Lawyers map
>186
experienced lawyers
Filter by
01 May, 2024 by Kamili samms
My experience with Ms. Graves and her team was exemplary. They were always available to explain the process and keep me notified of the next steps. I was very pleased with the results of the services provided and felt confident in her ability to effectively negotiate my terms. I would highly recommend The Graves Law Firm for any family law needs.
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Brandon backhaus
Facing divorce? Don't know what to do? Terrified of the process? Do yourself a favor and contact The Graves Law Firm in Pasadena. Ms. Graves was there for me each step of my divorce. She was always professional, courteous, and understanding that what I was going through was extremely difficult. There was no judgement. Just solutions. I felt that Ms. Graves and associates were experts in family law. And while we avoided court, I felt Ms. Graves and her team were ready to fight for me. In particular, Ms. Chuvac and Ms. Seminaris became trusted allies. I would recommend and have recommended The Graves Law Firm if you unfortunately find yourself needed someone in your corner in family court.
Read more
09 Jan, 2024 by Sherman peters
The Family Law Practice, the Graves Law firm. Excellent.
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Kamili samms
My experience with Ms. Graves and her team was exemplary. They were always available to explain the process and keep me notified of the next steps. I was very pleased with the results of the services provided and felt confident in her ability to effectively negotiate my terms. I would highly recommend The Graves Law Firm for any family law needs.
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Brandon backhaus
Facing divorce? Don't know what to do? Terrified of the process? Do yourself a favor and contact The Graves Law Firm in Pasadena. Ms. Graves was there for me each step of my divorce. She was always professional, courteous, and understanding that what I was going through was extremely difficult. There was no judgement. Just solutions. I felt that Ms. Graves and associates were experts in family law. And while we avoided court, I felt Ms. Graves and her team were ready to fight for me. In particular, Ms. Chuvac and Ms. Seminaris became trusted allies. I would recommend and have recommended The Graves Law Firm if you unfortunately find yourself needed someone in your corner in family court.
Read more
09 Jan, 2024 by Sherman peters
The Family Law Practice, the Graves Law firm. Excellent.
Read more
01 May, 2024 by Kamili samms
My experience with Ms. Graves and her team was exemplary. They were always available to explain the process and keep me notified of the next steps. I was very pleased with the results of the services provided and felt confident in her ability to effectively negotiate my terms. I would highly recommend The Graves Law Firm for any family law needs.
Read more
31 Jan, 2024 by Brandon backhaus
Facing divorce? Don't know what to do? Terrified of the process? Do yourself a favor and contact The Graves Law Firm in Pasadena. Ms. Graves was there for me each step of my divorce. She was always professional, courteous, and understanding that what I was going through was extremely difficult. There was no judgement. Just solutions. I felt that Ms. Graves and associates were experts in family law. And while we avoided court, I felt Ms. Graves and her team were ready to fight for me. In particular, Ms. Chuvac and Ms. Seminaris became trusted allies. I would recommend and have recommended The Graves Law Firm if you unfortunately find yourself needed someone in your corner in family court.
Read more
09 Jan, 2024 by Sherman peters
The Family Law Practice, the Graves Law firm. Excellent.
Read more
15 Jan, 2024 by Margarita amador
Patrick Nolan was very helpful, knowledgeable and caring. I appreciated his patience, show of compassion but most importantly his extensive knowledge of the law.
Read more
15 Jan, 2024 by Tristan hatfield
My case went to trial recently and I am beyond happy with the results. Patrick and Sam represented me in a jury trial and I was ruled in favor for over 10 million dollars. After I was in a motorcycle vs. car crash I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I was lost and I was doing everything I could on my own to no avail. But ever since DAA law started helping me through this situation, I have felt an incredible weight lifted off of my shoulders.. and my families shoulders. The work they do at DAA is nothing short of amazing. I would suggest them to ANYONE who's gone through a motor vehicle incident and has had some sort of personal injury. Please do yourself the favor and call DAA law if you think you need the help. It’s a phone call you won’t regret!
Read more
11 Dec, 2023 by Steve sherman
We have a long standing relationship with this firm and would highly recommend them to all my friends and family members
Read more
03 May, 2012 by Michael
Mr.Strassburg represented our company to win a labor/employment related case.He did great job. I recommend this lawyer.
Read more
19 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
During the most emotionally devastating period of our family's life Justin was a source of both sound realistic counsel and of seriously needed reassurance. He went to bat for us against a district attorney that made no effort whatsoever to understand or support our special needs child. After taking conservative and persistent approach charges were proven baseless without having to go to trial and were dismissed "In the interest of justice". He kept what was a terrible misunderstanding from becoming a tragedy with potentially life-long consequences.
Justin will forever be in our family’s thoughts and prayers. We also feel that we owe him much more than the very reasonable amount of money that we were charged. You should consider yourself lucky to have him in your corner representing you or your family.
Read more
10 May, 2011 by Emely
Justin Strassburg was reliable and always available when I had any questions or concerns. He seemed concerned and was very charismatic to my situation. I was very comfortable trusting him with my case.
Read more
14 Aug, 2024 by Tamer hassanein
Outstanding Support During a Difficult Time
Navigating a divorce is never easy, but my experience was made significantly more manageable thanks to Baghdaserians Law Group.
From the outset, Patrick displayed exceptional professionalism, empathy, and dedication to my case. Also, despite the complexities involved, Tarek Kholaki handled every challenge with poise and an unwavering commitment to protecting my interests and those of my family.
Patrick and Tarek were always available to answer my questions, provide clear and honest advice, and guide me through each step of the process. They ensured I felt supported and informed, turning what could have been an overwhelming experience into one where I felt confident and well-represented.
I can't thank Baghdaserians Law Group enough for their expertise and kindness during such a challenging time. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a family lawyer who truly cares about their clients and will go above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome.
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Shant a
I had the pleasure of meeting Patrick a few years ago. His expertise and dedication in handling complex cases are absolutely unmatched. Always great working with him, know you’re in good hands
Read more
07 Jun, 2024 by Norman ahmad
The issue I had was that Patrick case load was so high that he had to do all my hearings except 1 by remote session. Even when he said we would show up in person he later sent me a remote hearing request. Judges are human so they will naturally favor the litigants who are standing in court instead of the ones appearing online. Unless both litigants agree to appear remotely a lawyer should never request a client to do to a remote hearing as Patrick made me do. Another lawyer told me that he had never heard of a lawyer appearing remotely for an initial RFO hearing. This shows to the Judge that you are not serious. Judges are not Robots so they definitely feel a type of way when one litigant is appearing online and the other is in the courtroom.
It would take weeks to get an email response from him or even a callback. I had to go to the office unannounced in person several times just to get in contact with him. It also took too long to get a hearing date due to the number of other clients and hearings he was scheduled for. Even once we had a date, he was still unable to appear in PERSON to the hearing due to his full calendar. Later the opposing attorney who won talked to me and laughed asking why I did not show up in person to my own RFO. I am sure the Judge shared the same sentiments.
I later switched lawyers and went with a lawyer who only had a few reviews on Google/yelp because I knew they would have time to work my case without too much overhead and too many other clients. The number of clients/reviews Patrick has negatively affected the quality and service that he was able to deliver for me. I was also not comfortable with how his office solicited me to write a review while he was in the middle of working on my case.
Naturally, a client will feel pressured to write a good review while the case still being worked on. Beware of any business that solicits a review before service is completed.
I removed 3 stars for 3 reasons.
1. I was ignored: (many unanswered emails and phone calls)
2. I was lied to: (Through email he agreed to show up in person to a hearing which he later made me do remotely).
3. I feel ripped off: (The amount of money he charges /hr should automatically come with the understanding that he will do all hearings in person unless the client requests otherwise). I feel he did my hearings remotely so that he could simultaneously work on other client’s cases, which benefits his business but not me as a client.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Lorin phillips
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Counts Law Firm for helping me get Emergency spousal support. I has been a tough 9 months but at least until the next hearing in a couple of months I know I can keep a roof over my head until then. Thank you for your hard work.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Ian rassman
Emhan Counts really let me down as my divorce attorney. I should have checked him out with the CA Bar Association, where I would’ve learned about him. I highly encourage you to go to the bar associations website, and check him out.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Jeannine chavez
This is the best law firm I’ve had the pleasure of hiring. I called multiple firms and no one wanted to take my case. I guess it was to much going on in their eyes. I didn’t even get calls back most of the time. At Counts Law Firm the communication is spot on. They got right to work and Attorney Counts really listened to my mom and I. He is so kind and you feel like you’re one of the family. He didn’t rush us like others did. He made sure to listen to our concerns and by the end of the consultation we had a great plan put together moving forward. Thank you Counts Law Firm, we know we’re in good hands.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Lorin phillips
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Counts Law Firm for helping me get Emergency spousal support. I has been a tough 9 months but at least until the next hearing in a couple of months I know I can keep a roof over my head until then. Thank you for your hard work.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Ian rassman
Emhan Counts really let me down as my divorce attorney. I should have checked him out with the CA Bar Association, where I would’ve learned about him. I highly encourage you to go to the bar associations website, and check him out.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Jeannine chavez
This is the best law firm I’ve had the pleasure of hiring. I called multiple firms and no one wanted to take my case. I guess it was to much going on in their eyes. I didn’t even get calls back most of the time. At Counts Law Firm the communication is spot on. They got right to work and Attorney Counts really listened to my mom and I. He is so kind and you feel like you’re one of the family. He didn’t rush us like others did. He made sure to listen to our concerns and by the end of the consultation we had a great plan put together moving forward. Thank you Counts Law Firm, we know we’re in good hands.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Lorin phillips
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Counts Law Firm for helping me get Emergency spousal support. I has been a tough 9 months but at least until the next hearing in a couple of months I know I can keep a roof over my head until then. Thank you for your hard work.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Ian rassman
Emhan Counts really let me down as my divorce attorney. I should have checked him out with the CA Bar Association, where I would’ve learned about him. I highly encourage you to go to the bar associations website, and check him out.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Jeannine chavez
This is the best law firm I’ve had the pleasure of hiring. I called multiple firms and no one wanted to take my case. I guess it was to much going on in their eyes. I didn’t even get calls back most of the time. At Counts Law Firm the communication is spot on. They got right to work and Attorney Counts really listened to my mom and I. He is so kind and you feel like you’re one of the family. He didn’t rush us like others did. He made sure to listen to our concerns and by the end of the consultation we had a great plan put together moving forward. Thank you Counts Law Firm, we know we’re in good hands.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Lorin phillips
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Counts Law Firm for helping me get Emergency spousal support. I has been a tough 9 months but at least until the next hearing in a couple of months I know I can keep a roof over my head until then. Thank you for your hard work.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Ian rassman
Emhan Counts really let me down as my divorce attorney. I should have checked him out with the CA Bar Association, where I would’ve learned about him. I highly encourage you to go to the bar associations website, and check him out.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Jeannine chavez
This is the best law firm I’ve had the pleasure of hiring. I called multiple firms and no one wanted to take my case. I guess it was to much going on in their eyes. I didn’t even get calls back most of the time. At Counts Law Firm the communication is spot on. They got right to work and Attorney Counts really listened to my mom and I. He is so kind and you feel like you’re one of the family. He didn’t rush us like others did. He made sure to listen to our concerns and by the end of the consultation we had a great plan put together moving forward. Thank you Counts Law Firm, we know we’re in good hands.
Read more
31 Aug, 2024 by Lorin phillips
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Counts Law Firm for helping me get Emergency spousal support. I has been a tough 9 months but at least until the next hearing in a couple of months I know I can keep a roof over my head until then. Thank you for your hard work.
Read more
23 Aug, 2024 by Ian rassman
Emhan Counts really let me down as my divorce attorney. I should have checked him out with the CA Bar Association, where I would’ve learned about him. I highly encourage you to go to the bar associations website, and check him out.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Jeannine chavez
This is the best law firm I’ve had the pleasure of hiring. I called multiple firms and no one wanted to take my case. I guess it was to much going on in their eyes. I didn’t even get calls back most of the time. At Counts Law Firm the communication is spot on. They got right to work and Attorney Counts really listened to my mom and I. He is so kind and you feel like you’re one of the family. He didn’t rush us like others did. He made sure to listen to our concerns and by the end of the consultation we had a great plan put together moving forward. Thank you Counts Law Firm, we know we’re in good hands.
Read more
14 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Please do not work with him. He is not honest about whether he will take your case or not. He promised me he would take my case and strung me along for months (valuable time in a wrongful death case) before getting his junior associate to tell me he would not take the case.
Read more
08 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Scott represented me in a very complicated case against Anthem Blue. Many other attorneys told me to give up my fight, said I couldn't win, said to give up, but not Scott. He took on my case and he won, BIG! Don't ever doubt that you are alone. If you have problems with your health insurance denying you care, CALL SCOTT GLOVSKY. He can help and will if he is able!
Read more
05 Feb, 2014 by John
When one of the corporate giants in the health insurance industry wrongfully terminated my family's health insurance during the fight of our life against terminal cancer. Scott and his team fearlessly stepped up and fought a battle against this giant. Scott and his team worked extremely hard for me, they were compassionate and truly cared about the fight they were fighting.
I now consider Scott both a personal friend and a hero!
Read more
17 Feb, 2023 by Christian garo
29 Jul, 2022 by Chuck provost
Great Experience working with David A Erickson. Super knowledgeable and professional.
Read more
29 Mar, 2021 by Dino b
15 Jan, 2024 by Margarita amador
Patrick Nolan was very helpful, knowledgeable and caring. I appreciated his patience, show of compassion but most importantly his extensive knowledge of the law.
Read more
15 Jan, 2024 by Tristan hatfield
My case went to trial recently and I am beyond happy with the results. Patrick and Sam represented me in a jury trial and I was ruled in favor for over 10 million dollars. After I was in a motorcycle vs. car crash I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I was lost and I was doing everything I could on my own to no avail. But ever since DAA law started helping me through this situation, I have felt an incredible weight lifted off of my shoulders.. and my families shoulders. The work they do at DAA is nothing short of amazing. I would suggest them to ANYONE who's gone through a motor vehicle incident and has had some sort of personal injury. Please do yourself the favor and call DAA law if you think you need the help. It’s a phone call you won’t regret!
Read more
11 Dec, 2023 by Steve sherman
We have a long standing relationship with this firm and would highly recommend them to all my friends and family members
Read more
15 Jan, 2024 by Margarita amador
Patrick Nolan was very helpful, knowledgeable and caring. I appreciated his patience, show of compassion but most importantly his extensive knowledge of the law.
Read more
15 Jan, 2024 by Tristan hatfield
My case went to trial recently and I am beyond happy with the results. Patrick and Sam represented me in a jury trial and I was ruled in favor for over 10 million dollars. After I was in a motorcycle vs. car crash I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I was lost and I was doing everything I could on my own to no avail. But ever since DAA law started helping me through this situation, I have felt an incredible weight lifted off of my shoulders.. and my families shoulders. The work they do at DAA is nothing short of amazing. I would suggest them to ANYONE who's gone through a motor vehicle incident and has had some sort of personal injury. Please do yourself the favor and call DAA law if you think you need the help. It’s a phone call you won’t regret!
Read more
11 Dec, 2023 by Steve sherman
We have a long standing relationship with this firm and would highly recommend them to all my friends and family members
Read more
22 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Let's just stick to the facts shall we? I was the plaintiff in a contingent medmal case, 1) He didn't file special interrogatories and was sanctioned by the court. 2) Prepped his client for a deposition, that never took place, after 1.5 years. 3) He didn't confer with his client to let him know he would not be opposing the defense's MSJ, which he didn't and was a complete no show at the MSJ hearing, again, did not inform client or court that he was going to abandon the case. 4) Lost my case, because of no opposition, no evidence offered. IMO this lawyer did not represent his client to the best of his abilities. 5) Refuses to return phone calls and stick to phone call appointments. 6) No communication for months, especially the last 2+ months of the case when 0 phone conversations were held. Client had to find out about the case by reading about it in the court's docket. 7) He enjoys belittling and condescending his client and gives the impression that you are wasting his time by wanting to talk about your case. 8) Reminds you multiple times that your case doesn't bring in a great deal of money (medmal cap in California) and isn't something he normally does, making you feel insignificant. 9) After a month, still refuses to forward the case file to myself. 10) For a different case in his past, he was sued for malpractice and settled out of court. (lawyer's name, amount and case # withheld for privacy) I wish I would've known what type of lawyer he really is. I have to live with his neglect, malpractice and lack of representation for the rest of my life.
Read more
31 May, 2019 by Crickett
I had a consult with Mr. Ciccarelli and it could not have been better. His ability to explain, in detail, is outstanding. He was very inquisitive and truly cared about my needs as well as explaining law and scenarios. We spoke for over 45 minutes by phone. Many lawyers were sent the same message from me about my families issue and Mr. Ciccarelli responded immediately. Thank you sir!
Read more
15 Jul, 2014 by Mike
John is my go to guy for my legal needs. I have been pleased with John's work and have referred friends and loved ones to him as well.
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Angel
**Review for Mr. Ramirez, Attorney**
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ramirez, and I can't recommend him highly enough. From our very first meeting, it was clear that he is not only a highly skilled attorney but also a genuinely caring individual. His professionalism shines through in everyinteraction, and he takes the time to listen and understand your needs.
What truly sets Mr. Ramirez apart is his dedication to his clients. He goes above and beyond, demonstrating that he cares about the outcomes of your case far beyond just collecting a paycheck. It’s refreshing to find someone in the legal field who prioritizes their clients' well-being and peace of mind.
If you're looking for an attorney who combines expertise with compassion, Mr. Ramirez is the one to call. I am grateful for his support and guidance throughout my legal journey. Thank you, Mr. Ramirez!
Read more
17 Feb, 2023 by Christian garo
29 Jul, 2022 by Chuck provost
Great Experience working with David A Erickson. Super knowledgeable and professional.
Read more
22 Jun, 2022 by Hamed taghavirad
My Wife had an argument with her sister of the condo they bought together with the down payment of their parents. However the title was on the name of the sister. Sister started to evict my wife. Bruce assured my wife he would get back the condo. And the other party would pay the wages. He conned my wife to also take responsibility of her eviction case then Bruce charged my wife $30,000 just to lose the case. The other party also took $30,000 from her bank account. And still taking twenty five percent of her wag
The condo worth about $700 Monthly. My advice is that before signing any contact with these dishonest lawyers be careful!
Read more
04 Dec, 2019 by Jason kho
I used Ms. Serine Tsuda for my prenuptial agreement and she is professional, knowledgeable, and transparent on the topics discussed at hand. She was able to guide me in an efficient and timely manner which I cannot thank her enough. At the end of my process with Ms. Tsuda, I was pleasantly surprised that she did not use up the entire retainer and refunded the remaining balance. I have dealt with plenty of attorneys and once you pay that retainer most attorneys will say that there is nothing left over. I really appreciate the honesty and ethics with Ms. Tsuda. I highly recommend anyone in need of attorney services to use Ms. Serine Tsuda and her law firm. Thank you again and your hard work is greatly appreciated!!!
Read more
10 Aug, 2019 by Kasorl dith
I had a case that required knowledge of out of state laws and jurisdiction. I found myself in need of an attorney because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I reached out to Serine thru a family referral and that was the best decision I could have ever made. Serine and her team were on my side from day one. I was very intimidated, nervous, and extremely scared of the whole court process. Knowing I had Serine in my corner made an almost unbearable and stressful situation seem manageable. I never doubted Serine’s ability to achieve the best possible outcome for me. Serine goes above and beyond expectations. I felt very comfortable sharing the most private details with her because she was easy to talk to and extremely comforting. Serine is professional, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. Serine and her staff were always available to answer any of my questions and concerns. Serine went out of her way to ensure I knew everything about my case and what I was getting myself into. I am very fortunate to have her on my side. If you need a family law attorney and you want the BEST, then call Serine A. Tsuda. Serine has completely exceeded my expectations and I will forever be grateful for what she has done for me.
Read more
01 Jun, 2024 by Pascual reyes
23 May, 2024 by Maria landry
Do not recommend.
Read more
11 May, 2024 by Tomasa maldonado
15 Oct, 2016 by Eric brodeur
15 Oct, 2016 by Eric brodeur
07 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
During my juncture with Brandon A. Carroll, I discovered him to be untrustworthy and not knowledgeable about the law. My concerns range from misrepresentation involving wrongful filings, and procrastination. Brandon A. Carroll simultaneously misfiled cases and engaged in a pattern and practice of attorney misconduct. As a lay person when you hire a representative you except for them to be thorough, knowledgeable and loyal. Based off my experiences, I would not recommend Brandon A. Carroll under any circumstance.
Read more
02 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I consulted Mr. Carroll about a real property matter and he provided the analysis I needed to make a decision.
Read more
16 Apr, 2024 by Chris
Do not use Mr. Mijares for your needs. He is slow to respond, always has a family issue as to why he didn't make progress on your claim and will make agreements with you to remedy his faults that are not followed through on. Be wary of anything said on the phone as his paper trail will be intentionally thin so he can operate outside of his word. He is also incapable of doing anything aside from writing letters to and negotiating with insurance companies. He dropped the ball on one case I had with him and agreed to remedy it by waiving his fee on the other. Now that settlement is ready, he has reneged on his agreement.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
