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10 Jan, 2021 by Dave
First, my sincerest apologies to Chris, Pam, and all the staff for my complete negligence and selfish tardiness in posting these reviews of our experience. My only excuse and defense is that I have been having way too much fun these past few months with the toys I have always hoped for in my “Golden Years” of retirement. I.e. Kubota Tractor, hydraulic dump, flat bed, and now constructing a pole barn to store it.
My wife, I, and our Minnie Aussie departed our Olympia, WA home on the start of a month long retirement “road trip of a lifetime.” On day two we were hit by a drunk driver in Joshua Tree, CA. While we were all relatively unharmed our brand new (3,500 miles) GMC truck was totaled. We returned back to Olympia six days later and asked ourselves, “what the heck just happened and now what?” I sat down and composed a six page narrative of what happened describing what was going on in our lives before, at the time, and after, this horrific incident. At the same time, Leta was searching for a personal injury lawyer. After much debate and settling on two, we flipped a coin and Leta won. I am SO glad she did.
I am confident that this narrative assisted Chris greatly in determining the value of our case and, more importantly, who we are, our history, feelings, dreams, etc. And he was able to achieve this without us ever having hade face to face communication. We did have, however, enjoy many hours on the phone at both the beginning and at the end of our near 18 month association. And none of that time on the phone was created for “billing hours.” It was all on Chris’s dime.
Chris worked tirelessly in communication with both the defendant’s insurance company, as well as ours to obtain the maximum “underinsured motorist” coverage we carry. Ultimately, we were awarded the maximum limits allowable on both policies. We each received two checks, one from the drunk drivers insurance, and one from ours. We just renewed with our insurance and I have not noticed any increase in premium. The only way we could have received more money would have been to go to court with a jury trial. Given our Covid-19 environment and the snail’s pace the court is moving, I believe Chris advised us correctly in accepting the full limit offer. I can never thank this firm enough and would, without hesitancy, recommend them to anyone who has been wrongly injured in the Palm Springs area. I’m still looking forward to footing the bill for a meal at Elmer’s.
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28 Dec, 2020 by Leta
We had the misfortune of being 1200 miles and 2 states away from home when we were broadsided by a drunk driver in Feb. 2019. Our new truck was totaled right in the middle of 29 Palms Highway. Our injuries were not life threatening thanks to air bags and other safety features. We found Christopher Vader, who along with his trusted sidekick, Pam Kitchens, handled all the details, medical billing, communicating with insurance adjusters and providing us with frequent updates. When it seemed like we were preparing to settle with all involved parties, the Courts shut down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Chris remained optimistic and by mid summer we received the maximum payout awarded by the Insurance companies. We couldn't be happier with the process and outcome. Thank you Chris (and Pam)!
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19 Sep, 2017 by David
Mr. Vader was my choice for attorney for a personal injury event I had in Palm Springs, 1,000 miles away from my home. He listened carefully to my case, evaluated me as much as I did him, and was completely honest about the possible outcomes, promising nothing more than hard and honest work.
And that is what I received; skilled and careful preparation all done with an honestly friendly demeanor that resulted in a fair settlement. I felt included and valued as a client and Mr. Vader respected my own professionalism and communication skills, consulting at all times for consensus and agreement on the path of the case.
When the case settled, Mr. Vader showed the content of his character with clarity. An error of the written word, in the firm's favor, was corrected in my favor, honoring our handshake agreement. And he was the one finding the error, not I.
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15 May, 2024 by D b
Attorney Rhea is a straight shooter, knows his profession well and is very friendly to deal with. If you have any issues in life that require legal support, I would not hesitate to call Joseph Rhea.
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13 May, 2024 by Alex chavira
06 May, 2024 by Adam morales
Definitely recommend Attorney Joseph Rhea. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and downright great at his career. I am a client and will always use him if needed (hopefully not)
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5.0
5 Reviews
4.8
112 Reviews
15 May, 2024 by D b
Attorney Rhea is a straight shooter, knows his profession well and is very friendly to deal with. If you have any issues in life that require legal support, I would not hesitate to call Joseph Rhea.
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13 May, 2024 by Alex chavira
06 May, 2024 by Adam morales
Definitely recommend Attorney Joseph Rhea. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and downright great at his career. I am a client and will always use him if needed (hopefully not)
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15 May, 2024 by D b
Attorney Rhea is a straight shooter, knows his profession well and is very friendly to deal with. If you have any issues in life that require legal support, I would not hesitate to call Joseph Rhea.
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13 May, 2024 by Alex chavira
06 May, 2024 by Adam morales
Definitely recommend Attorney Joseph Rhea. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and downright great at his career. I am a client and will always use him if needed (hopefully not)
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07 May, 2024 by Joel robbins
Working with Josh Arthur at the J Arthur Law Firm was an absolute game-changer for us. Having relocated to California almost five years ago, we found ourselves in need of updating our estate planning, wills, and other directives. From the moment we engaged with Josh, his grace and depth of knowledge left a lasting impression. What truly set him apart was his calm demeanor, which instantly fostered a strong connection.
Josh's honesty and integrity were evident throughout our interactions, making him exceptionally trustworthy. Unlike our previous experiences with other attorneys, where we felt like mere transactions, Josh genuinely cared about our needs. He wasn't just focused on collecting fees; instead, he prioritized our peace of mind and the integrity of our legal documents.
In contrast to our prior disappointments, Josh made the entire process seamless and stress-free. He took the time to thoroughly review and discuss all necessary items, patiently addressing any questions or concerns we had along the way. The paperwork was completed promptly and efficiently, ensuring that everything was filed correctly and in compliance with all requirements.
Overall, working with Josh Arthur was a breath of fresh air. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine concern for his clients' well-being truly set him apart. We couldn't recommend him and the J Arthur Law Firm highly enough for anyone seeking top-notch legal services in estate planning and beyond.
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03 May, 2024 by Rocky wood
Even as the process with immigration was a long and arduous process; We were happy to have Bolour/ Carl group guiding us along the way. Especially for all the help from Scott Emerick who always was quick to respond to all our questions and concerns.
I would like to thank him again.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Corey mckeown
Fairly rude over the phone. Treated like they couldn't be bothered. Or that they had much better things to do since it wasn't their particular area of expertise . Very short and very curt.
The response to my review that is given here is all the more reason to stay away.
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07 May, 2024 by Joel robbins
Working with Josh Arthur at the J Arthur Law Firm was an absolute game-changer for us. Having relocated to California almost five years ago, we found ourselves in need of updating our estate planning, wills, and other directives. From the moment we engaged with Josh, his grace and depth of knowledge left a lasting impression. What truly set him apart was his calm demeanor, which instantly fostered a strong connection.
Josh's honesty and integrity were evident throughout our interactions, making him exceptionally trustworthy. Unlike our previous experiences with other attorneys, where we felt like mere transactions, Josh genuinely cared about our needs. He wasn't just focused on collecting fees; instead, he prioritized our peace of mind and the integrity of our legal documents.
In contrast to our prior disappointments, Josh made the entire process seamless and stress-free. He took the time to thoroughly review and discuss all necessary items, patiently addressing any questions or concerns we had along the way. The paperwork was completed promptly and efficiently, ensuring that everything was filed correctly and in compliance with all requirements.
Overall, working with Josh Arthur was a breath of fresh air. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine concern for his clients' well-being truly set him apart. We couldn't recommend him and the J Arthur Law Firm highly enough for anyone seeking top-notch legal services in estate planning and beyond.
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03 May, 2024 by Rocky wood
Even as the process with immigration was a long and arduous process; We were happy to have Bolour/ Carl group guiding us along the way. Especially for all the help from Scott Emerick who always was quick to respond to all our questions and concerns.
I would like to thank him again.
Read more
22 Apr, 2024 by Corey mckeown
Fairly rude over the phone. Treated like they couldn't be bothered. Or that they had much better things to do since it wasn't their particular area of expertise . Very short and very curt.
The response to my review that is given here is all the more reason to stay away.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Jim
Great lawyer, great support staff, great results!
I couldn't have been more satisfied with the service that I received from them.
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14 Jul, 2023 by Reynaldo
We have used Edgar Lombera previously. I found him to be both highly capable and compassionate. I returned to have him do more work for me. He took the time to listen and advise. His advice was sound and, as a result, took care of my needs and, in the process, saved me a considerable amount of money. I greatly thank and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone needing sound legal aid.
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04 Apr, 2023 by Mark
Attorney Edgar Lombera is a seasoned, capable, and effective legal professional. I have rubbed shoulders with quite a number of brilliant attorneys. What sets Mr. Lombera apart from the rest is his humanity. This attorney works with so much intelligence, compassion and heart! Not only the results, but also the process and experience, simply speak for themselves.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Albert
We are business owners who recently sought legal services from Greg Gruszecki. Greg's professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness made our experience exceptional. He handled every detail of our case, ensuring no aspect was overlooked. Throughout the process, Greg provided personalized support and guidance, making us feel valued and reassured. His proactive approach and compassionate demeanor truly set him apart as an exceptional legal professional. We wholeheartedly recommend Greg to anyone in need of reliable legal representation. Greg guided us through every step of the process, providing transparent and honest advice at every turn. This level of integrity and reliability eased much of the stress typically associated with legal proceedings, allowing me to focus on other aspects of my life with peace of mind.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Greg. His expertise, professionalism, and dedication were invaluable in resolving my legal issue. Excellent communication and results-driven. A top-notch attorney!
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20 Dec, 2023 by Rick
I'm truly grateful for the invaluable personal guidance provided by Mr. Gruszecki. His expertise and compassion went beyond my expectations. Greg took the time to understand my concerns, offering thoughtful advice that significantly eased my situation. His commitment to my well-being, coupled with a reassuring demeanor, made the entire process more manageable. I highly recommend Mr. Gruszecki for anyone seeking not only legal assistance but also genuine support during challenging times.
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06 Mar, 2023 by Mark
I came to Michael Kaiser after a bad auto accident in which I suffered a traumatic brain injury. Thinking I'd never be able to recover, Mike assured me that he could send me to the best doctors in the area. Because of him, I was able to make a truly miraculous recovery and hold the other party accountable. I honestly don't know what I would have done without him. My family and I are forever grateful for him and his terrific family-run office.
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17 Jun, 2015 by David
Before hiring the Kaiser law firm, we spent months and thousands of dollars carefully interviewing many of the highest rated attorneys in California including some of the premiere firms on Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles. Out of the vast array of talent we were pleased to find Michael Kaiser locally in Palm Springs. Honestly we were a bit suspicious because of his Palm Springs location and because his hourly fee was one half to one third what the most prestigious firms charged. (Most of the prestigious lawyers charge for the first visit. Mr. Kaiser said "you don't own me anything, I haven't done anything for you yet.")
Instead of claiming "to fight for his clients," he provided us with a list of over 100 cases that he had actually taken to trial. Instead of promising results, he gave a reasonable assessment of the risks and advantages of various stratgies. Instead of claiming that he "won" all his cases, he explained that for trial lawyers a "win" is getting a better result in court than in the best settlement offer, then he made the cases available so we could check for ourselves.
Knowing that our company was cash strapped due to the lawsuits, he helped us keep the fees down by letting our company staff do as much of the grunt work as possible, such as copying, Bates Stamping, investigating and research. As our case progressed, we remained concerned that we get the best possible representation. Mr. Kaiser did not object to us retaining one of the prestigious Avenue of the Star specialist attorneys to provide second opinions and consult on our case, and he cooperated fully with the "second opinion" attorney.
Mr. Kaiser handled most of the important work himself, but saved us money by using lower paid attorney associates to do some of the work. He supervised their work and ensured that it was up to par. As trial neared, Mr. Kaiser encouraged our primary witnesses to observe another case which he was trying in Riverside. I personally watched the entire trial and saw that Mike Kaiser speaks well, is clear headed, stays focused, objects promptly and maintains a pleasant demeanor with the jury and the judge. Nothing flustered him.
Our case involved extensive travel for depositions. Mr. Kaiser allowed us to save money by booking lodging on Priceline for him and driving him ourselves rather than flying him to the various locations. During some very long trips we were able to observe him interacting by phone with other clients. He appeared to treat all of them with the same diligence and attention that we got. He billed the travel time fairly and used our trips to coach us in preparation for trial. That way we didn't have to pay double, once for travel time and again for coaching time. Also, to the extent he used travel time to attend to other clients' work, he did not bill us for the travel.
Due to his extensive, careful, preparation and some skillful motions in limine, Mr. Kaiser won a stipulated judgement in our favor on the eve of trial. Even if we had lost, I would say that Mr. Kaiser went above and beyond what was expected and that he gave us his full attention and charged very fairly. Let's face it, you can't win them all . . . although I sure was happy to win.
Since that time, Mr. Kaiser has handled a number of other matters, both major and petty for us. He's written effective letters to deal with neighbor nuisance issues like barking dogs, and he used an anti-SLAP motion to quickly end a defamation lawsuit against me. On top of that, he's provided reasonably priced coaching to help me self-represent myself in cases which don't require his full attention.
Lots of people claim to be tough. Most of them roll over pretty quickly. Mr. Kaiser doesn't say or promise
much. He just performs.
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23 Mar, 2012 by Marty
I am a client of Mr Kaisers. He has not done his job to the best of his ability in my opinion in my case. He was very deceptive in his fees. He did not get the results he said that he would. Mr Kaiser has 1 goal. taking your money.
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22 May, 2023 by Dennis
I hired David Nick and during his time on my case he was sanctioned 3K dollars. He also appeared late to a hearing which was followed by a reprimand by the judge. I watched attorney Nick for the first time in court, and when the judge asked him a simple question, his response was nothing like his written legal brief, he seemed to forget what he had written. Mr. Nick was paid 20k dollars for a trial but when the case didn't allow for a trial and Mr. Nick refused to return the money. I am forced to file a complaint with the State Bar. When confronted about the problems Mr. Nick caused in my case, he arrogantly denied any and all of the facts. Mr. Nick claims to be a Navy veteran, I also am a veteran, who regrets ever hiring him.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Many years ago, during a time that was SO ambiguous in federal bs. State laws that anymore and their mother could've been arrested - this amazing lawyer named J David Nick and his associate saved me and my boyfriend from years of false imprisonment. Being framed basically, his associate and him devised a strategic plan which led the accusers right into purgering themselves during deposition. Never even went to court. BEST LAWYER EVER.
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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.
