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15 Mar, 2024 by Dr. donald mccary
Excellent law firm that does the very best in solving legal problems. They are the best!
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25 Sep, 2023 by Jessica olson
He helped me so much with my divorce. Made it quick and easy over the phone. He talks to you like you're somebody, not just another client. Would really recommend him to everyone to use.
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16 Jun, 2023 by Trent visser
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23 Jan, 2024 by Brice
My experience with Bill Pemerton, a family law attorney in Hamilton County, Tennessee, has been profoundly disappointing and distressing. As I navigate through the complexities of family law, the importance of reliable, empathetic legal representation cannot be overstated. This review aims to provide an honest and detailed account of the service I received, or rather, the lack thereof, from Mr. Pemerton, with the hope of informing others and advocating for accountability in legal practice. The journey with Mr. Pemerton's services began with a semblance of professionalism, but it rapidly deteriorated into a scenario marred by negligence and unprofessionalism. A glaring example of this was his audacious misrepresentation of a court date. This misinformation led me to undertake a needless five-hour journey, only to realize that no motion had been filed for my case. Such a grave error not only wasted my time and resources but also amplified the emotional strain I was already enduring. In addition, Mr. Pemerton's approach to my case was marked by a conspicuous lack of accountability. His condescending attitude and attempts to cast doubt on the rationality of my claims were both unprofessional and unbecoming of a lawyer entrusted with such sensitive matters. This lack of empathy was particularly distressing given the gravity of family law cases, where the well-being of children is often at stake. Furthermore, my requests for the transfer of my case documents to my new attorney, were met with what can only be described as a dismissive and nonchalant attitude. This disregard not only reflected a lack of professional courtesy but also a blatant disrespect for my rights and needs as a client. In light of these experiences, I find it necessary to explicitly state that I cannot recommend Bill Pemerton for any matters related to family law in Hamilton County, TN. The cumulative effect of his actions - misinformation, negligence, and a general lack of professionalism - has not only caused me undue stress and inconvenience but has also impeded my pursuit of justice and fairness in a deeply personal and significant legal matter. I hope this review serves as a cautionary tale for others seeking legal representation in family law. It underscores the importance of thorough research and due diligence when selecting an attorney, especially in cases as delicate and impactful as those involving family matters. My experience is a stark reminder of the profound impact a lawyer can have on their clients' lives and the paramount importance of integrity, empathy, and professionalism in the legal profession.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Joshua
My ex wife filed a frivolous dependency and neglect against me in which Bill was my attorney. Bill didn't leave a stone unturned in my case. We ended up winning the case!
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10 Sep, 2018 by Gloria
Billy kept me informed of the details and worked on my behalf to resolve my case through mediation.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Dan smith
Excellent attorney, will get you results guarenteed.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jessica cruz
She was a wonderful lawyer, she got things done! She is very responsive, she will call you right away and text you back right away. No problem. She is really professional and very good at what she does. I couldn't be more thankful for her!!!
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30 Mar, 2024 by Charnita west
Donna was so very helpful with my case. She was able to help me keep my license so I could take care of my children. So so compassionate. Before court I was panicking and she was able to calm me down and ease my mind about it all. I will definitely hire again if she is ever needed. She is absolutely amazing at what she does.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Dan smith
Excellent attorney, will get you results guarenteed.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Jessica cruz
She was a wonderful lawyer, she got things done! She is very responsive, she will call you right away and text you back right away. No problem. She is really professional and very good at what she does. I couldn't be more thankful for her!!!
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30 Mar, 2024 by Charnita west
Donna was so very helpful with my case. She was able to help me keep my license so I could take care of my children. So so compassionate. Before court I was panicking and she was able to calm me down and ease my mind about it all. I will definitely hire again if she is ever needed. She is absolutely amazing at what she does.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Robin flores
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26 Feb, 2024 by Michael thomas
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02 Feb, 2024 by Karen grantham
Thieves. Overcharge to do nothing. Albert Secor should have his license revoked.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Dee farris
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04 Oct, 2023 by Travis hudson
Please take my advice and stay away! Yes emails are $58 a pop. Yes they charge you $290-$330 per hour. Yes you have to deposit at least $1250-$1800 in retainer fees. Yes you do have to put $5000 in your retainer at court. No I was not happy with the outcome for $20,450.... that's right $20,450! Not for men for them! I wish I could charge them $100 per letter in this review.
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07 Aug, 2023 by C w george
I guess business is good. I'm on a waiting list for nothing more than a consultation
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31 Jan, 2024 by Heather swift-woolf
Great man and attorney. He managed my expectations throughout my years long divorce with kindness and in a way that helped me remember what was truly important. Even when I was a difficult client, he remained continually honest, supportive, and hard working. I cannot thank him enough. Even his fees were exceptionally fair.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Lauren smith
Great defense attorney! Highly recommended if you want a good lawyer that is respectful and honest! Good Job Sam.
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18 Mar, 2023 by George
Mr. Hawley handled a probate matter for me. He got it done quick and was very fair and honest in billing his fees. He also has an honor of distinction from UT Law which was a bonus. Mr. Hawley was easy to get along with and was mild mannered but stood up for my rights when he needed to. I would recommend Mr. Hawley for probate matters and I would hire him again if the situation arose.
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21 Jun, 2023 by Jeffrey cantrell
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31 Jan, 2022 by Dana bennett
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05 Dec, 2020 by Angie m
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18 Jan, 2024 by Wells eady
I hired Tim Ballard for a child custody case during a sensitive period following the loss of our daughter to cancer. While Tim seemed personable, the service and value I received were unsatisfactory. My experience with Mr. Ballard was costly and inefficient compared to previous attorneys. Over $8000 and nearly a year later, the only significant progress was one hour of mediation. The costs seemed excessive: $2000 for mediation prep and almost $100 for a brief email. Additionally, I questioned the 5.5 hours billed (Tim does his own billing and invoicing. One month I received several months billing all of a sudden) for mediation prep half billed on a day when Tim was handling another case. Several months I’m still waiting on discovery questions, child support worksheet, and some bills of my ex spouse to be paid. All of which are “in the works” Communication issues were persistent. I often had to rebrief him on basic case details, yet was billed for these updates. Despite being promised legal aid assistance, this help materialized late, failing to restore my confidence in the firm. The process was drawn out, with mediation dates constantly delayed from May to July to November. I felt my case wasn't advocated for effectively, particularly in dealings with the opposing attorney. Now in the process of switching lawyers, I'm disheartened by the substantial financial and time investment with minimal progress. I'm open to sharing more details with those considering this firm. A major concern was the inefficient communication costing over half the total fees. I preferred meetings over emails for efficiency, but this approach wasn't adopted. There were also missed opportunities, like enrolling my daughter in a new school, and periods where Tim was difficult to contact, though active on social media liking the opposing attorneys instagram posts. In summary, I expected more empathy and proactivity in handling my case. This experience felt like a financial and emotional drain during an already difficult time.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Briyah and mariyah's world
They are never there and have a awful response time
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07 Aug, 2023 by Andrew breneman
Chris Varner does an incredible job. Go to see him for your legal needs!
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22 Jan, 2020 by Davisa
just now In my opinion, Gary Massey lied to me and is collecting, in my view unearned funds, he said he would wave on a class action suit that deemed me disabled.He referred me to an Alabama law firm stating his firm was not capable of dealing with such a high profile case. He is taking $5,000 just for referring me to another law firm and having his assistant come to my home to try to get me to sign off on a $7,000 settlement! My Mom and I met with him in June of 2017, our one and only meeting with Mr. Massey (and he knew we were recording the meeting) during which he said if I chose to take the offer on the table or go with the special master that he would wave his fee! Now, in 2020, after receiving the special master's decision, he seems to be suffering with dementia, and says he never said that. Also, when I called his office to speak with them about his invoice and the fact he had said he would wave his fee, the receptionist could not find my file, nor was I in their computer database.
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10 Oct, 2011 by Stephen
Gary Massey was a huge help to me! I had deposited $4000 into an online stock market trading account to learn how Stocks, Options, and ForEx trading worked. Within 6 months I had used up my $4000 making many online trades (I learned a lot). 16 months later the IRS came after me and said I owed them $119,611.54 because of stock market trades I had made. To my surprise, the IRS thought that every one of the trades I made was a positive gain. (How much more stupid can the IRS get?) Gary helped me prove to the IRS that every trade I made was a “loss” (not a gain) and that I spent the $4000 I had deposited in the stock market (without any gains). Without Gary's help the IRS would have thrown me in jail for no reason! We really need more attorneys like Gary Massey to teach the government how to mange their money!
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08 Oct, 2010 by Nathan
Got me a good settlement.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Dee farris
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04 Oct, 2023 by Travis hudson
Please take my advice and stay away! Yes emails are $58 a pop. Yes they charge you $290-$330 per hour. Yes you have to deposit at least $1250-$1800 in retainer fees. Yes you do have to put $5000 in your retainer at court. No I was not happy with the outcome for $20,450.... that's right $20,450! Not for men for them! I wish I could charge them $100 per letter in this review.
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07 Aug, 2023 by C w george
I guess business is good. I'm on a waiting list for nothing more than a consultation
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
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19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
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19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
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19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
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19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyz free
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19 Sep, 2024 by Chandiliers
Sorry bums! What was I paying them for?
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16 Sep, 2024 by Russell williamson
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21 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
We were referred to Mr. Berke by a friend who used him and loved him. My husband and I were unfortunately in a car accident where my husband was injured and unable to work. Mr. Berke was very good about communication, he seemed to understand what we need and most importantly, he got us an exceptional result. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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04 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I have never felt more at ease knowing I was going to get the care I deserved. These guys worked hard to get me the settlement I needed, and I highly recommend them.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Anna
He is a horrible man. He took my case and dropped me for no reason 2 months before the statue of limitation ran out and could not give me a reason why. It's my opinion that he took a payout from this company I was suing just so I'd keep my mouth shut.
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07 Jul, 2019 by Adam
I had 3 charges. The worst he got dropped. Only charged 1/3 of every other atty wanted for the same case.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Billy wayne stoops
I had a court appointed laywer.He failed to file the writ of certiorari which stopped the appeal.The Tennessee Court of Appeals contacted the lawyer,they found problems in my transctript. It was only 43 years later that I found this out.The state had no proof,no weapon,no money,and no witness's.The Tennessee Appeals set aside my verdict and reinstated it to give the lawyer more time to file the writ of certiorari.If he had done so my sentence would probably have been over turned and I would have been freed.He still never filed and the court agreed that I had ineffective assistance of counsel. I am only asking to have this expunged from my record.I served the time all those years ago. You are that Lawyer. The Tennessee board of parole will not help unless you will send me a letter stating why you did not file the writ of cert. I spent four and a half years in prison for a crime I did not do. And 48 years later I am still being punished. I just want my record cleared. The Tennessee court of appeals set aside my conviction so you would have more time to file. They said in their judgement that they contacted you, But you still never filed. Please you can help and make a big different in my life Thank you in advance for your time and trouble. BILLY
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19 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Summers to represent me for a DUI charge in East Ridge court. He was in the media a lot at the time and seemed to be one of the best attorneys in our area. Definitely very knowledgeable. From my experience he does a cattle call on a Saturday morning and has all of his potential customers show up so he can do his dog and pony show. He has everyone show up at the same time and you just wait until he calls you in. I felt like he was a car salesman and really trying to sell himself to me. Well, it worked because I hired him. Of course I paid an extra fee for him having to come to court on a Tuesday night. With that I ended up paying his total fee off prior to my first court appearance with him. That night he had several clients. I watched one by one as he called them into the hall to discuss the case and then come back to talk to the judge. He never called my name so I went out to him in the hall. He asked my name, I told him what it was and he started walking away from me to another client. I went back up to him and asked what was going on. He got angry with me and said that he runs a business and that in order for him to operate his business he needs his clients to pay him. He was a real jerk the way he was talking to me. Then I got pissed and told him he needed to check his records because I had fully paid him. I pulled the receipt out of my wallet and he was stunned. His attitude changed. He represented me and I was convicted of a 1st offense when it was technically my 2nd. Not sure if I could have done any better since it was all done in East Ridge. The icing on the cake was getting a letter from him a couple weeks later asking for basically a "bonus" check for achieving what he called favorable results. I didn't owe it and he didn't deserve it. I personally believe there are better attorneys to work with out there other than Mr. Summers.
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06 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
I did all the leg work on the case. It was like I didn't have a lawyer at all. He left the law firm during the case and went to work for the DA's office, which was a conflict of interest. I would not recommend this attorney.
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27 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Paid a $2,500 retainer for a divorce and next to nothing was done. He billed me within two weeks of paying the retainer, saying it had been used up AND that I owed HIM money for his additional time and expense. During that two weeks, he never called, emailed, or wrote me to let me know what was going on. He never filed anything in my case nor spoke with the other attorney to settle things outside of court. He stole my money! I had to pay another attorney a new retainer to get anything done. I finally got my divorce but wasted $2,500 in the process.
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11 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I was treated as an employee. I had to do most of my research. He had 4 paralegals that quit while handling my case. He spoke very rude to me. During a meeting I listened the entire Time and when I tried to speak he pointed his finger at me. Do yourself a favor. Find a lawyer that works and will help you instead you get the vice versa.
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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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