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01 Nov, 2024 by Diana valbuena
Dale Ellsworth was incredibly thorough in explaining the legal processes involved, ensuring I felt informed and confident every step of the way. He was always available to answer my questions, no matter how unimportant they seemed, and I appreciated his prompt communication. I highly recommend Dale to anyone in need of a custody attorney.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Alice long
My experience with Hoyer Law Firm has been superior. When I needed legal support regarding Grandparent Rights, Casey Hoyer and his team were there for me. They have been steadfast in representing me and my cause. I would highly recommend the Hoyer Law firm to friends, relatives and anyone in need of caring and compassionate legal advocates.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Colt craig
Was a waste of my time and money. Over 8k spent and had absolutely nothing to show for it. Felt like blaine Edward’s was working with opposing counsel instead of me. Was told during negations that I was better to sue my ex after the divorce for breach of contract, turns out I can’t because we settled on the in the agreement. Was also told in December it would only cost me another $1000 to finish my divorce. Well $1500 later still in the same place. Charged for work that wasn’t done. Also going to file a complaint with the Utah bar association. Also keep getting sent a bill that I paid, they won’t respond to an email, won’t answer when I call and won’t return a call so I can figure out why I’m getting sent a bill when I called in and paid it. Nothing but crooks. Edited so there was a problem with them processing my final payment. Instead of calling me and letting me know they sent an email. I tried calling them to figure it out but they would not answer or return my calls. They sent me to collections because I filed a complaint with the ethics board. Instead of calling me to get paid they sent me to collection. Eventually they got it back from collection and took off the interest, but that’s just petty to send me to collections because I filed a complaint about his lack of representation.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Greg h
I paid just around $3000 in attorney fees for 2 months of representation with no court appearances or filings… just emails with OC and phone calls without even meeting Mr. Hoyer in person. He quickly referred me to his subordinate counsel for several weeks. I received such a large bill through two months, I made a change immediately and was so glad that I did. When I requested correspondence between him and opposing counsel to try to substantiate some of the cost, he would not forward that to me. You may want to make that inquiry if you ever decide that you want to retain him as I feel, this is highly irregular and far from transparent when you are paying for his services. Mr. Hoyers office said they would only send emails to my new attorney if he requests them but, would not send them to me. I asked on multiple occasions for a 10 minute appointment with Mr. Hoyer to place a name to a face and shake a hand after spending thousands of dollars the first few weeks and during the first month and was told he was ill or on vacation and just given the run around or in court. I also paid the $300 initial one hour consultation, which was by phone and not in person. I will tell you that my experience was a couple years ago in 2022 and I have utilized five attorneys for business and real estate transactions that were FANTASTIC. Mr Hoyer not only did not place his client as first priority, but overcharged and was an inefficient in utilizing an associate inexperienced attorney to assist and charged and charged. He was not transparent and would not share communications ie emails between he and opposing counsel when I need to address my situation… when I retained my next attorney, his open book policy was to CC all communications which I found refreshing and exceptionally transparent. Do you due diligence here…my experience was challenging, costly and a nightmare.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Leslie
Heather Seegmiller is one of a kind Attorney ! She came dedicated, focused and even worked over the weekend to give me her all! What was going to be a catastrophe? Heather turned around and literally saved the case. She works extremely hard and is meticulous with details. Me and my family always talk about what miracle she has been!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
After scheduling what I thought was a paid consultation that should have lasted 1 hour, I learned I was unknowingly scheduled into a 15 minute free consultation. Heather rushed through the consultation continually reminding me she was losing money every minute we spoke. Completely unprofessional, zero compassion, zero fighting skills & capability. If you need a bulldog of an attorney who is willing to fight for you, this attorney is not it. I had $23,000 I was prepared to give her just to start my case. Her loss.
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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:

  1. What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award.
  3. 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.
  4. How often do you take cases to trial?
    Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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