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5.0
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5.0
96 Reviews
24 May, 2024 by Melissa kanaris
I recently had the privilege of working with McPherson and Thomas Firm after being involved in an auto accident. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the outstanding service and support I received from this firm. From the very beginning, they made the entire process much easier than I ever expected, and I would like to share my heartfelt review to help others in need of an auto accident injury attorney in Tampa Bay.
One year ago, I found myself in a stressful situation following the accident. However, McPherson and Thomas Firm quickly became my rock throughout the entire journey. I want to specifically mention my assigned attorney, Ian Thomas, and paralegal, Jennifer, who did a fantastic job with my case. From our first meeting, they took the time to truly understand my situation and provide the guidance and representation I needed. Their expertise and knowledge in auto accident injury cases were evident, and I felt confident that I was in good hands.
What truly stood out to me was the level of care and compassion I received from Ian, Jennifer, and the entire team at McPherson and Thomas Firm. They not only fought tirelessly for my rights and best interests but also provided the emotional support & medical guidance I needed during such a challenging time. Jennifer, who spent the most time on my case, made communication easier than I could have hoped for. Her attentiveness and dedication to keeping me informed and updated were remarkable. I always felt heard and valued as a client. She helped me make all the important connections while my body & brain functionality was still recovering from the trauma.
Throughout the process, McPherson and Thomas Firm demonstrated their commitment to making the entire experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. They handled all the necessary paperwork, communicated with insurance companies on my behalf, and kept me informed of any updates or developments. Their attention to detail and proactive approach allowed me to focus on my recovery while they fought for the compensation I deserved.
I want to emphasize that my experience with McPherson and Thomas Firm was personal and beyond satisfactory. They treated me as an individual, not just another case. Their dedication to their clients is unmatched, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking legal representation for auto accident injury cases in Tampa Bay.
By sharing this review, I hope to contribute to their success and help others in need of a trustworthy and compassionate legal team. McPherson and Thomas Firm, along with Ian Thomas and Jennifer, truly deserve recognition for their exceptional service. I am forever grateful for their support and representation during one of the most challenging times in my life.
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20 May, 2024 by Cavemook
They were great! Efficient. Always kept me posted with what was going on with my case.
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16 May, 2024 by Krister curtis
I fell and broke my back because there were no warnings or proper instructions on the product I was using and it caused me to pass out and fall, I first contacted that “big” law firm you see on TV all the time. What a mistake!! After 2 months of promises and getting the run around when I would call, they said they couldn’t help me with my case. That’s when I called McPherson and Thomas and WOW! WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Attorney Thomas was happy to help, always kept me up to date and in the loop as things progressed. He was able to resolve my case and get me a settlement, when that “big” law firm said I didn’t have a case. Thank you to Attorney Thomas and his whole office staff for truly fighting for the people!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Johnny myer (johnnycrypto x)
29 Aug, 2024 by King powdeer18
28 Aug, 2024 by Colleen carter
5.0
20 Reviews
20 Aug, 2023 by Virginia
If you need a personal injury lawyer I can highly recommend Charles “Chuck” Philips. He just won a case for me and I was very impressed with his legal skills and his caring personality. He doesn’t advertise because he relies on satisfied clients, like me, to personally recommend him to others. My personal recommend is sincere. Advertisements are written by ad agencies and may have nothing to do with the truth.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Joan g
Mr. Phillips came highly recommended and we're so happy for that.
He handled our car accident case so well from the beginning. He kept us in the loop and let us know what to expect step by step. He answered all our questions with patience and we never doubted his dedication. I definitely recommend him and his efficient staff.
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15 Jul, 2023 by Brandon
I'd highly recommend Chuck and his entire team at Philips and Raaymakers Law. They did a great job when we needed them the most. Sharon and Chuck both had excellent communication throughout the process. They treated us like family. Thanks for everything!
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19 Jun, 2020 by Gary
Mr. Wheeley and his team were instrumental in getting my Social Security Disability claim approved. His team did a good job in keeping me updated on the status of my claim throughout the process.
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02 Mar, 2020 by Brenda
Mr. Wheeley and his assistant were very professional and forthcoming with their knowledge! I felt very comfortable discussing my case with them. They kept me in the loop every step of the way and guided me appropriately through this process.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Donna berry
I hired Mr Wheeley to help me with Social Security Disability. He was very helpful and fully explained everything to me before hand and was very patient. He offered to file the initial paperwork for because I was sick with cancer treatments. He assistants Ana and Sarah were great. They kept me in the loop and called to inform me of everything that happened and the progress being made and double checking to see if I completed paperwork that SSDI needed. Kelly is wonderful to speak with on the phone. I truely I wouldn't have been approved so quickly if it wasn't for this law team on my side. If you need a lawyer, please don't hesitate to contact this firm. They are the best!!
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24 May, 2017 by Kelly
Very professional and quick service. Took care of my problem without any delay.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Thomas
He believed in the merits of my case. Worked diligently. Communicated often. Always available. provided good advice. Charged fairly.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Marc
Attorney McMenamin prides himself on being available, answering his emails, texts, calls and inquiries promptly, and truly caring about what he does. He has helped my family understand and file important legal documents, fight for our rights when the odds were against us and is always available to help. He is the GOOD side of the law and there aren't many of those, trust me. Best of all, he is a decent, hard working man and makes decisions that are best for his client, not his wallet, which says it all. Call him if you need a great Attorney.
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13 Dec, 2022 by Katie
I hired Brandon Kemp after a drunk driver hit my daughter and me. Brandon was on top of everything and made Me feel very comfortable leaving all of it into his hands. He handled everything so all I had to do was focus on healing and trying to get my life back to normal. Brandon was able to settle quickly and get me taken care of. He is very knowledgeable and moves fast to get your case completed with most amount of settlement possible. He was always there to answer any questions I had and helped me understand parts of the law and insurance companies/coverage that I didn’t know about. I highly recommend everyone use Brandon Kemp as their attorney.
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08 Sep, 2022 by Adam
I used Brandon kemp as my lawyer, he had my case settled very quickly. When i had questions (which was all the time) i would call him up and he would answer right away and give me the answer. He is an outstanding lawyer and will forever and always be mine. I would have never thought i would get as much money as i did for my case but sense he's the best lawyer he maxed out my case with a lot of money! Brandon kemp at kemp,ruge&green will forever my lawyer and will get a lot of my my family members and friends going to him as well!
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27 Aug, 2022 by Sean
i had brandon for a car accident case and i immediately felt taken care of. As soon as i reached out to him he was super welcoming. Mr.kemp helped me max out my claims and the other clients in the car. Really good lawyer highly recommended
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05 Dec, 2016 by Mike
I was involved in a near fatal tractor-trailer accident and sought help from Mr. Lucas and company based on some personal recommendations. I was not let down. Jeff and his staff insisted that I rest and recover while they handled everything, resulting in a settlement that I believe is more than fair.
Jeff & his team are extremely professional, knowledgeable, & most of all, caring! They were involved with me every step of the way from the days following the accident until settling.
100% recommend to anyone involved in an auto accident.
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14 May, 2015 by Anonymous
My husband and I have used Jeff Lucas and his firm to represent us in 3 auto accidents that we had the misfortune to be involved in. Jeff is a straight shooter and explains things in simple manner. It's like having a talk with a friend. No BS. His staff is always helpful and courteous. We have referred friends and family and will continue to do so.
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26 Aug, 2013 by Kathy
Jeff Lucas was my attorney and he was always there to answer any of my questions - all the staff was exceptional! I would high recommend this firm to anyone needing legal help!
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24 Mar, 2017 by Chase
He's great! Highly recommend. He definitely cares for your well being.
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10 Sep, 2015 by Christina johnson
Steve Haskins and his assistant are very hands on. I never felt neglected by them. The customer service was excellent. The professionalism was outstanding. He worked tirelessly for me and negotiated exactly what i wanted. If I need anything, even just a question, he's right there. You can't go wrong by hiring him.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Haskins was always available when I needed him and always took the time to explain to me what was going on in my case. At the end, he did an excellent job and I was extremely happy with the outcome.
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19 Jul, 2015 by Andrew
Mr. Beam keeps you informed añd involved every step of the way. I highly recommend him. You want your attorney to be accessible and interested in your case and not view you as a contingency fee in waiting. At a time that is likely to be emotionally and/ or physically painful for you, Mike Beam is the caring,knowledgeable professional you want for an attorney.
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21 Mar, 2011 by Lois
Michael was my attorney in my lawsuit against McDonald's when I was injured on the job. Altho more then ten years later I still have a lot of pain he was a great lawyer for me and I highly recommend him!
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12 Oct, 2016 by Leslie p
I hired Atty. Ottaviano to represent me for a slip and fall injury. Atty. Ottaviano was clear, consice and direct on questions with settlement. Atty. Ottaviano was compassionate and sincerely looking out for me as his client. I am happy with the outcome and will certainly recommend Atty. Ottaviano to my friends and family.
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25 Aug, 2015 by Scott
I had a rather complicated injury case that seemed like would never end. Nick took on the case even after another law firm had given me less then satisfactory services. He was by my side the entire trail and made sure to take his time and work with me so I understood everything that was happening and how we would over come the obstacles that where being thrown at us. I would highly recommend his services to anyone that is seeking legal counsel. I
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03 May, 2019 by Teresa
Answered all questions and explained everything so that I could understand it. Work was done quickly and his staff helped every time I called. Result was better than expected ty Frank
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17 Apr, 2015 by Dan
Ok so I had a ticket (or two) a decade or so old. I cold called Mr. Bianco's office late one afternoon from South Georgia, where I owned a place and lived just 5 miles or so over the boarder [so I wasn't hiding], to my surprise Mr. Bianco answered the phone. I informed him of my "issues" and he was very helpful, full of knowledge reassuring and otherwise very attentive to my reason for calling and seeking the advice of counsel. I was on the FDLE website as a wanted fugitive for said ticket(s). Throughout the process of getting my earlier mistake corrected Mr. Bianco kept me fully informed. He was generally concerned, but most of all he was a man of HIS WORD. I am more or less from the streets of NY, a Service Connected Veteran and through it all Mr. Bianco was accepting of my shortcomings to which I was very appreciative; cause I am not the easiest person to get along with. He told me what he thought it would cost at the end of the day, both inclusive and exclusive of his fee and to that end his estimate was within the ballpark. Which again I was very thankful for. At the end of the day I bought a place in SWFL after securing my Safe Driving License (again), I already had my Motorcycle endorsement from GA, I didn't have to appear in any courtroom [a very brilliant thing cause my mouth causes me much concern/trouble as do my facial expressions] and to top it all off Mr. Bianco sent me a check back for the "overage" from the sums I had given to him as necessary funds to conquer my legal issues. I would not have any problem or concern with telling ANYONE whom needs the assistance of counsel to speak to Frank FIRST (as I was told by more then a couple of other legal counselors in that area, "Mr. Bianco is more then capable I suggest you stick with him he will do the right things and at the end of the day you'll be very satisfied" so now two years later I still from time to time get an email from Mr. Bianco wishing me well. Let us just say, again, I am very thankful for the Florida Bar' Referral I received to speak with Mr. Bianco. Mr Biancos professionalism, knowledge and general abilities as well as mannerism are all worth noting as each were indeed superb!
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19 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Scott is a very intelligent attorney, he helped me out and I am extremely happy with the results he was able to get. I would hire him again in a heart beat.
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14 Feb, 2022 by Chris
From start to finish, the process couldn’t have been any easier! A special thank you to Sommer, Jen and Ian! They took care of everything and were extremely pleasant to deal with. Thank you!
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09 Jan, 2017 by James
Anna's great. She helped me after one of my trucks were totaled due to a head on collision that wasn't my fault. She keeps you up to date and posted on what's going on at all times, and she is very professional. You can tell she genuinely cares about her clients in the way she handles the case. I would recommend her to anyone.
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30 Sep, 2014 by Giacomo
Adam is a VERY caring person. He handed my case where I don't think any one else wood have. The Knowledge and the research he had to ubtain for me case was just unbelieveable. I was very happy with the out come of my case.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
100 Reviews
06 Jun, 2024 by Larry
After trying to navigate social security for a year on my own I decided to make an appointment with Sarah who a friend recommended. I liked her from our first meeting she was upfront with me about my case which was what I was looking for in an attorney. She is a true professional and a great lawyer, the road was long and hard with Social Security, but Sarah was always available for any help or questions I may have had. In the end, she won my case for me. I would highly recommend her if you need legal assistance.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Victoria barley
03 Apr, 2024 by Victoria barley
The entire office staff was considerate, caring, and supportive. They kept us informed all through the process and the result was more than expected. Highly recommend this firm to anyone.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Ryan dreher
I had the privilege of working with Stewart and Riley Law Firm during my divorce, and I can honestly say they exceeded my expectations in every way. From day one, they were compassionate, attentive, and incredibly professional, helping me navigate what could have been an overwhelming and stressful process. Their legal expertise and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident in every step.
Both Stewart and Riley demonstrated a deep understanding of family law and handled my case with the utmost care. They kept me informed, patiently explained every detail, and were always quick to address my concerns. Their strategic approach led to a resolution that was fair and allowed me to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
I can't thank them enough for their hard work and dedication. If you're looking for a law firm that truly cares about their clients and is skilled in delivering successful outcomes, I highly recommend Stewart and Riley Law Firm. They made a difficult time much easier, and I am beyond grateful for their support.
Thank you, Stewart and Riley, for everything!
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12 Mar, 2024 by Jackie ferreiro
I have not (thankfully) had many legal dealings in the past, so when I needed an attorney, I was recommended to contact Brendan and Joe at Stewart and Riley. They were professional and got the job done! I was at their office today, after recommending them to a friend, and helping get them retained for my friend's case! If you want a good attorney, call them. When things seemed hopeless, they were able to get justice!
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09 Mar, 2024 by Anthony cruz
4.9
19 Reviews
5.0
19 Reviews
27 Sep, 2024 by Deb russell
I couldn't ask for a better team of lawyers and staff! Martin Macyszyn fought for me and made sure I was compensated accordingly. I would most definitely use this law firm again, but, maybe next time it'll be a will or something. 😊
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31 Oct, 2023 by Kathleen goddard
Cheryl is a wonderful women. She is polite and knowledgeable. Cheryl and her office take the time to make you you feel heard and important. They are good people to have in your corner!
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30 Jan, 2023 by Elvis sinanovic
18 Jul, 2024 by Ken stephens
After an auto accident earlier this year I chose Atty Lauren Weber to help me with my case. She was very clear on any actions she was taking during the process and the communication was the best. I recommend without hesitation.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Alizea mcclanahan
I highly recommend Weber law firm, Lauren is absolutely amazing! And all of her workers they helped and insured me that things will get done the best way!
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16 Apr, 2024 by Harrison gunn
Lauren is a great professional and works diligently for her clients.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Joy h
My divorce was upposed to be easy. I hired the wrong lawyer, so a year later I was still overwhelmed with the anguish, stress, and pain that results from marrying a narcissist. My ex-husband wiped the floor with my previous attorney. I was desperate when hired Ms. Lennon. She provided me with assurance, peace of mind, and results in an unbelievable. Miss Lennon is outstanding at fighting aggressively for you and your rights but she also has a very compassionate team like Kate. If you’re looking for the best of the best representation in all of Florida contact Miss Lennon and her team will be here ready to help. Having this powerful group of individuals behind you makes all the difference. Efficiency effectiveness but most importantly Aggressive representation.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Rania saad
My case is one of the most difficult case anyone can see , I don’t exaggerated when I say that , I was in pain over 17 years, and stressing about what is going to happen to and my 4 children we are fighting a literally a monster. but two days ago when I saw the way Ms.Simone was fighting for me I kind of came down and felt safe I saw someone who feel my pain, my heart has eased. You are an amazing person Ms. Simone for the first time in 17 years I see someone feel my pain, thank god for you , I am glad you are my attorney, thanks for all the amazing work you have done for me , I thought I will never reach this point. I wish my English was good enough to describe how good you are.
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16 May, 2024 by Megan “merry meg” spencer
Filled out the form on their website to set-up a free consultation. Got an email back from her secretary, Jesse Blanco, and scheduled for an hour consultation for yesterday at 5 pm. My husband and I sat down at a table and waited. At 5:20, we tried calling the office; no one answered and we left a message with our name, number and to possibly reschedule. At 5:40, we tried emailing Mr. Blanco the same thing and received no response. Now today, no return phone call or email response. We have 20 days to get our affairs in-order and we wasted two days on this. Extremely unprofessional and just an overall ridiculous experience. Thanks for nothing, literally!
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28 Jan, 2022 by Amber
I am so happy I hired Milly Athanasons team to handle my car accident I got paid out full policy and it didnt take long at all.
I cant thank the team enough !!!!
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09 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
These same people need to check her out too
She is the worst unprofessional, theft I have ever come across.
She has been turned into the bar and caught mismanaging funds to pay off her mother’s house.
She had to pay a fine and her account was ordered to get involved.
It’s too bad because she got away with it without going to jail.
On Friday, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office charged Hugh Charles Umsted, 65, of Gulf Drive with grand theft.
According to the Florida Bar, the Florida Supreme Court issued an emergency suspension March 21 of Umsted law license for "causing great public harm based upon his misappropriation of at least $82,647 in client funds.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Milly and I really regret doing so. The process was literally drawn out for years with her constantly not returning calls, and mailing things to old addresses and then claiming we never got back to her. it felt like once she realized we wouldn't be a huge payout for her we lost any and all priority with her as a client. We were made to feel like a nuisance if we asked questions and even in closing the case she didn't show up to closing and I had to sign with a very rude paralegal and then when I tried to call to speak to Millie to have things explained better to me and have my questions answered since she WAS NOT THERE at the time to answer them, the paralegal was very rude and would not set me up an appointment and claimed she couldn't promise anything and maybe shed be there around this time and what exactly did I need to speak to her about. I was astonished by the boldness and rudeness when i was paying for the service and the right to ask my questions to my attorney not her secretary. She completely blew off my concerns and just told me to tell her a date to come in and pick up my check and we would be done. When i went to pick up the checks Millie was also not there, the woman was again rude and did not greet me, and I had to take her word for it that my bills and doctors would be paid and covered and request 3 times for the print out of the money distribution which she insisted she had given me and she had not. I basically just ended up giving up on pursuing my case since I was sick of it being drawn out so long and just didn't want it hovering over me anymore and I had a really disheartening experience with both Millie ( who seemed very professional and courteous in her office at first) as well as ALL of her staff. Before she moved locations and had a different woman as her help that woman stood there complaining to me about how much she wished she didn't have to work here as she was copying information for me which should have been a sign to get out I suppose. I do understand you can't always know what your staff is saying and also that these things take time and some of the time issues were on our side as well however I was left with such a bad taste in my mouth from feeling really dismissed and out of the loop the entire time that I would never recommend her to anyone else.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Whether you've been hurt in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Personal injury lawyers act as your advocate, navigating the legal system on your behalf and dealing with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle complex legal matters and help you avoid common pitfalls.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where you've been harmed due to another's negligence. Some key scenarios include:
- Severe injuries: If you've suffered significant or permanent injuries that result in substantial medical bills, a lawyer can help ensure you are fairly compensated.
- Long-term or permanent disability: Injuries that affect your ability to work or require ongoing medical treatment are complex, and a lawyer can help estimate long-term damages.
- Disputed liability: If the responsible party or their insurance company denies liability for your injury, a lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.
- Insurance company lowball offers: Insurers often try to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement.
- Medical malpractice claims: Injuries caused by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider due to negligence require a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice law.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: If you've been injured due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances, a lawyer can help pursue legal action.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is crucial, especially if you're unsure of the full extent of your injuries or damages.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer provides a wide range of services to guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. They can:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer will assess the strength of your claim and determine whether you have a viable case.
- Investigate the incident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions is key to building a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and aren't taken advantage of.
- File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement can't be reached, the lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
- Help calculate damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Prepare and file legal documents: Lawyers handle all the paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, including filing motions and discovery requests.
- Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, the lawyer will argue your case before a judge and jury to obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either through settlement or a court judgment. Here’s how it works:
- Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award, typically between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it's resolved.
- Costs and expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, the lawyer may deduct other costs associated with the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. These expenses are often advanced by the lawyer and repaid out of the settlement.
- No upfront payment: Since the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning, you usually don’t pay anything upfront.
Always discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, the amount you pay will depend on the outcome of your case. Here are some general guidelines:
- Contingency fees: Typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. The percentage may increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
- Other costs: In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, medical record retrieval fees, and court costs. These are often deducted from your settlement, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.
While the cost may seem high, hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly increase the amount you recover, making it a worthwhile investment.
Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right representation. Here are some important questions to ask:
-
What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award. -
How long will my case take?
While it's hard to predict, a lawyer can give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled. -
How often do you take cases to trial?
Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior lawyers or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it's important to know who will be managing your claim. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and professionalism.
How to Check the Credibility of a Personal Injury Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible personal injury lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews can provide insight into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
- Look at their track record: Review their experience with personal injury cases, particularly how many cases they’ve successfully resolved or taken to trial.
- Ask for references: Credible lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their work.
- Check professional memberships: Lawyers who are members of respected organizations, like the American Association for Justice (AAJ), often have a solid reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, prepare the following:
- Detailed account of the accident: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and locations. Include any witnesses or police reports if available.
- Medical records and bills: Bring any documentation of your injuries, treatments, and associated medical costs.
- Insurance information: Provide your insurance details and any communication you’ve had with the other party’s insurance company.
- Employment and income records: If your injury has impacted your ability to work, bring proof of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Photos or videos: If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, bring them to your consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions to ask, including how the lawyer will handle your case and what you can expect in terms of timeline and outcome.
By preparing thoroughly for your first consultation, you’ll help the lawyer understand your case more quickly and get a better sense of your legal options.
