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25 Feb, 2013 by Tom
Kathryn Fenderson Scott and her Law Firm took on my case, based on the auto injury I had the other day. I was in a lot of pain in her office, and she noticed that. We started my case and I received the treatment that I needed. Kathryn Fenderson Scott was very aggressive and settled my case with a very nice outcome. I would recommend Kathryn Fenderson Scott to everyone.
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20 Sep, 2010 by Nancy
My case is a little unusual. Ms Fenderson Scott has been honest and up front about everything, whether or not it's what I might want to hear. I can call and am never rushed off, but treated with respect. As Katherine says, her concern is ME! My case isn't over. I feel confident that all will be done to help me. I am thankful...good Attorneys do exist and I found one of the best.
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24 Jun, 2010 by Kathy
I left there with all my quesiton answered. Friendly office. Always came to the phone when I called.
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23 Oct, 2017 by John
My daughter lost her life due to a medical disaster. We wanted to make sure this did not happen to other families and that this institution had to change. I asked Mrs Vesley if she was tough enough to stand up to this organization and she indicated she had no problem standing her ground. They stood their ground, brought to bear her firm's expertise and achieved a very positive outcome. We were kept informed at every juncture and all options discussed with us before moving forward. I can not begin to express how thankful we were to have her working on our side in this case. It is very unlikely this this institution will make this same mistake again and another family will have to suffer as we did. Mrs Vesely has our unconditional highest recommendation.
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19 Oct, 2017 by Jason
Shirin and her firm have successfully represented our companies in 5 lawsuits. She has also provided excellent legal advice on several occasions.
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05 Oct, 2017 by Ralph solberg
01 Feb, 2019 by Tye
27 Jul, 2018 by Kimberly craddock
I give them 5 Stars!
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09 Jan, 2018 by Missy dadswell
I went to Masterson Law Group in my time of need. I am forever grateful for all their skills and experience. What made the difference for me was they genuinely cared and provided comfort during the whole process.
Missy Dadswell
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08 Sep, 2024 by Cori
Highly recommend Greg Hoag! His professionalism and care for his clients is second to none. He explained all processes thoroughly with our claim every step of the way and helped during a very stressful event in our lives. This was our first time having to hire an attorney and our experience was better than expected. He made himself available for any and all of our questions and it didn’t matter for any day of the week. He is an excellent communicator. He promptly gets back right away. He carries himself in a genuine matter that truly shows he cares about his clients. We would be proud and confident to recommend Mr. Hoag to our family and friends.
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24 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Professional and respectful. He spent a lot of time researching the case I presented. Kind, caring man.
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01 May, 2024 by Jared
Gregory Hoag Law is an exceptional law firm, who cares about his clients and their well-being. His knowledge and hard-work is exceptional. He goes above and beyond for his clients
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24 May, 2016 by Brendan garry
I have just successfully completed a very prolonged and convoluted legal struggle with not just one but two insurance companies serving the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida. My insurance company and a construction company refused to even consider compensating me for very severe damage to my condominium by the latter during an outside rehabilitation of the overall building. The direction of the battle with both changed drastically when, on a recommendation, I contacted Attorney Kristin Demers-Crowell at Christopher Ligori & Associates, Attorneys at Law, in Tampa, FL.
Attorney Demers-Crowell and my relationship started with a long phone conversation during which she patiently and carefully listened to the facts of the case as I saw them. At the end of this phone conversation I felt sure that I was dealing with a serious, very knowledgeable, experienced, empathetic and polished professional. She gave me a list of items she required to allow fuller digestion of the facts and already in my mind’s eye I could see her sleeves being rolled up to do battle on my behalf.
The battle with my insurance company took a couple of years to win. During the maneuverings to limit the insurance company’s liabilities by their legal team at depositions, mediation and in written correspondence I was absolutely amazed by the cool, solid & knowledge based responses and demands by my unruffled attorney. I will at this point just say that we had a very good win. The latter could even be better described as a “win-win” because as part of the settlement with the insurance company she was able to prevail on them to allow us follow their subrogation claim on the builders insurance which resulted in further compensation for my damages.
I am extremely grateful to Attorney Demers-Crowell for standing by me for a prolonged period of time against two behemoths of the insurance industry. Her knowledge, approach and tenacity won the battle. Her thoughtful and reassuring approach kept me calm throughout the ordeal.
Brendan Garry MD Boston MA.
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30 Nov, 2015 by Peter
On multiple occasions our the insurance company for our home rejected our claims for the damage a sink hole had caused. Thankfully, Kristin Demers-Crowell stepped in and took charge of an incredibly frustrating process that had been strung out almost two decades. Within 4 months of her taking over my wife and I received a settlement check for the damage associated with the sink hole that enabled us to repair the our home. Without her expert guidance and professional help with a top notch geologist there is little question we would never have received a settlement from our insurance company. Suffice it to say Kristin Demers-Crowell was both efficient and incredibly effective and we are delighted to provide an unqualified recommendation.
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28 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Several years ago, my house was burglarized. Mrs. Demers-Crowell provided guidance and advice as I gathered documentation of the items that were stolen in order to submit them to my insurance company. She was the perfect combination of comforting and realistic regarding what I should expect during the difficult process. Thanks to Mrs. Demers-Crowell, it is my belief that I was able to receive more money from my insurance company than I ever would have had I not consulted her. I will be forever grateful to her and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a lawyer's services.
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07 Nov, 2016 by Christina
Mr. Stokes represented me in a divorce. He is an excellent attorney. He was very attentive, returned my calls promptly and kept me well informed. I would recomend Mr. Stokes.
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06 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Stokes is an incredibly intelligent attorney. His years of experience as a litigator in Florida and his knowledge of the law are truly unparalleled. He demonstrates a great deal of compassion and care for every case he handles. Exercising the highest level of professionalism, he is determined to achieve the best possible results for his clients. I highly recommend Mr. Stokes as an advocate for any legal matter.
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03 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Stokes is an exceptionally brilliant attorney who will zealously advocate on your behalf. In any interaction I've had with Mr. Stokes, he comes across as extremely intelligent and knowledgeable about the legal questions one has. With over 25 years of trial experience, there aren't many lawyers in the Bay Area who can match his expertise. I would highly recommend him for any legal needs.
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23 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I was involved in a car accident that left me in a wheelchair, unable to work and worried how I was going to deal with everything that was happening. A friend recommended Mrs. Kravitz and said she would handle my case and help me figure out the myriad of worries I had.
I met Jovita and was immediately impressed with her professionalism. Equally important to me I was simply impressed with her as a person. I suppose any attorney is capable of doing the legal side; I was worried about being treated as another number by an attorney. With Jovita that was nor ever has been the case. She was empathetic as well as knowledgeable which personally was important to me.
My case settled in what I felt was a timely fashion all things considered. Additionally, I was happy with the settlement Jovita was able to obtain for me. Further, even though I'm no longer her client she took the time to follow up and ask how I was doing after recovering from my injuries. That gesture was greatly appreciated.
I hope I never again need the services of an attorney but if I do I would hire Jovita again without hesitation.
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22 Dec, 2017 by Lori
Jovita Kravitz handled our case with personal care and attention. When my husband was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle, not only did we have to deal with and worry about his recovery and the intensity of his injuries but to top it all off the driver of the car was irate, unreasonable and just downright rude. Jovita was professional, prompt and courteous. But beyond that she was sensitive to the emotional turmoil my husband and I were both in and handle her case with care as well as speed. We highly recommend Jovita and have since referred her to numerous friends and family members who ever all had excellent experiences using her legal services.
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10 Apr, 2017 by Personal representative
I retained the services of the Kravitz Law Firm as the Personal Representative for a family member. From the first visit with Jovita, I was impressed with the amount of time she spent with us, knowledge of the numerous legal issues at hand, and the level of compassion she showed to and for our loved one. At a time in which we were dealing with great sadness, grief, numerous medical situations, and of course raw emotions, Jovita was patient, walked us through the process every step of the way, and answered our numerous questions and concerns. Jovita and the Kravitz Law Firm communicated with us in a timely manner and provided a level of personal care and legal background that was much appreciated. Our case was well represented with powerful expert witness testimony and effective research. Jovita was extremely knowledgeable in the many facets of our case and defended our loved one in truth. She was determined in defending our case and her defense of our loved one commanded attention due to her effective delivery. Justice prevailed for our loved one and I am grateful to Jovita and the Kravitz Law Firm for their patience, diligent work, and their personal support of our case.
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05 Mar, 2018 by Tyler
My pregnant wife was rear-ended by a high school texting driver and was quite alarmed over a number of issues that could arise from the wreck. After quickly consulting with Mr. Williams, we immediately found a sense of calm and knew were in the right hands. Joel gave us a quick list of action items to take care of immediately before engaging with him further. Our issues were resolved very quickly based on the advice given by Mr. Williams and if any other issue like this arises again, Joel will be the first attorney I reach out to. He is very knowledgeable and quick to respond, which is exactly what you need in a scenario like this.
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02 Mar, 2018 by Ben
Mr. Williams expressed his concerns for my consultation and solidified the clarification I needed when it came to the options I had in my case. His work ethic is valued by his firm and his willingness to help is unmatched.
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08 Feb, 2018 by Lidia
Thank you Mr Williams for taking the extra steps to going above and beyond in doing your research about my case and immediate followup as promised. You are fantastic for doing what you did and exceeded my expectations with your super followup and details of my case. I recommend you highly. A man of his words and one that is compassionate and so very helpful. You are fantastic!
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06 Jan, 2022 by Dan
A severe hail storm rolled through our neighborhood in the summer of 2020.
That following spring, several of our neighbors had their roofs replaced due to damage inflicted by the storm.
We reached out to a contractor who worked with our insurance company so that we could also replace our storm damaged roof. Over the course of a few months our contractor went back-and-forth with the insurance company showing them time and time again—proof of significant damage which had left the integrity of our roof compromised. Meanwhile, more and more of our neighbors we’re having new roofs installed just about every week.
It was infuriating.
It wasn’t until we reached out to Michael Labbee with PHL for help and guidance as an intermediary in the process that we made any traction.
In fact, it was almost immediate.
Not even a week after we had reached out to them…they came back with a significant settlement from our insurance company.
We will now be able to join our neighbors and replace our roof appropriately.
10/10 would use Mr. Labbee/PHL again for any issues that may arise where they could be of assistance!
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06 Jan, 2022 by Hunter
Mike is a consummate professional and highly effective legal counsel. He has a tract record of advocating for his clients that truly stands out among his peers. Would recommend to others who have a need for an excellent attorney.
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10 Mar, 2022 by James kraujalis
From the time my Accident occurred to the very end Sean and Patton Youngblood showed true compassion and care for every detail of my case! These guys worked tirelessly to get me more than my case was even worth and at the end they even gave me an additional discount that was never discussed and put several thousands of dollars more into my pocket than originally agreed upon! Dont bother looking for other attorneys to help you with personal Injury you wont find anyone better! I truly recommend these guys from the bottom of my heart!
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21 Jan, 2022 by Mischell
The whole firm is GREAT! The Attorneys treated me like family! I would high recommend Youngblood Law Firm. No other attorney office would to take my case, due to it being involved with municipal BUT Youngblood don’t back down from anyone, they had my back and fought for me all the way to the end.
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11 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
After 18 years combined federal service between active-duty military and federal civil service, my health military service-connected health conditions quickly began deteriorating, making it quite difficult for me to remain productive and reliable in my current job. But at only 46 years of age, I knew early FERS retirement wasn’t an option for me yet with my current employer. After contacting attorney Barszcz; however, I quickly learned that I had hope … that disability FERS retirement would be an option for me based on my conditions and my time in service. Attorney Barszcz was very attentive, professional, and patient with me during my initial consultation and has been in in every subsequent phone conversation from there on forward. Attorney Barszcz was quickly able to assess my circumstances at the beginning seeing a potential positive outcome to my situation and was able to thoroughly advise me on how to proceed with the application. And boy, was he right! After moving forward with my application, having him represent me throughout my entire OPM FERS disability retirement process, I was able to get an approval with the initial submission just 6 months later! Attorney Barszcz was always able to give me an answer to all of my questions and always responded in a timely manner. Thank you, attorney Barszcz. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your help!
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07 Nov, 2013 by Abid
Hi Mr. Barszcz:
I am extremely grateful to you regarding your honest response, professional integrity and high ethical standards unlike many other attorneys who asked for fees ranging up to $5000. One of them took $2000 from me and billed me for approximately $1500 within three days and then wrote
to me in his email that he has been frustrated with OPM as usual dealing with their bureaucracy while trying to contact OPM to inquire about the status of my case, and strongly recommended me to contact my congressional representative asking them to intercede with OPM to expedite
processing my case, as they are frequently very helpful in getting OPM’s attention.
I am already under such financial and mental distress that I can’t describe.
I have contacted local congressman and senator and also two accountants are helping me to put together a response. The accountants found big flaws in two letters that I received from OPM. I probably never sent you the second letter dated 10/25/13, where now OPM claimed that pay for my position in 2011 was $162,343 and not $120,343, and the 80% income limitation was $129,874 and not $96,274 as previously stated in their first letter dated 7/3/13. But they are now telling me that the income that I made was not $96,949 but $163,809, so I am still over and have terminated my disability as of last year June 2012. The Social Security on the other hand has already issued me a letter dated 10/23/13 with my new earned income as $89,187, and my accountants can’t figure out how OPM got to the figure $163,809.
So I am now going through the Congressman/Senator. I hope this is resolved soon.
I am sorry to have taken your time again, but I couldn’t resist to appreciate your honesty and high moral standards. My father was an attorney back in my home country, Pakistan and he held such high standards as you did and you just reminded me of him. I truly became tearful thinking
of him when I was reading your email. He had passed away in 1979.
I salute you for who you are …..
I wish I could post this on either your website or some blog place so people can see what an incredible human being you are !!!
Thank you very much for your advice.
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14 Dec, 2015 by Robert
Mr.Brumbelow went above and beyond his duties,we couldn't be more pleased with his work and the out come of my case,I would highly recommend him to family and friends and anyone else who would need a attorney.
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25 Mar, 2011 by Barbara
I was in a car accident when I was pregnant with my third child. I was rear-ended in my Lexus ES300 by a Dodge Ram truck. Not at a high speed, but enough to herniate discs in my cervical and lumbar spine. The person who hit me only had $10,000 in coverage, which was quickly exhausted with medical bills. The first attorney I hired worked with the other driver's insurance company to get me the maximum of their policy, then we went to my insurance company for the $10,000 in coverage that I had for uninsured/underinsured motorist. That first attorney rarely returned phone calls and, after about six months after the claim was filed with my insurance company, urged me to settle for under $2,000, which didn't seem right to me. I was told about Cameron Brumbelow through a mutual acquaintance and decided to switch attorneys. Once Mr. Brumbelow took my case things proceeded very quickly. He routinely returned phone calls within a few hours, and always returned them within a 24-hour period. In about 2-3 months he had my insurance company agreeing to pay the full amount ($10,000) of my uninsured motorist policy. I highly recommend Mr. Brumbelow to anyone looking for an attorney who cares about his clients and is willing to fight for their rights.
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08 Feb, 2020 by Shirley lenz
Great place
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20 Jun, 2019 by Torsten raudszus
08 Feb, 2020 by Shirley lenz
Great place
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20 Jun, 2019 by Torsten raudszus
08 Feb, 2020 by Shirley lenz
Great place
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20 Jun, 2019 by Torsten raudszus
25 Aug, 2014 by Charles
Ms McKeown represented my wife in a Personal Injury case due to a motor vehicle accident. I'm happy to say that we had never had to hire an attorney. We were uncomfortable going to the lawyers that advertise on billboards and on TV. Luckily, a close friend recommended Ms. McKeown stating that she had vast knowledge and experience and conducted herself openly and professionally. We found this to be the case. She represented my wife diligently and we had a very good outcome. We now use her practice for all our needs and recently had a very intricate will drawn up.
I recommend Mary McKeown for all your legal needs.
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06 Nov, 2012 by Tiffany
Mrs. McKeown is a very trustworthy, responsive, and responsible attorney. She constantly stayed in contact and kept me informed every step of the way. She is very knowledgeable in what she does and keeps well informed. If she doesn't know something she is very is first to find out about what she needs to and the ramifications of what the affect will be on the case. I would highly recommend her as your lawyer.
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29 Oct, 2019 by Anthony
One night I was struck on my motorcycle by a car making a blind left-hand turn. It left me hospitalized and unable to walk for about half a year. I was at rock bottom and I had no idea what to do until I met Mrs. Miles and Swope, Rodante P.A. They did everything they could and more to help me through this time. They made sure I understood everything that was going on and answered all of my questions and concerns. Mrs. Miles is very professional and she worked her hands to the bone prepping for trial and I'm glad I chose her and Swope, Rodante P.A to represent me. I will definitely recommend Mrs. Miles and everyone at Swope, Rodante P.A to anyone going through a similar case.
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13 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Hello i was involved in a car accident back in 2015 and i sustained multiple injuries. Jeeves law group became a second family they constantly kept me informed during my case. I strongly recommend this firm for your legal matters. Thank you again for giving me my life back.
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04 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Kendrick Blackwell is very thoughtful and inovative and looks at every angle possible. Consults with other highly motivated and experienced attorneys. We are very satisfied with Mr Blackwell's performance.
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30 Nov, 2021 by Bob
When my wife and I found ourselves in the need of an attorney, as our original attorney retired, we were referred to Weston. I can't say enough about Wes and his office staff. Not only highly professional & responsive but caring people as well.
When one is going through the stress of a lawsuit and the maze that is the legal system , you not only need a extremely competent attorney but one that can help you through the emotional ups & downs.
Weston Smith is the "Gold Standard" for attorneys.
Our case reached a successful conclusion and we are now able to sleep well at night.
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20 Aug, 2018 by Alejandra
Jessica was excellent in helping me through a difficult situation following my car accident. She was informative, responsive, and respectful. I highly recommend her to anyone!
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16 Sep, 2013 by Brenda pennysworth
Mr. Grinder was amazing at delivering the good news. It was a honor for me to be represented by such a man! Also his physique is quite impressive! His skills in the courtroom were ashtonishing! Very Very Humble guy! Austin Grind(er) as i called him is the man of the hour!
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11 Jul, 2013 by Paul
Mr. Denhardt wrote my Will. I was very pleased with his explanation and recommendations. He is very knowledgeable about Florida law. I was particularly impressed with the issues that were brought to my attention during the drafting of the document. I would recommend Mr. Denhardt to anyone needing estate planning.
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30 Aug, 2022 by Melissa
Kevin Cooper is an excellent attorney. I will highly recommend him and his firm to anyone who is in need to a personal injury attorney. Kevin took my case up to trial even though his firm was losing money on my case. He stood by me until the insurance company paid our original demand. Everyone at the firm was kind and professional. By far the best attorney and law firm in Pinellas County. Thank you
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04 Jan, 2013 by Brad
James helped me with some serious charges that I felt were extremely unfair. James let me know what I was facing and let me know that he was confident he would be able to help and that's exactly what he did!
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29 Apr, 2021 by Katherine
Sam Miller helped me with my first car accident where I suffered from severe neck injuries. He immediately put me at ease and gave me a true sense of confidence throughout the process. He was attentive, well knowledgable, and extremely professional. Sam referred me to the best doctors for treatment and kept insurance in line to cover my medical bills. I couldn't recommend a better personal injury attorney in the area.
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10 Apr, 2017 by Personal representative
I retained the services of the Kravitz Law Firm as the Personal Representative for a family member. At a time in which we were dealing with extreme sadness, grief, and numerous medical situations, I was impressed with the amount of time and patience Ed and the Kravitz Law Firm provided to us. Ed’s knowledge of the numerous legal issues at hand and the level of compassion he showed for our loved one were highly evident. The Kravitz Law Firm was very patient, walked us through the process every step of the way, and answered our numerous questions. Our case was well represented with powerful expert witness testimony, effective research, and Ed was extremely knowledgeable in defending the many facets of our case. Ed was determined, effectively forceful, and strongly represented our loved one in truth. Justice prevailed for our loved one and I am grateful to Ed and the Kravitz Law Firm for their diligent work and personal support of our case.
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05 Jun, 2017 by Meiyan
I had a chance to work with Atty. Chris Waters of Pipas Law group, and let me tell you; He is very professional, knowledgeable and always on top of everything. Definitely not the kind of Lawyer that doesn't care, He is genuinely passionate with helping people and make life easier for everyone. In this life full of negatives. Chris is one of the positives! pleasure working with this guy!
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09 Apr, 2012 by William
I had a serious injury, emotionally devastating and physically debilitating. My wife and I were fortunate that some one recommended Jeff Colman and Andy Klymenko.
They were able to find coverage where 9 out of 10 lawyers wouldn’t have and they stuck with it through the highs and the lows and came out with great results for everyone. Never once were they not fully engaged in our situation. You read about this kind of lawyer the hero who sticks by his client through it all. I feel funny saying it, it sounds so cliché but it’s true! This happened for us we lived it. They never wavered. Their work was of the highest standard…we know this because opposing counsel commented on the brilliance of our team.
We are amazed in the end, their fairness and humility not common. Everything so right on! What a firm. Had to write this I’m not a review person. It’s important to help others get real help when up against an insurance company and the like. They have so much money and power you really need a lawyer who knows his stuff and has integrity. Justice was served and it is because of Jeff and Andy.
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28 Dec, 2020 by Shakiba
Sharon and Lynn Worked hard for me. Geico has been running me around for over a year and I was so frustrated with them. I received an advertisement post card from the Jorgensen / Gibbons Law firm in the mail. I decided to let them handle my case to see if they can help me out, I was very skeptical. But they went above and beyond for my case and they exceeded my expectation. They told exactly what they are going to do and what I need to do. The staff were very courteous and the attorneys were so professional and gave personal attention to me and my case. They always promptly getting back to me so quickly and answering all my questions via email and phone calls. The staff always treated me with dignity and respect which I appreciated very much. They got me exactly what I wanted.
I would like to thank all the staff and the attorneys at Jorgensen and Gibbons for their excellent work on my case. Happy holidays.
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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.
