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24 Jan, 2022 by Rafael
Having wrongful termination as your case is really stressful but finding a knowledgeable and genuine lawyer to help you is FAR MORE STRESSFUL. Called 31 lawyers and blessed to meet Arlo. He definitely stands out from the 30 lawyers I spoke to. You can definitely feel his sincerity and honesty. Most importantly, He knows what needs to be done. Don’t waste your time. He is the man for the job.
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15 Dec, 2015 by Tony
This guy needs to run for mayor or something. Being a lawyer is beneath him.
When my employer was making my life hell on Earth, I felt so helpless. I had to have called up 10 lawyers. I dealt with so many who didn't talk to me straight.
This guy actually read through my stuff. Frankly his consultation on its own gave me more time than lawyers I hired.
Every other lawyer blew me off and didn't even care to look over my stuff. One even agreed to get me on a phone call, but ended up just flaking even having a consultation - Even *after* I took 30 minutes to fill out a form for him! Yeah! I think I'll be reviewing that guy next!
Now it's time to reward the good guys though.
Frankly I am a chicken dealing with lawyers. I'm not familiar with it. I could probably program the next big thing some day but the law to me is a bunch of wizardry.
I ended up chickening out and not going through with the severance agreement. When I wrote the company lawyers a big letter to them about what I got put through they responded (in substance):
The company disagrees with your points and doesn't want to discuss the matter this time.
Kind of like how I came in at 5 AM to program my companies software. How I stood there and dealt with bullying behavior by people who, in fact, had little clue of the subject at hand were NOT senior. I was programming in the work force programming and only dropped out to do a summer program sponsored by Google. Do they care what I sacrificed for them? I hardly took a day off! Other's went to Hawaii! I stayed weekends!
The manipulativeness of the CEO - after all my sacrifice - he even manipulated the staff to just reject my box I had mailed to me at the office. For a coffee machine I paid by hand for all to use. As if my own *taint* was a scar on the company.
The CEO even bragged to his friend about how, in our performance reviews and private talks, he deliberately tried to push and stress me.
Corporations that act like a parasite at the blood of an honest worker destroy the trust we have in things. The ideals that make labor actually work. What a toxic CEO.
Want to know how to fix things? You clone an army of Arlos.
You are completely screwed if you don't have someone on your side!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Syl harris
I found Atty Davis to be very knowledgeable and thoroughly committed to my case. Whenever I felt a need to call and check upon the status of my case, he made himself available and continuously informed me of any urgent changes as they occurred.
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05 Nov, 2014 by Julie
Khaldoun & Matthew represented us in a wrongful death case. They were exceptional attorney's. They were both very attentive to our needs and extremely sensitive to our case since it was involving the death of our son. They went above and beyond what we expected and got us the best outcome that was possible. They left no stone unturned in their investigation and gathering of evidence. I have the utmost respect and confidence in them. They both have a lot of integrity and were very honest and real with us. They have a lot of compassion and even reduced the fees that they took in the end. That was huge in my book. I very highly recommend them. I doubt you will find better attorney's then Khaldoun and Matthew. They are both an amazing pair of attorney's and work very well together. They are the best of the best!
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27 Feb, 2012 by Zoe
Working with Mr. Vlasak was nothing short of a pleasure. He was professional, courteous, and definitely the kind of person you want to have arguing for you. I would recommend his services to any one in need of legal assistance!
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04 Jan, 2012 by David
I had been facing a very unusual, complicated legal issue that had dragged on for many years before I sought Mr. Vlasak's advice. Statutes of several different states were involved and a thicket of elaborate legal documents needed to be consulted before my case could come to any resolution. For me, Ryan Vlasak's expertise proved indispensable - he took the case apart like a toddler's toy! Everything Ryan predicted would happen, happened in my case, and there were no surprises. This attorney is simply amazing. I was very lucky to have had such a caring professional on my side. We all hope that we never have to face situations like mine, but if we do, we better make sure to have someone like B&V on our side.
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05 Oct, 2016 by Stacy
Mark is amazing. He's enthusiastic, kind well mannered and aggressive in helping me with my claim. I highly recommend him and would no doubt hire him again if needed.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Dan
On Halloween night, 2013, I was struck by a car while crossing the street in a crosswalk. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance and diagnosed with a fractured scull and a broken leg. When I returned home 3 weeks later I called Mark Iezza to represent me with the person that had hit me and his insurance company. Mark and I met on Thanksgiving day, and he got right to work.
The insurance company told us that the claim was not worth the maximum allowed settlement, so before there meeting to present there official offer, Mark called the head of the claims department (who ho knew) and explained that he had plenty of documented evidence to support a claim for the maximum payment. Soon after, Valentines Day, Mark called me and said that the Insurance company was going to settle for the full amount we were asking for, $3000,000.
After The lawyer's fee and medical expenses I received a check for over $181,000 in March of 2014. From the time of the accident till the claim was settled was less than 4 months. The money made sure that I did not suffer financially from this ordeal.
I was fortunate to recover fully from this nightmare, and mark was a concerned and zealous advocate throughout.
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23 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Scarlett and his legal team were both extremely professional and knowledgeable. They helped me to navigate the legal system after sustaining injuries caused by the negligent actions of another. They were able to win my case and secure a substantial verdict, which has allowed me to continue to receive the medical care that I desperately need. Mr. Scarlett is a talented lawyer, and watching him in the court room was quite impressive. He was able to convey to the jury the intricacies of my injury and accident. I would recommend the Scarlett Law Group to anyone who is injured and in need of legal assistance.
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28 Mar, 2013 by Kevin perkins
My son suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. We were blessed to have found Mr. Scarlett and his firm, the Scarlett Law Group. They were not afraid to take our case to trial. Now we have the funds to care for our son. We cannot say enough about the help we received.
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14 May, 2011 by Karen
Patricia assisted me in a very lengthy, emotional and precarious case.
I appreciated the way I was treated and informed over the very many months. She was always interested in my story and wellbeing.
Patricia's conduct was professional and hopeful throughout the entire period.
I highly recommend her.d
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19 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Patricia
took very caring approach to my case and treated me with respect at all times.
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04 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Howard Olsen is THE BEST ATTORNEY that has ever existed. He's genuine, hardworking, and very good at attorney work . He's very knowledgeable, does quality work, and supports you throughout the case. He's a hero and stands by his clients during rough times and does the best work.
He's also the best person you can ever meet, on top of being the best attorney. He has lots of morals and his genuine characteristics are hard to find.
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04 Feb, 2011 by Akira
Howard Olsen is the most ethical and dedicated attorney I have ever worked with. He made me feel very comfortable and confident with the entire legal process. If I ever had any questions or concerns, he addressed them immediately. I would recommend Howard, without any reservations, to anyone seeking a highly qualified attorney.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Ian is very experienced with handling car accident injury cases. I highly recommend him if you need help after a car accident.
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28 Jul, 2022 by Tiffani
Ian Goldenberg is thorough, a straight shooter and gets it done. I am very grateful to have been referred to him. He will fight for you and what more can you ask for. These situations are highly stressful and exhausting, but with the help of Ian it truly was a breeze. Thank you!
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20 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Nik was extremely helpful and answered every question and extinguished every concern that I had while dealing with my case. He kept me involved in the process which my lawyers in the past did not do. I would recommend Nik Reed to anyone dealing with a personal injury conflict.
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19 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Amazing work! He made me feel like my case was important to him and I got a great result.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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09 Dec, 2011 by Paul
Mr. Smith is one of the most excellent attorneys I've ever interacted with.
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04 Dec, 2011 by Maria e. lacayo
I highly recommend Mr.Smith and his staff. Very professional, caring and aggressive on our case. The best lawyer in the USA. Thanks to him my daughter who suffer a brain injury have a better quality care and sophisticated treatments. Thanks Mr. Smith for being there for us.
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17 Jan, 2017 by John
Jon-Erik combines a sophisticated knowledge of substantive law and practical, "In the trenches" real-world litigation experience. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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28 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend working with Jon-Erik Magnus. I had a case of general commercial litigation involving satellite/internet technology. Jon-Erik handled my case in a very professional way, I could not be more pleased with the outcome of this case.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
It's hard to know when you hire someone especially an attorney if they're going to do a good job for you because you're putting a lot into their hands. I am happy to say that Arash did a fantastic job for me. He guided me the whole process and was very calming and assuring. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing Legal Services. He is very experienced, finally and professional.
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22 Jun, 2020 by Patrick
I was very satisfied by the work of Mr. Moussavian. I found myself in need of a lawyer, and was lucky to have had this fine lawyer help with my case. Because of his on point expertise, I got the best outcome I could. He is a very good communicator, always available for questions throughout the months of preparation. He is open to discussing all sides of the problem, and advises with common sense and knowledge of the law. Because he does so many cases, he knows the people in the courts, so his experience is very valuable while making decisions. I never had to appear in court personally, as Arash handled my case every step of the way. This enabled me to not loose valuable work time during my case. Always on time, always present, never missing an appearance, always returning my phone calls or emails, provided me with a sense of security that my best interests were first and foremost. He is very understanding, helpful, and extremely respectful. His honesty was greatly appreciated, I always knew were I stood in this case. I highly recommend Arash, peace of mind is guaranteed with him at the helm.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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11 Jul, 2023 by George skaljac
Cliff Palefsky is a great attorney. You can't go wrong by using his services. If I could give him 10 stars I certainly would.
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30 Aug, 2018 by Annika feinstein
10 Jun, 2016 by Jim
Mark handled a liability case for me that two other attorneys said was only worth $15-25K. Mark was amazing in court and and a shark while deposing witnesses. He lined up all the top expert witnesses like he'd done it a hundred times. He got me $300K. I could not have found a better lawyer at any price for my case.
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03 Oct, 2012 by Lawrence
Attorney Mark Webb represented my son in a personal injury lawsuit. Mr. Webb was absolutely brilliant in his legal representation, achieving outstanding success in the lawsuit, by recovering extremely substantial monetary damages for my son. He was also very sensitive and compassionate, and displayed the very highest integrity and moral character throughout. It was a great privilege to have him represent my young son. Thank you, Mr. Webb. With respect, Lawrence H. Marin County, CA
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12 Oct, 2015 by Gabrielle
I found this lawyer to be very easy to talk to about my case. He was honest about his objectives and great about communicating those to me which plenty of attorneys are not. It was refreshing to go through this process with a lawyer that had so much experience and was able to explain things to me when I had no idea how "the game was played" and had never participated before. The end result made me feel like it worth the time and I had been compensated fairly for my injuries. Thank you Mr. Gorog for all you do...
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12 Oct, 2015 by Gabrielle
I found this lawyer to be very easy to talk to about my case. He was honest about his objectives and great about communicating those to me which plenty of attorneys are not. It was refreshing to go through this process with a lawyer that had so much experience and was able to explain things to me when I had no idea how "the game was played" and had never participated before. The end result made me feel like it worth the time and I had been compensated fairly for my injuries. Thank you Mr. Gorog for all you do...
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27 Feb, 2020 by Dayvena
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Atty. Jean Tinsay whose meticulous documentation and thorough review has given me a path to citizenship. I could not have asked for a better immigration lawyer to guide me from Step 1 until interview. It took less than 6 months for my Green Card to arrive! Go look her up!
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23 May, 2018 by Virgilio
Thank you so much Atty. Jean for the petition of my Wife & Son. It's my honor and proud that you are my laywer. You help me a lot. God bless & more power.
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07 Dec, 2021 by Ron
Joseph did a terrific job representing my wife who was in a horrible accident. He is extremely kind, considerate and professional. Whenever we had any questions he would respond almost instantly, no matter what time of the day. Joseph and his team could not have done a better job helping us through a most difficult time in our lives. I would highly recommend him and the entire firm of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger to anyone needing professional legal service.
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05 May, 2020 by Jeffrey
Look. Up in the sky. It's a bird, it's a plane. No, it's Conor Kelly and Joseph Nicholson, the best of the best. I tripped on some uneven pavement at a gas station and had a very bad fall. Conor Kelly and Joseph Nicholson and their most professional team handled my case. They were no less than amazing and negotiated a settlement that was amazing, if you are fond of understatement, and well above my expectations. Congratulations on a job well beyond just well done. The bottom line is, if you are in need of an attorney, this firm is the best of the best.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Maxim
We received all the payments and compensation that were possible after car crash (including payment for treatment)!
Highly recommended!
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30 May, 2012 by Alek
Michael has been extremely helpful in helping me incorporate the company, talk me through the multiple alternatives of setting up incorporation documents, employment agreements, option pools and employee compensation options. He also helped us review real estate and business contracts, and suggested changes that ended up saving us a lot of money and time.
I highly recommend Michael!
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08 Aug, 2011 by Edward
Andrew essentially was the exact person we needed. He is friendly, concerned, determined, personable, trustworthy and dedicated. He also presented realistic scenarios peppered with hopeful outlooks when appropriate. Rather than just working to cut a deal as quickly as possible, he played the cards dealt impeccably, and got the maximum desired effect for myself and my compatriots-- for which we are eternally grateful.
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23 May, 2011 by Anonymous
I would highly suggest this attorney to others for assistance. He made me feel at ease about the case, assured me that he had my best interest in mind and really followed through. After my time in court, I was able to walk away feeling confident in knowing that my situation was taken care of properly.
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27 Jul, 2018 by Ren
My crazy ex-landlord sued me in the craziest lawsuit ever. Daniel was my savior. He was fun to work with, too. I highly recommend him.
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09 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I needed a good lawyer when fighting an illegal eviction attempt by an unscrupulous landlord in SF.
Dan Berko came recommended and immediately I knew I had come to the right place.
He explained aspects of my case to me and potential pitfalls, never overconfident or selling.
In the end we prevailed, but I should mention it was an impressive litany of legalese that this
man had at his fingertips and observing him explaining case law nuances was frankly impressive.
His junior associate Carlos Jato was equally sharp and attentive to detail. Overall I have no doubt
that I received some of the best legal counsel available and under adverse circumstances and timelines.
His fees were beyond reasonable, he was willing to work with us of meager means at that period.
His personal advice to me during that period was reassuring and helped me navigate the ordeal.
I thank him for his knowledge, his pragmatic demeanor and ultimately his candor.
I would recommend him to anyone and I'm definitely understating my praises. A consummate professional.
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15 Nov, 2014 by Gail
Basically, she recovered most of the money my contractor had overcharged me and saved my house. I don't think anyone's better at that than she is. She does her homework, and presents herself simply. And wins.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Kimberly Wong with the Veen Firm is one of the best in her profession. She worked diligently and successfully on our behalf. Kimberly is a good listener, is a highly effective communicator, thorough and diligent in details and is a pleasure to work with. In addition, Kimberly demonstrated that she has that inner determination and resilience that is necessary in tough cases. She played a vital role with the Veen Firm in helping the case move forward during some difficult stretches. Throughout the time she communicated regularly with us and took a personal interest in our family. Kimberly won the trust of our family over many months of work and I would recommend Kimberly to anyone who is seeking a top level attorney.
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22 Nov, 2010 by Clint
What I wanted in consulting a lawyer was knowedge and even moreso experience. John had all of that and in addition kept me informed and always was on top of our case.
He's my attorney from now on.
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10 Dec, 2018 by Aaron
David was shrewd and quickly won a favorable outcome in our contract dispute. He also helped me to successfully resolve tenant conflicts while keeping peace among all parties. He recently helped me with a real estate transaction so that the seller did not take advantage of me. He has helped me in numerous capacities for many years and I trust him completely.
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16 Jun, 2018 by Otis
From the moment that we hired Dale and his team, we were thoroughly impressed with his thoughtfulness, professionalism and comprehensive approach in handling our personal injury case. His first priority was to make sure that we had all of the support necessary to fully recover from our very serious injuries. Then he methodically went through the process of investigating the accident, contacting the representatives of the responsible party, obtaining additional medical evaluations of our injuries, and negotiating a reasonable settlement. Throughout this one and half year process, we were able to focus on our recovery, and we were not confronted with legal bills, inquires from the insurance companies or Medicare, or contact with representatives of the responsible party. Dale and his team made all of this happen. The final settlement was more than we expected. In spite of the unfortunate circumstances of our accident, our experience with Dale was 100% positive. We cannot think of one negative thing that occurred in the one and half year interaction with Dale and his team. We highly recommend Dale.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Teddy
Mrs Morin was extremely helpful in a personal injury I was involved in this past year. I found her to be calm and clear during this very stressful time. Her knowledge of the law was very impressive! I would certainly hire her again!
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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.
