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04 Oct, 2023 by Patrick dufer
07 Mar, 2023 by Michael friedman
05 Jul, 2022 by Mike bolo
Helped out big time with my legal problems
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20 Feb, 2022 by Catherine
Mr. Brower successfully helped me with my case against a major company that disrupted my life. I talked to other law offices that dealt with employment law and they told me that I had no case. Then I called Mr. Brower's office and on our initial meeting, he sounded very confident and I felt that he truly wanted to help me. On our deposition of the other adverse employee defendant, he was very prepared to ask the tough questions in order to get to the bottom of the truth. I won because of Mr. Scot Brower and his determination and firm resolute to see that justice was served and help people like myself who need a strong legal protector and he protected me because he knows the legal system. Mr. Brower really cared about my case and I have always gone back to him for legal advice. He is adept, determined, and fair to see things through. He helped me and he can help you too.
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19 Oct, 2021 by Matthew
I hired Scot for a high conflict custody battle with my felonious ex. I believe my case was way to over his head and he was not capable of handling it. I have so much things in my favor,I've never been arrested, journeyman in the union, house, car, etc. My ex is a convicted felon and doesn't even have her license because of her multiple duis and she's not from my state. My ex tried multiple times to get me arrested on bs to gain the upper hand. I was served by the SWAT team right before our first custody hearing. At the TRO hearing I had so much evidence to disprove her claims but he didn't want to use it because it made the relationship sound volatile he said. It was things like her apologizing for trying to sexually assault me one night and how she previously tried to get me on harassment but immediately contacted me to meet her after she wasn't granted a protection order.He didn't even bring up the fact that she sent me her sextape while under this false tro. It was clearly her voice and I even had Google support verify that someone else hacked my account and sent it. The audio is clearly her as she has a distinct southern accent. If anyone talked to her for a minute they would recognize her voice. Why would you not bring that up? When I first hired him I asked him what about her belongings. He said 30 days and do what you want. At pre trial be said the closest thing they had against me was I sent a pic of her belongings about to be trashed. . But I only did that because she ghosted me for weeks about son so I assumed they were abandoned or they left to her home state. I gave her 15 weeks notice. He never even brought up that the very next message I had sent was that I still couldn't do that. It was literally the next message. He never brought up that she told me she was at the ala Moana hotel and that I didn't know but it turned out that it was a dvac safehouse. I was going there every other day to take them to the doctor. I had no idea. I have proof of everything I'm saying. All our messages were printed out in a PDF format too. He advised me to take a civil order and every other attorney I talked to after and showed them what I have said they would have fought it and gotten it dismissed. I was awarded joint legal at least. My final straw and the reason why i felt I could no longer trust him is because I had sent what my ex sent me in the talking parents app and asked her to not do that to harass or provoke me. She tried to get me arrested for that and the next day a cop came to arrest me. After showing him and explaining what happened he told me what to write so I wouldn't get arrested. He said why didn't your attorney make it a mutual restraining order so you can be protected. I called him after and asked and he told me "well unfortunately she can do that, suck it up". Wow. Ok. He have me no guidance over the course of 5 months I think when I hired him in December. He never even fought for me for custody or visitation and that worked against me. Like I said earlier, I have no record and no drug addictions and never been to rehab. My ex has though and I have proof of everything. I even have a section in my binder that was just her suicide threats. He was extremely disorganized as well he had their discovery questions for two months and gave them to me the day before they were due. Be never even told me to write anything either for them. when i finally had enough, and wrote a letter about my disappointment, he spent more time talking to me about how much of a better attorney he was than any other attorney that he didn't know who I was even talking to yet. That was the most he talked to me. My current attorney, did more for me in one week, than the course of 5 months that I had Scot. My regret was hiring him and wasting 8k. He took over 3 weeks to give me my file back also. Maybe I'm wrong but that seems like a long time to make some copies. I'm just grateful I have a good attorney now. I will be filling a complaint.
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27 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Scot Brower is professional and very knowledgable in the field - I recommend reaching out for legal advice regarding employment!
Reached out for quick legal advice regarding an employment claim and was satisfied with my consulting experience. Due to the urgency of my situation, I was worried he would not have enough time to work with my case but he was very responsive!
Within the first 5 minutes of the call, he was able to provide feedback of possible claims without the need for personal information or documents. I was impressed with his response and moved forward with a remote consultation. He immediately called back with all options available including possible outcomes. I appreciated his honesty and transparency without the pressure to take action. Moving forward, I will definitely keep in touch with Scot Brower as a recommended attorney in the future.
Reading through previous reviews - I feel its the client's responsibility to know your intentions and prepare questions before calling or reaching out. Initially, he did not request documentation or employment details until moving forward with the consultation. Lawyers want to help but will not waste time if they are unable to receive information needed to provide legal support.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Pat f
I did no hire Megan to be upfront, and I've worked with just shy of a dozen attorneys in my life for everything from business to litigation, medical and civil rights, estate and housing, TM & Copyrights. But this situation (Only in Hawaii, HA!) I found myself at a brick wall sort of situation with serious conflicts and was actually afraid. Megan not only took the time to talk with me, but she assured me that I had the ability to address this issue through available channels and it was possible without any legal representation. For a lawyer to put their ability to profit aside and encourage solutions is what Attorneys I've respected have always done. My appreciation and respect for sharing what was in your capacity, and encouraging me to understand what was in mine!
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16 Jul, 2020 by John strandberg
Megan and her staff were very professional when questioning me regarding an incident a friend of mine was involved in. The were quick to respond, always upfront with what was going on in court. Even briefed the family and friends in the courtroom regarding the procedural steps in a trial. It's not like TV and she made it easy to understand. She was caring and answered questions. Was she mean, yes to the opposing attorney. She did her job and defended my friend to her best ability. I would hire Megan to be my attorney should I need someone to represent me in court.
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29 May, 2020 by Steven wilson
Megan has been my attorney and friend for many years. Ive always felt so confident, trusting my legal affairs to Megan. Her confidence and understanding of the law is top notch and has earned her the respect of all her peers. I was so happy when Megan told me she will run for Honolulu Prosecutor, We need some one like Megan to repair and gain the trust of the people for this very important position.
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07 Nov, 2023 by Pat f
I did no hire Megan to be upfront, and I've worked with just shy of a dozen attorneys in my life for everything from business to litigation, medical and civil rights, estate and housing, TM & Copyrights. But this situation (Only in Hawaii, HA!) I found myself at a brick wall sort of situation with serious conflicts and was actually afraid. Megan not only took the time to talk with me, but she assured me that I had the ability to address this issue through available channels and it was possible without any legal representation. For a lawyer to put their ability to profit aside and encourage solutions is what Attorneys I've respected have always done. My appreciation and respect for sharing what was in your capacity, and encouraging me to understand what was in mine!
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16 Jul, 2020 by John strandberg
Megan and her staff were very professional when questioning me regarding an incident a friend of mine was involved in. The were quick to respond, always upfront with what was going on in court. Even briefed the family and friends in the courtroom regarding the procedural steps in a trial. It's not like TV and she made it easy to understand. She was caring and answered questions. Was she mean, yes to the opposing attorney. She did her job and defended my friend to her best ability. I would hire Megan to be my attorney should I need someone to represent me in court.
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29 May, 2020 by Steven wilson
Megan has been my attorney and friend for many years. Ive always felt so confident, trusting my legal affairs to Megan. Her confidence and understanding of the law is top notch and has earned her the respect of all her peers. I was so happy when Megan told me she will run for Honolulu Prosecutor, We need some one like Megan to repair and gain the trust of the people for this very important position.
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08 Jun, 2024 by Cherie sequeira
Keani Alapa was very patient and understanding of my concerns. He went above and beyond even pro bono! Mahalo!
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04 Sep, 2023 by Nathan kim
HE DOESN'T RETURN CALLS.
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11 Feb, 2021 by Sinn bin
17 May, 2016 by Teresa vanzee
I will say this, Andrew Cheng is on top of things. Anytime I contacted him with a question, he contacted me immediately. I moved to Georgia during my workman's comp case and he STILL kept in good contact with me. Thank you so much.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Rishan prasad
30 Jan, 2024 by Roxie slater
Horrible narcissistic firm
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25 Jul, 2023 by Sue i
I am a physician and I had dealings with Kirk Neste at this firm. He seemed to be nice at first, and I, in good faith kept my end of the agreement that we had negotiated. After this, he did not answer my attempts to reach him and did not keep his end of the deal. Basically, he lied to me. Very unprofessional. I do not recommend working with a firm that has lawyers like this.
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03 Mar, 2024 by Rishan prasad
30 Jan, 2024 by Roxie slater
Horrible narcissistic firm
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25 Jul, 2023 by Sue i
I am a physician and I had dealings with Kirk Neste at this firm. He seemed to be nice at first, and I, in good faith kept my end of the agreement that we had negotiated. After this, he did not answer my attempts to reach him and did not keep his end of the deal. Basically, he lied to me. Very unprofessional. I do not recommend working with a firm that has lawyers like this.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Isaac sills
It
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24 Oct, 2023 by Melissa pink gwinner
05 May, 2023 by Thanakrit wongkampuang
06 Oct, 2024 by Jonalyn pacoma
No words can express how grateful and blessed we are to meet with Attorney Blake Goodman and his staff. They helped us every step of the way and kept us updated. All the staff are friendly and supportive. I highly recommend them to anyone who is going through financial difficulties and challenges, right when you leave the office you feel relieved.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Deborah iijima
The whole process was very fast, and all of the staff were very helpful and professional! I am glad I chose Blake Goodman’s office to help!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Bill doyle
I was pleased to receive a return call promptly after requesting a consultation. Knowledgeable, courteous, ready to assist, Blake Goodman listens carefully and provides his best counsel for a path forward. He thoughtfully referred me to another attorney with more relevant practice for my question. Top marks!
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20 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Sweet guy but doesn't respond to any calls or emails. Will go weeks without hearing anything. I will leave voicemail after voicemail and nothing. Sits and says we have a good case yet doesn't do anything to move forward and finish it. Always has an excuse on why I haven't heard from him in 4 weeks. You get what you pay for. Cheap price for cheap work.
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30 Sep, 2023 by Darcy treadwell
Guy is the most knowledgeable and well-versed attorney I have ever encountered, truly a master at his craft. His communication is second to none and the amount he cares for each of his clients is remarkable. If you are ever in any legal trouble, this is the person you want in your corner. He has my highest recommendation.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Matthew flowers
22 Aug, 2024 by Jean johnson
Indeed I feel you guys
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18 Jul, 2024 by Gem c
Short vague to the point but at least they communicate strangely without building rapport that could be a positive thing in hui who you know Hilo town.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Ann klaft medicine for dreamers
The experience that I had with both Alcain and Naniole was terrible! They withheld evidence that was presented to them in regards to my being bullied by a property manager and a dirty process server, which resulted in three months of being homeless with no one to help me with the case! The criminals got away with what they did because of these attorneys looking the other way and not being conscientious to their aloha spirits and kuleana!
They both violated their bar agreements as well as the law! Withholding pertinent evidence, proof, and defendant’s testimony to cases is against the law.
These men should be disbarred!
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17 Jan, 2023 by Linaking9
although they represent my husband in our divorce and I am Pro Se. They seem to be helpful and professional altogether good people.
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12 Nov, 2022 by Trevin hofmann
I cannot recommend working with Hartley & McGehee on any legal case. From my experience, they were unresponsive, slow, and expensive.
After a $250 consultation on 2022-02-14 regarding divorce, I was left with a positive impression of Hartley & McGehee. On 2022-02-22, I hired Hartley & McGehee as my legal representation in seeking a divorce. My case was primarily handled by Elsa McGehee, Kalani Kim, and Alyssa Le’i.
164 days and $5,441.77* in fees later, I terminated the services of Hartley & McGehee on 2022-08-05. Within this timeframe, the great accomplishments of Hartley & McGehee were limited to (1) filing the Complaint for Divorce and related documents with the court, (2) serving my spouse with the case paperwork, and (3) proposing a Divorce Decree which was ignored by the defendant.
After terminating their services, Hartley & McGehee waited until 2022-08-30 to file their motion to withdraw, squandering another 25 days of my case. Not only did they waste more of my time, but Hartley & McGehee continued billing me after terminating their services, sending an invoice which included an additional $714.44* in fees from 2022-08-09 to 2022-08-25.
Here are a few other highlights from my experience with Hartley & McGehee:
• They provided me with misinformed guidance on the sponsor’s contract of USCIS Form I-864, even after discussing the matter with their immigration law colleague. The key piece of misinformation they provided is that the immigrant’s income (including alimony payments) would not reduce the financial obligations of the contract, and they insisted that their guidance was correct even after I cited multiple legal cases to the contrary.
• When refunding the remainder of my deposit / trust account, they mailed the check to an old address in the wrong state despite having been provided with my latest address.
• Elsa McGehee admitted plainly in an apology to me on 2022-08-10 that they had “been short-staffed.”
• They failed to send me all relevant documents for my case, such as email communications with their immigration law colleague, when I requested them upon terminating their services. I needed to pry further with more specific requests, and I am still not certain if I have everything.
• They cautioned against getting a restraining order against my abusive spouse because it “may make our communication with her a bit tricky” and left me to “handle that on [my] own.” In an unrecorded call, they also downplayed the severity of my spouse’s abuse and harassment since it was no longer physical. However, my spouse has continued harassing me with _thousands_ of messages and numerous voicemails using _hundreds_ of spoofed phone numbers to circumvent attempts to block communication.
• I requested multiple times that we proceed with advancing the divorce in court in order to have a hearing and a resolution because the defendant was not being responsive to our proposed resolution. These requests were ignored, which was the primary cause for this case being dragged out for so long.
• On 2022-03-03, near the beginning of the case, I emailed a list of 16 direct questions regarding the case and how to complete the Income & Expense and Asset & Debt forms. Alyssa Le’i responded only to questions #4 and #12, ignoring the rest.
* This is a sum of the subtotals, not including the 4.712% tax or the 10% discount for early payment.
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14 Mar, 2022 by Theresa v kamana
22 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
My poor mother is lost in a 20+ year divorce case and lost her court records in a fire. She turned to Micky hoping for some relief and answers. Instead, she demanded she see a divorce decree or recommended that my mother return to her old attorney… if she had listened to my mother or even cared, she would know we need help obtaining copies of court records, that a decree might not exist, and that the previous attorney did not see the case through.
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02 Nov, 2020 by David
I had been trying to get divorced for 10 years. I went through five divorce attorneys before Micky. The previous attorneys didn't seem to want to understand my situation and consequently we got nowhere.
Micky was different, she listened to me, she asked questions, she studied my financial details and she came up with a solution that allowed me to get divorced without going to trial.
I am forever indebted to Micky for getting me my divorce.
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09 Nov, 2017 by Scott
I've known Miss Yamatani both personally and professionally for 20 years. Micky is extremely hard working person who sincerely cares for the well being of her clients.
After being let down numerous times by numerous lawyers I started to believe the stereotype of, "no such thing as an honest lawyer". However, Micky's persistent example of professional integrity was a breath of fresh air. She is an expert at her craft!
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17 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
You have 2 years to recover in Hawaii. I was injured on vacation in Hawaii and Johnny Brown was the first one to call me back in fact in the middle of the night. He had me do all the paperwork getting doctor medical records etc. and he said I had a great case with his expert testimony (which I never saw) and then dragged out the time on it. When I questioned him, he said he was saving me money not to file a lawsuit right away and settle instead. All the while saying he was going to file a lawsuit and then in the last moment sends me a cold email and pulls out. So who's going to take a case in the last months and he ruined the case. He wasted all of my time and now I am still injured with no recovery and still seeing the doctors for treatment of a permanent injury. Then he has the nerve to tell me in the same email to hurry up and get another lawyer. What a nerve! He is NOT A FIGHTER and is out for himself. WATCH OUT and don't jump out for him! I would give him a minus -10 if available!!
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06 Jun, 2019 by Ikaika
I got in one wreck last year and my hanai madda wen introduce me to this guy - Johnny . He really wen hammah those insurance buggas. He sent me to see his doctors he get in Honolulu and thru out the whole process I was treated wit aloha. Get in one wreck? let da hammah take care fo you
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01 Mar, 2022 by Liz rouse
Not very helpful. Interrupted me many times when i tried to speak and spoke over me
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07 Nov, 2017 by Private private
01 Mar, 2022 by Liz rouse
Not very helpful. Interrupted me many times when i tried to speak and spoke over me
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07 Nov, 2017 by Private private
10 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
was able continue on this issue; letter seni to state; and forward email
to an acting attorney;claim was sent down from state farm head office
amount is at 1500; vks
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12 Jul, 2023 by Maynard raquinio
12 Oct, 2016 by Alex embernate
22 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Ignacio was the best attorney I could have purchased for the petitioner in my case. Not only was he an hour late for my court date, he never replied to my emails or consulted with me prior to my court date. He essentially was my accusers attorney and made it impossible for me to seek recourse. He told me after my case was finalized to move back to Europe. My accuser thanked Mr. Ignacio, shaked his hand and patted him on his back. I was 100% misrepresented by Mr. Ignacio and was charged $2500.00 an hour to be stabbed in the back. Mr. Ignacio should have shot me in the head.
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26 Oct, 2015 by William
Mr. Ignacio represented myself vs Hawaii back in August 2015 for harassment. The demeanor in the court room towards Mr. Ignacio was nothing but respect and he seemed highly liked in the court room. Very pleased with the outcome and it could of been a lot worse. *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED* if you are a service member. He looks out for us.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Joyce
I am disgusted with how you "defended" my mom. I took at look at her papers and you didn't explain half of what was on there to her. This shouldn't have made it to this point if you even asked my mom what happened from her point of view. You clearly don't care about your clients. You need to rethink your ethics and career choice. An attorney is supposed to bring out the truth. You didn't.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Finest Law Firm in Hilo, when the other firms will only look for headline cases to enrich themselves and their egos. The Law Offices of Kathleen Kentish Lucero, Mrs Kentish Lucero, Mrs Sha, Mrs Correa will look out for you.
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18 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I called to see if Ms. Lucero would be able to help me with my legal questions / situation.
Spoke with her once which she said she could help me.
I dropped off my documents and she did not call to schedule an appointment.
My only contact was with her assistant. Her assistant said she would start the process and have Ms. Lucero contact me. Which she never did.
Till today I have had no contact or follow up from anyone at this office.
This office did not even start the consultation or anything.
Why say you can help if you can't or have no time for me.
Sadly, people are in need of legal help and look for a professional in the field for help.
This attorney is not the person.
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21 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Did not get anything I asked for in my divorce case. I wanted primary physical custody and was told to settle for joint but with stipulations. Instead of the original amout of $1000+ in child support, she got me 900. I was always the last to know about when my court dates were (sometimes only notified a day in advance and thats only because I randomly called to check on another issue and then was told, "see you tmrw in court" ..!?!?!?) She also got irritated with me because I didn't show up to a court dat that I was never informed about! How can I appear when I don't know I'm supposed to!? I feel like she did NOTHING for me, just got me to agree to all of my ex's demands. NOT RECOMMENDED AT ALL.
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15 Jul, 2018 by Maa
Mr. Chur was hired by me to help with a workers comp. case. He dragged the case out, got a mediocre settlement and took 50% of the settlement. He nickel and dimed me by charging for things like phone calls, office supplies and office clerk work at attorney rates! This guy is a rip off and has no shame! On a positive note, the toilets were clean.
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13 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Daniel Chur represented me in a work.comp. claim with John Insurance representing my employer for a back injury which caused me a discectomy operation. And Mr. Chur used his expertise to settle my claim as fast and without my consent as possible, when I questioned him as to a settlement without my approval he said he already gave the insurance company "his" word and if I didn't go along with it he would "release" me as a client. He settled within the year, took more than a third and cared the less that I was still in daily pain.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
My husband and I hired Mr. Wilder and were provided much hope for the future. The entire process was painful, from lack of contact from Mr. Wilder at the beginning, as his staff led us to believe that he was our attorney, then come to find out he's not even an attorney, then abruptly left, and we were handed off to another assistant. They lost our signed paperwork multiple times, needing it to be resubmitted, and we didn't have a printer at the time, so we had to drive all the way to a UPS store, or on two instances, the library. Mr Wilder then proceeded to not be able to obtain certain files from various doctors in a timely manner, so we had to do it for him, then he charged us for obtaining the files AND the mailing of the files. It wasn't all that much money, but when you're a struggling couple, every dollar counts. He didn't prep for the deposition at all, and was an awful experience. The whole process was unpleasant, and whenever we'd stand up for ourselves, he'd scoff at us, then talk in a very condescending tone. All in all, we wouldn't recommend him, especially not in Hawaii. The amount of stress, lack of insight, and respect speaks volumes for his character. That is all I feel comfortable saying
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29 May, 2024 by Anonymous
This attorney advised us to get as much treatment as humanly possible, then negotiated the bills down before court, thus leading us into court with a much much much smaller claim, then dropped out immediately before the court date, putting a lien on our recovery, thus we walk with nothing, and he brings home almost $100,000. Don't believe the you pay nothing unless he wins. Absolutely not true. On top of it all, he talked down to us constantly, made my spouse, and immediate family very uncomfortable. Would never hire again.
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29 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
It is sad to say that Schmeding was hired and did nothing for my case. I provided ALL documentation and he failed to keep the communication. In the end, after hiring an AWESOME attorney, Schmeding still got double the cut from my settlement then the one who actually worked on my case. I do NOT recommend this firm and would chose to represent myself if needed to. Please be careful and do your research.
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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:
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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.
