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10 May, 2024 by Lisa hayes
DiBella Law Offices are amazing! Chis DiBella is a fantastic attorney and so knowledgeable ! Also, Stacy is so great to work with, She is so responsive, friendly, and a help with everything. I recommend DiBella Law Offices, Chis and Stacy are an amazing team and will work fiercely for you. Highly recommend! Best Law office around the state and New England for all your needs!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Eulice baez
Always a great experience working with the team⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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30 Mar, 2024 by Luis jaime
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18 Oct, 2023 by Nikki
At the end of July 2022, my then-13-year-old son was mowing our neighbors lawn and subsequently was struck by a drunk driver. He suffered a deep laceration to his forearm requiring 10 stitches and an aftercare appointment. I was recommended to hire Attorney Stephen by a colleague and I immediately hired him upon discussion of the case. Attorney Stephen handled everything, from acquiring bills to paying them, keeping me informed every step of the way. The process with Attorney Stephen was effortless on our behalf. He handled all paperwork, negotiations and discussions with insurance and reported back always in a timely fashion. He treated our family with care and respect and not just as paying clients. Although not involved in the criminal case against the driver, he still took the time from his day to appear next to us in Superior court and support my son and I during her plea and sentencing- which my son and I are extremely grateful for. Attorney Stephen ensured the best possible final number for my son. He handled the annuity and was diligent about reviewing and explaining the process and paperwork with my husband and I. His prices were fair and reasonable and he explained his costs to us in plain verbiage and there was no confusion. We felt confident in Attorney Stephen throughout the entire process and would absolutely hire him again if necessary and recommend him to anyone seeking a personal injury attorney.
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20 Sep, 2018 by Alicia
Mr. Stephens handled my case in a very timely manner.I was referred to Mr. Stephens from a friend and it worked out great.I would highly recommend his firm to handle your case
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08 Jun, 2015 by Shannon
Attorney Stephen is amazing. I had called a couple other attorneys before I saw his name on Google. The first Attorney I called never got back to me and the second said it wasnt worth his time. From the beginging Attorney Stephen was on top of everything, through the entire process he stayed in contact with me and would get back to me very promptly when I had questions. I will be able to take care of upcoming medical bills for a long time becauae Attorney Stephen helped me to recover 3 times what would normally be expected for the sort of injury I had from my car accident. I have recently recommended him to a good friend who had an issue at a hospital. I would highly recommend him to anyone and would use him again in a heartbeat if I were to ever need an attorney. I simply cannot say enough good things about him to express my gratitude for his hard work.If you ever read this Attorney Stephen, thank you so much for all you did for me.
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02 Nov, 2020 by John
Absolutely the worst experience I've had with an lawyer and I have dealt with several. He was nosey, unprofessional and rude. We made a deal with my wife's parents to buy there home. We tried to buy it 2 years ago but had some credit issues to resolve. We had agreed on a price for the property but it was less than the market would fetch but they wanted to keep it in the family. We where using Paul because I had told my father in law that a lot of times when you use an attorney you have used before they give a discount for return business. Basically he told them we where ripping them off even though we told them to get the house appraised. He charged double for the closing costs. paid people twice we had already paid out of our pocket and then told us we had to get the money back ourselves. He told my wives parents that their closing costs where 7 thousand dollars less than they where so we got stuck paying an extra 7 grand at closing. We couldn't complain! We where already getting a deal on the house. So we had to eat it and smile. last of all we had an appointment for the closing for 2:30pm on a Friday. He had me sit on his brick porch for 45 minutes on a 90 degree day so he could squeeze in another closing before mine (last minute). If I could give him no stars I would.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Sherry
The attorney decided to keep $10,000 of my money at closing because of the Columbia gas outage and explosions in the neighborhood which caused my property to be without gas at time of closing. After the closing was done he tried to bully me into keeping my $10,000 and giving it to the buyer against our agreement. He would not talk to me on the phone he would hang up on me and he would not reply to my emails and told me to hire an attorney of my own. Extremely unprofessional and arrogant. I don’t know how this guy is still licensed
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19 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Was selling my house and as the closing attorney, Russell claimed that he delegated the title search to another attorney who could not clear it. Like Susanne's experience, Russell was no help at all with this issue so I had no choice but involve a THIRD attorney who had NO TROUBLE clearing title. Russell just couldn't be bothered to even try. Or course he was more than happy to pass the cost of the failed attempt to clear as well as the successful title clearing cost on to me. At the closing, he also provided a generous dose of arrogance when he thratened to cancel the closing if I refused to pay ALL the fees. Even his office paralegal told me that I shouldn't have to pay the fees. Thanks for NOTHING.
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04 Jul, 2010 by Gail
Never returned phone calls or email. I waited 6 weeks and notified the law office that I was irritated that no one returned a phone or an email, still no response
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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:

  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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