Lawyers map
>62
experienced lawyers
Filter by
5.0
20 Reviews
5.0
12 Reviews
13 Dec, 2023 by Myla brown
07 Dec, 2023 by Brittney shafer
06 Dec, 2023 by Yafiet yakob
29 Jul, 2023 by Diana haynes
Hello Mr. Kent. Just wanted to say thank you for your service and your professionalism in my hearing. I will recommend you to any of my associates that may need assistance in any legal advice in the future. Thank you again... Blessings to you
Read more
25 Oct, 2021 by Christine
Originally, I was going to represent myself in my small claims case but after the defendant hired a lawyer, I knew I needed help. After searching for a while, I finally found Jesse. The moment I spoke to him, I knew he was the attorney for me. Jesse is a very intelligent person and he is a very fast thinker (a skill that is very valuable in court). He took the time to understand my construction case and set me at ease that I did have a case. Jesse knows construction law and he was amazing in court often catching out the lies of the defendant. He took the time to prep me before the case and let me know how things would proceed. Jesse really presented my case well and his intelligence and speed of thought really made a big difference in court. Jesse did an amazing job and I couldn't be more pleased. I can't recommend him enough. We are awaiting the verdict.
Read more
31 Mar, 2015 by Kent
I worked with my attorney Jesse on a case due to negligence in a car accident and with his help we closed with satisfaction. Thank you for your help Jesse.
Read more
05 Jul, 2024 by Tbutler980
Had some serious traffic charges and Chris took care of everything. It didnt even go on my record. Im convinced that anybody who tries to anonymousely trash him is just the other side being jealous.
Read more
13 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Adams did a divorc and contempt for me. He did exactly what he told me in our first meeting. He showed up the other lawyer in the deposition and court.
Read more
07 May, 2014 by Amy
Chris handled a child custody case for our family. Other attorneys said we could never win and would have to try and appeal. We hired Chris because of his success with appeals but he ended up winning the case at trial and got us custody. He saved our grandson's life!
Read more
26 Oct, 2018 by Sj
I had read about Rick's fantastic rating before I had hired him for a major criminal case.He researched a lot about the specifics of my case and represented me very effectively. He did not promise me anything that was not doable and ensured that every single detail was carefully reviewed. I have great admiration for his legal skills as he successfully handled my entire case spanning over 6.5 years.
Read more
24 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Ryczek did an excellent job for me delivering a great result in my case which could damage my whole life and professional career. His expertise together with his genuine care for the case and client and high intelligence saved me a lot of trouble. I highly recommend his service.
Let me start by saying that I am international PhD student (under F1 visa) from Iran (which could unreasonably amplify the negative effects of any serious conviction on my immigration and education status).
I was arrested by campus police officers at night, while trying to get something from my office. They stopped me for expired tag and after smelling marijuana from my car, they searched my car and did field sobriety test. Long story short, I was arrested and charged with 1) DUI-drugs 2) possession of marijuana (I only had 1 grams) 3) having alcohol open container 4) failure to signal. They also did a blood test after arrest. I should mention that although I was using marijuana a lot those days for sleeping and depression, my driving was not really affected as my tolerance had raised a lot. Since it was my first encounter with cops in US (and I hadn't really researched about my rights and how to interact with cops), I did an awful job (in my opinion) interacting with cops and I trusted them a too much. But they more or less lied to me and made my situation way worse than what really happened that night. Later on, I was very frustrated when I read the police report which was a surrealistic collection of lies.
After bonding out, I immediately started to search for the best DUI lawyers in Georgia and interviewed some of the most known lawyers in the area, as this could affect my career and immigration status massively. Among all the lawyers, I felt more genuine concern about my case, beside being honest about possible outcomes and what he can do and after researching a lot, I realized he is an extremely well regarded and successful lawyer, and therefore the best choice for me. Let me mention for instance that there were another very famous lawyer with a lot of TV appearances, who not only wanted to charge me way more, but also were very pessimistic about the result. Rick did way better than what he was considering impossible!
Throughout the procedure which took around 1 year, he used every chance to dismiss my case for various reasons, which showed to me how extremely knowledgable he is about the details of the law on this subject (once for prosecutors not filing the charges correctly, once for not giving us the blood test and cam video on time, once for the cop not showing up). Our requests did not work mostly because the judge was nice to the prosecutors, but I witnessed that Rick did push for a dismissal whenever it was possible.
Finally after we received the blood test and the video, I realized that the active marijuana in my blood was quite high (0.9 when the limit for DUI in CO is 0.5) and the field tests were not as good as I previously thought. It was not awful, but definitely not good.
So we started to cut a deal. One thing I realized was that it is very important for the lawyers to have good relations with prosecutors, judge and staff (for cutting deals) and Rick had this great as he was very friendly and respectful (and sometimes funny!) and so very much respected in the court. Finally we reached a deal that I was very happy with. They dropped the DUI/possession/open container charges (all drug/alc related charges) and I pled guilty to 1) failure to signal 2) reckless driving. Sentenced to 200 (for 1) and 600$ (for 2) fines (judge dropped 200$). Also a 1 year probation including random alc/drug tests, dui school, community service and Alc/drug evaluation. Rick requested the probation to be terminated after completing my conditions which was accepted. So since I had done all that stuff, after paying the fine on the same day, my probation was terminated and I put all of this big trouble behind!
I highly recommend Rick's service!
Read more
07 May, 2018 by Anonymous
The Ryczek firm represented me in a professional form in which we won, the firm communicated through out until the case closed. Would like to thank each and everyone that worked on Mr. Ryczek's behalf, you guys are awesome and thanks for the outcome & the experience.Highly recommended
Read more
13 Jun, 2022 by Andrea
Jessica is a prime example of an attorney whose a leader and an advocate for her clients. She does wonderful work! Hire her!!
Read more
01 Jun, 2022 by Raven
Jessica was available from the start to the end of my case. She addressed any issues I had head on and always made sure I had everything I needed.
Read more
23 May, 2022 by Jocelyn mcnair
Jessica was a phenomenal attorney; I recommend her to all my friends and family. Jessica communicated from start to finish about my case, next steps, and settlement. She successfully negotiated a great settlement for my case.
Read more
08 Aug, 2019 by April
I was so nervous about filing bankruptcy but spoke with Vicki Fox and she gave me some very detailed information about the different options and costs. Once I had my mind made up, they scheduled me to come in and went over the paperwork step by step explaining expectations and answering questions and concerns. They made an very uncomfortable circumstance, absolutely comfortable
Read more
28 Jan, 2019 by A. mcknight
I had called many offices before this one and the prices were so high. Then I received a flyer in the mail and Because of their price I was immediately led to call them. I called and was very satisfied, no hidden fees, no extra charges down the line, just a flat rate. Vicki the receptionist is awesome, it was always a pleasure talking to her. This law firm filed my case in record time. The process was very quick and with them it seemed easy and effortless. I was truly blessed to have picked up the phone and called them. One of my best decisions.
Read more
10 Jan, 2016 by Karen
I received several letters in the mail to handle a lawsuit that had been filed against me. I contacted several of them with no luck. I called the Ballard Law Group and it was the best decision I ever made. Cha'ron was outstanding. She made me feel comfortable and told me what to expect. Everything went as she explained. I would recommend Cha'ron to anyone that is looking for a bankruptcy attorney. She is outstanding.
Read more
15 Jun, 2015 by Allison
Curtis Chronister handled my chapter 7 and it was wonderful and stress free for me. His office is so efficient and you don't feel like you have no idea whats going on with your case. He makes sure that you are well informed and explains everything in detail. I can't thank him and his office staff enough for. Ashley is equally as wonderful
Read more
21 Nov, 2012 by Kelly
We used Curtis for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. From the minute I called with questions, he took his time explaining our options over the phone without even coming in. He spent at least 45 minutes on the phone with me with no charge and then met with my husband and me for a good hour in the office with no charge. So the 1 hour FREE consultation definitely holds true. It's an embarrassing situation to be in to admit that you’re in such a financial hardship that you can't pay your bills and stay afloat with the everyday expenses. He never once made us feel bad or ashamed or looked down upon. He said his job was to help us and our family get relief from this tremendous burden and that he did. His wife Ashley is the administrator and was always helpful, friendly and courteous. In the midst of our bankruptcy we were still struggling to get back on top of things and were all of the sudden looking at foreclosure because we had become officially 2 months behind on our mortgage. They responded to the situation immediately with concern, caring and assurance that they would do everything they could to help us keep our house. Never once did they say "well you'll have to come with X amount of money before we'll even consider this". And in the end we did keep our house! From the beginning they always made us feel that they were truly there to help us and the money was not of concern. Of course they expect to be paid for their services as anyone else but I have spoken to many attorneys before speaking with them and the first thing out of their mouth was how much we would need to come up with for them to handle our case. Obviously if you're in a position of having to file bankruptcy you don't have hundreds, much less thousands of dollars just laying around! I can't say enough about how grateful we are for their help and even after it was all over they said to call them if we ever need them in the future. You won't find anyone better!
Read more
28 Aug, 2012 by Maggie
Curtis took my personal injury case and treated my case like I was a family member. He always called me back when I had questions, kept me updated on the status of my case, and fought hard for great results! He and his wife are an amazing duo and know how to get the job done! I would recommend them to any of my friends or family!
Read more
13 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
I love the way he kept me informed and comfortable with my case and worked very hard on a great settlement, I will use him again, thanks for making me comfortable and confident in my case
Read more
25 Sep, 2019 by Nasri
He represents me in wonderful way and am thankful for best job he have don for me
Read more
09 Sep, 2017 by Mike
Mr. Ebrahimi was very organized and diligent with my case. He made sure that he communicated with me every step of the court process. At trial the case was dismissed!
Read more
06 Sep, 2022 by Jean
Took the time to explain the process. I was surprised a lawyer talked to the clients as much as he does. Very pleased!
Read more
21 May, 2012 by Nora
Dallas is a very GREAT attorney. I hired him last year for an accident case. He did everything to help me. I trust him. Although im not great with alot of attorneys ive met. He did what he said he would. He is a caring man. ALL ATTORNEYS NEED TO TAKE A LESSON FROM HIM.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Eric richardson
28 Aug, 2024 by Ronald utreras
Christine and Katie were awesome!! Went above and beyond to help me with my case. They were informative and communicative the entire way through.
Read more
26 Jun, 2024 by Jennifer fennell
When you realize you need a defense attorney DO NOT imagine ONLY whatever you are imagining. In Christine Khoehler you will find this a fierce, straight forward, genuine, warrior, in and out of the courtroom. She connected with my husband and believed in her client's case and would not allow him or I to compromise. She was willing to bring in experts on the strength of what she knew of my husband and his integrity. She was real and intentional with her words and stood by all she said and did. Prayerfully others that find themselves needing a defense attorney will find their way to her. She is everything you could imagine you'd need in a defense attorney and BETTER.
Also let us not be remiss that behind every Great Woman is another...Great Woman. Katie is her right hand and a great communicator. You will feel very comfortable when Katie helps you navigate the process.
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Roberto
30 Jul, 2024 by Micki and keith madison
I was so impressed with how the Coker Accident Lawyers handled my car accident case. The entire office was on top if my case from the very begining. They were responsive, organized abd truly cared about me and my case. The attorneys are the very best around! If you are injured you MUST have Michael, Samantha and the entire team on your side!
Read more
26 Jul, 2024 by Luminous slay
10/10 experience,if I ever get into another wreck I will be calling them and referring friends and family to them.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Eric richardson
28 Aug, 2024 by Ronald utreras
Christine and Katie were awesome!! Went above and beyond to help me with my case. They were informative and communicative the entire way through.
Read more
26 Jun, 2024 by Jennifer fennell
When you realize you need a defense attorney DO NOT imagine ONLY whatever you are imagining. In Christine Khoehler you will find this a fierce, straight forward, genuine, warrior, in and out of the courtroom. She connected with my husband and believed in her client's case and would not allow him or I to compromise. She was willing to bring in experts on the strength of what she knew of my husband and his integrity. She was real and intentional with her words and stood by all she said and did. Prayerfully others that find themselves needing a defense attorney will find their way to her. She is everything you could imagine you'd need in a defense attorney and BETTER.
Also let us not be remiss that behind every Great Woman is another...Great Woman. Katie is her right hand and a great communicator. You will feel very comfortable when Katie helps you navigate the process.
Read more
5.0
13 Reviews
4.5
15 Reviews
22 Jan, 2024 by Mike jones
If you have a criminal case. Do NOT hire him . You will waste your money and end up with a long prison sentence. I am living proof. I wasted years of my life for a case that could have been thrown away or gotten a reduced sentence. He will work with the DA an throw you under the bus for another client to get time reduced.
Read more
30 Oct, 2023 by S. covelo
Great lawyers
Read more
10 Oct, 2022 by Cristina
I have no words to thank you so much, for all your time, kindness, dedication and professionalism.
Lawyer Norman Cuadra is a man with a heart full of kindness, a great human, full of charisma and values. Fair, honest, that he loves and is passionate about what he does, his profession as a lawyer and he shows it in each of his cases.
After a great search for Lawyers, God put me in the best hands, where I felt safe, confident, and I did not hesitate to ask him to take my Divorce case.
My Divorce case was very complicated, but Norman, as a great professional, defended my son and me, with great dedication, skill, arguments, and intelligence. Having great knowledge of the laws, and the rights we have.
As I said before, Norman Cuadra is not only the best lawyer for me, is a great human being, who listens to you, understands you and who with great professionalism, gives everything to defend you.
This is my lawyer "Norman Cuadra" :
.- Norman is Who knows the laws perfectly and has years of experience in practice.
.- Norman is who takes time for your case, preparing and studying your defense with evidence in hand.
.- Norman is who don’t eat all day when he is in Court because he is working in your defense.
.- Norman cases don't last 30 minutes. His cases in Court last hours, all day and more if necessary.
.- Norman is who goes to court very well prepared, committed, since his main objective as a great professional lawyer is the best for his client.
.- Norman is who puts his clients before him.
.- Norman is Who becomes part of your family, because he defends you as if you were part of it.
Thank you, Norman, the days of my life will not be enough to thank you so much.
Norman, I want to express my admiration and respect for you, as well as your entire team at CUADRA & PATEL, LLC.; to Hayme Martinez, who was always there throughout my process, helping me, organizing all the evidence and to whom I also want to extend my respect and eternal gratitude.
Thankssssss!!!
Cristina Grisanti
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Larina poe
Awesome experience! Everyone was knowledgeable & resourceful!! Successful WIN!!
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Tasha akankwasa
excellent immigration service provision and customer satisfaction guaranteed .
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Orvian boothe
Big Shoutout to the team ! They were extremely patient with me. Got my green card approved in less than a year 🙏🏽
Andrea J🫡
Marisia P 🫡
Read more
15 Apr, 2024 by Tia smith
Electing Cain Injury law firm for my daughter's dog bite case is one of the best things I have ever done. Mr. Cain's impeccable expertise and dedication landed us in a field of glory. Alyssa (paralegal/asst) is truly a gem; quick responses, knowledgeable, professional yet warming and honest. This team helped me make great decisions for my daughter and I am more than satisfied with the outcome! Thank you.
Read more
28 Mar, 2024 by Manuel lanchares
After a traffic accident, the staff at Cain Injury Law provided me with useful, accurate, and complete information about the next steps to take in my case. I am thankful for their expertise and insights in resolving my situation.
Read more
28 Mar, 2024 by Tyler oates
The Cain team was extremely professional and caring during each interaction. Alyssa was responsive and great to work with!
Read more
16 May, 2024 by Rodney fair
Attorney Crystal Wright worked diligently to help protect my rights as a father during a very messy child custody case. After a lengthy custody battle, I was finally awarded primary custody of my baby girl! Both my daughter and I are very happy and I look forward to the journey that lies ahead. If you are in need of an attorney that will fight for your rights as a parent, you should definitely retain the services of Attorney Crystal Wright!!
Read more
13 Apr, 2024 by Staci jones
Crystal Wright is AMAZING!!!!! She handled my divorce case, and I TRULY felt that she cared about me and the well being of my son. She fought hard for me during mediation, and the outcome was more than I could ever imagine! If you need an attorney....you NEED to use her. You WILL NOT regret it!
Read more
28 Feb, 2024 by Jacqueline kendrick
Attorney Wright represented my family case. I was extremely pleased with the outcome. Her Etiquette and presentation in the court room was very professional. I would definitely recommend this Attorney to my friends and family.
Read more
08 Nov, 2023 by D reel
Non responsive. Doesn’t alert you about what’s going on with your case. If he’s appointed, get you another one !
Read more
01 Nov, 2022 by Gitzel zarate
can not believe what he tells you, at the end of the day the courts will do what they want with you and Rob pretends to help
Read more
31 Aug, 2022 by Omi
Rob is an amazing attorney that produces top-notch results. Rob is a pillar for justice and will fight for what is right. He helped my fiance when evil was against him. Choose Robert Greenwald.
Read more
15 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Miller affords you her expertise as a Judge, State Legislator, Educator, Attorney, and Parent for your court matters.
Her understanding of family law provided me an attorney who listened, and explained all matters that would be forthcoming in my divorce case based on the outcome I had desired when we first met.
Ms. Miller is well versed in the courtroom and continually reads cases and situations, keeping them at the ready when needed for your case.
Ms. Miller successfully defended me in a very complex family law case that had all elements of a bad and difficult divorce with many accusations being presented to the court. Each accusation was dissected, questioned openly in the courts, and dismissed by the courts. Her successful representation gave me immediate access to my child, and a voice in the legal system that made opposing attorneys and Judges pay attention to.
While waiting on my case to be heard, I have witnessed Ms. Miller assist younger attorneys in the courtroom on proper protocol, and coach them on procedure and direction. She is not only passionate about her clients but also passionate about the law.
You cannot receive any better legal representation in family law than Phyllis Miller.
Read more
13 Feb, 2016 by Denise
After spending the past four years in and out of the courtroom with my ex-husband, I finally found the BEST Attorney!! Phyllis Miller was highly recommended to me through other lawyers in the community. Ms. Miller's years of experience as an attorney and a former judge shows in the courtroom!
Phyllis always answered my emails and/or phone calls promptly. She was fantastic at keeping me up to date on any information that I needed regarding my case. Phyllis went above and beyond for what was best for me and my children. She knows what she is doing and will Fight to Get You a Great Outcome! I recommend Phyllis Miller to anyone who needs a dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced attorney.
Read more
12 Feb, 2016 by Kirk
This Itailian gal has spunk and passion. If you'd like to hire one of the best, I highly recommend this lawyer. She helped me get my kids and my house in my divorce proceedings. After watching her in the court room I gave her the nickname Barracuda. You would have to see it to understand it. I am lucky enough to be one of the 2% of men....thanks to Phyllis Miller...hire her, you'll see...she is worth every penny. :-)
Read more
08 Nov, 2023 by D reel
Non responsive. Doesn’t alert you about what’s going on with your case. If he’s appointed, get you another one !
Read more
01 Nov, 2022 by Gitzel zarate
can not believe what he tells you, at the end of the day the courts will do what they want with you and Rob pretends to help
Read more
31 Aug, 2022 by Omi
Rob is an amazing attorney that produces top-notch results. Rob is a pillar for justice and will fight for what is right. He helped my fiance when evil was against him. Choose Robert Greenwald.
Read more
08 Nov, 2023 by D reel
Non responsive. Doesn’t alert you about what’s going on with your case. If he’s appointed, get you another one !
Read more
01 Nov, 2022 by Gitzel zarate
can not believe what he tells you, at the end of the day the courts will do what they want with you and Rob pretends to help
Read more
31 Aug, 2022 by Omi
Rob is an amazing attorney that produces top-notch results. Rob is a pillar for justice and will fight for what is right. He helped my fiance when evil was against him. Choose Robert Greenwald.
Read more
27 Mar, 2024 by Stephanie
I had an amazing experience with Talal as my attorney. He was very understanding of my case. He was also easy to talk about things to and so kind. I’m glad I found him and he was able to help me solve my case. He is extremely good at what he does and I would hire him again!
-Thank you Talal
Read more
13 Jul, 2017 by David
Talal went above and beyond for me in my case. I really appreciated his hard work and knowledge. I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal help.
Read more
08 Jul, 2017 by Jim
Talal was great with helping me with one of the issues I was having. Talal was patient, professional, and knowledgeable to help me out which I totally appreciated. Don't hesitate to call and inquiry about his services as he is an asset and will work for you to help you.
Read more
14 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer was assigned to my child's case this past year and overall I would rate him as so so. And although I think he is a decent attorney (he knew the basics), I wouldn't rate him as excellent. This is because there were details missed and important things about the case not brought up that I think should have been. Fair is the fairest rating I can give.
Read more
21 Apr, 2017 by Ann
What you dont see behind the scenes is this man is truly working hard for his client(s). Give Jody your time and he will work his hardest and best. Be patient he told me!!! Being patient is not easy but it will pay off with Mr Everette on your side.
Read more
21 Mar, 2024 by Anthony savage
A lunatic, took me to trial and lost got 20 years for a conspiracy charge and didn’t even notify me there was a plae arrangement prior to trial, wasn’t even on the case 2 weeks and told the judge he was ready for trial right now 🤦🏽♂️
Read more
22 Sep, 2023 by Nene
DO NOT & I mean DO NOT go to this oxymoron for help, questions, advice, updates, opinions, NOTHING! I had to give at least 1 star in order to leave a review. Google needs to give a 0 star option. He's RUDE, UNPROFESSIONAL, disrespectful & he's not there to help his clients, he's AGAINST his clients. He doesn't have any respect, bedside manners, he makes fun of his CLIENTS disabilities & he is a very unhappy & miserable individual. He had the audacity to tell me in a condescending tone "I've been practicing law for 23 years." Really? But you're a "PUBLIC DEFENDER" with a BAD RAPPORT about yourself! He was very angry, very aggressive, & very defensive. I wouldn't be bragging about how long I've been practicing law & I haven't made partner with anyone or at least had a private firm! Even other attorneys are talking about how horrible you are! You treat your CLIENTS like they don't matter & you treat them like you're not on their side either! Not EVERYONE who's case you're working on is guilty! You're not a PROSECUTOR! You're a PUBLIC DEFENDER so act accordingly! You also need to HUMBLE YOURSELF & treat your clients & their FAMILY MEMBERS with some RESPECT! We already knew before we actually contacted you (AFTER you was appointed) that you & your reviews are HORRIBLE! Even my son said you made him uncomfortable! Your energy was off & he didn't like your vibe/attitude & how you made him feel! You came there to so called "visit" him & was only with him for 1 minute & that while you was with him you was making fun of his disability! Then you insulted him & had the nerve to ask before you left did he have any questions? Which I know he wouldn't been able to ask because you don't know how to LISTEN & let anyone get anything in EDGE wise! You was very disrespectful towards me & talked to me like I was "dumb" & I'm a educated individual, so I could only imagine how you treat your clients! Also don't burn your bridges with people because as quick as you got your JD/passed the bar you can get disbarred too! Your CLIENTS is what keeps your bills paid! He (Lawrence Lewis) was too busy getting SMART about irrelevant stuff that didn't pertain to my son that he didn't realize that he was talking to me about his other client! That right there goes to show that he needs to chill out, calm down & take a deep breath before he just starts talking & running off at the mouth to people like they're a nobody! Your SERVICES is no longer needed Lawrence SMH! You lost all respect from me & my family. You don't even want to help your clients anyways. Folks go elsewhere to get legal representation for your loved ones because he's not the right choice for their case or the Judicial System.
Read more
20 Sep, 2023 by Janice scott
04 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Daniel Ashley will take your case, take your money and TAKE YOU TO THE CLEANERS! Our biggest mistake was hiring him and trusting him. He stood us up in court 3 different times. The judge even expressed his concern for Daniels incompetent,unprofessional behavior once he showed up 3 hours late.The judge ordered him to pay the other attorney for not showing up. At this point we were not shocked that he billed us for his incompendency. Furthermore he made no effort in our case to contact any of our leading witnesses
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
