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27 Jan, 2016 by Mh
Brett helped me with a terrible situation with my husband back in July. Unfortunately in September we tried a reconciliation that did not last due to my husband's infidelity. A new Separation Agreement was prepared. Due to my fragility, he not only counseled me, but he tried to protect me in any way that he could. He answered every email and/or voicemail that I left him. He is an excellent lawyer and I give him an A++++
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21 Jan, 2016 by Bendu sheriff
My ex husband and I have been in family court for a while. Brett Zeitlin made sure my ex husband and I could come to a conclusion on the support of our daughter. I'm truly happy to have Brett Zeitlin as an attorney.
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22 May, 2015 by Father of child.
Brett J. Zeitlin panders to mothers in domestic court. If you find yourself in the unfortune position of his guy representing you against your child's mother, consider yourself without a lawyer, he will help your child's mother and leave you high and dry. I got Zeitlin thru my employment, after I initially saw how he was misrepresenting me, I asked to get another lawyer from the firm he's at. The firm refused to give me another lawyer, I spoke with his supervisor, got no satisfaction. Attempted to change to another lawyer, four times. He was horrible with my divorce. I wish I would have never met him or heard of William, Willig and Davidson.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Barry
I retained Mr. Horton's legal services regarding property damage done to my vehicle,after several months of myself trying to get them to pay for the damage. The companies corporate office was not willing to pay for the damage that clearly happened on their property. After Attorney Horton established that they were at fault, the company agreed to pay for the damage.
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31 Mar, 2018 by Toby
Thank You Attorney Horton, for your care, compassion, patience and professionalism. My family will forever be greatfull.
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11 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Horton appeared to be very attentive, helpful and knowledgeable when first hired. However after the first few court hearings, he had to be called to remember to show for court and we never met before a hearing, I only saw and spoke with him the day of. He didn't have an officeand seemed to only want to communicate via text messages. When finally fed up with this way of doing business and expressing how unprofessional I felt this was, the day before a court hearing he decided he would withdraw himself as my attorney for my case. I was very upset and felt abandoned and betrayed by him. He let personal feelings dictate how he runs his business. Even after an apology he still decided to not work for me. I had been dealing with him and is unprofessionalism for 6 months, therefore he knew and understood everything concerning my case and the day before I could have possibly had the whole thing thrown out, he quit on me. Instead of appearing in court to defend my life, he showed up with a filed motion to withdraw himself from my case and left me stuck with no attorney. This is bad business, he'll never have an office if he continues to treat his clients in such a manner.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Kyle
I am dealing with him as he is representing a company that is claiming I owe 11k for services rendered when in fact it may add up to less then $600. They did not return calls, but I finally got him to answer. He demands payment but will not review invoice, or supporting documentation or even discuss on the phone. Also let it be known he had PA take action against him for practicing law in NJ without a license, lacking integrity. He represented over 30 cases in NJ with no license. Complete clown and is every negative stereotype you could think of when it comes to lawyers.
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29 May, 2019 by Edward
I was facing an issue involving property damage and I was referred to Steve by a colleague. I met with Steve regarding the concerns and he put me at ease by explaining the pros and cons of the different options available to me. Trusting Steve's judgment, we decided on a certain path. Although it was not an easy case because of what was on the line and the unfortunate unreasonableness at times of the other side, Steve never wavered and was able to obtain the needed outcome for me. Thank you, Steve.
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23 May, 2019 by John
Steve assisted me with my storm damage. My insurance company kept giving me the run around. I hired Steve and he immediately. filed suit against the insurance company and made them pay every dime that was owed to me. Unbelievable result!
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25 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
If you want solid, legal counsel, that will actually help you, look elsewhere.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Tom
I was terminated from my company after many years of service and I needed help! Faye and her team quickly reached out to my former employer and made sure that I received full retirement benefits including pension and health care, plus some severance pay. The legal process is long and tedious but Faye and Jim Cushing skillfully guided me through the process to a completely satisfactory result. Thanks Faye!!! You are awesome!
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29 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Towards the end of a very difficult employment legal battle, I sought out another attorney to get a second opinion on my case and release documents. I am so lucky my search led me to Faye Riva Cohen!
Recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association & highly rated on Avvo, Faye was quickly able to make sense out of all of the nonsense. She was understanding and patient…but more importantly she listened! She wants what’s best for her clients…not what’s quickest, easiest or best for the firm.
I highly recommend Faye Riva Cohen. I only wish I found her sooner! She will certainly be the first attorney I call should I find myself in another unfortunate situation & need legal advice or counsel. A breath of fresh air, in the legal world of doom & gloom.
Thanks Faye!
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16 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
After retaining (and firing) several lawyers and interviewing many over four years, I am blessed to have been referred to Dan Kurland. He did not even bat an eye over the massive amounts of paperwork I brought him, and reviewed it thoroughly. I appreciated his experience and the fact the he did not have an attitude or try to hustle me- like most of the lawyers I talked to. He is genuine and put my mind at ease at once. Definitely Recommend!
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02 Nov, 2015 by Roberto
Dan, as I got to know him, held my hand through out the entire process with my DUI. He answered all of my questions in advance, and made sure he was at all of my appearances, even the simple ones. He was able to guide me through the process and put me at ease. I noticed other "represented" parties at the first hearing alone, but I was there with Dan who took care of everything for me. Simply put, he made me feel at ease, followed through, and helped me close out my ADR after I completed it. THANKS VERY MUCH!!
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26 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I would never recommend this lawyer to anyone! He will make you think that he cares about your case when he doesn't. He does a horrible job at representing you. I could have done a better job representing myself.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Jonathan salas
Russell and Adam you guys were amazing! I was completely out of my element but you guys made me feel comfortable and also like i was part of the team. The work put in on the weekend really helped a lot, preparation was on point! Thanks again I appreciate you guys and it’s definitely something I’ll never forget.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Samuel loux
This lawyer is a class act his compassion for resolving issues of litigation concerning the well being of his clients loved ones is highly demonstrated in his approach and his ability as a human being, He's an awesome,talented professional with a heart.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Darius roper
Whatever you do! Don’t not hire this law firm! My fiancé used him for a custody hearing and he didn’t present her evidence nor did he do any prep work for her case. It was 900 for retainer and it was a complete scam!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Jonathan salas
Russell and Adam you guys were amazing! I was completely out of my element but you guys made me feel comfortable and also like i was part of the team. The work put in on the weekend really helped a lot, preparation was on point! Thanks again I appreciate you guys and it’s definitely something I’ll never forget.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Samuel loux
This lawyer is a class act his compassion for resolving issues of litigation concerning the well being of his clients loved ones is highly demonstrated in his approach and his ability as a human being, He's an awesome,talented professional with a heart.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Darius roper
Whatever you do! Don’t not hire this law firm! My fiancé used him for a custody hearing and he didn’t present her evidence nor did he do any prep work for her case. It was 900 for retainer and it was a complete scam!
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26 Apr, 2024 by Jonathan salas
Russell and Adam you guys were amazing! I was completely out of my element but you guys made me feel comfortable and also like i was part of the team. The work put in on the weekend really helped a lot, preparation was on point! Thanks again I appreciate you guys and it’s definitely something I’ll never forget.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Samuel loux
This lawyer is a class act his compassion for resolving issues of litigation concerning the well being of his clients loved ones is highly demonstrated in his approach and his ability as a human being, He's an awesome,talented professional with a heart.
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06 Mar, 2024 by Darius roper
Whatever you do! Don’t not hire this law firm! My fiancé used him for a custody hearing and he didn’t present her evidence nor did he do any prep work for her case. It was 900 for retainer and it was a complete scam!
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31 Mar, 2024 by Mw
Mr Issac Green is a Crook. This lawyer is a crook. Please do not hire him. If you do hire him because you think he will win your case make sure all your work that's needed is done upfront by him he did nothing on my case. He overcharged me for work that I've done myself he's a crook. Him and his associate Mr. Dean Owens two crooks. I don't know how they're still in business. Save your money and find somebody else run fast. He's in an office Down at liberty Place in Philadelphia with Mincy & Fitzpatrick. I can't even believe they're in business with such a crook and a thief.
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10 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
Before I met Mr. Fitzpatrick I was being accused of a heinous crime from which I was not guilty Mr. Fitzpatrick assured me that all would be well presenting a confident and knowledgeable persona that assured me that he spoke the truth. Today I am a free man thanks to God and the skillful talents of Mr. Fitzpatrick Thank You.
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27 Jul, 2018 by Chris
Max was my lawyer on a case where I was the co-plaintiff. Over a period of two years I called and emailed him and his office to find out the status of my case. In that time Max responded once but only when I copied my personal lawyer on the email. Otherwise nothing. He refused to answer even the simplest of questions. Questions like "has our case moved forward"? or "do you need anything from me"?. I had to go to PACER and pay for court transcripts to find out what was going on. Be careful. I don't know what I did to receive this treatment. You may not either.
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18 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Kennerly handled a small matter for me several months ago that settled out of court, and I was extremely impressed with the service he provided. Knowledgeable, readily accessible and honest as all get-out. One of the best lawyers I have encountered, highly recommend him.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I HIRED HABERMAN. HE WAS UNPROFESSIONAL. HE TOOK 7 YEARS TO SETTLE CASE AND DID NOT GET THE RESULTS WE EXPECTED. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Sheryl
This lawyer excepted my case, never met with me, called me, I did all the work and just talked with office help. Before they accepted my case they reviewed it looked at death certificate. 3 months later no communication ever with lawyer they drop my case. Who waste all that time on someone? They obviously care just about money and numbers and take you as a client tie you up and then figure out you have no case?
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06 Oct, 2022 by Dan
Last year my father, who is in the late stages of dementia, was left unattended by an aide and fell sustaining serious injuries which he has not recovered from. I heard such great things about Len that I decided to use his services. Very professional and attentive in the beginning, then I notice he started to not give our family any information about what was going on with the case. My father has suffered tremendously due to nursing home negligence and I thought he would get some justice. Len wouldn't return emails, he always came up with excuses to call back and never would. I guess it wasn't enough of a settlement payout or maybe he took a payoff from the facility. Thanks for a horrible experience Len...a typical lawyer indeed!
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29 Jan, 2024 by Karim moharam
Andrew D. Swain provided solid legal services, meeting my needs effectively. He was professional and approachable, making the legal process smoother. I appreciate his help and would recommend him for straightforward legal support.
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04 Sep, 2023 by Edward walls
Vexatious Litigant rings a bell?
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12 Aug, 2023 by Adam clark
29 Jan, 2024 by Karim moharam
Andrew D. Swain provided solid legal services, meeting my needs effectively. He was professional and approachable, making the legal process smoother. I appreciate his help and would recommend him for straightforward legal support.
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04 Sep, 2023 by Edward walls
Vexatious Litigant rings a bell?
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12 Aug, 2023 by Adam clark
29 Jan, 2024 by Karim moharam
Andrew D. Swain provided solid legal services, meeting my needs effectively. He was professional and approachable, making the legal process smoother. I appreciate his help and would recommend him for straightforward legal support.
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04 Sep, 2023 by Edward walls
Vexatious Litigant rings a bell?
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12 Aug, 2023 by Adam clark
04 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Robert Land it's Joe Cromwell I was trying to get intouch with u about my law suit but I keep getting a answering service can u give me a call back and let me know something thank you
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19 Mar, 2015 by Tanya
He represented me in two separate cases and I felt like he didn't do what he was supposed ro do for me as his client...I feel that he waited. to many years to tell me I didn't have a malpractice suit
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27 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Joe is a brilliant lawyer and an extremely gifted litigator. I would thoroughly recommend his services - no complaints at all!
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29 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
He operates without your knowledge . He does not talk to the companies in a timely matter which resulted in a loss of a claim. If he has he does not make his clients aware of the situation resulting as a loss of claim which leaves his clients with costly medical medical bills and does not call or personally send you and email after a claim has been loss . He has no people skills . He allows his secretary to handle emails to his clients which she knows nothing about offers of settlements . My experience he is questionable how he conducts his business and responsibility to his clients that have suffered pain and suffering . The end result he insults you after the claim is a loss he personally does not call you after you trusted him for over several years even though you had doubts because he does not return calls for months at a time . When with you he does not make it clear what happens next. You leave feeling more confused then before you met with him . I was extremely disappointed with his entire way he does business . He actually told me after several years he was forced to doing my case and it was a no win situation. I spoke to other attornys and told them about my case . They said my case wasn't weak I just needed better lawyer .
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21 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Guzzardo does not return calls, he does not know how to communicate with is clients. He works for the other side instead of working for his client. I lost a jury trial because he refused to enter my evidence. He tells his clients to lie and does not tell you what is happening with your case.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired David for a family law case, he was very unresponsive. There were times I had to email him 2-3 times before getting a response. The day of the hearing after going to his office, ultimately my hearing was postponed. I'm fighting for something really important so I decided to go in another direction with a different attorney because honestly the guy just doesn't seem to care. I told him that I hired someone else and asked for a portion of my retainer back and the guy refused to refund me any of my money even though my hearing was postponed and he never represented me.
Which is pretty shady and dishonest.
I WOULD NOT recommend anyone hiring this guy for anything. Don't waste your money like I did.
I learned the hard way to never again hire a jack of all trades lawyer. Its better to hire someone that just specializes in family law as opposed to someone that handles accidents, family law, bankruptcy and whatever else.
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10 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
David represented me for divorce, support and custody in Philadelphia. He is always prepared, caring and responsive to my calls and emails. Divorce cases can be very stressful and he is always calm, cool and collected. This is very important when your marriage and children are at issue. I would use him again
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17 Apr, 2017 by Liz
I hired David for a divorce and custody divorce was simple but custody was very hard for him. During one of my hearings, he actually said to me you are what's keeping me from being on the beach. after that he pushed me into an agreement that I was uncomfortable with but he assured me was my best option. he wrote the agreement and it was horrible, all over the map and poorly constituted. He waa very rude, not empathetic at all and
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01 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Did win my case. Unfortunately throughout process rude unpleasant and impolite.
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11 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
He’s a great lawyer my opinion help me battle a year straight with my identity case.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
How about this one? The settlement was 22K. I got 4K and he/his firm got 17K. Does that sound fair? They lured you into thinking that you may get 50/50 but in the end, they tackle you blindly and you don't even know if it's coming from your left or right. They know the law and you don't so what are you supposed to do other than to file a complaint with the board.
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25 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I have the same story as the others. Luckily I saw these reviews before I continued to sign agreements to let him take so much of a cut without explanation. Asked for bills and have heard nothing for two months. The contract says what the agreed amount is, but yet he is asking for 80% - 90%. Please everyone read the contract. Negotiate what his cut will be. Don't let him have TWO OPTIONS which is to take a percentage OR charge hourly fees. It needs to be one or the other. I am trying to fight this now. I am taking his silence as an attempt to sabotage my case and have the defendants withdraw their settlement offers. He is supposed to be working for me and now I have to do MORE work.
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21 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I have been a client for over a year now. I would call to give updates regarding my case or call to inquire where we stand. I always get a voicemail and never have my phone calls returned. And this would go on for months on end. It was not until I wanted to switch lawyers and asked to be let out of our agreement that I have received a call back. Only to be talked to in an irritated voice. I decided to stay and was told.to call back at a certain point in which I have and now I'm back to just leaving messages with no return calls. I am beyond disappointed with his services.
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05 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I mailed my case in advance to Philadelphia for pre review. They asked me to come in. I spent 5 hours round trip, $30 in parking, and gas, to attend. He did not properly greet me, he was constantly distracted, he stated that he hates to read, and eats Ed half my day by having me drive to Philly. He was repeatedly dismissive, cut me off, consoled the entire conversation, and then failed to discuss a second case that I have. I’m extremely disappointed with how I was treated, over spoken, and them declined, despite having the case file in front of him. A complete waste of time. How can you represent clients if you hate to read?
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17 Mar, 2015 by Connie
Mark Hoffman may be knowledable, but very belittling. When I first arrived at his office, he was gruff and refused to shake my hand. When I went into details about my case, he'd talk over me. When I asked him to let me finish my story, he demanded my respect. I would highly recommend doing your homework, and finding another attorney in the area.
His unprofessional manner is uncalled for. I already had a difficult time discussing my case because it was very unsettling. Him yelling, swearing, and demanding respect when I was disrespectful in first place made the whole situation worse. Save your money, do your research, and find a caring, reputable lawyer.
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04 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
I went to Mark Hoffman of Kline & Specter for a free consultation regarding an injury I had suffered when my defibrillator misfired. I expected to be treated with dignity and respect. However, instead of allowing me to talk openly about my injuries, Mr. Hoffman repeatedly interrupted me and did not listen to me. He could have said that his firm was simply too large for my case but instead he chose to debate me. He did not address any of my concerns and when I tried to speak up, he dismissed me. I went into his office expecting an honest opinion, not to be talked down to or be treated rudely. What's even more upsetting is I was referred to this person by my uncle who also is an attorney. I was really disappointed and feel that he mishandled my inquiry and acted in a rude and unprofessional manner, wasting both my time and his. I will never recommend his firm to anyone.
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19 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
He was on my husband case for about 1 year and when I say he did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING… only time he answer your phone calls or questions is if it’s money involved he has a nasty attitude along with a smart mouth you literally have too stalk this man just too get a simple reply..His office looks like a hole in the wall and it doesn’t have a pleasant smell I don’t see how this man was a lawyer for all this time he’s HORRIBLE I would not recommend hiring him oh he even was suspended for fake signatures of one of his clients bail Look it up if you don’t believe me…..
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07 Mar, 2015 by Pissed
Mr Chisholm
At first seem to be very good. That is until he showed up late to every court case . Atleast two of the Times my case was postponed was because of him then he charged me extra for the the case lasting so long. Long story short, he beat the case but i had 4000 confiscated from me.he told me to sign the money over to him because it made it easier to get back the money and insure that he would get paid his cut once he got it back.well it's been two years i have not received a dime of my money. I haven't received a court date and he will not return my calls. I read another review that he did this to another women .I going to get another lawyer and sew Mr Chisholm for my money if this had happened to you contact me
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21 Apr, 2016 by Maxine
This guy is a joke and needs his license revoked! I learned about him after his office sent out a postcard advertising his services which he receives a list of new defendants from the court's to throw his fishing line at. Well I caught the bait.... He made everything sound good to get my money! I signed over my bail money to him $3,500! For a pre-trail and that was it! He never had a consultation with me and got to court and tried to wing it, embarrassing me and himself. I decided to fire him and ask for a refund. He refuses to sign over my bail money and on top of it he has a nasty attitude and is very unprofessional. DO NOT PAY HIM A DIME OR SIGN OVER ANYTHING. HE WILL NOT WORK FOR YOU!!!!
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10 Jan, 2015 by Harry
I paid Lorusso to represent me in a case.. At a hearing, judge gave him six weeks until next hearing
to submit required paperwork. I called him twice during that period to remind him about the paperwork.
He made no effort to get that paperwork. I was sent to jail for thirty days. After getting out, I terminated him, and got representation from Public Defenders. My case was subsequently dismissed and dropped
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05 Oct, 2020 by Bonnie
After bearing my heart and story to Priscilla on the phone about losing my son and being told she’d look into it, I never heard from her again. I followed up a few weeks later and was told I’d receive a call the next day. Never happened. Still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that someone could be so unprofessional and careless about someone’s grief.
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15 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
I was passed on from the lawyer I hired because my lawyer is not good at trial so he passed me on to this guy , he did nothing for me and now he will not take my calls.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
This Attorney will cause you Regret and Emotional Distress. He will manipulate you in time of need For service and add your anxiety to push you into Believing his Lies. If you ask any questions about your case, he will cuss at you and send text to you saying I have no time to respond to Emotional issues,
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18 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
the guy initially kept overcharging me Then I found out through the lawyers website, that I should not have been charged anything until I saw results. His actions were very swarthy.
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28 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Stay away!!! That's the only advice we can give. He jumped on our case and told us he was our best choice considering how many years he was in practice. We had 5 other attorneys interested and some of them warned us when we explained we retained Mr. Abraham. We met with him less than a year after the injury and had 2 appt's thereafter. We signed papers and he said he was ready to file against the MD. 2 weeks before our statute of limitations was up, he called and said he was no longer able to take the case.
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26 Dec, 2020 by Sofia
I retained Richard J. Margolis to sue the person that caused me grief. Behind my back, Richard prepared a lawsuit against the wrong person, harassed that innocent person, and disclosed my name and address to that person. That innocent person contacted me and I learned that Richard was going after the wrong person. I first thought that Richard, through incompetence or negligence, just made a mistake of identity going after the innocent person with the same name as the guilty one. But Richard told me that I would be better off "squeezing" the richer person, even knowing well that she is not the one responsible for my losses. I refused to sue the wrong person. This attorney stopped communicating with me. The deadline is upon me and I do not even know if I still have an attorney. Richard did not return the documents or photos that I gave him. I feel dirty after being his client.
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06 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I only had dealings with Meghan McCormack. Very low settlement holding my check for three weeks would not recommend.
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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.
