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5.0
72 Reviews
03 Jan, 2025 by Nicole walmsley
We were involved in a car accident that wasn’t our fault and needed help seeking compensation for our losses. A friend recommended this firm, and their trust in this team convinced us to choose them over others.
From the start, Jacqueline and Mike were thorough and professional. They educated us on our legal options, sent demands on our behalf, and even pursued compensation from an insurance company we didn’t believe would pay. They prepared us well for our deposition and went the extra mile by negotiating with our health insurance companies to reduce or eliminate liens.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we received compensation beyond what we expected. This settlement has been truly life-changing for us as a young married couple. It has alleviated the financial stress caused by the accident and positioned us for a more secure and successful future.
We are incredibly grateful for this firm’s expertise, compassion, and commitment to our case. We highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Denise
My Experience with Chris Murphy with Alpert Schreyer injury Accident Lawyers was nothing short of amazing! Their team is truly dedicated to providing excellent service,making me feel confident that my case was in the best possible hands. My Experience with Emma Payton as Paralegal working with the team she is not only a reasonably priced knowledgeable professional, Emma is like working with agood friend.she goes above and beyond to complete the work within the timefram you need. she is a delightful and a excellent access to this law firm.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Kevin antrum
Mr. Murphy and his paralegal Jacqueline Link took great care of me and fought to get me everything they could through this process I’d give them 10 gold stars if I could.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Cecilia r.
13 Jul, 2024 by James burtner
26 Jun, 2023 by Andy
John is truly a nonpareil defense attorney. Throughout the entire trajectory of my case, he was there for me 24/7—regularly staying on top of things and *always* replying to my texts/questions in a timely manner.
Perhaps most importantly, however, is that regarding my case, Mr. Discavage got me the desired outcome that I was hoping for.
In closing, I truly now consider John a good friend and again, I give him the highest accolades for his services.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Gina martinez
I HIGHLY recommend my husband's worker's comp attorney, Allyson Bloom. She actually took on his case under some unusual circumstances. Over 7 years my husband had 4 knee surgeries, including a cartilage harvest and transplant. Essentially we had been living in a perpetual nightmare, fighting the worker's comp company thevwhole time. Although the injury was 100% verified and on camera, we suffered a period of 13 months with zero payments from them, then randomly they would wait several weeks to send a wc check (only after Allyson submitted a complaint and request for a hearing to force them to do their job by putting the checks in the mail).
Our former lawyer in a different law firm retired about 5 years into my husband's case. He called to tell us that he was handing over my husband's case to Ms. Bloom. He explained that she is a great lawyer, and assured us we had nothing to worry about. At first, I was apprehensive with this huge change because I was afraid that some important details from those previous 5 years' worth of files would slip through the cracks and impact our case negatively if they weren't reviewed extensively. Knowing how much physical, financial and emotional suffering my husband and our family endured over all those years made me really nervous because I was afraid she might not realize the magnitude and context of our struggles and therefore may not be able to fight hard for this case to be resolved in a way that most benefits my husband.
For a few months, I struggled with getting used to the fact that she worked in a different manner than our former lawyer. I was used to almost constant contact with him or his Paralegal, whereas Allyson dove right in and only asked questions as needed, and she would call every so often to clarify more in-depth details of the case.
Once we did get to meet her at an appeal hearing, my anxiety was completely calmed and I knew I could trust her from the way she handled our case in court.
We're finally at the end of this horrible battle with worker's comp, and I have only great things to say about all her hard work, diligence and ability to seamlessly jump into our extremely complicated and intricate case. It was like she had been representing my husband from the very beginning of his accident.
Ms. Bloom has surpassed our expectations by a mile, and I am so happy that she is our lawyer. I recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone who is in need of an intelligent, hardworking, confident and compassionate lawyer to fight for you in the realm of worker's comp injury, she should be your go-to choice. Our family will be forever grateful to her.
But try not to get injured at work, seriously. I wouldn't wish that nightmare on anyone.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Patricia hebrank
Alyson Bloom was very helpful to me throughout the entire process of Workman's Comp. She walked me through all the steps and worked hard to achieve a successful outcome for me. I appreciated her thorough questioning of me as well as her defense of me during the hearing. As it turned out, we filed an appeal, and she was successful in achieving a positive outcome for me.
Holly Foster kept me informed during the process and answered my many questions.
I truly appreciated the hard work of this team.
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29 Sep, 2024 by David dewees
Always putting the needs of their clients first.
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11 Jul, 2024 by Achsah hammond
If you need a lawyer, YOU NEED Nicholas McDaniels! Lewis McDaniels law firm is a dedicated company as a whole and gets you the justice and help you deserve! They are knowledgeable, genuine professionals who earned much deserved respect, recognition, and appreciation from me! Thank you 1000x times for everything!
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19 Mar, 2024 by Jeremy weaver
Ryan, Nick, and Jack are the real deal.
Great for real estate litigation.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Steve rose
Hank was great in all aspects with the sale of my business. From the initial contract review through the sale and dissolution of my business. I was able to get the financial terms I wanted through his tenacity with the buyer. Thank you for your professionalism. I would recommend Hank to anyone.
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04 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
My wife is 92 and permanently in bed, not able to get out any more, I am 86 and too much for me to take care of her. I want to
marry a lady who would take care of her. My wife agreed to that. I would like to apply for divorce!
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24 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Russell represented me in my divorce from my husband of 30 years. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable, kind and professional. I always felt that he had my best interests as his first priority. I highly recommend Mr Russell for divorce.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Paul donegan
17 Dec, 2024 by Marina lazar
Highly satisfied with Marc Ward’s representation! He represented me in a few cases (small claims and traffic) and I came out on top each time.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Marina
Attorney Marc Ward is a breath of fresh air when it comes to dealing with legal problems. His experience, knowledge and overall pleasant personality is what
most clients seeking legal representation look for.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a very bad experience with this lawyer as he threatened myself. Can Lawyer's do that? Best believe I will do my homework on that issue. He was the worst lawyer I have ever come across in my forty plus years of dealing with lawyers!!
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07 Aug, 2023 by Lois mccutcheon
Mr. Campben and his wife have been friends of mine for years so when I had a difficult estate issue pertaining to my estranged biological father I turned to Campben and Manganaro. I can’t say enough how protected I felt during this difficult time. Very honest and humble people. If you want an attorney that makes you feel like family look no further.
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10 Mar, 2023 by Katie scherer
No words to describe how amazing my case was handled. From the compassion all the way down to getting my what I deserved. HIGHLY recommend to anyone dealing with a personal injury case. They will make sure you get what you deserve ❤️ I can't thank them enough and I am so thankful for the friendship we have built!
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25 Sep, 2018 by Thomas
Hired Samantha Manganaro for representation for a possession charge. Samantha keep me well-informed and educated me throughout the trial process. She knew the proper steps to take to gain the desired outcome. I couldn’t be happier in the outcome of my trail and had I not contacted their firm I’m not sure I would have received such an outcome. Samantha was trustworthy, honest and to the point with the facts of my case. I am happy I hired her for representation and would recommend them any day.
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16 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Samantha assisted me with a landlord/tenant contract issue. She was quick to learn the situation and eager to assist me in resolving the situation. She listened to all of the details and formulated an appropriate response. She was excellent to work with and made me feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable situation. Thank you for your help!
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11 Jan, 2017 by Patrishia
She was excellent she did everything that she could and then some! My husband was facing charges that could possibly land him in jail they were very serious charges. She found all the paperwork she has filed when she couldn't get documentation from the hospital you know she went to the hospital and got the documentation. She called repeatedly to the state's attorney trying to get this settled out of court when he hadn't even opened up the case File to even begin to look at it. The state's attorney wouldn't settle out of court or even look at the file but she didn't stop she kept on him. Court date came she still didn't stop she kept having them look at the paperwork what can we do what can we do this isn't his fault. Finally we got done and it's all over! No jail time, no fine, it never happened!!!! I could not have asked for a more attentive lawyer. Thank you so much for everything that you've done.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Dolora huacache
I highly recommend giving the Machin Law firm a call. Manuel was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. Going through divorce is overwhelming and there’s so much information thrown at you. He really took the time to explain things to me so that I could make the best decisions and take the proper steps for my family. This team will not disappoint! I felt that they genuinely cared about my case - and that’s hard to find.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Star light
Contact this law firm if you want to lose your disability case because Sleepy tom slater is 100 percent incompetent and unprepared and will lose important stuff out of your file too . AVOID
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10 Sep, 2024 by Susan holter
So I was very distraught when I called MrCahn. He answered my questions and sent me on a new path. Than my daughter didn’t think I understood him well and she called him and he explained it all to her. What an asset to Frederick County he is. That friend you never knew you had Thanks Regards
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Santa Maria took an entire world off of my shoulders. After struggling with an at fault insurance company while recovering physically, financially, and mentally, he took all of my worries away. He kept my best interest in mind and fought for what was best for me. I couldn't imagine going through all of this without him. He kept me updated, was always available for me and at my most convenience. He offered options and explained in depth potential outcomes to all options. The knowledge and expirence Phil has is incredible and emotionally life saving for myself in my situation. He is someone I trust and highly respect, his loyalty is one in a million. I enjoyed working with Mr. Santa Maria professionally as a client not only for the remarkable job he did with my case, but he was also very welcoming. A friendly face, comfortable atmosphere, with an inviting personality. Though my case is complete, I will forever be grateful for the work he has done for me.
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22 Dec, 2016 by Deborah
In 2015, I was injured in an auto accident in the state of Maryland. When I contacted Mr. Santa Maria, I wasn’t sure whether or not if he could handle my case since I wasn’t a resident of Maryland. Mr. Santa Maria did handle my case. Mr. Santa Maria and I communicated weekly about my condition and my treatments. He worked around my schedule, and he kept me inform about my case. Due to Mr. Santa Maria professionalism, I would recommend Mr. Santa Maria to my family, and my friends. I am glad I selected Mr. Santa Maria as my lawyer.
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14 Dec, 2016 by Jason
Mr. Santa Maria is very knowledgeable of the law and took the time to explain every detail we needed to know about our case. He was direct and began working with us immediately making progress. I know he went out of his way to make us feel more at ease about our circumstances and to make things easier for us to deal with. Very happy to have chosen him out of the several others we met with.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Misha’s tennis training, llc
Jim helped me during very hard time, truly appreciate his efforts and experience! Highly recommend !
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany k
I cannot thank Michael Dempsher enough for taking on our case. He was honest about the potential outcome and I cannot be more pleased. If you are hesitant to retain a lawyer, don’t be! I would use Michael in the future .
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08 Nov, 2024 by Ll
Mike Dempsher was wonderful. He fought hard for me, and held my case together, even through courtroom drama. My case ended with a successful result. It felt good to have someone on my side supporting me every step of the way. I am very grateful for him and would definitely hire him again!
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23 Dec, 2024 by Edwin
I hired Mr. Soubra for personal injury case and he went above and beyond flighting on my behalf, negotiating and a getting me a great compensation. He was easy to reach, explained things thoroughly and was a great encouragement through the process. I highly recommend him if you are looking for an injury lawyer.
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04 Aug, 2024 by John
I found Mr. Soubra. He handled my divorce case as a true professional after a previous failing attorney in Frederick County MD. Mr. Soubra reviewed my case and handled my case in detail. He knows Maryland Family law as a top experience attorney. He explained in detail the actions when confronted with opposing attorney trying itimination in my case with alternatives in which Mr Soubra countered successfully in detail. I always felt with his representation that he was in my corner. My case went to trial
and his trial experience helped my case with a satisfactory outcome. Although no party really wins, his experience in family law with professionlism and experience in the court room helped my case settlement reached a satisfactory outcome in the final merrits hearing.
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24 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
He is very good at his work, he helped me a lot in obtaining my rights, and he worked hard with me a lot. The best lawyer I have met, friendly and human
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5.0
4 Reviews
15 Nov, 2021 by D
A great affordable honest determine lawyer and I appreciate her and her staff they are great.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Mrs. Garcia, not only fought for my rights but she always went above and beyond every time I needed her. The passion that shines through in her work is brilliant, just like her personality; very sweet, caring, compassionate woman with the heart of a warrior!. For me, Mrs. Garcia is un matched In her field of work. She will always be my number choice personally, and for anyone I know who may be in need of her services, she is my number 1 recommendation.
If you are seriously searching for an attorney that will be moral and just?, without a doubt, Danielle Garcia is exactly who you are looking for.
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30 Oct, 2021 by Megan
What is there to say about Danielle, she is just amazing! My favorite part about her is she doesn’t treat you as a check to cash she treats you as an individual. Your case is your case. I haven’t ever felt as comfortable with the information being given to me as I have with her. As a female I’ve felt in the past as though I haven’t been given all the proper information and with her I never felt anything was held back! Highly recommend especially if you’re a female!! Thank you for all he help Danielle.
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08 Mar, 2015 by Kim
I hired Mr Bricken based on his experience and reputation when i was seeking help in a Domestic Situation that required knowledge, experience and responsiveness. Mr. Bricken and his staff helped me through the process of obtaining a protective order and all the details that I needed to know. The entire firm not only kept me informed of each detail, but also explained the details and what the ultimate outcome would be. There were many details involved; keeping my residence, my belongings and being there for me in keeping the respondent away with the help of the court. Mr Bricken gave me the peace of mind I needed in going through this process of my Protective Order answering all my calls, all emails and any questions, even if they were not priority. I rarely waited for a response or was left hanging. Basically, all calls were returned within a 24 hour period. I believe that his staff was also familiar with each detail of my case which was shocking to me since they seem to have many clients to keep track of. I truly believe that if I didn't have Mr. Bricken and his staff, my outcome would not have been as favorable and quite possibly I would have been lost in the shuffle of the many protective orders that are not taken seriously. I would highly recommend Mr. Bricken and his very capable staff for all matters concerning domestic situations. To the best of my knowledge his level of expertise exceeds in other areas as well.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Andrew kirby
Luqman Law is awesome. Everyone there is super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I'll definitely be working with them again for our legal needs in the future.
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10 Jul, 2024 by Gary damico
I have referred numerous clients to Devin and his team throughout the last 10 years. I am constantly impressed with his tenacity and ability to follow though on his word. 10 years later, I consider Devin a foremost authority in immigration law, and look forward to his continued dedication to the craft.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Devin luqman
27 Sep, 2024 by Donna coffey
They are very professional and understanding. They explained everything along the way. I am happy with our results.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie robine
I have had the pleasure of working with Horman Nichols on my personal injury case and highly recommend their expertise. Andy Nichols was referred to me by a family friend, and from the outset, he and his staff demonstrated exceptional expertise, knowledge, patience, and kindness. While needing legal representation is never ideal, if you find yourself in such a situation, I strongly advise contacting the offices of Horman Nichols.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Euretha powell
All of the staff at Horman Nichols Law Firm were very attentive and professional, which created well-ordered interactions.
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07 Feb, 2015 by Jason
Michael Sweet is the best general practice lawyer I've been to in Frederick, hands down. Very attentive and professional. I plan to use him for all of my legal matters going forward and I've already recommended him to friends and family.
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13 May, 2024 by Megan vaughn
Easy to work with and understanding in any situation. If the need ever arises I would definitely work with him again.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Daly martinez
He is a great lawyer! He stuck with me thru my case as a genuine person who truly cares for his clients. Not only did he get me thru and fight in my divorce, he also fought for me in my protection order case. I highly recommend him.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Vania jacobs
Rob was wonderful to me. I was super apprehensive about filing for divorce. But helped me through it. He was extremely flexible, always with a smile and good sense of humor. Very professional and told me facts and that is what I needed. Fair cost too. Overall I am super happy with his services.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Hive mind
02 Nov, 2024 by Emily williamson
07 Oct, 2024 by Jamal winston
Jennifer Dayton is worth the money. She goes above and beyond for her clients. She is knowledgeable and will seek the best outcome
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5.0
6 Reviews
3.8
22 Reviews
14 Sep, 2024 by Star light
Contact this law firm if you want to lose your disability case because Sleepy tom slater is 100 percent incompetent and unprepared and will lose important stuff out of your file too . AVOID
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26 May, 2024 by Brittany smoot
Been waiting on my disability claim for 3 years now 😔
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13 May, 2024 by Subhash rastogi
05 Nov, 2024 by Dolora huacache
I highly recommend giving the Machin Law firm a call. Manuel was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. Going through divorce is overwhelming and there’s so much information thrown at you. He really took the time to explain things to me so that I could make the best decisions and take the proper steps for my family. This team will not disappoint! I felt that they genuinely cared about my case - and that’s hard to find.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Star light
Contact this law firm if you want to lose your disability case because Sleepy tom slater is 100 percent incompetent and unprepared and will lose important stuff out of your file too . AVOID
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10 Sep, 2024 by Susan holter
So I was very distraught when I called MrCahn. He answered my questions and sent me on a new path. Than my daughter didn’t think I understood him well and she called him and he explained it all to her. What an asset to Frederick County he is. That friend you never knew you had Thanks Regards
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22 May, 2024 by Andrew archie
Gave very little if any actual legal help. I spoke to him maybe 5 times in 6 months. No pre hearing prep. He only got 2 stars because he occasionally answered questions that I had. I was sent incorrect information several times including the wrong address and time for my hearing. Absolutely would suggest another option for your workman’s comp case. He will collect your money and send you on your way
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10 Feb, 2024 by Devin luqman
01 Dec, 2023 by Jennifer godlove
Mr. Crum handled my son's accident case. I will tell you, he is amazing, knows what he is doing without a doubt and does not hesitate to keep you informed. This case too a long time which was no fault of his but he kept me informed every step of the way. He does not sugar coat anything so you know exactly what is going on. I'd give him a 20 star rating if I could. I highly recommend him.
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01 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
We had a custody case with Mr. Rolle in August of 2017 and we are so happy we hired him! We instantly felt at ease with him. Also, he must have an excellent paralegal on staff. She seems to have done most of our paperwork (under his supervision/direction) and that was great for us! The custody order and other stuff was very well written and because he used his paralegal so wisely the billing to us was far less than we were expecting it to be. It was a huge relief for us. We’d had another lawyer before him who did things badly and was gouging us with the billing, so our final bill from this firm was a huge relief. They deducted the bill from our retainer and returned it in a reasonable amount of time.
Also, when the other party was ready to settle (very much in our favor), because of life circumstances, Mr. Rolle’s Law firm was able to get the new custody order written up very quickly. I think it was only a couple of days and that included some revisions that we sent in after the fact. That was important because we were concerned the other party might change their mind.
We would definitely hire Mr. Rolle again.
Thank you!
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21 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Rolle does not take just any case. Even though he could easily do this to increase his billable hours, that is not his style. He is to the point, and cares about keeping legal costs down. I have recommended this firm to two of my friends and anticipate I will recommend them again if the opportunity arises. He was brilliant in how he drafted the complaint filed against my opponent and fiercely protected my legal interests.
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02 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Rolle is professional, kind, and did a fabulous job representing me in my divorce/custody case. He listened to me and worked effectively to get the best resolution for me and my children. Mr. Rolle is also very aware of not wasting time/money -- and thus my total attorneys' fees were not the extreme financial hit they could have been. Highly recommended!
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11 Aug, 2024 by Alyson
Contacted her in late 2023 for a consultation regarding a pending case I had. She offered to review my information and my case. I sent her my documents and then waited. Heard nothing back for a couple weeks. Technically I wasn't in a rush at the time, but was surprised not to hear anything back. Contacted her office to later hear she was on an extended vacation. Uhm okay… so several weeks later when my case was coming up in court, I tried checking back with her. Not only did she claim she didn't have my docments (which she later found), she them claimed it was my fault for not checking in earlier and reminding her.
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04 Dec, 2022 by Robert cole
Honorable and very kind. True to her word and would surely recommend this lawyer
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18 Oct, 2022 by Sinese battle
22 Dec, 2024 by Paul donegan
03 Aug, 2024 by Paul troxell
Mr. Grove is an attorney able to distil complex situations into clear and concise explanations. I've entrusted him with two highly intricate issues. His ability to present options in a straightforward manner is amazing. I couldn't recommend him more highly; his skill and clarity make him a solid choice for anyone seeking legal counsel. The thing I am most impressed with, he truly cares about the people he represents, and it shows. He is truly a incredible person as well as a lawyer.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Anthony smith
Overpriced, unprofessional, dishonest, and disrespectful to clients, hangs up phone on clients, Very Unprofessional. If you want to be disrespected and lose your case Dave is for you. 2 thumbs down
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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.
