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21 Oct, 2021 by Joel schechter
Very seldom does a person get to deal with a professional who deserves more than 5 stars! Thankfully we were able to find such a person in the sad period after our good friend died in Honolulu, HI.
We needed an estate and probate attorney to discuss and handle the distribution of the estate. We contacted Samuel Suen by email on a Sunday. He responded within a few hours and we set up a conference call for the following morning. Mr. Suen answered all our questions clearly in both a friendly and professional manner.
At the end of an hour-long discussion, for which there was no charge, I asked how we would pay his very reasonable hourly rate. Much to our surprise, he said we shouldn't hire him because there was no need to probate this particular will.
His honesty and forthrightness was amazing! We tried to figure out some reason to hire him but to no avail. Ultimately we wished him a very fond farewell.
Based on our experience, if you need an estate or probate attorney, you can't do better than Samuel Seun.
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04 Aug, 2021 by Matt winfree
Sam was amazing in all aspects of preparing our will, power of attorney, and advance directives. Super flexible during COVID, and incredibly tolerant when we missed our first appointment! Thank you Sam!
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13 Feb, 2020 by Randal yamaguchi
5.0
6 Reviews
5.0
42 Reviews
24 May, 2024 by Nick jones
I called Patrick McPherson after a vehicle theft incident. I was immediate answered by Patrick and not a secretary or someone that had to put me on hold. I told him the situation and gave him the details, he never once made me feel stupid and explained in an easily understandable what to do. He assisted me in reaching out to the police officers and I ended up getting my vehicle back the same day. He also gave me advice on what to do with my insurance and how to handle the situation. Patrick made the process as simple and possible, helped greatly, and made a very stressful day a lot better. I would recommend this lawyer/law firm to anyone living in Oahu, Easily 5 stars.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Breanna martin
Patrick McPherson and his team will go above and beyond to make sure your concerns are met with top quality service and expertise. He is well versed in all areas of the law and not afraid to tackle even the hardest cases while being completely transparent of the potential outcome favorable or not. Your know exactly the type of representation you are getting from day one.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Marcos sahagun
I highly recommend this firm. I went to Hawaii for vacations and ended up getting in trouble. Mr. Noah and his team helped me through a very difficult situation. He helped me get a great deal. I’m very thankful for all the help and support he gave me. He’s very knowledgeable! Def recommend them.
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26 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Holcomb
Great experience with him.
Amazing lawyer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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01 Sep, 2020 by Thomas
I am absolutely satisfied and grateful for Richard's representation. I would have never been able to accomplish what Richard's has done for me. Highly recommended.
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13 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
I was fortunate to have engaged Rick to appeal my prior DUI court conviction, due to the state depriving me of my constitutional rights. Rick was an outstanding legal advocate for me during the entire appeal process. Due to his advocacy, my prior DUI conviction was overturned and the records expunged. Rick is astute, a great lawyer, and the consummate professional.
I highly recommend Richard Holcomb to be your legal counsel on all administrative and court DUI matters.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Hanuman das of honolulu
It was my pleasure to work with Okura & Associates over several months in the Fall of 2023 to establish an estate plan and Trust. Each and every legal and admin person I worked with was exceptionally competent, knowledgeable, helpful and patient with all my many questions. Mahalo nui to Melissa, Ethan, Michelle and all the office staff. The finished product we developed is extensive and gives me peace of mind.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Karen leary
I needed help with my brothrrs longterm medicaid. Chanelle Gaison was extremely helpful and started the review process with patience and care. Met with Ethan Okura and Ms Gaison. They had reviewed my brother's information thoroughly and were prepared for my questions. They were very informative, and were able to help us with specific steps, and gave us the piece of mind we needed.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Mat rosa
Enormous thanks to Vickie Sakamaki and the Okura team for handling my mother's estate. They were always on top of everything, super helpful answering questions, and frankly they saved us a lot of money from what I've found.
While not a specifically a complex estate, we had the problem of her passing during lockdown and all the beneficiaries being on the mainland. Vickie was so comforting and calm, helped us understand how to handle all the matters including mainland investments. She was especially fantastic handling hangups with a very obstinate bank.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Chris
I’ve been an attorney for 20 years and know an attorney can be his or her own worst client. So when I had a minor business dispute with a vendor, I hired Ryan to handle it. it was settled in a few days on more favorable terms than I’d authorized. Great job, for a fee that was more than reasonable. I’d recommend Ryan to anyone.
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27 Oct, 2018 by Hannah
My family came to Ryan with a fairly uncommon problem. We needed his help transferring the guardianship of an adult from one state to another and also from one co-guardian to a new co-guardian. Sounds simple right? Ryan does not specialize in this type of law (I don't think many do), but he didn't bat an eye. We hired Ryan, and he was able to find out everything he needed to make our complex request He filed everything in a timely manner to get us in front of a judge and to get our matter handled. His prices were so reasonable, we felt compelled to give him a bonus for his stellar performance. I would choose him a thousand times.
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29 Jun, 2018 by Joe
Called Ryan to get some advice for an estate with no signed will. We spoke for about 45 minutes and he took a real interest in my situation. He laid out expected fees and other costs and asked great questions and relayed a similar circumstance he dealt with and it made my decision easy.
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17 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I highly recommend! Mr. Sam took my case, ran with it and got the judge to rule in my favor! He’s very knowledgeable!
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29 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. King was very prompt in responding, professional, and kind when I had urgent questions about my situation. He spoke to me without judgement, was patient, and I could tell - really, really cares about people. I gained much more clarity just by talking with him for a short time. Thank you Mr. King.
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19 Nov, 2017 by Richard
My mother suffered a fractured jaw and bruised ribs from a fall at a commercial parking lot in Kailua. It was obvious the property management firm was negligent due to no lighting and obstructions leading to the overflow parking lot. You never want to settle directly with the insurance adjuster unless you have representation from an attorney. After consulting with dozens of attorneys who claimed they specialized in personal injury claims 99% refused to take the case citing: age of mom, Medicare issues and/or trouble prosecuting premise injuries. I finally came across with Sam King. Wow immediately I knew I found the right attorney. Most lawyers did not even want to spend much time on the phone discussing the issue but Mr. King invited us to his office and I could immediately know he was knowledgeable and very experienced in handling such cases. He knew how to work the system and who to talk with to get a good settlement. Other attorneys were simply clueless on many of these matters. I also liked that Mr. King never charged a penny upfront and I was free to consult with him regarding matters to this case. Very friendly and honest he could discuss the possible issues to expect. What my mom and I REALLY cherished from Mr. King was his ability to really listen. All these other attorneys talk and interrupt you constantly. Many times victims are formulating their thoughts and instead of assisting your thought process other attorneys cut you off. But not Mr. King. At the end we got a really big settlement w/o even having to go to trial. I would overwhelmingly recommend Mr. King to anyone who has experienced a personal injury.
Sincerely,
Richard and Nina
Nov 2017
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15 Jan, 2021 by Max
Would highly recommend King & King. Adrienne King went above and beyond. She was truly a blessing, she listened to my case, responded quickly, and got the job done.
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10 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Adrienne and Sam are a blessing. They are honest and passionate about their work. They both take a tremendous amount of pride and integrity. It shows through everything that they do and the type of people that they are. From prepping for the trial and through the trial process, they are with you every step of the way. Their experience and professionalism is outstanding. They will fight for you and your family with all of their hearts!!! We owe so much to the Kings...
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22 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Adrienne’s professionalism, attention to detail and knowledge is incredible. She made my divorce process seamless. Nothing got by her. I felt supported the whole time, and was able to relax because I knew she was on top of things! I highly recommend her!
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01 Mar, 2017 by Brendan hanard
Noah took on a very very complex case of mine. We went threw order of protection to settlement or attempt there of out of court. Noah was there to help keep me in check and gave me a dose of reality when the law seemed so unfair and one sided.
I would highly recommend him as a divorce attorney. He won in my favor every time my ex called me into court with an emergency summons.
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10 Feb, 2017 by Jenni anglin
Mr. Peterson exceeded all my expectations in his representation of my case. He is professional, yet able to handle my ex husbands rude, dishonest, snake of an attorney without hesitation. Mr. Peterson grasped the facts of my case quickly, and worded the motions and responses perfectly. He handled settlement negotiations swiftly, did not waste time on rediculous offers, or hesitate in taking my case to court. In court he was prepared and quick to respond. Mr. Peterson had filed and prepared every request of the court, and pointed out to the judge that the respondent had not. He has a charming demeanor that is balanced perfectly with the confident, aggressive representation that is necessary to prevail in litigation.
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16 Jun, 2016 by Bruce
Noah represented me in my Family Matter Divorce and was outstanding in all respects; advocacy, costs, and attentiveness. Every single time I called he took my call; most exemplary! Mr. Peterson supported me legally and personally; you know he will go beyond expectations of support. I would give him Ten Stars if able. I am an exceedingly satisfied client and most appreciative for Mr. Peterson’s expertise and doggedness!
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02 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Daniel and Rush Moore LLP not only represented me throughout my case but they also supported me more than any other lawyer I’ve worked with. They are honest, hard working, and always there for me. I appreciate their kindness and patience when answering all of my questions and explaining to me what everything meant throughout the process. Even during COVID slowing things down they always showed up and gave me updates on everything. I wouldn’t trust anyone else since they are the ones to got me trust the justice system/lawyers again.
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13 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Forced sale of home and Transference of title. Very competent and professional in handling all aspects of my case. Courteous and helpful and always prompt at returning phone calls and answering questions.
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18 Sep, 2020 by Michael
Mr. Chen impressed me with his experience and communication skills. He took really good care of my case.
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06 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
I was a pedestrian in a crosswalk injured in a motor vehicle accident. Mr. Pagliarini helped me with medical and automobile insurance claims. His legal expertise, excellent communication skills and professional demeanor contributed to an experience far beyond expectation. Thank you Mr. Pagliarini for your hard work. My family and I will definitely recommend you as a personal injury lawyer.
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27 Apr, 2015 by Janine
I would highly recommend Mr. Pagliarini as being extremely trustworthy, knowledgeable, informative and efficient. I have recommended him to all of my friends and family for over 20 years and will continue to do so. He treats you like a person and not a number. A few years ago, I was rear ended in a motor vehicle accident which hurt my neck, shoulders and back. Unfortunately, my insurance company was the same as the driver that hit me. The company almost immediately sent in my records for an "independent" medical review and promptly denied any further medical treatment. I was in a lot of pain and was not able to fully function in my work duties and still needed medical treatment. I was so relieved that Mr. Pagliarini was able to assist me with my case. He listened to the details of the accident and was extremely helpful, patient, compassionate and informative. Mr. Pagliarini expertly and efficiently handled my case with my insurance company and kept me in the loop throughout the entire process. Through his knowledge and information, I was able to continue to receive medical treatment and was able to have the resulting medical costs covered.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Cliff
Congratulations Dan on your new venture. If it werenot for your excelent perfectionism and experiance I most certainly would have lost the case. Thank yopu for going the extra mile.
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30 Nov, 2016 by Jerry burdine
Couldn't be any more please and blown away from the incredible experience I had with Mr. Kuniyuki representing me. Just being an average joe never gets in trouble. Never been to court! I was all but lost until I got a hold of this gem! Very informative and there to answer all my questions . I was very comfortable about what was to happen and had a good concept with no last minute surprises except we won the case!! Thanks again Ken !! If you want honest personable and reliable then I highly recommend Ken Kuniyuki to represent you!!
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29 Jan, 2016 by Kerry d. lewis
Ken has been my personal and business attorney for more than 30 years. I am able to always clue any opponent that he'll have to deal with the best attorney in the state. He's a genius. No part of law that this man cannot practice. Period.
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05 Nov, 2015 by Tom
For over 30 years Mr. Ken Kuniyuki has represented me in all my business and personal legal affairs. One of Ken's greatest assets is that he is easy to talk to and he is very patient and explains everything in simple everyday language. Over the years, Ken has provided me with excellent legal advice and I found him to be a very skilled and very well prepared litigator. So if you are looking for a chess master or a shark to legally represent you, Mr. Ken Kuniyuki should be your lawyer. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!
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07 Mar, 2019 by Bill
We were honored to have Amy join the Law Office of William H. Lawson in 2016. Her credentials are impeccable and she has already established herself as a capable and bright attorney representing the victims and families of serious accidents. Way to go, Amy!
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26 Jun, 2018 by W.ma'ave
I found Amy by God's grace. I had been injured in a car accident and pursuing my recovery by myself. Amy stepped in and really helped to turn my situation(s) around. Because of her consistency and compassion, I have a lot to be grateful for.
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19 Jun, 2018 by W.mahaulu
Amy really took care of all my needs after I hired her as my attorney. We were able to build a very trusting relationship with her. She and Bill became like part of my family. I was very pleased with the end result as well.
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16 Nov, 2018 by Jeff
I contacted Mr. Parsons about a medical malpractice matter and doing so was invaluable. Initially, I left a message and not only did he personally call me back promptly, but he then walked me through all of the legal issues that would arise under the circumstances. His counsel in that just that single call made it clear that I was dealing with a consummate professional. I cannot imagine going to any other attorney for a malpractice case.
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24 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Parsons provided expedient (we were under a severe time constraint) consultation service which analyzed and identified the issues involved in the claim. He was excellent in addressing both the highly emotional issues as well as the practical and legal issues. Mr. Parsons went beyond his formal attorney role and made himself available even after the representation was concluded.
I highly recommend Mr. Parsons.
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17 Jun, 2010 by Sean
Wayne Parsons is still my legal representative, and I could not have survived the past 15+ years without him. He is my champion, and has taken on my case with honor and conviction for fairness in a legal system that may not always seem fair to the injured person. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Jhonnyrox hollywood
Can’t get a reply
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12 Jul, 2021 by Sylvia young
I used serveral of their law partners for different specialities. All excellent experts. Easy to understand and work with. Extremely satisfied.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Shaina honsberger
We worked with Carol for an adoption and I can't say enough good things about her. She went above and beyond to help us understand the legal actions and she made everything work out smoothly.
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22 May, 2013 by Rachel
Aloha,
Mr. Lane assisted me on my case. Mr. Lane was very attentive to my case and he did a great job fighting for me at my arbitration hearing. I would highly recommend Mr. Lane
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13 Feb, 2013 by Keoni
Mr. Lane helped me with a complicated legal matter and did an outstanding job. He was well prepared and did a great job in court for me. I received a large settlement thanks to Mr. Lane's efforts.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Joseph
Mr. Shea accepted by case and from day one, he was on top of it full steam ahead...Very honest and kept me in the loop of things as the case moved forward.
Very professional and courteous. An asset to the community. I would highly recommend Mr. Shea.
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27 Sep, 2016 by James
Patrick was very helpful with my mother and myself to come to a conclusion over a family Property and trust, even though there's still hard feelings in the family we all came out getting what was fair and may not have been equal in the dollar amount but my mom got to stay in her home, that was the main thing.
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24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
24 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth watanabe
Love this family run firm
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05 Feb, 2020 by Brad mcminn
05 Apr, 2014 by Jan
What a relief! To find an Attorney of this calibre, who is not only legally competent, but cares about your case, and devotes her energies with your best interests at heart. My belief in Goodness and the law not always being an "Ass" is restored.
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17 Nov, 2014 by Jennifer
Willie and Andrea was heaven sent with my employee discrimination case. Willie was honest, trust worthy ( you name it) he helped me fight for what I deserved and did what he had to do. I 200% would recommend him !
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02 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Rodger listened to my side, and seems genuinely interested in putting things right. A good guy for sure.
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27 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
He saved our family a lot of anxiety and uncertainty with full knowledge of the law, etc. The staff and He were responsive and recognized our voices when we called. Our accident was a disaster but we recovered our damages to the car and the lawyers made it all right.
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23 Sep, 2015 by Michael
Mr. Hara is very knowledgeable in his field of law. He explained things thoroughly when we didn't understand and took the time to explain to us all of our options that were in our best interests.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Daniel
A Legal Lifesaver!
I recently had the privilege of working with Jon Jacobs, and I can't express how grateful I am for their exceptional legal expertise. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Jon demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, dedication, and a deep understanding of the law.
What sets Jon apart is their ability to listen attentively and communicate complex legal concepts in a way that was easy for me to understand. They took the time to thoroughly assess my situation, providing clear and realistic expectations from the beginning. This transparent approach helped me feel confident and informed throughout the entire process.
Not only did Jon showcase a profound knowledge of the law, but their strategic thinking and attention to detail were also evident at every stage. It was evident that they genuinely cared about my case and worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
In addition to their legal prowess, Jon and his team were consistently responsive and communicative. Any questions or concerns I had were addressed promptly, and I felt supported every step of the way.
Thanks to Jon, my legal matter was resolved with the best possible outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of a dedicated and skilled attorney. If you're looking for a legal expert who combines expertise with genuine care for their clients, Jon S. Jacobs is the way to go!
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12 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Clarisse is very professional and attentive. She asks the right questions but more importantly she listens very well. After consulting with her I felt like I was dealing with someone that had my best interests at heart. I appreciate her recommendations and will refer her to anyone I know that needs legal counsel.
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04 Oct, 2015 by Hugh
Beth was a life saver for Me and my family, I was turned down twice, over a period of Three years. I was advised to check out Beth. Glad I did, She was very meticulous, and was able to finally get the back pay and monthly payments that were due. I highly recommend Her as a SSI Lawyer
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15 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I recommend anyone in the STATE OF HAWAII to seek legal expertise from this man. I can't thank god enough for allowing me to cross paths with him. I hired Don on nearly four occasions. EACH CASE, DONALD WON. Court is nerve wrecking and when you're involved with difficult parties; it can be intimidating. Every time I walked through family court or district court you can literally sense the respect a lot of high powered individuals have for this man. Donald takes the time to explain the process of court and paperwork. He is always on time, never late. IF HE IS; expect a phone call shortly reassuring you he'll be there. He's AMAZING. His staff is verrrrry friendly and approachable. If you want a lawyer who will respect your opinions and always have your best interest at heart. HIRE DON.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Elizabeth
We are extremely pleased with the outcome of our case and have Shim & Chang to thank for it.
Our case was a difficult personal injury case. Never having been a party to a legal matter like this, we had no idea what to expect, but from the beginning, the attorneys explained every step of the process, in terms that we understood. They were professional, responsive, patient, thorough and most importantly, realistic.
We were treated with courtesy and respect by both the attorneys and their staff. We highly recommend the firm to anyone looking for exceptional representation on a personal injury case.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Elizabeth
We are extremely pleased with the outcome of our case and have Shim & Chang to thank for it.
Our case was a difficult personal injury case. Never having been a party to a legal matter like this, we had no idea what to expect, but from the beginning, the attorneys explained every step of the process, in terms that we understood. They were professional, responsive, patient, thorough and most importantly, realistic.
We were treated with courtesy and respect by both the attorneys and their staff. We highly recommend the firm to anyone looking for exceptional representation on a personal injury case.
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13 Jun, 2014 by Greg
Joe Kotowski represented me in court after I was involved in a traffic accident. Some guy was driving in front of me at less than 5mph so I signaled to pass him on the left, proceeded and he made an illegal u-turn in the middle of the road without a signal so we collided. Both of our insurance companies concluded that he was liable for the accident , yet he still tried to sue me in court. Joe Kotowski helped me in court in an extremely professional and friendly manner. Any question or concern that I had was immediately answered by him and we won the case in court easily. Joe is extremely reliable, knowledgable of the law, and above all he is an honest person. I would highly recommend him if you are in need of any legal assistance.
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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.
