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20 Jul, 2023 by Rayne
I received a call back almost immediately from this firm. The attorney had read my lengthy email and had Natalie contact me (almost immediately after I submitted the online form).
Natalie was fantastic and empathetic about the situation I was in. I was referred to another firm and hope their responsiveness is as impressive as this one.
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22 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Very helpful, great communication and documentation. Exactly what you want in a legal council.
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26 Aug, 2022 by Kayelynn
I was referred to Mr. VanMeveren by a mutual lawyer friend. Paulette was friendly, quickly responded to my request and followed through immediately. They provided the information I needed and seemed genuinely concerned about helping me. I would recommend their office.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Dora
Working with Hoggatt Law has been a very pleasant experience in the midst of a big tragedy in my life. Darby and Cecilia helped me every bit of the way explaining things and walking me through the process. Both are very knowledgeable with what they do and work very hard to get the job done. Hoggatt Law is honest and reliable!! They actually care about your situation!
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09 Jun, 2022 by Michael
Mr. Darby took on my case and won a awesome settlement in a short period of time this Man knows what he is doing very professional and knowledgeable about the end of the outs of workman's comp law couldn't ask for better results very happy in letting him and his staff take on my case seriously give this guy a call if you're up against workman's comp he will get the job done in a short period of time so you can get on with your life !!!
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08 Mar, 2018 by Adrienne
I worked with Darby in regards to a several year worker's compensation case. At his office, Gloria called the division and made sure we had all the information he needed for him to help me. He was extremely patient with me and answered every single one of my many questions. His advice and plan of action were in my best interest and I felt confident in his care of my case. Darby is professional and personable, he made me feel comfortable and at ease, and I never felt like he was just out to make himself money; he truly cared about what would be right for me. I would recommend to any of my family and friends.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Sara is the best in the business. She leverages her experience from her past life as an insurance defense attorney: she knows how to think like the opposition, and provides incredible representation for her clients. On top of that, she is smart, thorough, strategic, and compassionate -- I recommend Sara (as well as her partners at HSD Law Firm) without reservation.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Tamara parker
Sara really helped me feel seen, heard and understood. She also cuts away all the fluff and just gets down to the issues at hand. I appreciated how collaborative the team was and I am so glad I had Sara in my corner during a crucial time.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Rikke
Sara was tenacious, practical and got the result I wanted. I wouldn’t go through this process with anyone else.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney David Johnson did a fantastic job in helping me resolve my case with the best outcome realistically possible. Throughout the experience of the hearing and the court case, he was knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to ensuring I received the best possible outcome for my case. From our very first meeting in December, he went out of the way to explain everything to me in terms I could easily understand and both David Johnson and his assistant Lisa Ritter, were both extremely responsive and willing to go above and beyond to answer my questions outside of our meetings. I'm immensely appreciative of his time and commitment to supporting me during what was a very emotionally exhausting court case. I would strongly encourage anyone looking for a defense attorney who will fight tirelessly for them to hire Attorney David Johnson, he is an exceptional lawyer, and I am profoundly grateful for his service.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired David Johnson for a pretty tough case and he his assistant Lisa did a great job of just listening. After discussing the situation he quickly had a plan, which was discussed and implemented. David Johnson understands your situation, and looks for quick resolve. His assistant Lisa & David were very quick to respond to questions, or to get a response from the courts. David was very knowledgeable when it came to law and my situation. I followed his direction every step of the way as he guided me throughout the process. It is very important to retain and hire a lawyer who understands the jurisdiction of where your case is held. He understands the system. It’s important. It was a pleasure working with David on my situation, and I would highly recommend an attorney who listens and understands. If quick results with a desirable outcome is what your after please give David Johnson and his team a call.
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06 Jun, 2022 by Paul
When selecting representation for my daughter's DUI case, David was the only lawyer who took the time to listen to me as a parent and really show compassion and understanding of our situation. Not only are his fees reasonable, but his knowledge and experience gave us all comfort that my daughter would be in good hands. It was the first time she'd ever been in any sort of legal trouble, so he was able to give us calm during a very scary and unknown period of time.
Since we are not from Colorado it was crucial that there was good communication and explanation of Colorado law and process. He took the time to meet via zoom conference all with all of us several times during the process up through the court date. He was very responsive to all our questions and walked us through what was likely to happen.
What impressed me most about David is that he got my daughter working on some of the things ahead of time that the courts generally order you do after the court date. So by the time the court date came around, she was nearly done with almost everything except the community service. Most everyone who processed paperwork after the court date was really impressed with how far ahead she was, which means she got really GREAT advice from David.
Despite being a very stressful period for my daughter, who was also trying to get through her freshman year at CSU, he managed to turn a very fearful situation into something manageable, understandable, and no so scary. She will be finished with her supervised probation soon and her record sealed after one year. We've all learned valuable lessons and will never forget David for how much care he showed our family, and how calming and effective he was in resolving the case.
Paul
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24 Feb, 2014 by Jason
Rob was excellent. My case was difficult and extensive and I feel he worked very hard to get me the best outcome. I was nervous through my whole case and every time I talked to him he put me at ease. He took the time to explain anything I didn't understand, which was a lot. He never made me feel like I was alone in this. He never push me in any decision. He explained my options, which changed often through my drawn out case, told me the pros and cons of each and let me decide how I wanted to proceed. He was the only lawyer I talked to and not once did I think about going to someone else. I would definitely recommend him to anyone that could use his services!
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23 Feb, 2014 by Rick
Recently, I had a need to hire a Federal Defense Attorney and Rob was recommended to me from another Attorney. From the first meeting on, Rob has provided a superior level of service to me. He has kept me informed, educated and has treated me with respect and dignity. Rob has an ability to speak with you in a language you understand and can digest. I could not recommend him more highly.
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22 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Very professional, explained all options and was sensitive to emotional impact of the case. Best possible
outcome I could hope for.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
John Glenn has been a huge help to our family in a very tough legal situation. He has went above and beyond and was/is extremely professional, knowledgeable and kind hearted. There is no other attorney in the Ft. Collins area I would trust more.
*Highly recommended.
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23 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Glenn to help us with a very sticky lawsuit and he was not only very professional, but very caring to our needs. We ended up winning our case and afterwards the judge told us we had excellent representation, and he'd never seen an attorney do a better job in court. We would definitely hire Mr. Glenn again and recommend his services to everyone we know.
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29 Jul, 2012 by Barry
Steven took my case which was entirely time sensitive and ran with it and won a summary judgement that lifted a lien that had been illegally placed by a bad actor. Steve gathered the facts, and made; filed, pled and won the case in a matter of weeks, which was what was needed to preserve my partnerships investment and profit.
Steve did all this while going up against a major international law firm that sent three lawyers to plead the defendant's case.
My partnership stood to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars that it had invested and walk away from a multi-million sales price had Steve not performed as he did.
And all of this with empathy and a sense of humor!
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22 Jan, 2024 by Shelly
You know that feeling when life has you down, just another example of Murphy's Law? Well, I was there. Stuck in a mess with my insurance company, after I was on my motorcycle and struck by an uninsured driver. Confined in the hospital, lost in paperwork, and overwhelmed by the whole situation. I felt like I was falling into the void, quickly being forgotten.
But then, I had a family member call Law Tigers and was connected to Patrick DiBenedetto, Attorney at Metier Law Firm, and his amazing legal team. These are down to earth people, who ride their own motorcycles, and spoke my language. He listened to my story, the whole thing, like it was the most important tale he ever heard. He didn't talk down to me, no fancy words or legal mumbo jumbo. He straight-up explained what was going on, what my rights were, and what he could do to help.
And let me tell you, this guy could fight! He was like a bulldog with a bone! The letters, the phone calls, the arbitrations, the endless negotiations - everything he did on my behalf gave me the deepest sense of relief because I knew I had a compassionate and extremely competent professional doing the hard work for me! I had the easy job - I just had to heal 14 broken bones and 5 surgeries!
Because of Patrick DiBenedetto, his team, the Metier Law Firm, and Law Tigers, I received the full compensation I was legally entitled to. I received a settlement, but most importantly I received peace of mind so I could focus on healing without being distracted by medical bills and insurance - I knew Patrick and his team had it handled and that makes Patrick worth his weight in gold. Patrick is permanently on my Christrmas Card list and I will be calling him for ANY legal needs in the future.
Patrick DiBenedetto is a motorcycle rider himself and his natural empathy with his clients clearly impacts the quality of his relationship with his clients, and significantly intensifies the ferocity in which he fights for their compensation.
It is my true hope that no one reading this will ever be in need of a motorcycle attorney; however, if they are, Patrick DiBenedetto has earned my complete trust, deepest respect and I earnestly suggest calling his office.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia ballard
Nick Cummings helped us with a case recently and was able to get the charges dismissed. He is very compassionate, professional and easy to communicate with. We felt very confident in his hands and would highly recommend his law firm to anyone in need of a capable and caring attorney. His staff was also pleasant and professional to deal with as well.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Don wenzel
I had a Question about a traffic accident and Joseph took a few minutes to help me, thanks!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Truly ... look no further. Mr. Haltzman and his firm are the only place you should consider for Colorado traffic violation representation. Our CSU student was involved in an accident with zealous police at the scene issuing an aggressive citation. We reached out to Mr. Haltzman and everything changed immediately. His counsel was invaluable, allowing us to stop worrying ... and he achieved a truly impressive result in a short amount of time. Having personally practiced law as an attorney at some of the most prestigious firms in the country, I can tell you that I have seldom seen the kind of poise, comprehensive knowledge of a speciality and practical, simple connection to the people and mechanisms of the relevant legal system. Do yourself (and your family) a favor and talk to Mr. Halzman if you need Colorado representation.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Anthany brockhaus
Was a positive experience good lawyer also has a decent rate not too expensive work with me for a few years do a good job happy with my outcome
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09 May, 2024 by Shawn johnson
Mac Hester Law has been a great resource for me and even when what im looking for may be out of their scope they have no problem finding the best solution for me. They are amazing people i could not suggest more they really have a standard of service and they hold up to it. Would absolutely suggest.
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07 Jul, 2023 by Justin grzybowski
Had a great experience with Mac Hester Law. If you have experienced a car accident/Senior Living Abuse. Call Mac Hester Law. They’ll fight for you and win. Like they did for me. Thanks Mac Hester Law. Justin G.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Lisa bernhardt
Thank you Sam and Megan for your outstanding work on my personal injury case. It was a very emotional and difficult journey and you me feel safe. I knew I had the best, most competent and professional representation working for ME. Every time I had a question or concern, you were prompt in your response and always gave me the confidence to continue my fight. I would recommend your firm without hesitation to anyone who has been injured.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Chad johnson
I've worked alongside Sam on numerous cases because he is one of the very best at injury law. I highly recommend him.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Anthony p. bolson
I had the incredible fortune of working with Sam Cannon on a complex product liability case. His expertise is unparalleled. He demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate intricate legal issues and develop compelling arguments. Sam's dedication and tireless work ethic were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend Sam and Cannon Law for any legal matter.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Eli roth
I had an excellent experience with Fort Collins Family Law. They were incredibly responsive and professional throughout my case. Ms. Lamborne took the time to thoroughly understand my situation and what was important to me. She offered several approaches and developed a plan of action that resulted in a very positive mutual outcome.
Ms. Dandeneu was also very responsive and organized, ensuring seamless communication. Invoices and expenses were clear and agreeable, with no unexpected charges or surprises. Their legal advice was knowledgeable, and they clearly defined the positive and negative implications of our strategy.
I was very happy working with the team and would strongly recommend them to a friend. I will continue to have them represent me without hesitation going forward.
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20 Sep, 2024 by James reed
Sarah and Elaine were super helpful and prompt to assist me in my legal efforts. If ever in need of a good attorney in family law I would highly recommend Fort Collins Family Law!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Nikki glantz
I cannot recommend Sarah enough! No one wants to have to deal with family court issues, but if you do, this is absolutely the law firm to use! Throughout the entire process, Sarah was knowledgeable, kind, empathetic, organized, and realistic. My emails/calls were always answered quickly, and Sarah was always clear and honest as far as what to expect, giving her advice while also listening to my concerns. My only regret is I didn't use her when I first got divorced, haha...this was for a bunch of post-decree stuff, that unfortunately went allllll the way to a hearing. In the courtroom, Sarah was clearly much more prepared than the other counsel, organized, and had made sure I was very clear on what to expect/do, and you can tell she is smart, quick, (and also tough as she cross-examines!) I ended up getting not just everything I wanted, but extra things I didn't expect as well. However, even the outcome was less than that, I would still be recommending her, because of how helpful and amazing she and her staff were for the entire years-long process leading up to this. She was also fair in her billing, (and didn't let the other party or my witness run extra time on the billing clock.) I hope you never need a family attorney, but if you do, this is the one to use.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Robert mckittrick
From the very first meeting to the last email Metier was communicative, prompt, and professional. I hope I never have to go through this again (hit by a car while on my bike) but if I do I'll be calling them no doubt it. I HIGHLY recommend Metier Law to anybody who wants a thoroughly competent team working for you.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Victor s
Mike and Genevieve were absolutely incredible to work with. They are not only amazing people, but are the best at what they do. Their professionalism navigating my case and bringing the results allowed me to positively move on with my life. Huge thank you to both!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Walter kennedy
I enjoyed talking with paralegal Kristi Driscoll so much it almost made it worth being hit by a car.
The only regret I have about the prompt settlement (much larger than I had expected) is I'll miss her frequent updates, which kept me from ever wondering what was going on. Thanks Kristi, and Patrick, for a great, and professional, job.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Robert mckittrick
From the very first meeting to the last email Metier was communicative, prompt, and professional. I hope I never have to go through this again (hit by a car while on my bike) but if I do I'll be calling them no doubt it. I HIGHLY recommend Metier Law to anybody who wants a thoroughly competent team working for you.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Victor s
Mike and Genevieve were absolutely incredible to work with. They are not only amazing people, but are the best at what they do. Their professionalism navigating my case and bringing the results allowed me to positively move on with my life. Huge thank you to both!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Walter kennedy
I enjoyed talking with paralegal Kristi Driscoll so much it almost made it worth being hit by a car.
The only regret I have about the prompt settlement (much larger than I had expected) is I'll miss her frequent updates, which kept me from ever wondering what was going on. Thanks Kristi, and Patrick, for a great, and professional, job.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Robert mckittrick
From the very first meeting to the last email Metier was communicative, prompt, and professional. I hope I never have to go through this again (hit by a car while on my bike) but if I do I'll be calling them no doubt it. I HIGHLY recommend Metier Law to anybody who wants a thoroughly competent team working for you.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Victor s
Mike and Genevieve were absolutely incredible to work with. They are not only amazing people, but are the best at what they do. Their professionalism navigating my case and bringing the results allowed me to positively move on with my life. Huge thank you to both!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Walter kennedy
I enjoyed talking with paralegal Kristi Driscoll so much it almost made it worth being hit by a car.
The only regret I have about the prompt settlement (much larger than I had expected) is I'll miss her frequent updates, which kept me from ever wondering what was going on. Thanks Kristi, and Patrick, for a great, and professional, job.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Robert mckittrick
From the very first meeting to the last email Metier was communicative, prompt, and professional. I hope I never have to go through this again (hit by a car while on my bike) but if I do I'll be calling them no doubt it. I HIGHLY recommend Metier Law to anybody who wants a thoroughly competent team working for you.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Victor s
Mike and Genevieve were absolutely incredible to work with. They are not only amazing people, but are the best at what they do. Their professionalism navigating my case and bringing the results allowed me to positively move on with my life. Huge thank you to both!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Walter kennedy
I enjoyed talking with paralegal Kristi Driscoll so much it almost made it worth being hit by a car.
The only regret I have about the prompt settlement (much larger than I had expected) is I'll miss her frequent updates, which kept me from ever wondering what was going on. Thanks Kristi, and Patrick, for a great, and professional, job.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Consuelo krueger
We started our journey with another attorney with little effort. We made a bold decision to change firms. Jeremy was able to get an agreement in place which helped us not going to court. Not only did this save time and money, but it also took off all the stress from our situation. I highly recommend Shufflebarger Law Office. We know where to turn in the future.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Danica terpening
He was honest, explained everything very well, and super fast to respond. We had a fast closing deadline we had to make and he did everything to help facilitate that! Thanks RD
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09 Sep, 2024 by Felix monrroy
Very helpful and made my process easy and less stressful!
Always answered when i had any questions. Very easy to work with!
100% recommended 🙏
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04 Oct, 2024 by Consuelo krueger
We started our journey with another attorney with little effort. We made a bold decision to change firms. Jeremy was able to get an agreement in place which helped us not going to court. Not only did this save time and money, but it also took off all the stress from our situation. I highly recommend Shufflebarger Law Office. We know where to turn in the future.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Danica terpening
He was honest, explained everything very well, and super fast to respond. We had a fast closing deadline we had to make and he did everything to help facilitate that! Thanks RD
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09 Sep, 2024 by Felix monrroy
Very helpful and made my process easy and less stressful!
Always answered when i had any questions. Very easy to work with!
100% recommended 🙏
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18 Aug, 2023 by Ernest leon
I need help with a bunk hit and run charge.
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07 Dec, 2021 by Jimmie ramage (lonewolf)
Andy Gavaldon is one of the Best Lawyers in Town. He has plenty of experience. He was once a public Defender but went private a long time ago. I would highly Recommend Andy as a Lawyer for anyone!!
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26 Oct, 2021 by Anne lorange
Mr. Gavaldon forgot my son's name in the courtroom. I'm sure he was good in his prime, but it may be time for him to retire.
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14 Feb, 2024 by Sylvia jones
11 Oct, 2023 by Brent willms
Very helpful and friendly.
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01 Jun, 2023 by Kevin fuqua
Mr. March was personal, knew the process, and explained it clearly.
My Dad always was a good judge of people.
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.4
34 Reviews
09 Jan, 2024 by Stella o'connor
Randy Golden is excellent. Very experienced and very compassionate!
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12 Jul, 2023 by Nota lawyer
Easy to defeat pro se. I had zero legal training. Heck, I didn’t even graduate high school (GED). Ordered some law books. Read the applicable chapters. Studied the Colorado Rules Of Civil Procedure. And I absolutely mopped the floor with Golden at trial. Easy win. Highly recommend this attorney for your soon to be ex-spouse. Golden made my life so easy.
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14 Apr, 2023 by Mark scott, d.c.
I do not give out many reviews but Randy Golden helped resolve my divorce. He is very experienced in family law and I later learned he educates new Judges learn Colorado Family Law. Professional and informative mediator. That motivated me to write a review. Would highly recommend before going though Judicial process!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Sue myers
So helpful and reasonable for advice.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Bryan king
22 Feb, 2024 by Shannon foust
Her goal really is to take care of pending issues and get the process completed. That's just one of the many incredible professional traits she has to offer her clients.
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16 Aug, 2023 by Alexandra
Russell Connelly is very knowledgeable. He helped me understand the process from start to finish. Russell has a great attitude and was very easy to work. He helped me with a speedy resolution to my case.
Russell, Thank you for all you have done for me in regards to my car accident!
Much appreciated!
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29 Apr, 2022 by Keith
Where do begin, I worked with Russell for over a year when he was at Ring & Associates in Fort Collins Colorado. This was for a car accident. Over the course of an entire year Russell didn't get anything done in my case. He had over 50 different times in which he failed to respond. He put in lackluster effort which reflected in my settlement amount. He never pushed to get more money in my pocket and It took and entire year to reach a settlement. The same exact deal that was presented in the beginning of the process. The only reason I accepted is because I was tired of dealing with his effort. Miss phone calls, missed emails, wouldn't give me updates for months on end. It was very sad to see how little he cared about me as a client. To put the cherry on top, he accepted the settlement in a frozen account left the firm and didn't bother to tell me. The only reason I ever knew is because I emailed 5 separate times to get a response. He finally responded with "Sorry I no longer work there" So he essential took a year to send a settlement that never changed and accepted it into a frozen account. Appreciate all the hard work you did for me.
I highly recommend to any future potential clients to not use Russell, he does not care about his clients.
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28 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Horrible representation. He did nothing for me. He waited to see what my ex offered and told me to acceot it all because it was all "standard". I had no way to know. I'd never been divorced before. I was married for 14 years and accepted maintenance for only 3 years, on his advice, because "it was standard". We never countered anything. He never tried! Later I learned that standard is at least half of the length of the marriage. I hadn't worked for the last 10 years of marriage because I was raising the kids and this short period of maintenance was impossible to ever dig out of.
Ironically, many years later I married someone who also used Dan Michaels as his divorce attorney when he divorced his first wife and his experience was the exact same. Dan never did anything, waited until the opposing side made an offer and just said "accept it all because it's standard". It wasn't at all. He's lazy, expensive and destructive.
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27 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
DId not advise me well and did not represent me in court well. Opposing side ate me alive. Imputed too high a wage to my support and left me with an impossible well of back support I may never dig out of. Still do not have shared custody of my kids. He never verified ex's salary, financials or claims of child care costs. Disastrous outcome for me.
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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.
