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27 Dec, 2023 by John
I have worked with Mike Mertz for several years he won both my cases. He is straight forward no games he will tell yu good and bad. He will keep yu will informed I wouldn't have attempted these cases If Mike Mertz wasn't my attorney. He a determined and will fight for the truth good or bad. I will always be great full to yu Mike Mertz there isn't enough words I can say. Thank yu
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20 Mar, 2018 by Corliss
Mike Mertz an attorney handled my case and got the maxium allowed. It didn't take yrs. He made everything clear on the process and Thats just how it went. Didnt have to keep calling him. Kept me well informed. Thanks Mike not many like you left. Entire staff was great.
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16 Sep, 2014 by Tony
I would recommend Attorney Matthew Williams very highly. He took my case when other law firms said that I did not have a case. He was trustworthy and caring and I knew that I had an advocate every step of the way. He was very knowledgeable and kept my wife and I informed throughout the process. We won and he helped me to negotiate the greatest award possible. We are very satisfied.
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08 Aug, 2014 by Cs
Mr. Williams was excellent. He thoroughly researched my case and explained everything to me step by step. As I did not know what to expect, he made him feel comfortable by answering all my questions and guiding me through the legal process. My case proceeded quickly and the decision was favorable. I learned a lot about our justice system and, thanks to Mr. Williams, everything turned our very well.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Gary lewis
Mathew Todd Siporin, is a honest, sharp and carrying attorney who's not just giving a service for a buck. He came highly recommended from another attorney friend of mines. I'm so grateful for I hired him as my attorney because things changed the moment he assigned his name to the case and I was awarded a settlement that I was very comfortable with. Thank you so much I couldn't have done it without you my friend and this is why you come highly recommended as well in my book.
-Gary Lewis
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12 Mar, 2017 by Craig renz
I have been very impressed with how Mathew Siporin is handling my personal injury / product liability case. From day one, he has shown both professionalism and humanity in a very sensitive situation. I have found that he is both proactive and thorough. He has made connections with the appropriate supporting attorneys and specialist. My case was feature on the local news and when the investigative reporter contacted Mathew, he immediately flew to Denver to insure that my interview was handled properly. I highly recommend contacting Mathew to discuss your personal injury case.
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09 Mar, 2019 by Fran
Brian was awesome. It was years ago when he helped me with my person injury case. He is brilliant and guided me every step of the way. I will never forget how great he was and if I ever have another need for an attorney (God forbid), he wil be the first one that I call.
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19 Aug, 2015 by Henry
“My boss had fired me for no reason. I was flabbergasted with his behavior and he didn't think it was necessary for him to let me know why he is doing so. I approached Brian Graber from Brian Graber Ltd. and he helped me through the entire legal procedure. Thanks to him, I got my compensation and job back.”
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17 Jun, 2015 by Anthony lesley
CJ Lamb was outstanding with my representation. There were some challenges that were a result of the condo association not settling a civil suit that CJ navigated to keep the deal together and also went far and above in chasing down UPS trucks literally to obtain paperwork that was supposed to be delivered overnight but was not.
He was always available and responsive I would absouluetly reccomend CJ to anyone looking for a great real estate l;awyer
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20 Feb, 2015 by Lorie
CJ was my attorney through my entire home purchasing experience. In being a first time home buyer, I was extremely nervous and felt out of my element. CJ made sure that I thoroughly understood each part of the process and that I felt comfortable. Whenever I had questions at any point he was very responsive and always got back to me in a timely manner.
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11 May, 2015 by Lynn
Our business ran into a jam with a customer a few weeks ago. I got in touch with Joan and she gave me great advice. She explained the law in terms I could understand and at the same time lent a caring ear. Joan is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend her and look forward to working with her again.
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29 Apr, 2015 by Peg
I consider myself lucky to have found such a compassionate, understanding and knowledgeable attorney! She took the time during her busy day to help me with some "marital drama" i was going thru at that time. and explained everyting to me very clearly before we went into court. I highly recommend Joan Stohl to anyone who is needing a well spoken and caring attorney.
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20 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Terry was a pleasure to work with from start to finish. He took the extra time to clearly explain our strategy, and the risks and advantages involved. Terry was extremely professional throughout the entire process, and I was impressed with how well he came to know my case. He has an extraordinary ability to explain very complex topics in a very easy-to-understand manner. I would recommend Terry to anyone seeking top quality representation!
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01 Feb, 2012 by Emily
When my family and I were first introduced to Terence, we were immediately impressed by his professionalism and compassion that was shown towards us. While driving down the interstate, my father was slammed into by a truck, severely injured, and taken to the Emergency Room. Throughout the case, Terence’s attention to detail, strong work ethic and expertise of trucking accidents eased many of my concerns. He is the consummate professional and his thirst for justice never interfered with his sense of fairness. He is not your "typical" lawyer and, in that regard, he doesn't achieve "typical" results. I would definitely recommend for Plaintiff-type work given his keen insight into the defense world.
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28 Feb, 2018 by Krystle
I used Don for my previous lawsuit and let me say he was on top of everything!! He was so professional and worked hard to ensure I got the best result! The staff in his firm are so helpful also! His paralegal Cecilia knew exactly what she was doing and she had the fastest response time! I am so appreciative of Don and his law firm!
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13 Dec, 2012 by Carol
Donald Burnes is a very intelligent attorney. He is totally abreast of everything as it pertains to the area of law he practices in. I have used him for a few lawsuits and he has come thru each and every time. He is very attractive as well as personable. If you are looking to compensate rightfully so please contact his office. I promise you will not regret it.
Donald Burnes also has an extensive amount of experience because of the length of time he has been practicing. He has represented many big league personalities as well. That's what I love about his firm, everybody is important. Like previously stated contact his office you won't regret it. I drive an hour out of my way to see him because I know Donald Burnes handles business!
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15 Apr, 2013 by Jeffmcnary
mr. gafford took the time to carefully explain and walk me through a process foreign and frightening to me. a settlement was reached rapidliy and beyond my expectations.
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14 Apr, 2010 by Hna sports
I first met Attorney Ronald Gafford about ten years ago across from Newberry Plaza, in Chicago's Goldcoast area. It was just after having a business meeting and lunch with an international business associate that knew him and introduced us. We did not exchange contact information but I was left with a very good impression of him. He appeared to be a very knowlegeable and well established Chicago based lawyer and good friend of my business associate.
A few years later, as I was heavily involved in some multi-million dollar telecommunication deals in Chicago, I crossed paths with him again and learned that he provided services to some very high profiled individuals including some large corporations in Chicago and could be of legal service for some of my personal and business dealings. We exchanged contact information, he provided me with excellent legal service when I was in need and I have been asked to still stay in touch even without the need for his services.
I moved with my business to Southern California and have retained a law firm here. Being a native of Chicago, I still stay in touch family and friends and Attorney Gafford. When I, a friend, family member or business associate are in need of legal services in Illinois, Ronald Gafford is at the top of my must call list. He is very responsive and trustworthy and I recommend him to anyone looking for professional legal services with a personal touch.
As his client, you can count on him to protect you and be honest about your situation under the law, open about the options you have, what service he can provide and his fees. D.L. Burnett - Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist. - 04/14/2010.
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27 Sep, 2022 by Michael
Sherwood Law Group is fantastic! Adam Gilbert, especially, is such a pleasure to work with. He helped us close on our new home a few weeks ago and we could not be happier with our experience. He and his team were very responsive and helpful with their expert advice, making our home buying process less daunting and very seamless. We highly recommend this boutique firm for any real estate transactions!
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13 Jun, 2022 by Keely and kevin
We are thankful to have had Adam at Sherwood Law recommended to us as we navigated purchasing our first condo. He and his team did an excellent job of clearly communicating with us each step of the way. Adam made sure that we were able to ask any questions and that we understood what to expect throughout the process. We would highly recommend him and will certainly be reaching back out when the time comes for our next purchase!
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08 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I came to him after an accident. Hired him and he got me a great settlement. Staff is very friendly and prompt.
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14 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I came to him regarding a car accident. He was able to guide me through the whole process of what was going on and the next steps to take. Friendly office. Told me what he could do for me and if I wasn't good with that than then he would help me get in touch with other lawyers. Did not hire him because I wanted to go to trial. Still referred me to an experienced trial lawyer so going to him was a good decision.
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18 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
The firm is very accommodating in explaining my options. They went above & beyond to help get the best possible solution for me.
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19 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
If you are looking for a great personal injury attorney that will always fight on your behalf then I would definitely recommend Emily Eckert. She is extremely friendly, professional, knowledgeable and caring. She definitely will go the extra mile for her clients to ensure that they get the best possible outcome. I have been very happy with Emily as my attorney as well as with Eckert and Smestad.
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06 Jun, 2012 by Maria
The moment I met with Ms. Llorens I felt as if I was in good hands. She is knowledgable and experienced. She was a tough fighter for me at the arbitration we had.
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20 Apr, 2012 by Natalie
Great communication! Exceeded my expectations!
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Thank you Mr. Roberts fakhouri for all the help especially this year 2020 that has impacted my family in a difficult time. You were always responsive, attentive, very professional and productive. I will definitely hire you in the future to be my attorney on whatever issues I may encountered. Thank you for your patience and dedication. I would have gave you 100 stars if it was available. I highly recommend Mr. Robert fakhouri
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19 Jul, 2016 by Monica
Robert S Fakhouri is a young wise caring professional. He made me feel so safe as a client and also that he had my best interest at heart. I cant see myself making a better choice then choosing him to represent me and my father. Very generous always going the extra mile for his client which makes me feel so confident. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone who wants to see success in their case and also feel confident in making the best choice!
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19 Nov, 2017 by Denise
I work with Andrew and his staff in real estate closings several times a month. His organizational skills are excellent and he knows real estate law. I can count on Andrew to keep my clients informed and respond in a timely manner to not only my clients but me as well. Highly recommend Andrew Pearson.
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16 Feb, 2016 by Alex aranchuk
Andrew handled our first home purchase for me and my wife. His work was excellent, he walked us through every step of the way (we needed everything explained to us as we are first time home buyers). He was always available to us and extremely prompt with getting back to us ( I can't tell you how important that was for us being novices in this field). The whole process was nerve-wrecking since we had no experience whatsoever, but Andrew was able to calm everything down with his steady and professional manner. He found a few mistakes the sellers' attorney made before closing, as well as negotiated a repair credit from the sellers which was around $3000 more than what we expected!!!!
I couldn't be more satisfied with the work Andrew did for us, and his fee is very reasonable. Definitely recommend his services to anyone looking for a lawyer in Chicago.
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01 Aug, 2015 by Tracy
Dennis Walsh did an excellent job with my real estate closing. He highlights the important legal documents and fought the other side to save me money throughout my transaction. Dennis is very generous with his time and has a sense of humor too! I highly recommend using him for any legal matter.
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28 Jul, 2015 by Peter
Dennis is a very experienced attorney. He has advised me on multiple occasions and remains my trusted advisor and advocate for all legal matters.
Dennis' intellect, knowledge of the law and equanimity combine with his years of experience to a tour de force both as a negotiator and litigator.
I highly recommend Dennis Walsh to anyone looking for a very competent attorney who communicates well, is trustworthy and compassionate. He oversees and looks deep to protect the interest of his clients.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Tyrone
He is RESPECTFUL AND HE UNDER STOOD.THE PAIN THAT I HAD EXPERIENCED!! I’m going to tell everybody that I know about this lawyer!I to totally recommend THIS ATTORNEY!!
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28 Sep, 2015 by Laura
In 2001, our family hired Michael to handle our father's passing at a nursing home. It was a very hard time for our family, but he was so kind, gracious, understanding, and sympathetic throughout the process. You don't find many lawyers who have a soft heart, well in my opinion that is. He handled our case professionally, answered our questions in a timely matter and assured us we were winning our fight, and we did. I always refer my family and friends if I hear they are in need of an accident or medical claims atty. Without any hesitation Ill go back to him if ever in need. Hopefully not, but in case we do, we got "our guy"
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04 Oct, 2010 by Sandra
Mitchell Hoffman & Wolf represented my family in the construction related death of my son. I met Paul in the initial interview as my ex-husband was referred by a friend to the firm. Paul displayed a fierce edge that was off-putting and I knew immediately he would be successful in negotiating a settlement changing my son's life to a legacy. In addition to his knowledge of the law (he successfully argued in the Illinois Supreme court to change venue) Paul and the entire staff were genuinely compassionate. Although we agreed my ex-husband would represent our family, Paul keep me included in details as the case progressed over a period of two years with personal calls and email. Of course the settlement will never be adequate, my son lost his life. However, I understand the law and the team led by Paul did an excellent job on behalf of my family.
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28 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
From start to finish, Paul handled my case with integrity and professionalism. He was always on top of everything that needed to get done, answered my calls, and informed me how things were progressing. I always felt that he was in my corner and made sure that my best interests were represented. I strongly recommend Paul and his firm to any person needing a highly qualified personal injury attorney.
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17 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Cautious yet aggressive litigator. He was always responsive and knowledgeable on every issue. His clocked hours were more than reasonable and his explanations clear and concise.
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09 Apr, 2013 by Stephanie
Our family was very pleased with the work that Nathan did for us a few years ago and we are happy he has decided to establish his own independent firm. We would recommend his services to anyone.
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15 Jan, 2013 by Craig
Mr. Schiff provided excellent service. He was professional, intelligent, and I could tell he was respected among his peers. Not only did he get me more than I expected, he actually cared about me. I would refer him to anyone who is looking for a true gentlemen and an honest, trustworthy lawyer.
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15 Nov, 2012 by Peter
Elliot Schiff successfully represented me in a litigation in which the judge, retired but active, commented that Attorney Schiff was among the best he had encountered. Thorough and efficient, at home in court, skilled and persuasive, Elliot Schiff is a highly effective attorney. I am completely satisfied, and I would recommend him without reservation.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Chris
Mr Hammond represented me in a case and his attention to detail, his concern for me as his client and his honesty is what makes him such an amazing attorney to me. He was always readily available for any questions and concerns I have, Mr Hammond explained everything to me in a way that I can understand and he was very very professional and kind throughout the whole case. Thank you for everything Mr Hammond!
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03 Aug, 2016 by Mr. d.
I can not say Enough Positive remarks about Mr. Hammond! Jason represented me in a personal injury case and I was beyond impressed with his knowledge and Attention to Detail ! He was always attentive to my needs and concerns and always acted in my Best Interest and in a timely manner. 5 stars for this young and rising attorney . Jason is Honest and I trust him without doubt. I highly recommend him and I state this with extreme confidence ! Thank you for All of your help and efforts, Mr. Hammond.
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09 Oct, 2017 by David
Adrian was great to work with and helped me figure out the issue with my current trust. I really recommend seeking Adrian for any advice on estate planning. Keep up the good work.
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30 Aug, 2017 by Vanessa
We went through the our home buying process and Adrian made everything run smooth. I did not have to worry about what was going on with the closing because he made sure to keep us in the loop with everything constantly. He made us feel confident in our purchase and answered any question or concern immediately. I would recommend him to anyone buying or selling a home.
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12 Dec, 2017 by Keyla
I must admit I was nervous about dealing with a lawyer in northern Illinois while being located in central Illinois but I couldn't have had a better experience. mr.drake was very attentive and kept me informed step by step and when he was out of the office mr.collopy was there to make sure they didn't miss a beat. I would say with all the hassle from my injury it was nice to have a smooth process with my lawyer
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17 Oct, 2015 by Tim
my case has been a long one and normally I would be stressed to the max but now I worry more about how well my yard looks after I mow . I have the upmost confidence that he is on top of his game for me and my family . and by the way my yard looks great so Paul keep up the good work
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18 Sep, 2014 by Barbara
I was referred to Mr. Gabryszewski, and he handled 2 cases for me. I had an excellent experience, and received adept legal advice and service both times. Mr. Gabryszewski was very helpful, who is also very knowledgeable in his field. He was very consistent with communication and left no grey areas with details pertaining to my cases. Every step of the way, Mr. Gabryszewski stayed in contact with me. He was very professional, prompt, honest and kind to me and had great eye for detail. I never even had to deal with any insurance companies issues on my own. He did all of that for me. Great attorney. I would use his services in the future and recommend to friends.
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25 Aug, 2011 by Marta
Tomas Gabryszewski is an excellent Lawyer. Very knowledgeable and truly cares about client matters. Always replies on same Day And does his research And his work done best And kept me informed at all time about my case.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Susan Novosad is a very gifted and seasoned attorney. She represented me following a traumatic incident in 2011 that resulted in serious physical and emotional injuries. The defendant was no lightweight and resisted many attempts to settle the case, resulting in a rare jury trial. Throughout the entire process, my family and I found Susan to be a consummate professional. She was patient, kind, and attentive. From a legal perspective, she was always prepared. We were humbled by how seriously she took the case, and by how much effort she poured into the many pre-trial affairs and courtroom proceedings. I recommend Susan without hesitation.
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17 Apr, 2012 by David
Susan's representation was outstanding in every category. While she consistently provided world class professionalism throughout our case, it was her compassion that exceeded our expectations. We felt she genuinely cared about us as a client and shared in our pain. We are grateful to her for that. We would highly recommend Susan to anyone looking for top tier representation.
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10 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
David represented us for my husbands serious work related injury. Ours was a very difficult case that stretched out over 8 long years with many twists and turns.Even though it took a long time through no fault of his own, he remained very dedicated to our case. He never gave up. With his extensive knowledge of the law and grit, David represented us so well that we received above and beyond what we originally asked for after our case was presented by him in court. Our case is now entered into the law books as law due his efforts. Both he and his staff worked very hard for us. They always answered questions, returned calls promptly and were very patient with us throughout the years. The whole firm could not have given us better service if they tried, we are so thankful for each and every one of them. We never really understood before all that an excellent lawyer goes through and does until we saw David in action on our case. He is truly an honest, compassionate and hard working man. He does not accept cases to make money but to make sure that justice is served. We feel we were both blessed and honored to have Mr. Kupets as our attorney and will forever be grateful to him. If the need arose we would not hesitate to have him represent us again. We highly recommend this very wonderful lawyer!
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08 May, 2010 by Bob
I worked with David for over 6 years and he was very prompt with returning my calls and answering my questions. He kept me informed about progress and process of the case. I felt he represented me the best that anyone could have done.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Jesse
Throughout my life I’ve had numerous attorneys (more than 10) for various reasons. Bryant is hands down the best I’ve ever dealt with. I’ve had two accidents in recent years where I was not at fault but was injured. After getting “Hammered” by the attorney of my last claim with unreturned phone calls, emails and lack of updates in the case, I decided to find a new attorney for my recent injury. After much research I decided to retain Bryant and I’m glad I did. Every phone call and email was returned promptly- often times within minutes. Bryant updated me every strep of the process and constantly offered advice and help above and beyond what he was obligated to do. Even though the party that hit me had very little coverage and Bryant’s commission wasn’t a lot, he treated me as if the policy limit was a million dollars. If you read this review and are considering retaining Bryant, hopefully this review will be the deciding factor in retaining Bryant. I guarantee you will not regret it.
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14 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
You already know by resume this guy is a real lawyer which lately I have had issues with some being dishonest and loyal, I appreciate
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13 Dec, 2017 by Dewayne
My experience with James Bizzieri and law firm has been comforting and pleasing! Even though my injuries and issues accompanying it held me back and weighed me down with anxiety, I was assured from there on out things would be less stressful. Mr. Bizzieri answered all questions I asked honestly and in a way that I can understand. Instead of just a lawyer he made me feel like I was talking to a close friend I confided in. Bizzieri and staff regularly updated me with the status of my case and any upcoming events I needed to be aware of. I truly appreciate having him as my lawyer!
Thanks Jim,
Dewayne
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12 Dec, 2017 by Deborah
He explained how every thing would work and what would happen. He went round and round with them to get the best for me.
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28 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a W/C case. My case was pretty simple at the start but then became very complicated. Rich worked around my doctors' appointments and finally around my work schedule to get me the best outcome possible. His expertise, experience and knowledge made this a relatively painless ordeal!
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28 Feb, 2015 by Helen
I had a workers comp case and Richard did a phenomenal job with my case. He kept me in the loop about every detail, was quick to return my phone calls, and the entire staff of Grazian and Volpe was very friendly and welcoming. I got more money in my settlement than I ever thought I would! WOW! It was an easy process and I'm so happy with how my case turned out. I highly suggest this whole firm!
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05 Feb, 2014 by Michael
If anyone ever needed an attorney that showed kindness and compassion towards his/her client during any work/comp cases, look no further! Mr. Richard K. Johnson is the best that anyone can get. Mr. Johnson knows his law of the do's & don'ts when it comes to fighting for your legal rights of compensation. Mr. Johnson is definitely a clients best friend and truly stands for what he truly believes in. As more and more greedy company's are proving, they show, "No Respect" for their employees when an injury occurs on the job. Having Mr. Johnson on your side, Richard will fight till the end against these type of greedy employers with great results in favor of his clients! How do I know this you might ask? The answer is easy! Mr. Johnson was my attorney in a work/comp case and I was well pleased with the results! I know there are hundreds and hundreds of attorneys out there, but folks, let me tell you this! There is only one "MR. RICHARD K. JOHNSON!" With that being said, do not hesitate to contact Mr. Johnson with any legal matters that you are worrying about. You will not be sorry! ......Thank you and may God bless!
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05 Mar, 2012 by Phil
He is a fantastic attonery who I would recommend to anyone who had a work-related accident or personal injury claim. He is hard-working and very responsive!!
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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.
