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30 Oct, 2024 by Her safeplace
I would agree as to Sylvia's prowess as an attorney and her skills in getting desired results for her clients. She certainly knows how to work the legal system to the greatest advance of her clients. Yet she does so with quite questionable ethics/acumen. In my opinion, anyone who has to lie and cheat to win, never truly wins. It all will come back to you. Justice without your head held high is no justice that I want to be a part of, ever.
In response to the below reply: I gave an honest good faith review of my experience. All viewpoints are necessary, whether they be that of the beneficiary or the one on the other side of the table.
Edit: As evident, I am not a client of Sylvia's. Her willingness to achieve the goal by any means necessary, no matter the ethical bounds has been my true in fact experience. If that's the side you need to take, then by all means, she is your girl.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Shawn ali
05 Sep, 2024 by Kerry borawski
Highly recommend Martin Jansky & his team of professionals. They supported me through a difficult time, and in Martin's words, allowed me "to be a daughter" when I needed just that. His advice was helpful and his team excelled in both clear communication & consistent support.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Bill chennault
20 Nov, 2024 by Jamie de geer
Great service, reasonable price and clear explanations of the process. I would highly recommend Douglas Richards, attorney.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Genelle hines
Easy to work with good results.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Erin murray
I can honestly say Attorney Bryan Sanger and his team at Mandel & Mandel was very helpful and professional in helping me with my case. Also when it came time to settle he wouldnt stop with other parties until he felt the numbers were right for me. Mr Sanger is very knowledgeable in his field. Mr Sanger always made time to answer my questions or meet with me wether by email phone call or in person. I can truely say that he had my best interests in mind. Mr Sanger is def an attorney i would recommend to anyone who is seeking an attorney or has questions on what the direction they should take. If you or anyone you know is in need of legal advise give Mr Sanger a call. You wont be disappointed. I know i wasnt. Bryan Sanger gets a rating of 10 out of 10 in my opinion.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Andy tran
I had my incident since May 2019. Bryan Sanger has been a great help. I want to thank you so much for all you do and keeping up with this case for 5 years. If I have anybody who’s looking for a lawyer, I will recommend you to them. Thank you Bryan!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tommy huyen
One of the best attorney i worked with, took almost 2 years and it was worth every minute. So glad he represent me and the work & knowledge to my case to a well deserved outcome .
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09 Jan, 2025 by Erin murray
I can honestly say Attorney Bryan Sanger and his team at Mandel & Mandel was very helpful and professional in helping me with my case. Also when it came time to settle he wouldnt stop with other parties until he felt the numbers were right for me. Mr Sanger is very knowledgeable in his field. Mr Sanger always made time to answer my questions or meet with me wether by email phone call or in person. I can truely say that he had my best interests in mind. Mr Sanger is def an attorney i would recommend to anyone who is seeking an attorney or has questions on what the direction they should take. If you or anyone you know is in need of legal advise give Mr Sanger a call. You wont be disappointed. I know i wasnt. Bryan Sanger gets a rating of 10 out of 10 in my opinion.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Andy tran
I had my incident since May 2019. Bryan Sanger has been a great help. I want to thank you so much for all you do and keeping up with this case for 5 years. If I have anybody who’s looking for a lawyer, I will recommend you to them. Thank you Bryan!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tommy huyen
One of the best attorney i worked with, took almost 2 years and it was worth every minute. So glad he represent me and the work & knowledge to my case to a well deserved outcome .
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09 Jan, 2025 by Erin murray
I can honestly say Attorney Bryan Sanger and his team at Mandel & Mandel was very helpful and professional in helping me with my case. Also when it came time to settle he wouldnt stop with other parties until he felt the numbers were right for me. Mr Sanger is very knowledgeable in his field. Mr Sanger always made time to answer my questions or meet with me wether by email phone call or in person. I can truely say that he had my best interests in mind. Mr Sanger is def an attorney i would recommend to anyone who is seeking an attorney or has questions on what the direction they should take. If you or anyone you know is in need of legal advise give Mr Sanger a call. You wont be disappointed. I know i wasnt. Bryan Sanger gets a rating of 10 out of 10 in my opinion.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Andy tran
I had my incident since May 2019. Bryan Sanger has been a great help. I want to thank you so much for all you do and keeping up with this case for 5 years. If I have anybody who’s looking for a lawyer, I will recommend you to them. Thank you Bryan!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Tommy huyen
One of the best attorney i worked with, took almost 2 years and it was worth every minute. So glad he represent me and the work & knowledge to my case to a well deserved outcome .
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05 Sep, 2024 by Joshua schuller
To any person out there who is on the fence about coming forward, with a difficult, embarrassing or emotionally exhausting case; rest assured that Simon Law Firm will treat with you respect and dignity while working with them.
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05 Sep, 2024 by John smith
Useless Law Firm! Probably one of the worst firms I’ve dealt with. They were assigned by my insurance company and all they did was cash in on their bill. At the end they said I should be happy with the outcome.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey
Simon Law Firm was incredible to work with! Very attentive to my needs and made a difficult process much easier. Professional, straightforward throughout, would highly recommend. 5 stars.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Joshua schuller
To any person out there who is on the fence about coming forward, with a difficult, embarrassing or emotionally exhausting case; rest assured that Simon Law Firm will treat with you respect and dignity while working with them.
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05 Sep, 2024 by John smith
Useless Law Firm! Probably one of the worst firms I’ve dealt with. They were assigned by my insurance company and all they did was cash in on their bill. At the end they said I should be happy with the outcome.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey
Simon Law Firm was incredible to work with! Very attentive to my needs and made a difficult process much easier. Professional, straightforward throughout, would highly recommend. 5 stars.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Joshua schuller
To any person out there who is on the fence about coming forward, with a difficult, embarrassing or emotionally exhausting case; rest assured that Simon Law Firm will treat with you respect and dignity while working with them.
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05 Sep, 2024 by John smith
Useless Law Firm! Probably one of the worst firms I’ve dealt with. They were assigned by my insurance company and all they did was cash in on their bill. At the end they said I should be happy with the outcome.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey
Simon Law Firm was incredible to work with! Very attentive to my needs and made a difficult process much easier. Professional, straightforward throughout, would highly recommend. 5 stars.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Joshua schuller
To any person out there who is on the fence about coming forward, with a difficult, embarrassing or emotionally exhausting case; rest assured that Simon Law Firm will treat with you respect and dignity while working with them.
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05 Sep, 2024 by John smith
Useless Law Firm! Probably one of the worst firms I’ve dealt with. They were assigned by my insurance company and all they did was cash in on their bill. At the end they said I should be happy with the outcome.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Jeffrey
Simon Law Firm was incredible to work with! Very attentive to my needs and made a difficult process much easier. Professional, straightforward throughout, would highly recommend. 5 stars.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Emily
Craig is the absolute BEST around! He has worked on a few cases for and always gets me the best settlement possible. Craig and his staff are knowledgeable and work hard to get their clients what they deserve. He was always available to answer any questions and listen to my concerns. If you want an attorney who knows what he is doing and cares about people call Craig.
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09 Dec, 2023 by Jasz
Craig got me triple what the insurance company offered me for my car accident. He was patient and very informative. I most definitely recommend if ever in an accident give him a call.
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17 Aug, 2022 by Vinesh
Craig really helped us with a very complex case after many highly reviewed and recommended Attorneys couldn't . Simply put - He is the BEST in the Business. Consider yourself lucky if you get to work with Craig.
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10 Sep, 2024 by T w
I didn't have a great experience with this office. I asked plenty of questions when I made the appointment to speak with them. The attorney I had definitely made sure to say what needed to be said but did not deliver on results. The communication was poor, they never returned messages, and so much more. I did A LOT of research on them but this was truly a waste of time.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Gloria c
Christopher Geldmacher provides an exceptional service; he worked with tenacity to get a settlement that was above and beyond what I expected. From the initial meeting to the last, I felt very comfortable leaving my case in his hands. He provided me with solutions and sound advice I could trust. His communication was timely and reliable. He handled my case with professionalism, experience, and knowledge. I hope I won't need an injury law attorney in the future, but if I do, I will contact Chris.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Angela lewis
Excellent! Get the job done I'll refer 👍 👏 😀 👌 😄 😉 Chris Geldmacher to Anybody BECAUSE Chris Geldmacher do Whats best KEEP up the good work!👍
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10 Sep, 2024 by T w
I didn't have a great experience with this office. I asked plenty of questions when I made the appointment to speak with them. The attorney I had definitely made sure to say what needed to be said but did not deliver on results. The communication was poor, they never returned messages, and so much more. I did A LOT of research on them but this was truly a waste of time.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Gloria c
Christopher Geldmacher provides an exceptional service; he worked with tenacity to get a settlement that was above and beyond what I expected. From the initial meeting to the last, I felt very comfortable leaving my case in his hands. He provided me with solutions and sound advice I could trust. His communication was timely and reliable. He handled my case with professionalism, experience, and knowledge. I hope I won't need an injury law attorney in the future, but if I do, I will contact Chris.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Angela lewis
Excellent! Get the job done I'll refer 👍 👏 😀 👌 😄 😉 Chris Geldmacher to Anybody BECAUSE Chris Geldmacher do Whats best KEEP up the good work!👍
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer lude
I worked with Christian Misner. He was extremely reliable, courteous, and made me feel like he truly cared about my concerns. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Dashyra dent
I am overjoyed with this law firm , Chris , Kevin And Tom Are GREAT HARDWORKING Men , I was worried bout My Case Due to the fact Mulitple law firms Heard my case and still denied me , After several attempts of being denied I prayed and searched and Thought to give Donner applewhite a chance , it was the reviews that got me , and the trust I seen they earned from there clients and boy did it take a turn for the good from that point on , They where very professional , very patient More importantly invested ! They exceeded my expectations , and I can’t thank them enough ! This law firm is a hidden Gem 💎 THANKYOU SOO MUCH DONNER APPLEWHITE I AM MORE THAN HAPPY WITH MY OUTCOME! I definitely will be doing more buisness with you guys . They will work with you , just Give them something to work with and Watch them work they magic .
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07 Oct, 2024 by Madison cox
We were extremely satisfied with the service we received from Chris Herman. We retained him to help my husband with an issue that was likely not as major as Mr. Herman normally deals with. However, it was a serious matter to us and that is how he treated it. He took the time to listen to our concerns, gather the facts and clearly laid out our options to proceed. Once we agreed on the best course for us, Mr. Herman took it from there and did the rest. The outcome and the costs were exactly what was expected and explained to us. We could not have hoped for more. We would not hesitate for a moment to recommend him to any of our friends and family that were in need of excellent legal services!
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer lude
I worked with Christian Misner. He was extremely reliable, courteous, and made me feel like he truly cared about my concerns. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Dashyra dent
I am overjoyed with this law firm , Chris , Kevin And Tom Are GREAT HARDWORKING Men , I was worried bout My Case Due to the fact Mulitple law firms Heard my case and still denied me , After several attempts of being denied I prayed and searched and Thought to give Donner applewhite a chance , it was the reviews that got me , and the trust I seen they earned from there clients and boy did it take a turn for the good from that point on , They where very professional , very patient More importantly invested ! They exceeded my expectations , and I can’t thank them enough ! This law firm is a hidden Gem 💎 THANKYOU SOO MUCH DONNER APPLEWHITE I AM MORE THAN HAPPY WITH MY OUTCOME! I definitely will be doing more buisness with you guys . They will work with you , just Give them something to work with and Watch them work they magic .
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07 Oct, 2024 by Madison cox
We were extremely satisfied with the service we received from Chris Herman. We retained him to help my husband with an issue that was likely not as major as Mr. Herman normally deals with. However, it was a serious matter to us and that is how he treated it. He took the time to listen to our concerns, gather the facts and clearly laid out our options to proceed. Once we agreed on the best course for us, Mr. Herman took it from there and did the rest. The outcome and the costs were exactly what was expected and explained to us. We could not have hoped for more. We would not hesitate for a moment to recommend him to any of our friends and family that were in need of excellent legal services!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Marcin jacyna
As I'm going through a tremendously difficult work related injury case; Ali and I appreciate all the meticulously detailed work that PAK team is performing!!!
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09 Sep, 2024 by Dustin caffee
At a time of a tragedy in my work life I was in the need of some legal counsel and never being in a hardship like this before I wasn't sure of what to expect or do but I reached out to PAK and I immediately received a contact from this law firm and Jenna was extremely helpful and I couldn't have been more pleased with this experience I received and I am sure you will have the same experience definitely worth using again if I ever have to
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05 Aug, 2024 by Olivia kersting
Unfortunately we found ourselves in the position of seeking legal guidance, but fortunately we found Padberg Appelbaum Knepper. I can’t even begin to understand the amount of time spent handling my case and all the work done behind the scenes. I’m very aware, however, of how highly motivated Kelly and Matt were since day one to get a positive outcome for my husband and I. Even through all of the road blocks, Kelly and Matt continued pushing for justice. I tend to be the type of person to always question if I’ve made the right decision, but I never once second guessed any decision guided by them. I’m 100% confident we made the right choice going to Padberg Appelbaum Knepper.
We worked closest with the legal nurse consultant, Kelly. It’s undoubtedly evident how passionate and caring she is regarding her clients. I never doubted for a moment that she had my best interest in mind. She consistently validated my concerns and frustrations, as well as patiently addressed all of my questions throughout the process. She is absolutely the best advocate. I cannot thank her and our lawyer, Matt, enough for absolutely everything they did for my husband and I. Our experience with them has been a shining light in a dark situation. If anyone I know, family, friend, or stranger, finds themselves seeking legal guidance, I will not hesitate to recommend Padberg Appelbaum Knepper time and time again.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Marcin jacyna
As I'm going through a tremendously difficult work related injury case; Ali and I appreciate all the meticulously detailed work that PAK team is performing!!!
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09 Sep, 2024 by Dustin caffee
At a time of a tragedy in my work life I was in the need of some legal counsel and never being in a hardship like this before I wasn't sure of what to expect or do but I reached out to PAK and I immediately received a contact from this law firm and Jenna was extremely helpful and I couldn't have been more pleased with this experience I received and I am sure you will have the same experience definitely worth using again if I ever have to
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05 Aug, 2024 by Olivia kersting
Unfortunately we found ourselves in the position of seeking legal guidance, but fortunately we found Padberg Appelbaum Knepper. I can’t even begin to understand the amount of time spent handling my case and all the work done behind the scenes. I’m very aware, however, of how highly motivated Kelly and Matt were since day one to get a positive outcome for my husband and I. Even through all of the road blocks, Kelly and Matt continued pushing for justice. I tend to be the type of person to always question if I’ve made the right decision, but I never once second guessed any decision guided by them. I’m 100% confident we made the right choice going to Padberg Appelbaum Knepper.
We worked closest with the legal nurse consultant, Kelly. It’s undoubtedly evident how passionate and caring she is regarding her clients. I never doubted for a moment that she had my best interest in mind. She consistently validated my concerns and frustrations, as well as patiently addressed all of my questions throughout the process. She is absolutely the best advocate. I cannot thank her and our lawyer, Matt, enough for absolutely everything they did for my husband and I. Our experience with them has been a shining light in a dark situation. If anyone I know, family, friend, or stranger, finds themselves seeking legal guidance, I will not hesitate to recommend Padberg Appelbaum Knepper time and time again.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Keshab koirala
He is a good lawyer. He handled my case very well.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Kia dickerson
Mr Cook does great work, he’s reasonable with his prices, he keeps you informed on what’s going on. He really gets the job done . Thank you again
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tucker family
He is an excellent lawyer and has helped with many issues including fixing credit mistakes we had. I would give him ten stars if I could!
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16 Dec, 2024 by Keshab koirala
He is a good lawyer. He handled my case very well.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Kia dickerson
Mr Cook does great work, he’s reasonable with his prices, he keeps you informed on what’s going on. He really gets the job done . Thank you again
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05 Dec, 2024 by Tucker family
He is an excellent lawyer and has helped with many issues including fixing credit mistakes we had. I would give him ten stars if I could!
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03 Nov, 2024 by Tim jenkins
Mike was a answer to prayer.
I had a motorcycle accident and a nurse came by to check on me and referred me to Mike Shelton.
From that day on all my worries and concerned we're taken away.
Mike handle everything. I had no idea what to do and Mike explained everything. I totally trust him. He is a God sent.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Carol dement
Did a bad job for me
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21 Feb, 2024 by Kurt lubiewski
Always professional and great
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03 Nov, 2024 by Tim jenkins
Mike was a answer to prayer.
I had a motorcycle accident and a nurse came by to check on me and referred me to Mike Shelton.
From that day on all my worries and concerned we're taken away.
Mike handle everything. I had no idea what to do and Mike explained everything. I totally trust him. He is a God sent.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Carol dement
Did a bad job for me
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21 Feb, 2024 by Kurt lubiewski
Always professional and great
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03 Nov, 2024 by Tim jenkins
Mike was a answer to prayer.
I had a motorcycle accident and a nurse came by to check on me and referred me to Mike Shelton.
From that day on all my worries and concerned we're taken away.
Mike handle everything. I had no idea what to do and Mike explained everything. I totally trust him. He is a God sent.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Carol dement
Did a bad job for me
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21 Feb, 2024 by Kurt lubiewski
Always professional and great
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20 Oct, 2015 by Albert
John did an excellent job of representing the best interests of my Wife and myself. He explained the process and what to expect very clearly. He came to court well prepared and knowledgeable. We recommend John Lally wholeheartedly.
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21 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
handled our case quite well
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24 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Clark handled a federal court defamation and libel case, and was a consummate professional from start to finish, keeping me informed and involved, and obtaining a superb outcome. I highly recommend him.
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26 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Coffey is an amazing lawyer. Most importantly she is ethical and honest. Ms. Coffey is reliable, knowledgeable, experienced and highly vested in your case. She is an excellent lawyer and person. I would not hire anyone else!
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11 Apr, 2014 by Joan
I highly recommend Mark for your personal injury problem. He gets the best result possible. I know he certainly helped me in a very difficult situation.
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01 Nov, 2017 by Robert
Tom Applewhite of Donner Applewhite LLC helped me when I needed them most. I contacted this firm regarding Employment & Labor laws. Tom was very informative during my case & always kept me informed and updated with anything related to my case. This firm gave me a FREE consultation & took my case on a contingency basis when money was a little tight for me! They fought hard to get the best possible outcome & I would recommend you reach out to Donner Applewhite LLC if your in need of Real Lawyers with Real Experience!
Thank you Tom Applewhite for helping me !
Best regards,
Rob W
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12 May, 2014 by Ricki
Mr Bell created and managed my families Trust, and after my grandfathers death,
everything went as planned , and we avoided probate court. It was pleasure working with Mr.Bell.
I would refer him to family and friends!
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28 Jan, 2018 by Bob
Atty Wuebbeling represented my daughter for a domestic abuse/stalking situation. He spent many hours investigating to ensure us the optimal penalty for the person committing the crime. It was a pleasure to sit beside Atty Wuebbeling in court knowing we were going to prevail. Atty Wuebbeling has outstanding integrity and is very easy to talk with. Calls are returned quickly.
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25 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Mark took care of my case in a professional and friendly way.
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10 Feb, 2015 by Jeanne
Mr. Kuehnlein will work hard on your case. Most important, he will look for things that other attorneys may miss, that is essential to winning your case. He has a lot of experience and knowledge in his field. He is very intelligent and yet down to earth. You can trust him to do an excellent job for you and if he says he can do something, you can believe him.
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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.
