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27 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Doug as my attorney back in 2013 and it was the best decision of my life. I got myself into some trouble for some stupid things I had done and he helped talk me through it, and took care of everything and helped turn my life around. He is one of the kindest, most caring and professional men I know. I really don't know what i would have done without him. If you need help with anything, call Doug and you will never regret that you did.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Joseph k.
Very helpful with any and all questions. Always willing to take the time to make sure i understood everything.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Catina
Doug was my attorney in my dfs case and he was absolutely excellent he made sure dfs did not overrun me, he kept me on my toes and made sure I did all they needed me to do, and he was one of my biggest supports threw my dfs case always returned my calls and thanks to his help my children are home n my case is dismissed he is just an excellent lawyer all around
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09 Jan, 2025 by Becca glosser
My family has worked with Anders Blewett in a variety of different situations which have required legal representation. He is professional, responsive, effective and trustworthy. No detail or stone goes unturned. If he doesn't feel like he's the best man for the job, he will help you find someone who is. One of the reasons he is our go to guy. Highly recommend.
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21 Nov, 2024 by James william stoeckel
Anders took a very professional and thorough approach to my injury situation. He advised me of all issues and possibilities as we moved through the process. I highly recommend Anders and his firm. - jim stoeckel
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27 Oct, 2024 by Teresa woodcock
Where do I even begin? Anders Blewett took my case when no one else would! I suffered an injury in the mountains. He took time to call, listen, and found a solution that I didn't even know was possible. When I was in so much physical and emotional pain, Anders worked with me and my family, and regularly called us to share updates that went both ways. I am so incredibly pleased with the patience and perseverance Anders showed me. He was so kind and knowledgeable and I would recommend him and his team to everyone in a heartbeat! During the first phone call, he told me about the only law school in Montana that is named after his dad, and I saw the family pictures on the website. I knew I was in good hands from the very beginning. They are a fantastic group of incredibly kind people. Thank you so much for believing in me, Anders! Your persistence and kindness makes a world of a difference, to so so many.
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19 Dec, 2017 by Mike
I was referred to Roland Durocher by a mutual acquaintance, Roland is very personable. He was able to help me understand the legal process as I was looking for help with my medical issues. After my initial consultation he was able to determine the strength of my case. In fact he jumped on board as a contingency case. Since then he has diligently done what was necessary and to help me understand every step. He has been very reassuring that the legal process takes time. He has helped my confidence in seeing this lawsuit through to the end. Roland filed two lawsuits on my behalf. The first been successful. His knowledge and patience were instrumental in helping me realize my rights.
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19 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Roland took our case, which was a very unusual and difficult case. He maintained a high level of professionalism through the entirety of the case.
Christie & Jesse Slaughter
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14 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Durocher has helped me with two personal injury cases and I received an amazing reward. He has a wonderful staff. He is helpful, smart, efficient, and reliable. He truly is an expert in his field and I would recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Cissy
I had several meetings with Kraig discussing the merit of pursuing a personal injury claim due to a rear end collision I was unfortunately involved
in.
Kraig was super patient with me explaining the process with the at fault insurance company.He was very candid about was it in my best interest to hire him, or not, he continued on to give me some very helpful free legal advice ,I even offered to pay for his time, but he declined.
I found Kraig to be a genuine individual .
I would not hesitate a moment to refer him to family or friends!
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03 Jun, 2020 by Lakoda
Very knowledgeable, maintained steady contact with me through the whole thing and really helped my out when I was injured at work. Highly recommended
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13 Jul, 2017 by Dennis/linda
How refreshing. We had a ton of questions for a Workman's Comp/Retirement issue and only had one day in which to make our decision. We called Kraig late in the day on a Thursday afternoon and he was beyond patient with us plus took the time to explain everything in great detail. He explained that in our particular case we probably wouldn't come out ahead to hire him, but did give us tips on how to negotiate ourselves with Workman's Comp. Who does that? He did not try to up sell us, sign us or give us grandiose expectations, simply straight talked and gave us our best options. Thank you Kraig. We choose your law firm at random from internet listings but will recommend and choose your law firm in the future because of your compassion and the professional interaction we had with you. My husband even commented how nice it was you didn't seem like you were trying to get rid of us once it was determined we weren't hiring you. It is really stressful trying to figure all the Social Security, Retirement, Workman's Comp, etc. for a lay person; you answered all our questions and then some plus eased our minds that we were making the right decision. Highly recommend.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Paul
In my time of need, Matt Dodd was the only lawyer I talked to that I felt like I could completely trust and be confident in. I was not just a dollar sign. He cared about my case and cared about my wellbeing. If you want an incredibly responsive lawyer who will take time to explain everything thats going on with the case and with everyone involved, Matt is your guy. We thoroughly talked through everything and Matt successfully got me the outcome(s) I wanted. He knows his stuff extremely well. Five stars
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23 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
A year ago I made a mistake a found myself in a considerable amount of trouble. Matt helped me navigate the legal process and was by my side every step of the way. Matt is a brilliant lawyer and can play the legal game with the best of them, but I was more impressed with his personal relationshipswith local DA's, judges, ect. He was able to leverage these relationships on my behalf and get me the best possible outcome for my case. Every time I walked into a courtroom with Matt I felt like I had the best possible person representing me and that feeling truly put my mind as ease. It scares me to imagine where I might be today without Matt and his teams help through this difficult process. If you are in need of legal representation there isn't another person I'd recommend more than Matt and his team.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Rosemary
Attorney Dodd was very professional. He communicated constantly and kept me informed with every bit of information throughout the entire process. He is quick to return calls, answer emails and is very thorough. I was extremely thrilled with the outcome as well. I highly recommend him.
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19 Dec, 2024 by John doe
Must say Thomas Murphy and Lou Joi Poelman and Beth Kordonowy absolutely pulled me from the darkness and confusion of a work place injury. They were there throughout they whole process, I highly recommend them.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Krysie koval
As their motto states; confidence compassion, and experience is exactly what you'll get from Murphy law firm. I can't thank you enough for everything you did for me, Matt. I couldn't have imagined a better outcome/resolution to my case. Forever grateful.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Derrick o.
Matt Murphy of Murphy Law Firm is an amazingly talented lawyer. Thank you for all your hard work, Matt. You communicated with me effectively and patiently. You explained every thing to me so I could understand the process. I really appreciate and enjoyed how you worked with me and how you worked on my case. You are hands down the best lawyer I have ever worked with. It was a real pleasure to get to know you and if I ever have a need for a lawyer in the future I will definitely be giving you a call. God bless you Matt. Thanks again. To anyone reading this review, if you need a lawyer who will work hard on your behalf and keep you informed while giving you the best legal counsel in Montana, this lawyer is the only lawyer I could soundly recommend. I do not like giving recommendations. For Matt Murphy I make an exception and I highly recommend calling Matt Murphy of Murphy Law Firm.
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24 Sep, 2020 by Benjamin
Top-notch law firm! I couldn't be happier with Michael Rabb and his practice. Absolutely incredible service, and a fantastic lawyer. Anyone who needs a lawyer, should definitely reach out to The Rabb Law Firm. Highly Recommended!!
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21 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Michael was incredibly helpful, listened intently and spoke clearly and directly. He gave me legal perspective and offered general guidance that assisted me in understanding
my situation. I was truly glad I reached out to Avvo and got a chance to speak with Michael.
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05 Mar, 2021 by Kelly
I spoke with him about laws pertaining to workman comp. and my rights on getting 2nd opinions. Whether a job can place me on comp. due to Dr. Restrictions after still doing the same job for 9 months. He was very friendly and helpful in the many steps I could take.. There was no pressure to hire him during the consultation and tells you up front his charges if you do. Would recommend him to friends and family and I am keeping his card in case I need him again.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Mike
I used McKeon law services for a car claim. Mr. McKeon was very professional awesome to work with. I highly recommend his services.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Angela
Tb not sure. Do I have open civil cases?.
Will you please find out. About unknown cases?
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04 May, 2016 by Tim
It has been very interesting to work with Robert. He has been very professional, informative, and demonstrated that he knows exactly what he is doing while keeping me informed at all times. I would not hesitate to use his services again if the need arose.
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06 May, 2018 by Kendra
James went above and beyond for me from the very beginning. I was nervous getting a public defender, but James did amazing. He cared about my case from the beginning and always made me felt heard. James greatly exceeded my expectations and was a fantastic lawyer. I truly believe he would have given me his all at trial if we would have gotten to that point.
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11 Oct, 2015 by Brian
We hired Stephanie from a recommendation and could not be happier. We had a complex case involving the biggest investment in our lives – our house. Stephanie met with us for a consultation and we were able to discuss all of our options and realistic possible conclusions.
Immediately we were very comfortable with her style and the way that she communicated with us. We felt this was important as we would need to communicate often and there needs to be a strong relationship in place. She is personable and this made us feel confident in hiring her to take on our case.
We were even more impressed with her work ethic as she is very organized and always kept us in the loop for any new developments, information or filings. She also would let us know what she needed from us for the case to move forward. Unlike most attorney experiences we have heard, Stephanie was always in contact with us and quickly got back to us when we called with questions.
Stephanie is intelligent and also diligent in her case law research. We liked that she was able to boil down this legalese into something that she could explain to us in layman terms and not make us feel like she was talking down to us. As said before, this was a complex case and we wanted to understand everything that was going on.
Stephanie is also a very aggressive negotiator and exudes confidence and knowledge – the other attorneys soon learned that she would not be intimidated or bullied into a position that was not favorable to us.
In the end, were were able to reach a settlement with the insurance company that was agreeable to both of us, and a far better position than what they first tried to offer us. My wife and I would highly recommend hiring Stephanie as your attorney.
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07 May, 2016 by Therese
John was my first experience with a lawyer. I didn't know some charge for every email, phone call or voicemail they receive. Not John. When he said call or email anytime, he meant it. His passion is being a lawyer. Though he represented me twice, only once did I get the privilege of seeing his truth in the courtroom. He stands for the truth. His integrity stands out. My life is owed to him. When I told him I trust his decisionson implicitly, I meant it and always will. If he said it's not going to work, I trusted him.
Though he is still young in his field, his instincts will take him far.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Nathan
When nobody else would touch our case because they disagreed with our life choices, Ellie didn't hesitate to take a stand for us in the name of justice and equality for all. Ellie will be remembered as a champion of civil rights and a personal hero of my entire family.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Post has been a great asset to our small Arizona contracting business. He has reviewed, advised and represented us on matters that concern our success with the highest of professionalism. We know we can count on him to be a great listener, give prompt and accurate attention to our needs, and represent our best interests at all times. He has always been honest and trustworthy with our concerns that require legal attention. He has demonstrated that he understands business in depth and takes his profession of serving others seriously.
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08 Oct, 2017 by Scott
Chris and his team have helped me on multiple occasions regarding legal advice and legal knowledge. They are incredibly professional and helpful through every step of the process. I would highly recommend Chris for anyone seeking a great legal team to represent you and your assets.
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25 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Cindy was incredibly easy to work with, very knowledgable of the legal system , very thoughtful and careful. She was always incredibly responsive and timely on all accounts. We always appreciated her guidance, great listening skills, and ability to easily articulate even the most complicated processes.
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24 Oct, 2017 by Derek
My wife & I were involved in a highly unusual contract dispute earlier this year. We contacted the Haffey/Vap law firm regarding the case and Mitch took our case. He is extremely knowledgeable in contract law and handled our case with exceptional diligence & thoroughness, not to mention in a highly ethical manner. Mitch obtained a very positive outcome for us. We highly recommend Mitch Vap & the Haffey/Vap firm for difficult contract cases. Thank you Mitch!
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09 Sep, 2011 by Vicky
I was so frustrated with the insurance adjuster I was almost ready to give up. It was someone else’s fault that I was hurt, but the adjuster made me feel like the bad guy. Marty & Vinnie were great and I couldn’t believe I didn’t come to them earlier because it would have saved me a lot of time and anger. Plus, I was happy with my settlement.
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07 May, 2024 by David evitts
18 Mar, 2024 by Katie o'reilly
Attorney Miva VanEngen did a lot to help soften a stressful court experience—she communicates clearly and honestly, and shows a lot of compassion and intelligence. She worked hard on my case, was always responsive and direct, and all interactions were pleasant and marked by kindness. I was pleased with the results and grateful I'd found representation in Miva. Highly recommend.
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16 Feb, 2024 by Rebecca quinlan
Absolutely fabulous team. I had other lawyers who didn’t do nearly as much as this Nick did for me in one year. I am so grateful to have had his support and expertise through my case. The team was fantastic with communication in a timely manner which is extremely important in any case. They are friendly, knowledgeable and personable. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Rosemary conrad
I'm extremely happy with the process and outcome
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28 Jun, 2024 by Chad tyrone
The professionalism and quality of a big city law firm in the middle of Montana! In my opinion there is no better equipped, and trustworthy representation available in the state. This is your life on the line, do you want some overworked state appointed representative that will spend ten minutes on your file before a hearing? or try to convince you to take a bad plea deal just to clear their case load for the month? Or would you rather have a dedicated team that will give the best of their ability to reach an appropriate outcome. Your peace, your treasure, and your reputation is on the line... I think in twenty or thirty years you will look back and realize the money 💰 you spent here will be they best investment you have ever made. Dillion is as sharp as a tack (smart), and Victoria is an unbelievably hard worker. They have gone above and beyond for me and I will appreciate them for the rest of my life. I would advise you to choose dodd law firm. Nothing is worth more than your freedom, your time with family and your livelihood. DO IT
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07 Mar, 2024 by Steven hernandez
Matt is one of the hardest working trial attorneys in all of Montana. because of his knowledge on trial techniques he is a featured speaker on the hardest of all trial techniques, the "cross examination." If you need a lawyer in the Bozeman, Montana area, call Matt Dodd.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Tina mcgowan
Matt was amazing. Helped me through the whole process. Great communication and settlement skills.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Brent perry
Matt is a Beast!!!!
He does not play around, he is in for your best interest and health. Thank you so much sir!!!
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01 May, 2024 by Colleen mcknight
Fantastic attorneys. Easy to work with, subject matter expertise, and so skilled. You'd be well served with them as your counsel!
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04 Feb, 2025 by Sharina heitz
She is an amazing lawyer! She is prepared and knowledgeable. Responds in a timely matter and keeps you updated as she goes. Definitely recommend her! She is worth it.!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Kathy chimuk
We recently had the pleasure of working with Ross and Ben, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the moment we walked into their office, We felt welcomed and supported. The team is incredibly.
They communicated in a way that was clear and easy to understand. They seamlessly transitioned between complex legal jargon and plain language, ensuring we was always in the loop and comfortable with the process.
What stood out the most was their approachable and friendly demeanor. They made the entire experience less daunting and were always available to answer any questions we had. Their kindness and lightheartedness made a significant difference during a challenging time.
They are a top-notch legal team. If you need legal assistance, look no further – they are truly the best in the business.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Chuck hopkins
Ross Johnson went above and beyond helping our family through a difficult situation. His professionalism, expertise and kindness was there from the moment we contacted him and throughout the situation. We highly recommend Ross for your personal law needs. You won't be disappointed. Our family THANKS YOU!!!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Meaghan smith
Caelan Brady & Ben Snipes have been champions for us throughout a very scary and unexpected time in our lives. We are beyond grateful for the extensive amount of work they have done on our behalf to advocate and enforce what is right and fair. They have taken many burdens off our shoulders all while keeping communication lines very open & transparent. We cannot thank them enough and will recommend them over and over again, not just because they are phenomenal lawyers but they really are incredible humans as well.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Kathy chimuk
We recently had the pleasure of working with Ross and Ben, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From the moment we walked into their office, We felt welcomed and supported. The team is incredibly.
They communicated in a way that was clear and easy to understand. They seamlessly transitioned between complex legal jargon and plain language, ensuring we was always in the loop and comfortable with the process.
What stood out the most was their approachable and friendly demeanor. They made the entire experience less daunting and were always available to answer any questions we had. Their kindness and lightheartedness made a significant difference during a challenging time.
They are a top-notch legal team. If you need legal assistance, look no further – they are truly the best in the business.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Chuck hopkins
Ross Johnson went above and beyond helping our family through a difficult situation. His professionalism, expertise and kindness was there from the moment we contacted him and throughout the situation. We highly recommend Ross for your personal law needs. You won't be disappointed. Our family THANKS YOU!!!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Meaghan smith
Caelan Brady & Ben Snipes have been champions for us throughout a very scary and unexpected time in our lives. We are beyond grateful for the extensive amount of work they have done on our behalf to advocate and enforce what is right and fair. They have taken many burdens off our shoulders all while keeping communication lines very open & transparent. We cannot thank them enough and will recommend them over and over again, not just because they are phenomenal lawyers but they really are incredible humans as well.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Stella lee
10 May, 2024 by Richard savage
The people at Hays & Hayes treat their clients with compassion and respect and
Mike and Holli do everything they can to understand your needs and make certain that you understand what’s going on and what to expect in the future. Thank you Hays & Hayes for taking care of our estate settlement and a few other things with such professional concern and efficiency.
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18 Apr, 2024 by C savage
We are so grateful for the firm of Hays and Hayes and highly recommend its legal services. You will not find a more compassionate, focused and competent team. They really went the extra mile for us and we can’t thank them enough!
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5.0
14 Reviews
4.3
23 Reviews
13 Nov, 2024 by Levi bessette
31 Mar, 2024 by Mark
Ok
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09 Feb, 2024 by Amanda walker
I recently hired Sara Lockwood as my attorney for a divorce case she was so personable and very kind through the entire process I felt like she was there for me even on weekends and when she was out of town and if it was something that she couldn’t do the other attorney in her office was very helpful as well. Highly recommend these guys they’re amazing.
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26 Oct, 2024 by Gary ainsworth
never even called me back I left multiple messages if I could give zero Stars I would
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11 Oct, 2024 by Ashley culek
Craig and his team are amazing! We reached out to Craig after someone ran a stop sign, hitting our vehicle. Long story short, he denied being in an accident to his insurance company, so they denied our claim even though we had photographs of the person's insurance card and damage of our vehicle. We tried on our own to get the insurance company to cooperate and accept the claim, but they wouldn't budge. As soon as Craig stepped in to assist, it was like night and day. The claim was reviewed again by someone else and accepted. Craig worked so hard for us and got a better outcome than we could have ever expected. He and his team are very professional and courteous. He took the time to explain things and the process of how a potential lawsuit would go. We would have gotten nothing had it not been for Craig. He made the whole experience nice and easy for us so we weren't stressing about how to handle the situation. He handled it all! 10/10 recommend Hensel Law, PLLC!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Abia-marie rose
Refused to take my case
Tennant vs Land Lord...
I get to go to court without representation.
😭
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19 Oct, 2024 by Theodore neubauer
Is an absolute liability in society
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19 Oct, 2024 by Theodore neubauer
Bullying and harassment. Feigning events and giving improper notice to remove a dog that is registered. Reality is they hate people that are the lead singer of the band
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10 Oct, 2024 by Jonathan hurley
Great service and really helped us out with a realestate legal matter we had. 5 star and recommend, Jon from Columbia Falls, MT
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15 Mar, 2024 by Lexon sant
Tends to you like family. From his work to personality, I can not recommend him enough. He will untangle your problems like a tangled yo-yo. Thank you sir.
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29 Nov, 2023 by Marlene rorvik
Pretty sweet place to go to.
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24 Sep, 2023 by Isabella svihl
ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!!! Extremely talented, professional work. Five stars is an understatement! Do yourself a favor and get your legal work done with this business!
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13 Nov, 2024 by Levi bessette
31 Mar, 2024 by Mark
Ok
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09 Feb, 2024 by Amanda walker
I recently hired Sara Lockwood as my attorney for a divorce case she was so personable and very kind through the entire process I felt like she was there for me even on weekends and when she was out of town and if it was something that she couldn’t do the other attorney in her office was very helpful as well. Highly recommend these guys they’re amazing.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Whether you've been hurt in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Personal injury lawyers act as your advocate, navigating the legal system on your behalf and dealing with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle complex legal matters and help you avoid common pitfalls.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where you've been harmed due to another's negligence. Some key scenarios include:
- Severe injuries: If you've suffered significant or permanent injuries that result in substantial medical bills, a lawyer can help ensure you are fairly compensated.
- Long-term or permanent disability: Injuries that affect your ability to work or require ongoing medical treatment are complex, and a lawyer can help estimate long-term damages.
- Disputed liability: If the responsible party or their insurance company denies liability for your injury, a lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.
- Insurance company lowball offers: Insurers often try to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement.
- Medical malpractice claims: Injuries caused by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider due to negligence require a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice law.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: If you've been injured due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances, a lawyer can help pursue legal action.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is crucial, especially if you're unsure of the full extent of your injuries or damages.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer provides a wide range of services to guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. They can:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer will assess the strength of your claim and determine whether you have a viable case.
- Investigate the incident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions is key to building a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and aren't taken advantage of.
- File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement can't be reached, the lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
- Help calculate damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Prepare and file legal documents: Lawyers handle all the paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, including filing motions and discovery requests.
- Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, the lawyer will argue your case before a judge and jury to obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either through settlement or a court judgment. Here’s how it works:
- Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award, typically between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it's resolved.
- Costs and expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, the lawyer may deduct other costs associated with the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. These expenses are often advanced by the lawyer and repaid out of the settlement.
- No upfront payment: Since the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning, you usually don’t pay anything upfront.
Always discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, the amount you pay will depend on the outcome of your case. Here are some general guidelines:
- Contingency fees: Typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. The percentage may increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
- Other costs: In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, medical record retrieval fees, and court costs. These are often deducted from your settlement, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.
While the cost may seem high, hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly increase the amount you recover, making it a worthwhile investment.
Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right representation. Here are some important questions to ask:
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What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award. -
How long will my case take?
While it's hard to predict, a lawyer can give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled. -
How often do you take cases to trial?
Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior lawyers or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it's important to know who will be managing your claim. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and professionalism.
How to Check the Credibility of a Personal Injury Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible personal injury lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews can provide insight into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
- Look at their track record: Review their experience with personal injury cases, particularly how many cases they’ve successfully resolved or taken to trial.
- Ask for references: Credible lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their work.
- Check professional memberships: Lawyers who are members of respected organizations, like the American Association for Justice (AAJ), often have a solid reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, prepare the following:
- Detailed account of the accident: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and locations. Include any witnesses or police reports if available.
- Medical records and bills: Bring any documentation of your injuries, treatments, and associated medical costs.
- Insurance information: Provide your insurance details and any communication you’ve had with the other party’s insurance company.
- Employment and income records: If your injury has impacted your ability to work, bring proof of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Photos or videos: If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, bring them to your consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions to ask, including how the lawyer will handle your case and what you can expect in terms of timeline and outcome.
By preparing thoroughly for your first consultation, you’ll help the lawyer understand your case more quickly and get a better sense of your legal options.
