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22 Jul, 2024 by Heather
I hired Dina for a succession. She was sick with bad cancer and was having chemo treatments, yet still managed to keep on top of my case. She actually allowed me to meet with her in Houston while she was in the hospital at M.D. Anderson. She gave me all the documentation I needed to file and even though she was sick, she still came to court to stand with me. When she questioned the evidence and proved that my sisters were lying about a new will, it was like a TV show. I mean she is THAT GOOD. Don’t let haters persuade you, she settled her disciplinary issue although she knew she was right. I found out that she did not want to use her cancer issues as a crutch so she agreed to settle and accept that reprimand (the absolute minimum any lawyer could get- so she must not have done anything really bad. This lawyer is so smart, talented and professional, I wish I could give her more than 5 stars
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04 Apr, 2022 by Mark
Dina represented me in a divorce as. Well as an additional case. Dina ended up the only attourney standing out of three, as she had the other two dismissed of their representation due to conflict of interest. Thanks for your hard work and doggidness. MSE
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24 Oct, 2015 by Chasity
Their is not enough words to describe Dina . Dina is to me the best most honest, trustworthy caring attorney out their. She will not back down and ready to fight and win. Us clients do our part and she will take over. She the best around and will stand with u. Dina is not only the best attorney cause she honest trustworthy , caring,thankfully and appreciative and also all the best mom she is to her boys. For an attorney to have such great character and the lady she is , I stand with her all the way. I wish I could give her the number one reward their is cause she deserves it and beyond . Her mind is set an ready. Let's get up, aim and win. Dina your the best. I appreciate all the hard effort u do, and even out of office. She puts her self aside, to bend over backwards to help. Thank
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31 May, 2014 by Sputnikman harassment/terminated/discrimination
I became licensed to sell Life and Annuities in nov of 1999. Went under contract with a nationally recognised prominent company and successfully completed all contract requirements. My wife and I were doing well during these times. Then in 2003 my manager retired ;therefore, bring on a goofball. I was forced to work under his inadequate supervision and reported the sexual harassment to the state boss from this new manager to no avail. This very same goofball of a manager terminated my contract in June of 2005. And the state boss remarked, "It's out of my hands." But, later on tape said, "I fired that queer ***, are you ready to come back to work?" I saw Mr Carroll in August of 05 where he said to my wife and I that he could help us recover our losses and more for the harassment and lost wages. During this terminated time my book of renewal and current new business was up to one thousand three, or four people I had personally sold life ins., coverage to or set-up retirement accounts. Many money transfers and rollovers were scheduled in the near future back then from my book of business... I suppose better to forget the state bosses promises, "No one will steal your people or take your business. (They turn out to be all lies.) Mr Carroll said it is best to wait one year before filing your lawsuit for same-sex-sexual harassment. My depositions were taken over two days and he and the Ins. Co., attorney appeared to be best of friends. Then The State bosses depo was taken. And a great deal of time passed as Mr Carroll made excuses of, "we can't locate the perpetrator" or "he is in Washington state." Then he did take the perpetrator's depo in his home town of Denham Springs, LA. His depo and the state boss who fired the perpetrator's deposition are in serious conflict. Somebody is lying. But, Mr. Carroll did not pick up this issue but rather called me up on the phone and said, "It's all over. The judge ruled against you and didn't believe you." I ask, "What about my loses and the money they stole from me? Will you be able to recover any of my losses?" Mr Carroll simply stated, " No, I've done the best I could and it's over. I'm sorry, I wish it would have been more successful. I have thirty-seven thousand in expenses in this case." There seems to have been a joy in his voice. So, I thought and prayed about the matter as the wife and I did before seeking Mr Carroll's help and advice. Oh and because of this loss in life, etc. Mr Carroll was also my divorce attorney. My divorce was final 7/18/2012. So, I've heard my ex is now employed by one of Mr Carroll's best friends he's known most of his life. So I am permanently disabled mainly due to this loss of career and Mr Carroll has "forgiven" the thirty-seven thousand in expenses he incurred. Goes to wonder what happened between Mr. Carroll and the Insurance Company who believes in "sprinkling money on attorney's to make them go away." Of and he is very expensive in the cost of my divorce which I have agreed to pay twenty-five dollars a month from my disability check. And that bill remains over three thousand dollars. So, when it is all said and done I loose a career worth millions of dollars, a wife who still to this day I love very much and has been a rock of valuable support in my life until that divorce. So, Mr. Carroll I do not know what or why you singled me out to be the biggest loss in my life for or know any of your motives except maybe money is you God and worship it accordingly. How did you say it, ? "One in the hand is better than fifty in the bush." Remember on the trip back from Denham Springs, La all you said? Somethings you need to take to the LORD. In closing, I pray no one else has to endure the malpractice, and personal abuse I received from you personally and at times your office as well. It is my prayer, "Mr. James L. Carroll you are healthy, wealthy, and wise but most importantly you have no problem sleeping at night." May God be with you and forgive you your sin,
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25 Mar, 2014 by Rodneym
I do not recommend James Carroll. I hired James more than 3 years ago. James handled my Sexual Harassment matter. Licensed to sell Life and Annuities in Nov. of 1999. Went under contract with a nationally recognized prominent company and successfully completed all contract requirements. My wife and I were doing well during these times. Then in 2003 my manager retired ;therefore, bring on a goofball. I was forced to work under his inadequate supervision and reported the sexual harassment to the state boss from this new manager to no avail. This very same goofball of a manager terminated my contract in June of 2005. And the state boss remarked, "It's out of my hands." I saw Mr Carroll in August of 05 where he said to my wife and I that he could help us recover our losses and more for the harassment and lost wages. During this terminated time my book of renewal and current new business was up to one thousand three, or four people I had personally sold life ins., coverage to or set-up retirement accounts. Many money transfers and rollovers were scheduled in the near future back then from my book of business.I suppose better to forget the state bosses promises, "No one will steal your people or take your business." (They turn out to be all lies.) Mr Carroll said it is best to wait one year before filing your lawsuit for same-sex-sexual harassment. My depositions were taken over two days and he and the Ins. Co., attorney appeared to be best of friends leaving depo's to have lunch. Then The State bosses depo was taken. And a great deal of time passed as Mr Carroll made excuses of, "we can't locate the perpetrator" or "he is in Washington state." Then he did take the perpetrator's depo in his home town of Denham Springs, LA. His depo and the state boss who fired the perpetrator's deposition are in serious conflict. Somebody is lying. But, Mr. Carroll did not pick up this issue but rather called me up on the phone and said, "It's all over. The judge ruled against you and didn't believe you." I ask, "What about my loses and the money they stole from me? Will you be able to recover any of my losses?" Mr Carroll simply stated, " No, I've done the best I could and it's over. I'm sorry, I wish it would have been more successful. I have thirty-seven thousand in expenses in this case." I forgive those. A joy in his voice. So, I thought and prayed about the matter as the wife and I did before seeking Mr Carroll's help and advice. Oh and because of this loss in life, etc. Mr Carroll was also my divorce attorney. My divorce was final 7/18/2012. So, I've heard my ex is now employed by one of Mr Carroll's best friends he's known most of his life. So I am permanently disabled mainly due to this loss of career and Mr Carroll has "forgiven" the thirty-seven thousand in expenses he incurred. Goes to wonder what happened between Mr. Carroll and the Insurance Company who believes in "sprinkling money on attorney's to make them go away." Of and he is very expensive in the cost of my divorce which I have agreed to pay twenty-five dollars a month from my disability check. And that bill remains over three thousand dollars. So, when it is all said and done I loose a career worth millions of dollars, a wife who still to that day had been a rock of valuable support in my life until that divorce. So, Mr. Carroll I do not know what or why you singled me out to be the biggest loss in my life for or know any of your motives except maybe money is you God and worship it accordingly. How did you say it, ? "One in the hand is better than fifty in the bush." Remember on the trip back from Denham Springs, La all you said? Somethings you need to take to the LORD.
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29 Dec, 2013 by Rodney
I became licensed to sell Life and Annuities in nov of 1999. Went under contract with a nationally recognised prominent company and successfully completed all contract requirements. My wife and I were doing well during these times. Then in 2003 my manager retired ;therefore, bring on a goofball. I was forced to work under his inadequate supervision and reported the sexual harassment to the state boss from this new manager to no avail. This very same goofball of a manager terminated my contract in June of 2005. And the state boss remarked, "It's out of my hands." But, later on tape said, "I fired that queer ***, are you ready to come back to work?" I saw Mr Carroll in August of 05 where he said to my wife and I that he could help us recover our losses and more for the harassment and lost wages. During this terminated time my book of renewal and current new business was up to one thousand three, or four people I had personally sold life ins., coverage to or set-up retirement accounts. Many money transfers and rollovers were scheduled in the near future back then from my book of business... I suppose better to forget the state bosses promises, "No one will steal your people or take your business. (They turn out to be all lies.) Mr Carroll said it is best to wait one year before filing your lawsuit for same-sex-sexual harassment. My depositions were taken over two days and he and the Ins. Co., attorney appeared to be best of friends. Then The State bosses depo was taken. And a great deal of time passed as Mr Carroll made excuses of, "we can't locate the perpetrator" or "he is in Washington state." Then he did take the perpetrator's depo in his home town of Denham Springs, LA. His depo and the state boss who fired the perpetrator's deposition are in serious conflict. Somebody is lying. But, Mr. Carroll did not pick up this issue but rather called me up on the phone and said, "It's all over. The judge ruled against you and didn't believe you." I ask, "What about my loses and the money they stole from me? Will you be able to recover any of my losses?" Mr Carroll simply stated, " No, I've done the best I could and it's over. I'm sorry, I wish it would have been more successful. I have thirty-seven thousand in expenses in this case." There seems to have been a joy in his voice. So, I thought and prayed about the matter as the wife and I did before seeking Mr Carroll's help and advice. Oh and because of this loss in life, etc. Mr Carroll was also my divorce attorney. My divorce was final 7/18/2012. So, I've heard my ex is now employed by one of Mr Carroll's best friends he's known most of his life. So I am permanently disabled mainly due to this loss of career and Mr Carroll has "forgiven" the thirty-seven thousand in expenses he incurred. Goes to wonder what happened between Mr. Carroll and the Insurance Company who believes in "sprinkling money on attorney's to make them go away." Of and he is very expensive in the cost of my divorce which I have agreed to pay twenty-five dollars a month from my disability check. And that bill remains over three thousand dollars. So, when it is all said and done I loose a career worth millions of dollars, a wife who still to this day I love very much and has been a rock of valuable support in my life until that divorce. So, Mr. Carroll I do not know what or why you singled me out to be the biggest loss in my life for or know any of your motives except maybe money is you God and worship it accordingly. How did you say it, ? "One in the hand is better than fifty in the bush." Remember on the trip back from Denham Springs, La all you said? Somethings you need to take to the LORD. In closing, I pray no one else has to endure the malpractice, and personal abuse I received from you personally and at times your office as well. It is my prayer, "Mr. James L. Carroll you are healthy, wealthy, and wise but most importantly you have no problem sleeping at night." May God be with you.
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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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