. He never once made me feel judged or looked down upon. He was kind, compassionate, and honest no matter how tough the content of the conversation was. It was an honor to watch him on a monthly basis appear in court and speak on my behalf for over a year. I will always appreciate the job he did and the man he is.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Jason
After a horrible car accident where I was hit head on, I called Bill Nixon as he was referred to me by a friend. I'm glad I did. He took the time to explain the process, and worked hard to get me more than I could of hoped for. He set me up with top-notch doctors who were a huge help, as I had sustained some back injuries. I also appreciated that he kept me informed. If I ever need legal representation again, I will only call Bill Nixon!
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09 Aug, 2017 by Travis
I was recommend by Mr. Nixon by a family member and was told he was the best in town. He handled my case and consultation with professionalism and care. One of the best lawyers hands down the in the Low Country area and willing to help you with your case or just advice in general.
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07 Dec, 2017 by Albert hallman
I hired Mike Dupree to defend my daughter on a trumped up drug charge. Mike hit the ground running and, before we knew it, my daughter was home and all charges dropped. We are now pursuing civil damages.....and Mike is STILL our guy!
Thank you Mike!
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28 Aug, 2015 by Dave
Mr. DuPree helped me in my hardest time! My son had gotten into some serious trouble. Mr. DuPree not only helped with my son's charges and helped us get him into to counseling. We have been so much happier as a family and my son has done a 180 with his attitude on life.
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28 Aug, 2015 by Donna
I hired Mr. DuPree to represent me for my second offence DUI. He went above and beyond on my behalf even though I made his job a lot more difficult. Mr. DuPree got my case dropped down to a first offence DUI. He was always very prompt on getting in touch with me whenever I had a question or information about the case. I am know I made the right choice in representation when I chose P. Michael DuPree
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12 Jan, 2021 by Douglas
My wife and I have consulted Ms. Gutberlet about various legal issues and found her to be fair and engaging as well as assertive when the situation demands. Her advise has been fair and honest and also timely. Her knowledge of the law is quite expansive for one who is new to the profession.
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11 Jan, 2021 by Alan
In an era of little communication and seemingly a “just another number” attitude that I felt from other firms while looking for someone to represent me, Allison is instead a commensurate professional - I felt important throughout my case and she answered questions and provided updates to me, many times outside of normal business hours. In a very frustrating time of my life, she provided great support and expertise. I would recommend her to anyone who wants someone who will represent you with passion and incredible knowledge. She knows how to get the most for you and not back down from the big guys. Thank you Allison!
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11 Jan, 2021 by Alexis
Allison was quick to respond and genuinely a pleasure to work with. She’s honest, dependable, extremely knowledgable and generous with her expertise. I would absolutely recommend her as an attorney.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Bobby
Attorney Toney has been my lawyer for many years and I regard him as a friend. I would highly recommend him for any legal work needed and I know he will always be as professional and dedicated to your case as he has mine.
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27 Aug, 2015 by David
I enjoyed working with Dennis. He was very helpful and upfront about the entire process. He worked very hard for me and kept me fully informed at all times.
He even kept his sense of humor when the compensation people were not being helpful. His professional expertise and his honest answers helped me to conclude my case in a successful manner.
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10 Jul, 2015 by Burton
Appreciated all that the Toney Law Firm did for me. This, for me, was a very trying case but Dennis was very tenacious in getting the job done & looking out for me. I would definitely recommend him & will definitely use him in the future. Job well done THANKS Dennis. God Bless.
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23 Mar, 2017 by Danyeal
From day one I can tell you that David Lail took my case on just like I was a family member. David and his entire firm treated me extremely well and treated my case like it was the only one they had when I know they juggle so many. When an attorney takes on a case and has so much compassion for a person and their genuine well being from after injury and through everything until the end of the case that is "EXCELLENCE!" I hope that nothing every happens to me again but I know where I would go if it did. There is no other attorney I would recommend besides David. Their office is an amazing team and they all work so well together. I never felt like I was bothering them with my multiple questions or anything that came up. I cannot praise them enough for their wonderful and hard work on my case. All I can do is say Thank You! And I was extremely thankful I called the right number in my time of need.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Marian
Best Lawyer Ever!
Attorney Lail and his team are outstanding! Attorney Lail is a sharp planner and really cares for his clients. He is very knowledgeable with insurance adjusters when they don't look out for your best interest, and he knew how to use this to our advantage. I can highly recommend him!
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05 May, 2017 by Tommy
Attorney Justin Price assisted my organization from its beginning with a friendly and helpful demeanor, confident insights, promptness, and an efficient plan to resolve current issues while anticipating the horizon. He is an excellent choice.
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14 May, 2014 by Susan
Our HOA board recently hired Justin to be our new attorney. For the past three years, we have been having more and more problems relating to our community lake that we do not own. In the less than one month that Justin has been representing our board, he has advised us and resolved issues that we have been struggling with not only about the lake on which we live, but he has also advised us on questions that we have had about possible changes to our CCER (Covenants, Conditions, Easements and Restrictions). Not only has he done so quickly, but he has saved our HOA board a great deal of money.
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20 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I contacted Ms. Smith-Yancey concerning a business issue that required me consulting with an an attorney . It turns out that my legal issue is not in her area of legal practice, yet she responded to me in less than 24 hours and provided me with information to assist me in getting the legal representation that I needed. I am very impressed by her professionalism and willingness to assist a non-client.
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26 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms. Smith-Yancey is professional, capable, very available, and an absolute dragon lady. She is a force to be reckoned with - I cannot recommend her highly enough.
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18 Nov, 2022 by Raymond
I called Stef in a mixture of different emotions because of my accident and how badly my negotiations with the insurance company went. She was very reassuring, professional, and caring. She walked me through the process and was available every step of the way. She was extremely approachable and always available to answer any of my questions. She was very easy to get a hold of and talk to. I highly recommend her and guarantee that you will be satisfied with the results!
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29 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Uricchio focused on each of his clients and makes sure they are okay, He is man of business and treats you with respect. He is a very intelligent man in the criminal defense area and will notice when you're being falsly convicted of something you didnt do. I recommend this lawyer, His prices are not outrageous and he will urge you to stay out of trouble. I do recommended this attorney.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Uricchio Law firm takes care of their clients and provides professional service, keeps you updated on your case, and are friendly and very responsive. Uricchio Law Firm handle accident case with enthusiasm and attention to detail.
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FAQs
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:
-
What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award. -
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. -
How often do you take cases to trial?
Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary. -
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. -
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.
