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25 Sep, 2024 by Jesse hummel
Louis Michelsen was really rude during my call with him in regards to searching for a case. Every possibility I suggested, reapplying for a second SSI Case, further research, and carrying out the first SSI Case, he scolded me, calling me a "Loser," and said it was 99.5% of chance of losing at every possibility. He blasphemed during the phone call, and made my hopes of getting Legal Aid for my Disability a lot worse. To the Establishment, everyone else was not rude, and acted professional. However, unless this place terminates Luis Michelsen, more People are going to turn away from this Establishment in disgust. Never again am I going to turn to this place.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Kristie grove
Working with Thomas Wilken has been great. He communicates to you as a normal person. He showed so much passion and understanding. He always worried about the client and not worried about lining his pocket. He works hard to get you taken care of instead of pushing you to the back burner. He doesn't sugarcoat. He cracks the whip when the defendant is trying to prolong your case. Thomas's paralegal was always ready to answer questions or if she didn't have the answer she was fast to get the answer. It has been a pleasure to have Thomas and Ira H. Weinstock P.C on my side.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Nanci lycett
Louis was at all times professional and straightforward. He briefed me for my court appearance several times, and was helpful with any questions and concerns. Best of all, he won my case after I'd spent over 2 years appealing!
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10 Dec, 2021 by Jean
Atty Carpenter was awesome! His staff was very helpful. They always responded to email and phone calls within a matter of hours. Atty Carpenter was very patient and understanding. I would highly recommend him.
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15 Mar, 2021 by Ademola
I was linked with Mr Carpenter through prepaid legal in 2017 for my custody case. He went above and beyond and above to get me 50/50 custody rights for my kids. I used him again in 2019 when my ex refused to honor the court order, not only that, helped me wrote letters few times without charge.
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07 Sep, 2020 by Steph
performed excellently for the situation I had. Services were affordable and won my case
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10 Jun, 2024 by Tanya mayfield
The Best of the Best....
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27 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I was always treated with respect and never felt that I was "just a number". Because of my circumstances, the car accident left me in a financial hardship. I needed things to happen quickly without settling for less than I deserved.
The staff at HHR were very much on top of things and Atty. Crosby never made me doubt that he was working for ME. Everyone was very professional.
In the end, I received a settlement that I was MORE than happy with and highly recommend HHR, Atty. Crosby and their staff. Thank you for taking care of me :)
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18 Jun, 2015 by Giles
We are writing this letter to tell you how pleased we are with the selection of HHR as the law firm representing Ina Alessi. Throughout her hospital stay, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and recovery both Kate Kuhns and Attorney Matt Crosby guided her through this arduous process.
Their assistance, constant explanations, updates, and handling of negotiations was courteous and professional at all times. Questions were answered promptly and clearly. Each step of the negotiating process was explained including the possibility of further legal action and trial.
This was a very trying time in Ina’s life. Your email and phone contact with her brother-in-law Giles Couch was an enormous assistance to her cause.
Again, we wish to thank you and to tell you that Ina is completely satisfied with the outcome and settlement. Hopefully, we will not experience a similar accident. However, we will not hesitate to recommend HHR to others. Attorney Crosby and Ms. Kuhns were always kind, courteous, and helpful. Do not hesitate to use this letter as you address other clients and potential clients.
Sincerely yours,
Giles W. C., Jr.
For Ina Alessi
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10 Jun, 2024 by Tanya mayfield
The Best of the Best....
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25 Feb, 2019 by Lindsy
My husband and son were in a terrible car accident, and I thought I could handle everything on my own. After the insurance company came to our home and had me in tears, I knew we needed help. Andrew Spears and Patty Sarago at HHR handled everything, so that we could focus on our family.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Todd
Today was a day I was both dreading, but also looking forward to as I had to appear for a preliminary hearing regarding an accidental discharge of a firearm that resulted in the projectile passing through the wall of my dwelling and into the adjacent one.
I say dreading because of the implications it would have on both my life and career. Conversely I was looking forward to it because I had attorney Alan Ross in my corner defending me.
I cannot say enough about how professional Alan was in how he presented himself and my case during the hearing, and the amount of time and effort that he took to prepare for it. In the end, his thorough research of case law, legal statutes, and presiding opinion, and presentation of such before the district justice was impressive. He was prepared for, and countered the opposing arguments of the district attorney and ended up swaying the judge in our favor to dismiss the case on all counts.
I cannot thank Alan enough for all the hard work, and compassion he showed towards both my case and myself, prior to and including today’s hearing . While I hope to never have to retain his services again, should the need arise he will always be the one I look to engage on my behalf, and if anyone is out there reading this because they are seeking outstanding service and representation, I highly encourage you to call him.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Felicia
Our family has been using and referring Attorney Ross for almost 10 years He is always there when we need him. “I call him the no nonsense lawyer” he is very professional, straightforward and gets the job done. If you need legal services Attorney Alan Ross is your man.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Allen Ross Is or of the best lawyers I’ve ever dealt with hands down ! Highly professional easy to deal with and a man of his word!
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23 Dec, 2024 by Roslyn thompson
I came to Handler Henning and Rosenberg for my disability case. Mr Robert Spayde and his assistant Shondel Delaney were very helpful when I was asking questions. They helped me through the process and guided me all the way. I would recommend them to anyone. They are very knowledgeable and their customer service is phenomenal... Will go back again if need be
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20 Dec, 2024 by Patricia hoffmaster
HHR is awesome. They are very caring about their clients. I give them a 5/5!
David Lutz was great!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Tracy meckley
I fought for over two years for my ssdi. Once I talked to shon-del about my case, she helped me get this whole ordeal taken care of quickly. HHR is great they don't talk alot but they get the job done. Thanks
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23 Dec, 2024 by Roslyn thompson
I came to Handler Henning and Rosenberg for my disability case. Mr Robert Spayde and his assistant Shondel Delaney were very helpful when I was asking questions. They helped me through the process and guided me all the way. I would recommend them to anyone. They are very knowledgeable and their customer service is phenomenal... Will go back again if need be
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20 Dec, 2024 by Patricia hoffmaster
HHR is awesome. They are very caring about their clients. I give them a 5/5!
David Lutz was great!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Tracy meckley
I fought for over two years for my ssdi. Once I talked to shon-del about my case, she helped me get this whole ordeal taken care of quickly. HHR is great they don't talk alot but they get the job done. Thanks
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27 Jul, 2023 by Markeil hinton
23 Sep, 2022 by Rebecca albert
Amazing guidance
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27 Oct, 2021 by Erika mahonski
19 Dec, 2024 by Beautiful tootie
Zac and Amber were great!
Very interactive and responsive to questions and very understanding through it all. Thank you for all your help.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jason sidun
Great Law office ! Andrea was amazing and very caring from the beginning! Andrea always checked in on me and made sure I was ok and made me feel like she truly cared about my well being ! I would recommend her and the law firm to anyone who wants real results and that also cares about you from day one !!!!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Karen greig
I contacted MW about my social security case. They were great kept in touch and updated me along the way. Won the case! They were great!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Beautiful tootie
Zac and Amber were great!
Very interactive and responsive to questions and very understanding through it all. Thank you for all your help.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jason sidun
Great Law office ! Andrea was amazing and very caring from the beginning! Andrea always checked in on me and made sure I was ok and made me feel like she truly cared about my well being ! I would recommend her and the law firm to anyone who wants real results and that also cares about you from day one !!!!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Karen greig
I contacted MW about my social security case. They were great kept in touch and updated me along the way. Won the case! They were great!
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23 Apr, 2024 by Brianne warren
Called about a house few times got a text saying they would call me back never did, honestly sucks in my opinion
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06 Apr, 2024 by Salem bogewari
If there is more than 5 stars, I would give it to them. I am officially green card holder 😇. I would like to take this opportunity to thank R.Andrew who has helped me to make my case approved. I would definitely recommend anyone who is seeking to apply for any immigration benefits. My case took like 9 months to be approved. Again thank you R. Andrew.
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29 Dec, 2023 by Brittany robinson
We contacted Tony for a custody case that got very, very aggressive. Tony was diligent, respectful and up front with us during the entire process. We won this case because of Tony and we will forever be in his debt for finally closing this horrific chapter in our lives. 10/10 would recommend.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Jesse hummel
Louis Michelsen was really rude during my call with him in regards to searching for a case. Every possibility I suggested, reapplying for a second SSI Case, further research, and carrying out the first SSI Case, he scolded me, calling me a "Loser," and said it was 99.5% of chance of losing at every possibility. He blasphemed during the phone call, and made my hopes of getting Legal Aid for my Disability a lot worse. To the Establishment, everyone else was not rude, and acted professional. However, unless this place terminates Luis Michelsen, more People are going to turn away from this Establishment in disgust. Never again am I going to turn to this place.
Read more
15 Apr, 2024 by Kristie grove
Working with Thomas Wilken has been great. He communicates to you as a normal person. He showed so much passion and understanding. He always worried about the client and not worried about lining his pocket. He works hard to get you taken care of instead of pushing you to the back burner. He doesn't sugarcoat. He cracks the whip when the defendant is trying to prolong your case. Thomas's paralegal was always ready to answer questions or if she didn't have the answer she was fast to get the answer. It has been a pleasure to have Thomas and Ira H. Weinstock P.C on my side.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Nanci lycett
Louis was at all times professional and straightforward. He briefed me for my court appearance several times, and was helpful with any questions and concerns. Best of all, he won my case after I'd spent over 2 years appealing!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Jim carchidi
They went after the insurance company and successfully got them to compensate me for my injuries sustained by a head on collision with a distracted teenage driver. Otherwise my medical bills would have all been out of pocket. Gerry was personable, attentive, and very relaxed in his approach with me as his client. I felt safe and assured from the very first introduction.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Jack
Scott and his staff led me through a very traumatic time in my life. Scott genuinely cared about my health, was very professional, and I was very pleased with the final outcome.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Garrett fisher
The lawyer I had stayed on top of everything. She was very good with letting me know what the next step was and very professional. I can not thank her enough.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Jim carchidi
They went after the insurance company and successfully got them to compensate me for my injuries sustained by a head on collision with a distracted teenage driver. Otherwise my medical bills would have all been out of pocket. Gerry was personable, attentive, and very relaxed in his approach with me as his client. I felt safe and assured from the very first introduction.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Jack
Scott and his staff led me through a very traumatic time in my life. Scott genuinely cared about my health, was very professional, and I was very pleased with the final outcome.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Garrett fisher
The lawyer I had stayed on top of everything. She was very good with letting me know what the next step was and very professional. I can not thank her enough.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Lucille.
I had never been in a MVA before,so speaking to a personal injury attorney was all new to me. When I met with Ryan,he explained all the details to me in a very helpful manner. He always asked if I had any questions about anything. When I needed to contact Ryan,he was easy to reach either by phone or email. He always got back to me in a very timely manner- he was also very courteous & pleasant to talk to. He is highly respected & recommended by me.
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23 Mar, 2017 by Nicole
Ryan did an excellent job. He always kept me informed and called me often when needed as I was always available for his calls...(important factor as well) I'am pleased with the amount of settlement I got. He's a very hard worker. Thank you.
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11 Feb, 2017 by Jay
I was hurt in a car accident I contacted the law firm after talking to him for a short while on the phone he made appointment with me to come to my house he was very easy to contact on the phone if I had any questions got back to me right away is very nice guy to talk to I would recommend him in a heartbeat great guy to talk to
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29 Dec, 2021 by Ben
I was referred to Tom by a family member. Tom and his staff successfully handled my personal injury while also fulfilling my workers comp requirements. Tom is a skilled attorney that overdelivered for my case. Don’t hesitate to give Tom a call to handle your personal injury claim.
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30 May, 2019 by Elizabeth
Tom was great to work with. He’s thorough & works diligently on behalf of his clients. My husband & I are very satisfied with our representation and the outcome of our case. We highly recommend Tom Archer.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Jeffrey
Mr. Thomas A. Archer and his paralegal staff, Lisa Knode and Jessica Porter, recently handled the estate of my late brother, Eric. The situation was complex and required significant interactions with multiple companies and individuals. Mr. Archer was able to identify hard-to-find information that ultimately led to a successful resolution of this estate. His staff was courteous, prompt and thorough. They explained every step permitting our family to recover assets that would otherwise have been lost.
I highly recommend his services to others.
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11 Jul, 2014 by Bridgette
When your child is hurt in an accident you don't know what to do.. Phones are ringing, insurance companies calling, and all you want to do is take care of your child and get them the care that they need. I didn't need to worry about how I was going to pay for all of this, and answer a million questions when I didn't even have all the answers yet myself. Mr Marzzacco quickly put me at ease, stopped all the phone calls and let me take care of my daughter! He handled everything but always kept me updated on her case and how we needed to proceed. He was kind and dedicated. Anytime I have a question, I quickly got a response from him or his wonderful staff. I really can't say enough about my experience because they were there during the worst year of our lives, and did his part to get my daughter what she deserved. I would never use another Lawyer and would recommend him to everyone and anyone I know. Thank you for Everything!
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04 Jun, 2013 by Michael
Chris helped me when I needed help the most. He is very good at what he does and would highly recommend to everyone who needs a great attorney
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15 Mar, 2013 by Randy
Mr. Marzzacco was a wonderful, caring and effecient attorney. He and his staff worked to get me a fair judgement. My case was handled as if it were his most important, phone calls and emails from me were returned promptly. I would certainly reccommend him and his firm to anyone needing legal assistance .
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22 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Richard represented me for traffic tickets and was very personable and helpful throughout the process. He took care of everything and it was very easy process.
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08 Jul, 2015 by Eve
Rick represented me in my workers compensation case. He is very knowledgeable of the law, very attentive to details and kept on top of the situation every step of the way. I would highly recommend him for anyone needing legal counsel.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Tjr
This guy is awesome!! Unfortunately, I needed his services for my underage daughter's DUI. Found him to be very easy to deal with. Explains things very clearly in layman’s terms, knows the law and is very responsive. Kept us informed (even after he was paid). Hopefully I don't need his service again but if I found myself or my family in another situation where I needed a "hired gun" to go to bat I wouldn't hesitate to call Mr. Maffett.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Tabeen
Two years back, he took on my sister's guardianship case with such dedication and professionalism. He was right there with us, collaborating closely and keeping communication open and smooth. He tackled all the twists and turns of the case expertly, bringing it to a successful close and securing a settlement that truly helped our family. His dedication and legal know-how truly made a huge difference for us.
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19 May, 2015 by Maxine
Mr Rosen did what he said he would ,kept me informed,didn't mislead,very kind ,understanding,an aggressive attorney,walked with me thru every step .Would absolutely recommend him.Any future issues I may encounter ( hopefully none) I will definitely call Mr Rosen ..
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27 Sep, 2011 by Jason
I have had the good pleasure to be represented by Mr. Lawrence J Rosen in numerous custody, civil and criminal matters and have found him to be a top notch attorney.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Jim
Attorney Gregory Feather worked diligently on my case exceeding all of my expectations . Attorney Feather kept me abreast of everything going on with the case to the very end . Everything was handled very professionally Mr. Feather and his staff were a pleasure to talk to. Erin sent out all the documents promptly, by the end we were on a first name basis.
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26 Jul, 2017 by Marie
When my accident happened, I was lost and thought I was going to end up in a circumstance of total loss. I was unable to return to work for almost 5 months and with a family to support, not being compensated was not an option. I consulted with Mr.Feather and he assured me that my case deserved to be recognized and compensated. He dealt directly with my insurance company who did nothing but hassle me and try to avoid dealing with the situation at hand. Not only was he successful in obtaining a worthy settlement, but he was very professional, punctual, honest and empathetic to my needs. I would definitely hire him again if needed in the future.
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28 Jun, 2017 by Willie
I hired an out of state attorney to represent me on a defective product and I would never updates on my case. I contacted Attorney Feather, he looked into it for me and was able to get the answers for me. He met with me in person and went over all my settlement paperwork and helped me more money than the other firm. I would highly recommend his services.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Cindy
He is thorough and went above and beyond for us! I was bitten by a dog and couldn't get any results so I decided to hire a lawyer. Gerard came highly recommended and he did an awesome job! I would highly recommend him!
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14 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
A year ago my family and i was in a bad accident. It was hard trying to get around with our disabled toddler who also at the time was in the car the day of the accident we lost our car and as if things couldnt be worse we was stuck trying to figure out how we would be able to afford the $45,000.00 in medical bills from the accident. Mr.Kramer won my case within six months and i was bills free very satisfied and will recommend this law office to anyone in need pf a lawyer. Thanks again from the Thomas and Brown family
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23 Dec, 2013 by Cindy
Zach was so easy to work with. His professionalism is unmatched to any other attorney I have ever had to deal with. He always kept me informed on any new information that came up in the course of his day.
I am from out of state and we had only done business over the phone. When Zach found out I would be in town for my father's surgery, He went out of his way and he met me at the hospital so we could put faces with names and voices. I highly recommend Zach for his character and his professionalism. He is awesome to work with.
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16 Apr, 2023 by Paul
I retained Mr. Brenner on the advice of another attorney when it became apparent that I was likely to face a frivolous lawsuit from an ex. This was my first experience with civil law, and among my first experiences with retaining an attorney in general. That said, I did not know what to expect, and I was frustrated and scared. Tom did a great job of walking me through the process and letting me vent when necessary. The process makes a glacier look fast! Tom was always available when I needed him and did a great job of explaining things in a way that I understood. Perhaps most importantly, he listened to me, endeavored to understand the uniqueness (perceived or real) of my situation, and then explained my options in a way I could understand, and then let/made me decide on the course of action I thought was best for me prior to making any major moves. Tom knows the system, the players and the process. My general take on the situation was that I wanted to fight since it was my money and my reputation that needed defending. That said, I guess the result is that my perception was that we didn’t fight as hard as possible. However, that MAY be more emotion than reality on my part as the case is now settled in a manner that ultimately was acceptable to me. Once I swallowed that settling may be the best option, I have to say that Tom did an excellent job in those proceedings.
INFO I FEEL I NEED TO INCLUDE: No matter who you choose to hire, I strongly recommend that you do your homework and make use of free initial consults to ensure that whoever you choose is a good fit for you. I was shocked by my whole situation, had far too much faith in the system, and did not make good use of these initial consults. If you are hiring an attorney to represent you in Pennsylvania, I recommend that you check here as well: https://www.padisciplinaryboard.org/for-the-public/find-attorney. It is unlikely that you will find an attorney with a history of founded ethical violations since this is a case of attorneys policing their own (something they just don’t do), but I encourage you to check anyway. Lastly, set realistic expectations. It isn’t like on TV—rest assured that attorneys are not going to call out their own. It is a cult, and non-attorneys are on the outside looking in—even though your life and livelihood may depend on it.
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24 Mar, 2016 by Kathy weiser
Jennifer represented me at my disability hearing. She was wonderful! Professional, thorough, precise and very nice. She made me feel calm and prepared so I was able to answer all the questions presented before me. Thanks to her, I won my SSD and I am now receiving my benefits! I highly recommend Ms. Ruth!!!
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09 Apr, 2013 by Randy
Dan helped me with my workers comp and social security case. This was my first time ever needing a Lawyer so I didn't know what to expect. The entire case took longer then I expected, but then I didn't realize all the red tape involved. Overall Dan was patient with me and explained everything in a way that I could understand. In the end all went great and I would recommend him to anyone.
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29 Sep, 2021 by Crystal benton
Mr. Wisneski has been absolutely fantastic! I couldn't ask for better! All of his staff are very nice, get back to you right away and do anything to help you. He made a rough patch so much easier to handle! The world needs more attorney's like him!
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12 Apr, 2017 by Sue gates
If your looking for an Attorney that you can trust and has your best interest in an injury claim. Mr. David Wisneski is the attorney for you. He and his staff are pleasant and they really work hard for you to get what you deserve. Mr. Wisneski thank you for working hard in my case.
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29 Sep, 2021 by Crystal benton
Mr. Wisneski has been absolutely fantastic! I couldn't ask for better! All of his staff are very nice, get back to you right away and do anything to help you. He made a rough patch so much easier to handle! The world needs more attorney's like him!
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12 Apr, 2017 by Sue gates
If your looking for an Attorney that you can trust and has your best interest in an injury claim. Mr. David Wisneski is the attorney for you. He and his staff are pleasant and they really work hard for you to get what you deserve. Mr. Wisneski thank you for working hard in my case.
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29 Sep, 2021 by Crystal benton
Mr. Wisneski has been absolutely fantastic! I couldn't ask for better! All of his staff are very nice, get back to you right away and do anything to help you. He made a rough patch so much easier to handle! The world needs more attorney's like him!
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12 Apr, 2017 by Sue gates
If your looking for an Attorney that you can trust and has your best interest in an injury claim. Mr. David Wisneski is the attorney for you. He and his staff are pleasant and they really work hard for you to get what you deserve. Mr. Wisneski thank you for working hard in my case.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Tanya mayfield
The Best of the Best....
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10 Jun, 2024 by Tanya mayfield
The Best of the Best....
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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.
