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05 Aug, 2023 by Lacey
I initially met Chris to have my name legally changed. I consulted him when my father was killed in a car accident. I hired him and he fought hard for justice. We have multiple suits against various parties including Maricopa County and the software manufacturer for the faulty traffic light. We won all of the suits thanks to Chris's quick thinking, quality research, and legal skills. He was kind, compassionate, tenacious, and hard-working. We fought the suits for 5 years, but it was worth it in the end.
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04 Oct, 2014 by Kesha-nicole
Christopher Post is an excellent attorney and person. His upbeat personality mixed with his professionalism makes it easy to trust in what this man has to say. As my attorney, Christopher Post represented me in a case, and with his valid researched information, he helped to win my case. Christopher made many points that were clear cut and straight to the point. It’s a relief that I was able to work with an attorney who makes me comfortable and who is easy to work with.
Thank you Christopher Post
Keep up the GREAT WORK-
Kesha-Nicole R
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28 Sep, 2014 by Dave
I would highly recommend Chris Post. I was arrested last summer and Chris sat in night court until almost midnight to wait for my arraignment. Out of about 30 others arraigned with me that night, only I was released without bail. Chris was awesome. Without him arguing on my behalf, I would have had to ask friends and family for a loan to bail me out of jail. All of my fellow cellmates that night even asked me for his business card when I was released and they all had to spend the night in jail. I can't thank Chris enough!!!
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07 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Well versed and competent. My only caution is to hang onto your pocket book. Her firm will bill you ridiculous charges. I'm sweating out a conservatorship for my daughter. Almost half the available funds have been eaten up by lawyers fees and costs. Never dealt with someone who charges you for copies and sends you several copies of the same pleading.
I'm even afraid to call and talk to her about this because I don't want the "protected person " to get charged e
verytime I have a question.
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19 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Kelly Kral is a personable and well-spoken attorney who thoroughly answered my questions about the probate process. She was patient and a joy to speak with during my Probate Lawyers' Assistance Project consultation. I highly recommend this attorney.
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02 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Kral was in charge of my husbands trust and was completely one sided and partial. I was constantly treated poorly while my step daughter was awarded everything she asked for. I was given deadlines my step daughter was not. Ms. Kral did not do her job.
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22 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
This attorney was court appointed, did not keep me informed of the case nor did he even speak during any of our court proceedings! He would "assure" me of what would happen but when it came down to it he barely said two words to the court in my defense. I have a mental illness (depression) and he was HIGHLY offensive to me. Didn't return phone calls or emails in the beginning and when I finally WAS able to reach him, he said my repeated phone calls were a sign of my mental illness. I stopped calling and was not kept informed of the case at all. Months later, he made the comment that "A Beautiful Mind was a good movie and proves I can be a good parent" How insulting!! I reported this to the State Bar of Arizona and was told he would be contacting me... well I'm still waiting. If you get this lawyer appointed to you, I HIGHLY recommend requesting a new one IN THE BEGINNING! Do not trust that anything will happen in your favor as long as I have. It will not happen.
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08 Mar, 2013 by Jennifer c.
After my second hearing, I was faced with decisions and some tough realizations both during mediation and in the court room. I found Mr. Westervelt to be very quick and responsive to phone calls, emails, and questions I had (prior to, during, and after my court hearings) in my case. Mr. Westervelt was court-appointed to represent me in my case and during the last hearing, it became very clear that I was going to need to hire an attorney if I wanted to have any real chance at a fair trial. Juvenile dependency cases, I have come to find out, are among the most complex and intensive cases within the court system-definitely requiring much more time and effort than a court-appointed attorney is able to give. I hired a new attorney later that month after speaking with around 20 (literally!) I would not recommend anyone to keep with a court-appointed attorney in juvenile dependency cases unless they absolutely have no choice. These attorneys are handling your case, along with a stack of who knows how many other court-appointed client cases, and then their clients paying them out of pocket on top of it. You are dealing with a child's life and future and these attorneys have the power to impact the outcome of that case. To not give these attorneys the time they need to dedicate themselves 100% to that kind of a case should be illegal...It is not fair to the attorney, the client, and most of all, it is unfair to the child involved.
Mr. Westervelt showed to be trustworthy, responding to my emails and calls that day or the next, and seemed very knowledgeable in these types of cases. I was disappointed, however, that I did not receive minute entry copies of our hearings. Some very important issues I had brought to his attention for the past several weeks were not voiced at all during mediation or in the courtroom. During his opening argument at our last hearing, Mr. Westervelt didn't sound thoroughly prepared and was missing important documents he was referencing in his opening argument. If he had requested these from me ahead of time, I would have happily provided them. The information and references he gave were outdated and it was hard to follow his overall argument; he just wasn't ready. Assertiveness of any kind was completely absent and it was very hard to follow him.
However, in the process of trying to hire a private attorney, I did speak to many offices who were familiar with him, one of them even giving his name out as a referral. The problem is, I am not sure if the referral is due to his performance or if his name was being thrown around because he is one of the few attorneys who specialize in these types of cases (there is a very small pool of them and trust me they are hard to find!) Overall and in the short time he represented me, I found Mr. Westervelt to be a very nice man, great at following up, never any issues with trust, and certainly has knowledge in his field of practice.
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07 Jan, 2013 by Jennifer c.
As a current client of Marcus Westervelt, I would like to give my first review as my case is just in its beginning stage. I swore off lawyers about 5 years ago after an experience that emptied my savings and did nothing more than I could have done myself. It was so costly that by the time the trial rolled around, I was the one walking in without a lawyer to represent me. I had to build my case myself and prepare to not only argue my case, but also battle the other party and his lawyer. My experiences only went downhill from there with very little exception. I know nothing about being a lawyer. The one thing I have learned over the years about lawyers is that it is not so much what you know about the law (that is the most clean cut out within the job) but it is about being transparent to who is working the system and how they are getting away with it. In today's society, the most obvious factors (money, politics, character) and the less obvious (unities like the free masons, personal preferences, first impressions) are exactly those which we are caught in as we try to solve what can be a very complicated or a very simple equation, depending on how good of a lawyer you are I would imagine. That question should be simple and Marcus Westervelt is the first lawyer I have ever dealt with that initially laid it out for me. He asked me, what do you believe your case is really about?
Very simple, very clean cut...On my first impression of him, I found myself walking into a conversation where time was extremely limited and the questions on both ends were almost infinite.
Marcus kept me on track in those 15 minutes we had upon our first meeting. He walked into our meeting not only with the ability to communicate the other party's issues but also ask me what mine were. I like to believe that this was his way to answering that one simple question: What is this case really about?
I found myself rambling in my nervousness and overwhelmed in the situation alone. He was assertive to stop me and pull me back on track.
If I tried to tell him" how it was", he would remind me who the lawyer is because I believe that no one knows my case like I do, but then again I am not the lawyer and I need to be reminded of that.
I guess some may feel a bit peeved at a certain level of assertion, but I walked out of that meeting with a smile inside.
If he is this way with his clients, I have no doubts how he handles those on the opposing side.
I have visited his office and had contact with two of his staff members to date. I always get a phone call returned and his full attention on my case and my case only.
If he cannot focus on me, then we schedule a time that works for both of us.
So far, he has not been flaky or careless of my case to any extent.
He does not hesitate for a moment to give his honest opinion even if it is the last thing I want to hear. He just lays it out there.
We have some time to go before my case concludes, but I am very confident that I finally have representation that doesn't make me simply feel like just another form of job security for someone else in this country.
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21 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Very professional attorney. Took excellent care of me and my case. Would hire again.
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10 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Atty did not answer calls and lost evidence. I do not recommend her.
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01 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very pleased with my experience as a client of Mr. Miller.
I was taken through the whole process of my case from start to finish with reassurance by he and his staff.
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03 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
The most rude person. Tried to get help form him, but instead he started criticizing and tell me that my case was very small for him. I needed his guide and he almost said that my case was a wasting of time for him. No sense of humanity as well as the secretary. The worst attorney experience.
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18 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Cook helped one of my friend in court for a custody matter. My friend told me that Mr. Cook is amazing in court, he looks like he spent all his life there. The best, Mr. cook won and protect that friend 's child from an abusing mother.
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27 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Cook represnted me for a short for my custody case.... you can NOT trust him with anything!! When my family needed him to step up and fight for what was right... he did what was wrong... knew nothing about our case when we were in court, was confused and allowed a good for nothing parent with proven mental issues have joint custody on "COOKS" settlement not ours!!! We now have to pay for another attorney to try to undo what cook did, and our children are sadly for it~~ STAY AWAY FROM COOK
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31 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Absolutely the best in his field. He is not afraid to go to trial! Our son was looking at 18 years behind bars and was found NOT GUILTY of ALL charges. Thank you, Jay!
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09 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I called his office his Secretary answer, I asked if I may speak to Jay Rock, She mentioned he was in court. ( OK) I let her know my son would like to speak to him, again she states he was in court, OK! I let her know whats going on and i would also like to speak to him. She tells me he is in trail, again OK! I again asked her that he would like to speak to him. know she emphasize that he is in court, i told her i understand but when will he be able to meet with my son. She said Friday or Monday I said "OK" I was waiting for her to assure me that he would go. By this time I'm pissed and she said the next time for my son to call and hung up. ( He has tried calling and no one answers. I am still waiting to see what happens in court........is office is not ran right so lets see what he has.
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23 Aug, 2017 by Hugh jass
The lawyer would be better placed in a circus, he is a clown. When it came to light the people whom hit my vehicle were undocumented from Mexico, he told us he could not work with us,
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29 May, 2014 by Nick
Mr. Bustamante was absolutely fantastic with my case. He devoted so much time and energy into my case I am forever grateful for what he has done for me. I would recommend Mr. Bustamante to anyone who wants a hard working lawyer on your side he is fantastic.
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11 Apr, 2024 by George
This goes back as far as 1998, It goes without saying that I've led somewhat of a colorful past.
Unfortunately I found myself in need of a criminal defense attorney. David came highly recommended. Throught the past 25 years I've needed his services on more than one occasion. He was not only very professional, he was personable as well. He treated me with the utmost respect. And has done an impeccable job on my behalf. I have referred numerous individuals to David and he has done a remarkable job for them .
David and I have become very close friends since our first encounter 25 years ago. There is NOBODY I would rather have at my side in a courtroom other than David Rubin. I may be a little bias, due to our now friendship. BUT HIS WORK SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. If it weren't for David I woukd be sitting in prison for the rest of my life. THATS FACT. So as the title states. In my opinion.
HE WALKS ON WATER!
THANK YOU DAVID.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Jacky k
Anna is absolutely useless is trying to help me talk to the correct lawyer. No idea why they hired someone so unprofessional and useless. No wonder there are so many bad reviews and one stars. I see the owners excuse and allow her poor behavior. Shameful.
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22 Mar, 2024 by Amber burkey
I paid $50 for a 30-minute consultation with a referred lawyer. My consultation happened yesterday around 3:30 PM, 15 minutes later than scheduled (originally scheduled for 3:15 PM but I understand things happen). I consider myself a reasonable, understanding, and forgiving person so when I say that the lawyer that I talked to was completely, utterly rude and disrespectful to me, I am not exaggerating. The Lawyer I talked to is Rachel F Johnson. For the first 5-10 minutes of our phone conversation, the connection was so bad that I could barely understand her. She was cutting in and out from bad connection and I could hear what sounded like children talking/yelling in the background. She finally had to hang up and call me back which did work but throughout the rest of the phone call, I could hear so much background noise and talking and yelling, it seemed very unprofessional and made me feel like she didn't take the consultation seriously. She admitted to me that she was not "in the office" so that's why the connection was bad. After that for the next 8-12 minutes she was yelling at me, belittling me, talking down to me, and making me feel stupid because I did not respond to a question the way she wanted me to. She continued to go on and on about how I was wasting her time and my time. She counted down how many minutes I had left and how much time I had wasted by not answering her question properly. My boyfriend heard the whole thing and it was such degrading, disrespectful, and disgusting behavior to display towards someone who paid for a service and is seeking help. I feel that I did not receive a proper consultation and the consult I paid for did not benefit me. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!
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16 Mar, 2022 by Mike
22 Jun, 2020 by Sky boles
Man was so rude he couldn't wait to get off the phone and didn't listen to what I was saying before I finished saying it, two sentences. I asked him a basic procedural question that he said he couldn't answer unless he reviewed my entire case. Whether you can file an appeal in bankruptcy is universal and procedural, it doesn't change "depending on your case". don't waste money on these idiots, they can only lose for you.
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19 Sep, 2019 by Immortal scorpion
17 Jan, 2024 by Mark
It hurts when you've been screwed in a home transaction, worse is when the person hired and paid to help you in this situation puts in about 10% effort, I think! As far as I can tell, he took my $7500, sent one or two documents to the court and then went dark. I'm such a fool. I should have known that no attorney of real merit would have the second question he asked be, "How much money do you have in the bank?" Run, run as fast as you can.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
https://alabnews.com/supreme-court-of-arizona-reprimands-phoenix-attorney-for-billing-irregularities/ This states only some parts of his misconduct but will be enough to know about him. My advice to you is "just avoid him and you will save money and stress."
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19 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
We hired Doncaster for a wrongful eviction and to try and prove fraud against against the company who forget documents to obtain a family home. And for harassment to me. He charged me $7500.00 just for a retainer. After the eviction he never answer our calls and never did anything about the fraud case. His secretary is the only one that would finally email. We obtained his services around Sept 5. And by April 20 th he had not filed one thing for the fraud. Needless to say we let him go. He did give me bad close to $2,800 but we never got any results for the house, which as been sold 2 more times. We gave him all of the information we had, he never looked anything up for himself or even bothered to read most of it by April 20. How much is an eviction? $4500? Mr Doncaster! All you did was blame us for your incompetence.
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04 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Failed to update me on the progress of the case and he and paralegal to do not answer emails in a timely manner
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01 Nov, 2023 by Candace
Tyrone Mitchell is a private attorney that has a contract with the courts to be a public defender for individuals that can not afford private legal counsel but all he does for the courts is put all of their clients in prison. This has been going on for years and there are so many other private attorneys that does this in Arizona. No wonder why Arizona have one of the top incarceration rates in the United States. Tyrone didn’t cross examine any witnesses, never asked to get my husband case dropped. Or lessen his charges. The DA dropped some charges and Tyrone never asked. He will let you miss court and will give you wrong court dates. Tyrone needs his license took and if anyone feels the same way please email me at
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22 Jan, 2023 by Paul
Tirone Mitchel is a worthless peice of work. He is a useless layer unless you are on the apposing side then he is ok!!!! He will lie to you, if he even answers you!! When he does nt answer you he is probably hindering your case like he did mine!!! I tried to get a hold of him to find out if I could go into a rehab to mitagate my charges while out on bond without forfeiting my bond and he burnt me!!!!! Get a new layer!!!!
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08 Oct, 2021 by Ryan
Tyrone will not call the client nor return phone calls. Voice mailbox is full and there is a error when you text the number. No communication with the client. Total disregard for the client.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Was ill prepared for Court and got us destroyed. Lied to me and said I couldn't appeal until it was too late to appeal and then was like "oh yeah, I guess we could have done that." Messed up my evidence. Flubbed questions and countless opportunities in Court. Told opposing Counsel stuff he shouldn't have. Gave up way too much way too early. Completely off base. SLOW in every way, especially in court & responding. He was more nervous than I was. Sure, he seemed real nice. Took forever to respond. Responded rudely and dismissively. Took his money and ran (sent me demands in less than 5 minutes after they sent me a bill because he doesn't know how his own billing works - their bills run really late.) He basically ruined my life and my custody case and my torture will now continue forever and I paid him a lot of money for the privilege. Do not hire.
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17 Jul, 2020 by Armand
He is more of a self promoter than a knowledge attorney. Spent a lot time doing research for my case, but got destroyed in the courtroom with faulty arguments. What is most concerning, is his lack of insight to his shortcomings, and lack of productive preparation. Don't waste money on him. You can save yourself heartache, if you just set your cash on fire.
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27 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
HE went before the immigration judge. He didn't say much. He was ordered by there judge to file two different motions. He had 30 days to do this. And never did the motions. He also never answers his calls. And won't return our paperwork.
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22 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
If u want results on your case u have a better chance of doing it yourself..take my word for it...complete waste of money, time and costed me everything that i asked from the judge...
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05 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
I've never been treated with less respect. Why? Because I didn't have a million dollar case.
I had no health insurance and needed tests. Did they help? No.
I was treated like an orphan. They didn't listen to me. They prevented me from speaking during the negotiations while they made one blunder after the other.
Communication? Nil. I was assigned a lawyer who did not like me asking simple questions. I cannot count the times I had to go over his head to get an answer.
The settlement was woefully low. Because they didn't care.
And a month after I received my settlement check, they sent me a check for $2.
$2 to keep their accounting straight.
And then the owner had the temerity to ask me to recommend them. Who is he kidding?
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25 Oct, 2007 by Anonymous
He represented me for two years in a lawsuit against an insurance company. The lawyers for the insurance company walked all over Beltz from day one. When the case started getting really tough, Beltz walked off the case leaving me high and dry against the insurance company and only a few months away from the scheduled trial date. I wouldn't recommend this loser if he were the only lawyer left on Earth.
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23 Aug, 2014 by Kelvin e. discua
My chiropractic recommended M. Alzaidi as a reference. New to all the accident and lawyer stuff I accepted him with hopes of his help. However, when he finally obtained the police report, which was miswritten by the police officer stating that the accident was my fault and that I was cited for the purpose of which to vehicles collapsed. He them proceeded to disregard my case with little to no research. However, my insurance which was under the same impression did a little investigation contacting both the other driver and insurance to confirm the disaster. In which they stated that the accident was 100% the other drivers fault and that I didn't received a ticket.
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01 Jun, 2011 by P
I met David via a Doctor we both knew. David as a Person is a very likeable person guy you would mind having a party or BBQ. But his lack of business experience is his flaw. Also understanding your word is your word. He gave me many insurances verbally. But later would change his story or I never said that. I been in business owner for 30 years 3 rd generation business owner, I learn your word is only ting you own. Golden Rule is the max rule of the land. People who don't live by it die.
David took my case I already started handling it had over 50% done. I started on new project had no time. I told I still hand many pains need see another doctor. He did nothing he did nothing from for 10 months. I later told him settle case I have few people BK on me and I need cash. He did nothing he left the firm. I latter end up with new lawyer who has 1 year from passing his bar.
All I got is giant lien on the case and foreclosure on my house.
I hope he learns the Golden Rule one day. I can't believe he was ever soilder.
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21 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Hello, I hired Stephen Crawford and paid him to Represent a case for my son. He was the Lawyer for my son's case from MAY2020- JULY2021. During this time, Stephen Crawford didn't do any diligence. He rarely answered any of our phone calls, he didn't do very well at keeping us informed about the case, he didn't file very many motions or any paperwork, he only visited my son 1 time while he was in jail. He seemed to have very poor communication skills. He also, withdrew himself from the case without notice. The only way we found out he withdrew, is when my sons Public Defender informed us. In my opinion, I feel like he is very unprofessional. I have left him several messages letting him know that I need a refund of my money. He never responds, and hasn't responded so I had no other options, but to file a complaint. I feel like he took advantage of me and my son. He took our money and left us HIGH and DRY. Thanks
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12 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr Austin Woods represented me and let his emotions take over and drug out the case. I really wanted to settle and he wouldn't let me. He made decisions on my behave that did not represent my best interests. I would not hire him again.
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22 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
We contacted Mr Wood about two months ago regarding a business matter in the Tempe area. We talked both on the phone and via email. He had us send all the documentation regarding the issue and advised us he wanted to talk further on the matter. We patiently waited and after an additional several weeks reached out to Mr Wood at Baskin-Richards. Rather than talk to us on the phone, he emailed that he was not interested in helping us ! If he would have been upfront with us we could have been well under way with a competent attorney. Mr. Wood led us on that he was interested in handling our matter only to let us down.
Don't let David Wood or Baskin-Richards waste your time.
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05 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Bustamante and his office are rude, don't do much work, and violate laws left and right. I am shocked nobody has complained about him yet. He refuses to get back in a timely manner. From my own experiences with this lawyer it seems he lies and cheats his way through court room proceedings.
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22 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
Petersen and his firm are horrible, they do not communicate about your case, it is almost impossible to speak with the attorney directly they push you off to a staff member. Does not work dillegently and is very good at procrastination. While my case was with his firm I was never updated as to where the case stood unless I made constant inquiries, as I began to become frustrated and threatened to fire them, they finally decided to work on my case and still made very little progress in extended periods of time. After firing the firm and finding a new attorney, I found out that they had lied to me about details in my case, there is no reason whatsoever to trust Petersen or his staff. They are lazy and could care less about their clients. I would never reccomend this firm, I would tell anyone to seek out a different attorney who will work for you and keep you informed, something this firm has great difficulty doing.
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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.
