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15 May, 2024 by Graciela m de guerrero
Me ayudaron. Gracias!
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08 Apr, 2024 by Jorge gonzalez
10 Feb, 2024 by Mari cova
Great service. They exhibit a high level of professionalism and knowledge!
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18 Dec, 2023 by Maria mayorga
Super attentive and friendly staff. Thank you Alejandra and the entire team for all your help.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Martha cervantes
Patricia was friendly
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18 Dec, 2023 by Becky bukowski
Awesome
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18 Dec, 2023 by Maria mayorga
Super attentive and friendly staff. Thank you Alejandra and the entire team for all your help.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Martha cervantes
Patricia was friendly
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18 Dec, 2023 by Becky bukowski
Awesome
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18 Dec, 2023 by Maria mayorga
Super attentive and friendly staff. Thank you Alejandra and the entire team for all your help.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Martha cervantes
Patricia was friendly
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18 Dec, 2023 by Becky bukowski
Awesome
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18 Dec, 2023 by Maria mayorga
Super attentive and friendly staff. Thank you Alejandra and the entire team for all your help.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Martha cervantes
Patricia was friendly
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18 Dec, 2023 by Becky bukowski
Awesome
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11 Dec, 2021 by Matthew brooks
If you have been accused of something please do yourself a favor and at least have a consultation with Tom. It is overwhelming to go through this experience, particularly when you have never been accused of something in the past. From the first second I sat down with Tom, it was obvious that he truly cared about me, and I felt that I had an ally in my fight. For the rest of my life, I will never forget Tom and the compassion he showed me. He inspires me and restores my faith in humanity. I have never experienced such kindness and generosity from a stranger before in my entire life. I only wish I could repay him in some way. This review is the least that I could do. Tom if you read this, you are a good man and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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08 Aug, 2020 by Kathie carstairs
Top notch attorneys
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14 Jul, 2020 by Mr v
Very professional and polite individual. He made my wife and I feel welcome and important, very important in a time of crisis.
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13 Jan, 2024 by Bob moor
24 Sep, 2023 by Richard berman
19 Nov, 2022 by Josh wood
13 Jan, 2024 by Bob moor
24 Sep, 2023 by Richard berman
19 Nov, 2022 by Josh wood
08 Oct, 2024 by Kimberly glass
Everyone at Friedman and Throop have been so empathetic and professional. I had a traumatic fall from my wheelchair and this firm took the stress on and got me a great result. Thanks to all of you!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Kristina parker
Julie was amazing in the 3 years that she was my lawyer during my Work Comp case. I can’t recommend her enough. Amazing team!!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Brendan hill
Incredible rapport, clearly experienced, amazing assistant! If you’re in a bind and need help that’s MORE than competent, please call Ken! 10/10 would recommend.
Offers amazing insights, new perspectives, and above all else mental peace and clarity.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Hope backman
Andrea is a rockstar and one of the kindest person I've ever met, she goes above and beyond, and I believe really cares about people.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Ken kurtz
Family Law is full of "lawyers". Finding the right one can be more then a challenge. Don't look any further then Jamie.
I had a very complicated divorce due to the other party, despite every effort on the other parties part to drag out and fight to get more than was fair at every step, the process was smooth with Jamie, and in almost every instance of the legal games the other lawyer played, things always went in my favor.
As a father/male you almost always judged the wrongdoer, and kids usually end up with mom. When I saw my kids were suffering we got one of the best children's/teen Psychiatrists in Reno to see my youngest who was having exception trouble. Jame knew who to turn to at every step to help my girls.
In my case the kids wanted to live with me, and that's just what happened.
Divorces can be very difficult or they can be nice and smooth, but in my case, what was both difficult, was also smooth with Jamie. I had very difficult divorce, yet it was an absolutely smooth process. In the end we did better then what we had initially offered at the onset of the proceedings.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Melanie mariani
Jamie is a caring and conscientious attorney who puts her clients first! She is readily available and extremely communicative.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Marco
20 Nov, 2023 by Joann mefford danielson
Excellent law firm. David O’Mara is professional, knowledgeable, and shows great concern for his clients.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Gilbert delarosa
Never received reply
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09 Apr, 2024 by Marco
20 Nov, 2023 by Joann mefford danielson
Excellent law firm. David O’Mara is professional, knowledgeable, and shows great concern for his clients.
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03 Oct, 2023 by Gilbert delarosa
Never received reply
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17 Jan, 2019 by Debi c. freeland
Bill is a great lawyer. He helped my husband and I with our suit. He was very professional, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. He knew everything about injury cases and the law. We will use him again if we need any legal advise. We highly recommend William Kendall.
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09 Jun, 2017 by Peter
Bill really came through after a car accident. The insurance company of the other driver didn't even want to pay the medical bills in full. He got them to pay the bills, something that I could not have done on my own.
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04 Nov, 2016 by Mark
I had a accident on the freeway . Rear ended by a semi. Their insurance was not very responsive to my requests. Bill made time for me and took care of everything. No time off work,made sure I was OK before negotiating with the insurance. He made them treat me fair. Thanks again Bill.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Juan calderon
Thanks to Mr. Cotter C. Conway for all his help in solving my traffic ticket case,also to his legal secretary Summer Mather; they both are such a great people.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Manny hdez
They said that they couldn't help me with my case.... well.... pretty sure someone will.
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01 Oct, 2023 by Jeremy moose
The Carpenter law firm has not only guided me through a tuff time but also been very clear and transparent in all they've done. The legal system is complicated and it takes true professionals to make a very difficult time less stress on my family.
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02 May, 2023 by Chad walworth
Mr Hornbeck and his Secretary are down to earth and approachable. I hired Mr Hornbeck to represent me for a moving violation. He was forthright about his fees, the time it would take, and how payment would be received and processed. When it came time to go to trial he exceeded my expectations, fighting hard for me. Don’t think this is a 5 star rating because he won my case. I would still have given him the same even if the judge ruled against me. I would highly recommend Mr Hornbeck, and should I ever need his services again I wouldn’t think twice about hiring him. If you hold a CDL and find yourself needing a lawyer who will fight hard for you, look no further.
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05 Jan, 2023 by Safety department
SCAMER!!! He has charged for original payment agreed of $600 in the beginning of the representation. After the conclusion he created the bill of another $687.94 for texting us the emails, calling us, reviewing documents he sent us to sign...
Frustrating. Never go with this CROOK!!!
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06 Nov, 2020 by Blake candreva
Mr. Hornbeck is the best lawyer!
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01 Sep, 2016 by Samuel beck
Kurt is selfless in his commitment to me as a client. When he is in court you know that you have a professional representing you. He researches every angle and possibility for you and presents you with all of the options. I have never had a more professional and skilled attorney. I have recommended him to friends and acquaintances and the ones he has represented and consulted with him have been more than satisfied. I can't say enough good things about Kurt Franke.
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19 May, 2016 by Anonymous
We were sued by a most litigious and less than honest individual. We hired Mr. Franke on the spot after meeting him. He worked his way thru the mess, advised us in the best manner and avoided a long and costly trial by mediating an equitable settlement.
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19 May, 2016 by Ab
I know most pf the time you don't see excellent experience in front of a review about an attorney. We for one can make this claim 100%. We had an excellent legal adventure with Mr. Franke. One where he helped us save fees, one where he guided us through the Byzantine legal system and in the end got us an equitable solution to a bad situation.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Barry cunningham
After being severely injured on the job, I reached out to mr Santos for legal representation and hopefully compensation. This took place in the hight of the Covid epidemic, aka, flu. After countless delays and deliberations I became quite frustrated as my quality of life was in decline physically and mentally. As a pipe fitter/ welder, I was CLUELESS to the legal avenues this would involve. Honestly, he doesn’t always relate all of the legalities to myself, his client, but even if he had it would most likely just complicated things more with questions and back and forth with things I just wouldn’t understand. He is the professional and in the end he clearly summed up everything in detail and always had my best interests. after five and a half years I was justly compensated.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Shane montechelle
I had a workman’s comp claim and Mr. Santos helped me through every stage of the claim. His office staff was attentive and friendly, and they returned all of my calls in a timely manner. I would highly recommend him for any work related injury.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Ladonna soto
Attorney was very thorough our case took time but he did not give up and in end we were very happy with outcome. If we ever need assistance again we would definitely be going back to Mr. Santos
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11 Sep, 2024 by Jake wickizer
Jay and his team took good care of me and my case. Did everything they could to get me the best outcome. Very thankful for the Jay Short team
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jen bader
I am so grateful for Jay and Darcie! They fought for me and I was awarded much more than I anticipated. It was an easy process and I was treated with so much respect and compassion. If you need an advocate and someone in your corner when you're fighting for what you deserve, call Jay!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Sandy b
I try my best to stay away from reviews, but for this situation, there is no way I can keep quiet. I do believe in giving credit, where credit is due. A couple of years ago, I suffered a workplace injury that affected multiple areas of my body all at once. I pride myself on being a hard worker as well as a safe and dependable employee. However, on that particular day, an unimaginable workplace injury occurred. This is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me so I had no clue what to expect or what to do next. To my horror, I was allegedly immediately contacted by my HR dept in an attempt to get me to quit my job, before I had a chance to seek medical and legal advice. I was in pain but more than that, I knew I was in moral trouble. HR almost had me until Attorney Jay Shorts’ name popped up on my phone when I typed in “Reno workplace injury.” I did my research on Jay Short’s firm, then I immediately scheduled a consultations and hired them to represent me for this workplace injury. I will tell you this…hiring this firm was the “ABSOLUTE BEST” decision I could have made. It still amazes me how smoothly and professionally EVERY aspect of my claim was handled. They fought diligently for my workers comp, my medical care and my settlement. There was NO STONE left unturned in this situation. I had a peace of mind throughout the entire process. My entire family was happy for me to have chosen Attorney Jay Short’s firm. They are witnessing my healing and trajectory back to a healthy and indemnified life. So I say to you, if you ever need an attorney to represent you in this type of claim, please believe, Attorney Jay Short and his team, are definitely a top tier choice!!!! Lastly, speaking of team…his assistant Dorsey, is unmatched!!! She is the most professional, knowledgeable, personable, and hard working person I have ever had the honor of meeting. Thank you kindly, to the Jay, Dorsey and the entire team.
Dear reader, If you have a workplace injury, my advice to you, is to seek legal advice IMMEDIATELY and to PLEASE consider Attorney Jay Short! - Sandy B
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28 Jul, 2019 by Elizabeth
Chuck took on my case after making me believe I had a huge chance of winning my house back from a con artist I had been dating since 2009. Shaughnan Hughes hung in there with me because he knew I was getting money from a third party lawsuit. Shaughnan tricked me into putting him on my deed to my house while I was on opiates which is illegal. Chuck made me believe we had it in the bag! Chuck was extremely hard to get ahold of and his secretary was a meth addict that failed to turn in any paperwork that was due. Chuck never called in my witnesses nor did he turn in any of my receipts for paying for everything. His paperwork was generic as hell and he never did a thing in court but sit and look lost. He let the opposition destroy me with lies and fake proof that was obviously forged by the ex. Chuck charged me $80,000 to loose my case. He took my workers comp money and left me high and dry. After the hell I went through and the senility he showed, it is my opinion Chuck has dementia and his whole office quit except the new Secretary, because he is loosing all his cases. My mom and I are now homeless and broke because Chuck horribly lost us everything. Dont hire him unless you want to loose everything, he doesn't care about his clients!
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15 Aug, 2018 by Chet
After interviewing multiple local law firms I hired Chuck Kozak in 2013 to replace the large regional firm I had been working with for years. It’s been my pleasure to have him represent my interests on multiple issues ranging from a gross legal malpractice case, bringing in outside experts on various legal and financial issues, and in a variety of civil cases at both the local and Supreme Court levels. Chuck is very knowledgeable, forthright and willingly invests the time to make certain that he and the client understands the legal aspects of each case. I highly recommend Chuck’s services to anyone needing a true advocate and not just someone to hold their hand, calm their nerves and placate their jitters.
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08 Aug, 2018 by Lynne
Chuck was able to help my husband and I settle a tricky personal injury case. Other attorneys had told us that our case was worthless., but Chuck believed that he would be able to help us... AND HE DID!
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21 Dec, 2017 by Patsy
After many denials from my health insurance, Matthew was able to get my health insurance to pay for my surgery. Couldn't have done it without him.
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13 Dec, 2020 by Elise weatherly
I trust Holly Parker.
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20 Dec, 2016 by Chris allee
11 Jan, 2021 by Ricky
If you want to waste your time this is the guy he doesn’t want to work if you call him the he says you have to come in and sign more paperwork he is old and forgets everything his secretary still works with a typewriter that has to tell you something they can’t keep track of paperwork
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04 Jun, 2015 by Keith
My wife and I met with Mr. Hope, after paying the initial $50.00 fee, John made one phone call and solved our problem. We would definitely recommend Mr. Hope, and return when and if we need counsel again.
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06 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
I talked to Mr Hope and even though he was not able to help me with my situation he pointed me out in the direction and gave me some attorney's that can help me. He replied with honesty and responded back in a timely matter. Mr. Hope is an attorney who I would HIGHLY RECOMMENED! ! I know if I ever need his type of services I will with no doubt know who I will go too. So if you ever need a great personnel injury attorney call Mr. JOHN HOPE.
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29 Apr, 2023 by Josue medina
Not sure what this clown bot David is talking about, but my experience with Omealia law was way different. The staff was great and very straightforward with filing fees and attorney fees, and the process to get my green card. I have my friends going here too and I’m glad to say they’re in the path to getting theirs too!
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13 Jun, 2022 by David
I WOULDN’T RECOMMEND hiring this office. I’m a Clinical Social Worker and my job is to advocate for my clients which is the exact opposite of what this office has done for us. It seems to me that Josette O’Mealia takes advantage of people in desperate situations. We paid her $4500 for her “services” which were to include filling out three simple immigration forms and assisting us throughout the immigration process. We met with her one time before actually retaining her and never again as we kept getting excuses for why she couldn’t meet with us. We asked her office over and over again to assist us with our process and to help us expedite our claim as I was transferring my job and my husband needed work authorization. Her office did not help and actually provided us with inaccurate legal advice saying that we “had to wait normal USCIS processing times, sorry”. We ended up filing an expedite request ourselves and submitting the additional evidence that was requested by USCIS. We were able to get my husband’s work authorization approved with no help from the attorney that we paid good money for. We voiced our concerns to Josette and she refused to address our concerns and instead was very entitled and essentially told us to deal with it or no longer work with her. It’s for this reason that we are filing an ethics complaint against this office. We attempted to resolve the issue directly with her, but she’s more concerned with taking our money for work she has not and at this point will not perform. Do yourself a favor and find a more experienced and more professional attorney. She has only been an attorney since 2019. Her office even told us they don’t do expedite requests because they have too many clients. This is exactly what we retained this office for as it was an emergency. We definitely didn’t pay $4500 only for her assistant to assist us with three forms. They had no problem taking our money, but did not do the work. Please save yourself a headache and go somewhere else!
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09 Nov, 2020 by Jacqueline
I met Ms. O' Mealia two weeks ago when my husband and I got a letter from USCIS informing us we had an interview with only three day notification. We called this law firm because on our first interview with USCIS we used their services. We went with Att. Acosta, and we were very satisfied with his knowledge and professionalism, anyways when we called the office they informed us that she might not be able to take the case because she had a very booked day but they would call me back to let me know. Now mind you they were our only option because we only had two exact days to get ready for this interview. The office called us back within an hour to inform us Ms. O'Mealia had moved around some appointments around for us and that she would accompany us to the interview! and that she would also meet with us a day before the interview for any questions. Since we were traveling from Elko, NV 4 hours away from Reno we couldn't be at the appointment at the time we had scheduled with the firm. They again worked with us and made it to were we could come see them as the last appointment of the day. when we came in on the appointment day, of course I am worked up because this is my husbands second interview with USCIS for his adjustment of status and the first interview was so uncomfortable and invasive( even though we have been married for over a decade) so my thought process was "this is gonna horrible". She saw me right away and knew that I was all nerves. She was so kind and so helpful to put my mind at ease. She was amazing! I am certain that our interview would not have gone the way it did without her. At the end of the interview again the officer did not tell us if we got approved or not. he said " I will do another background check and we will send you a letter of our decision in the mail." So again I left with a knot in my stomach, she knew that so she checked our case over the weekend and gave me a personal phone call to inform me my husband had been approved! Like what other attorney does that? I am so grateful the guy above appointed her to be our representative. If we had to do this again I would certainly put our case in her hands without a doubt, that is how confident she was and made me feel. If you need someone confident and competent I would not look anywhere else. I wish the firm we went with had these qualities, don't get me wrong my husbands easy case turned into a two and half year dreadful case and the initial firm we went with delivered but was such a big firm and super far away that they did not have the compassion or the time to help put your mind at ease they were more to the point and move on to the next case. attorney Josette O'Mealia would have been my first choice!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Elizabeth is a very angry person—almost contemptuous. She seemed to have no ethics. She was a good actress when she wanted to be; however, she told many "mistruths" to not only me but others involved in this situation- including judges. Unfortunately, I had to prove her malfeasance in a court of law. She never once looked me in the eye in four months.
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16 Oct, 2019 by George
This lawyer did an impressive job a a public defender for a family member. We has some idea of the crushing workload public defenders work under. Mrs Lopez was impressive.
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21 Feb, 2024 by Matthew laverone
Great customer service and very knowledgeable about real estate law. Elaine has been very helpful. Look forward to continuing to work with this Maddox, Segerblom and Canepa.
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02 Jan, 2024 by I m
Friendly people but unless you have a bunch of money I wouldn't bother.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Paula penrod
Ardea was very instrumental in resolving a water damage claim which resulted in extensive damage to the first floor of our home. After 6 months of trying to deal with the insurance on our own, and the insurance company not willing to pay for the damages caused by their client's negligence, we hired Ardea. Once Ardea was involved, the insurance company finally took full responsibility for the damages done to our home and we were able receive a settlement which allowed us to repair the damages done to our home.
I highly recommend Ardea and her staff. They are very professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Lyle ferguson
Andrea Sharp was my PD. She showed up to my court case and hadn't reviewed my case and had to ask the judge for time to review
The next court appearance she left half way through and a PD I had never met took over and did a nice job. Being as she was new to the Office I cut her some slack but I hope she has gotten better with more experience
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15 Mar, 2024 by Cullen mixon
No bueno. El garbage-o
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08 Nov, 2021 by Kaycee weiss
Can’t ever speak to anyone get sent to voicemail and never get your calls returned. Mismanagement of state funds if you ask me.
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29 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Much like the other reviews provided, I can highlight similar feeling of dismay with my interaction. He was recommended to me by an attorney who specialized in another field as a professional who is familiar in employment law. After waiting roughly 20 min past the time scheduled I was excited to have a legal view on how my issues may play out. Within the first few moments of consultation, I was flushed with immediate disappointment for making such a rushed decision at a cost of $150. Having roughly 7 years experience as a HR generalist, with a bachelors from UC system I was dismayed to find the information he provided was little more than a google search would and starkly in contrast with what I know. Please beware if you do not present yourself as wealthy you may be stereotyped and simply a collection pot for a consultation fee.
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27 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Charged $500 for 1/2 hour consultation. It was obvious that I did not want to have him represent me after 5 minutes as he really doesn't care for women and thinks he is above them. $500 down the toilet for this egotistical narcissist!!
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19 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a deeply disappointing experience with Larry Digesti. After some difficulty in finding a suitable attorney who was free to take on my case, I was referred to Mr. Digesti by another Reno employment lawyer. I met him for an initial consultation (for which he charged $150) and he agreed to represent me in a dispute with my employer. I thought myself in good hands: he is an experienced, well-connected attorney who seemed very sure of himself during our initial meeting. However, when we next met his performance was extremely poor. He was unprepared for our meeting, slow to grasp the issues at stake in my case, and dismissive of my concerns. As my disappointment in him became evident Mr. Digesti turned belligerent, and actually yelled at me and cast aspersions upon my character. At the end of a two hour meeting (billed at the rate of $400 an hour) I still did not feel like he had an adequate grasp of my case, nor did I have answers to the specific (and quite concrete) questions I had conveyed to him in advance of our meeting. Soon thereafter I decided to cut my losses and end our relationship. Even this turned out to be more protracted and unpleasant an experience than it needed to be. Just getting a refund for the unused portion of my retainer was a trial, since Mr. Digesti did not respond to my messages concerning this matter -- including a request that he mail me the refund check so I didn't have to drive in to pick it up from my home three hours away.
Thankfully, I ultimately found my way to another lawyer who saw my case through to a successful conclusion (for a total fee that was less than what I paid Mr. Digesti for our brief and unproductive time together) and whose intelligence, backbone, and ethical compass did much to restore my faith in the legal profession. I understand that others have had more satisfying experiences with Mr. Digesti, but based on how things went for me I cannot recommend him.
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09 May, 2014 by Anonymous
This attorney may be good most of the time, but in my experience he needs to exercise much greater judgment before taking on cases with no merit. I was personally hurt by false allegations he made in court documents in order to secure a small insurance claim for his client. These false allegations were reported in the media and continue to tarnish my reputation, and I have little or no legal recourse to combat it. He and another attorney failed to communicate to me a mediation/settlement conference, which is in violation of the Nevada Code of Professional Conduct. His lapses in judgment have created much grief, and this lack of exercising "due diligence" is what gives lawyers a bad reputation.
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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.
