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16 Jul, 2015 by Kathleen
We had the good fortune to be represented by Mr. Lee in a complex lawsuit involving a rogue neighbor and our road association. From the moment Mr. Lee was assigned to our case, we knew we were in good hands. His professionalism, vast experience and knowledge of the law along with his excellent communication skills were evident from our initial meeting. Given we had always resolved disagreements with our neighbors in a cordial fashion with simple communication and courtesy and had never been sued before, we were blindsided by the initial lawsuit. If mishandled by less-capable representation, we were concerned about hurting innocent neighbors and losing the good will we had acquired over our 22 years in our neighborhood. Mr. Lee, with his excellent knowledge of the law, professionalism and finesse, managed to take an otherwise stressful situation and turn it into manageable nuisance we trusted him to handle to its ultimate successful completion and our great satisfaction. His vast experience, perspective and kindness throughout, helped to reinforce our good standing in the neighborhood while defending us from a divisive neighbor who's intent was to win no matter the cost. Given how pleased we are with his representation, we would not hesitate to use Mr. Lee in any future situations where legal counsel might be necessary nor would we hesitate to recommend his services to anyone who found themselves in a similar legal situation. So impressed were several of our neighbors, who attended the depositions and trial, that they stated they wouldn't hesitate to contact him should they need future legal counsel. One neighbor commented, "we wish he represented us." Pretty much says it all.
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08 Jul, 2015 by David
I was injured in a motorcycle accident caused by an on-duty, undercover, San Jose police officer. The officer made an illegal left turn in front of my motorcycle. A police report and independent witnesses clearly showed the police officer was at fault noting there was nothing I could have done to avoid the accident. The City of San Jose denied my claim and, after negotiations, did not even offer enough money to cover my medical expenses.
Working with Jonathan, we took them to court to face a jury. The attorney for San Jose did his best to minimize my claims, my injuries and convince the jury I was partially to blame for the accident. The jury awarded me a large sum of money and, what was important to me, found the the accident was 100% the fault of the officer!
Jonathan is a true professional. The civil litigation process is long and difficult but Jonathan guided my wife and I through it. He took the time to explain every step along the way. If we did not understand some portion of the process he would put it in terms that were clearly understood. He was easy to talk to and answered all of our questions. He maintained a calm demeanor and interjected a sense of humor in a difficult process.
As part of his professional ways he was straightforward and honest. He went over the pros and cons of each decision we had to make during the course of civil litigation. He worked very hard, putting in long hours on our case. He clearly knows his business, working like a chess player, anticipating possible moves by the attorney for San Jose and the judge in the case.
We found the civil litigation process to be like a war with a series of battles. Some battles you win and some you lose. With a strategist like Jonathan we clearly won the war.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Maria sterling
Mr. Staskus is an excellent attorney, he handled my case very quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, he was able to get me more money than anticipated. He's very skilled at what he does. In addition, he is very caring, polite and talks to you as a guest not only a client.
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08 Jul, 2019 by Daniel romo
I had a good experience with Mr. Staskus. He actually has done more than a few cases for me. He was willing to reduce his fees had the outcome not been sufficient.
My biggest case with Mr. Staskus was for personal injury. Which had an excellent outcome. I didn't really want a lawyer, he said he was
confident he would get me around 30K, he actually got me 40K. I had a special circumstance that Mr. Staskus agreed to reduce his fees to help me out. It worked out for well.
In addition I had a girl I dated for a week, file a restraining order on me falsely, Mr. Staskus dropped everything and went down to defend me, He charged me pennies on the dollar. Compared to what another lawyer would have charged me.
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08 Jan, 2021 by Pat
Michael Shea, Jr was referred to me by one of his happy clients; since then, I've referred friends and family to him. His ilk is from another era—the advice, direction, and professionalism are reminiscent of The Greatest Generation. There is not a higher compliment than that!
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02 May, 2019 by Nancy
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Shea & Shea on two separate car accident cases. The entire team, including Michael Shea Jr., are incredibly professional, knowledgeable, respectful, easily accessible, and always quick to respond to any and every question. They regularly go above and beyond to help with all of your legal needs, and they’re also very kind, empathetic people who understand the stress, pain, and trauma you’re dealing with. They handle serious/catastrophic injury cases, and have bent over backwards to help me at every turn - both times! I can’t recommend Shea & Shea highly enough. I’m more than pleased with their help and thrilled with the outcome of my cases.
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26 Nov, 2023 by Moira
Highly recommended. The case included in-person deposition, virtual mediation, and a shed load of filings.
Elizabeth always gave me options based on effectiveness, time & effort and cost, which enabled me to make quick decisions hence saved my time.
Elizabeth was very responsive to emails and always structured her feedback comprehensively and succinctly which again saved my time (and money), since I didn’t need to decipher any content.
Elizabeth’s style is factual, which meant I could prepare for eventualities based on the probability of the potential legal outcomes, as she’d advised.
Elizabeth was patient, which came in handy when working with some of the characters we came across. I was impressed at how calmly she carried herself, and how appropriately reactive she was, during an unpleasant deposition.
Thank You Elizabeth, you’re brill!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Zac
After my car accident, I went to the Law Offices of Trang Do. They were amazing! They took care of everything from start to finish. They even found me a chiropractor for my neck pain, talked to the insurance company for me, and got me a great settlement. I didn't have to worry about anything because they handled it all. I'm so grateful for their help and would recommend them to anyone who needs a lawyer. They made everything easy for me.
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27 Mar, 2019 by Jo
This review is long overdue. I had the honor to have Attorney Kepner as my attorney. She is sincere, knowledgeable, experienced, professional and pleasant to work with. She is also a great communicator. Her assistant Julie is also excellent, and great to work with. Both of them deserve respect and praises. In my opinion, she is one of the best personal injury attorneys in the bay area. Consult with her and hire her. You will not regret.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Anthony
I have had the opportunity to study Business Law Today with Professor Cary Phu Pham, who is also a lawyer, during the past Spring 2015 Semester. He is really a very knowledgeable professor who had guided our class to go through the whole semester with interesting subjects that are very useful for our daily lives even though we don't practice law. The knowledge we gathered from Professor Phu helps enhance our knowledge that we can carry out when it comes to applying to the cases relevant to our interests.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Jnk3888
Mr. Pinelli handled my case with skill and expertise
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02 May, 2018 by Brandon
Arthur did a wonderful job handling my case, his communication skills were on point. My view of him is that he is a hard worker and someone who is very reliable. If I had another case that I need to resolved I would go back to Arthur without a doubt. Fair price as well. *I will not disclose any specifics of my case*
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31 Jul, 2019 by An
My situation was the collection firm tried to collect more than 20000 dollar from me. They took me to court tried to get me pay them. They mistaken me with someone else. I hired a lawyer to appear with me in court. he charged me 750 dollar for two hours in court. He charged me but he did not appear in court when the time come. That lawyer did not even return my money. I then hired Teresa Vu to help me with my problem. She did a very good job to get me out of the trouble. she was honest, did not take my money and run away. I appreciated her for the work she did.
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20 May, 2022 by Jt&ct
Masumi Sakai recently helped us with a Civil Case from a bad Contractor and filed a Cross-Complaint on our behalf. Ms. Sakai is very professional, kept us informed about the case, did not let case drag out, didn't overcharge or create extra charges. She was honest, fair and we really liked working with her in general as a person who would listened, was understanding and knowledgeable of our situation. Our case ended well, as she protected our interests in court. We would recommend Masumi Sakai for your legal needs in her areas of expertise.
Kind regards -
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23 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
He was punctual, did what he said and said what he did.
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20 Sep, 2019 by Miguel meza
30 Jul, 2019 by Desiree granados
Ralph is an excellent lawyer.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Hoda tayebi
Look no further. Dmitry is the best!!!!!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Matthew hooman
Thank you so much Dmitry! I am so grateful and lucky to have worked with such a strong and talented lawyer!
He's everything I could have asked for and more. Many, many thanks to you I can finally find peace from such a nightmare.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Ladyanne schimmeyer
Stadlin Law Firm group fought tiressly for my domestic violence case. It was an emotionally exhausting case with too many complexities involved but their strategic thinking and bold advocacy helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Atty. Dmitry was courteous and prompt in their responses, which made the whole stressful process much more bearable. I am profoundly grateful for his service.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
77 Reviews
24 Jul, 2024 by Luis martinez
Highly recommend going to Nick and Daniel they will take care of you and know what they are doing they are a master of their craft. They even went out of their way to take care of my issue that they normally don't deal with, it can be a hassle dealing with the court system but they took care of everything for me and I am very thankful! Once again thanks guys!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Randolph cross
08 Jul, 2024 by Justin m
Nick is very knowledgeable, helpful and responsive! I am grateful to have had his help.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Luis martinez
Highly recommend going to Nick and Daniel they will take care of you and know what they are doing they are a master of their craft. They even went out of their way to take care of my issue that they normally don't deal with, it can be a hassle dealing with the court system but they took care of everything for me and I am very thankful! Once again thanks guys!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Randolph cross
08 Jul, 2024 by Kevin vu
Nick has helped me and my family on multiple occasions, he is incredibly professional and will always look out for your best interest. I highly recommend talking to him and seeing how he can help your case. He will do his absolute best to get your case reduced to nothing!
Thank you so much Nick, I really appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for me and my family.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Luis martinez
Highly recommend going to Nick and Daniel they will take care of you and know what they are doing they are a master of their craft. They even went out of their way to take care of my issue that they normally don't deal with, it can be a hassle dealing with the court system but they took care of everything for me and I am very thankful! Once again thanks guys!
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21 Jul, 2024 by Randolph cross
08 Jul, 2024 by Navroop sandhu
Nick Cvietkovich is a great defend Lawyer. He handled our case very professionally. He is very precise in his work. Highly recommended.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Claudia guerrero
27 Aug, 2024 by Britt wilson
28 May, 2024 by Antoinette gardner
You guys did a fantastic job!!!!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Fernando zamudio
The Bravo firm was a pleasure to work with. Nicholas is very patient and informative and is helpful to explain everything every step of the way. He sets a standard and definitely works hard to exceed it. I highly recommend working with the Bravo Law Firm.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Scott gephart
The Bravo Law Firm far exceeded my expectations for the settlement I received on my Lemon Law settlement. Very easy to work with and quick immediate response to any questions I had with the whole process. I would highly recommend.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Chris killen
Nicholas and his team are legends.
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4.9
17 Reviews
4.7
177 Reviews
19 Sep, 2024 by Ed pooner
Roeschke Law helped me to get approved for my disability case and I am very thankful for their assistance. Although their were some occasions where it was difficult to reach anyone at their office to answer my questions, those difficulties got ironed out, and in the end they accomplished what the end goal was. Thank you Roeschke Law for successfully helping me with my disability case and wishing your firm continued success. Cheers, Ed Pooner
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06 Sep, 2024 by Ronald minjarez
I have nothing but good to say on this Firm and w it the the highest of respect. We had an issue and they contacted me and right after delt with it. They were respectful and honest with me. In no way was I paid or promised for my words I speak. I would recommend them to anyone seeking proper representation in hearing matter. Thank You and have a blessed day.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Tim wheeler
5.0
3 Reviews
4.6
73 Reviews
27 Mar, 2024 by Trinh to
05 Apr, 2023 by Jovani casias
This is my new work comp lawyer I had a previous lawyer that did not fight for me and did not help me at all this is my new lawyer that is helping me get surgeries that I need and things where I can be independent or get the ball rolling glad that I picked this lawyer office and hope that they fight for me all the way
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19 Jul, 2022 by Oscar bermudez
Great Lawyer
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16 Jun, 2024 by Rt k
05 Dec, 2022 by Kim hall
The website is informative and provides great information for people who are not attorneys but need help. Thank you for providing this community resource.
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30 May, 2022 by Lana simic
I highly recommend this place!
Fred was great!
He helped me resolve issues with western dental.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sharon garell
> GJEL was recommended by a longtime friend of the family. Jim Larsen and his team were such a pleasure to work with and achieved excellent results. Jim was very kind, thoughtful, a good listener and readily available to answer my numerous questions. I would be happy to refer him to a friend without hesitation.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Gpt vn 1
Stephanie Rickard is hands down the best DUl lawyer in the Bay Area.
From start to finish, she helped us every steps of the way. The office staff is equally impressive. They are professional, responsive, and have a strong work ethic. Every interaction was smooth and stress-free, which made much easier to navigate. Thank you for everything you do for us!
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03 Sep, 2024 by Brandon reed
Stephanie is an excellent attorney that truly cares about her clients. She gets great results in court. I highly recommend her services.
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30 Mar, 2019 by Jason
Omar is not only compassionate, but intellectually astute and knowledgeable about many facets of the law, but especially helpful for us in solving our issues. When we were most in despair, there was Omar finding yet another solution. He is kind, patient and above all smart in what he does. I highly recommend him.
Sometimes lawyers are too busy, irritable, impatient and not problem solvers, Omar is the opposite of all of those traits. He is a rare find in this world, do use his services you will be so pleased you did.
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19 Mar, 2019 by Anjuli
I was hit by a drunk driver at a standstill at 30 mph and suffered neck injuries as well as aggravation to a pre-existing vertigo condition. I was nervous that with a potential pre-existing condition no one would take my case, but I retained Habbas & Associates and have been very satisfied with their work on my case. I am an attorney myself so can recognize when someone is only putting in partial effort, but here they never make me feel like just another client, even given that my case is no 7 figure case. My questions are always answered and my phone calls are always promptly returned. I would recommend this firm to anyone who fell under similar misfortune and needs a personal injury attorney.
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15 Dec, 2017 by Robert
I had seen billboards advertising Mr Habbas' services and never thought too much about it. One day, an illegal alien who was unlicensed, ran a red light and T-boned my car. Fortunately, the car itself was insured (albeit low cost insurance). Habeas immediately made sure that my injuries were addressed with MRI and X-Rays. In addition, they scheduled me at physical therapy to get me back to normal as quickly as possible. After all was said and done, I recovered fully and the medical bills as well as the car repairs were completely taken care of by his office, working with the other guys. The best part was I did not expect to receive any additional monies since the insurance was a minimal coverage policy. But I did receive a small check, which I was happy to receive. I've heard horror stories of other accident attorneys not returning calls and being difficult to get in contact with. Never with Habbas. Whether it was an e-mail, or phone call, they responded usually within 1-2 days with clear, answers to my questions. Thank you Omar for the great work.
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04 Dec, 2021 by Courtney
I highly recommend Mr. McElmurry as a criminal defense attorney. I've witnessed Nelson in action on several occasions and was quite impressed with his knowledge of the law. His outstanding advocacy and commitment to his clients is top tier.
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25 Sep, 2012 by Victor
Nelson helped me with DUI case in a very conservative court.
Easy to communicate and deal with. No BS. Approachable and friendly.
Reasonable and flexible payment.
Energetic and out of box thinker.
It took time and effort, but result was higher than expected.
I'm very happy to have Nelson on my side.
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06 Mar, 2012 by Robert
Nelson helped my son with a sex case he didn't commit. It was the worst, unfounded accusation anyone could face. He ( My Son) was looking at 15- life for a crime we are sure he didn't do. The District Attorney's involved in the case acting unethicallly, and unfairly. Mr. Mcelmurry put his whole effort into the case and ultimately got our son on a plea bargain that was a victory in our eyes. No registration and timed served. although we are still angry at the DA's misconduct. It was something we and our Son could live with. We will now pick up the pieces of our lives after two years of fighting the case. I highly recommend Nelson Mcelmurry as a defense Lawyer due to the fact he provided a defense that, in our minds and hearts, saved my Son's life
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04 Sep, 2024 by Sharon garell
> GJEL was recommended by a longtime friend of the family. Jim Larsen and his team were such a pleasure to work with and achieved excellent results. Jim was very kind, thoughtful, a good listener and readily available to answer my numerous questions. I would be happy to refer him to a friend without hesitation.
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30 Aug, 2024 by D rose
highly recommend Mr Limon, he is my divorce attorney. Its not an easy case and especially your ex is a narcissist and do not want settlement at all. Anyone is going through Contested divorce please reach out to Mr Limon, all people in his team are highly professional and proficiency to react to the divorce process.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Said mohamed dunia
19 Sep, 2024 by Tammy ehle
I cannot say enough great things about Jim Hoover at Hoover Krepelka, LLP. He listened attentively about my concerns since we are starting divorce proceedings, and offered meaningful information to get the process started. I highly recommend Jim, he's very kind and compassionate at your most vulnerable time!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Rachel dunkley
I recently had the pleasure of working with Hoover Krepelka and couldn't be more satisfied with their services. From the very first consultation, their team was incredibly professional, compassionate, and knowledgeable. They truly understood the emotional complexities involved in family law matters and provided the support and guidance needed every step of the way.
The attorneys demonstrated exceptional expertise and dedication in handling my case. They were always available to answer my questions, kept me informed of all developments, and made sure I understood my options. Their attention to detail and strategic approach resulted in a positive outcome that exceeded my expectations.
What impressed me the most was their genuine care for my well-being and their commitment to ensuring the best possible outcome for my family. They treated me with respect and empathy, which made a difficult situation much more manageable.
I highly recommend Hoover Krepelka to anyone in need of family law services. Their professionalism, expertise, and compassion make them an outstanding choice for anyone facing family legal issues.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Gracie schexnayder
I’m writing on behalf of my friend who had an exceptional experience with Hoover Krepelka, LLP. The team made the process remarkably smooth and reassuring.
Particularly noteworthy was the dedication and tenacity of the attorneys in handling the case. They were always available to answer questions, provide timely updates, and worked timelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
Overall, Hoover Krepelka stands out as a top-notch family law firm.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Wendell coval
20 Jul, 2023 by Chris k
I am so glad that I went through the Abronson Law Firm for my injury and case. This firm is incredibly organized, diligent, talented and committed to their clients. I am so grateful to Louis, Dominique, and Emily for all their hard work and patience with resolving my case. One thing I am extremely pleased with, is their transparency and communication, they are constantly updating the client on any updates and putting the clients needs first. I will continue to use Abronson Law Firm if any future legal matters arise. Thank you!
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19 Jul, 2023 by Greg s. maizlish, esquire
Louis Abronson is the finest personal injury lawyer in California. He is knowledgeable, tenacious as well as a warm and likeable person. He deserves the highest possible recommendation.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Elaina flores
This office is amazing to work with, they really care about their client and put you first and are always available! They make you feel like you’re their only client - which is amazing ! I highly recommend this law team and you should make them your one and only call if you want a legal team that make YOU their priority ! Bravo to Caroline , Mary and your AMAZING team!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Rafael trenado
Never again will I hire this firm. My case was a few years ago but it was with this same firm and with Mr. Valencia himself. On the phone he mentioned good things like getting the best results for me possible and possibly getting the charges dropped. All good things you want to hear as a person searching for an attorney but that's not how it went. This guy showed up late to every single one of my court dates by half and or more. He pretty much just showed up to do what I was supposed to do, which is stand before the judge and respond to his requests. I have a prior criminal record so I wasn't expecting him to make magic but at least show up to my court date on time which he did not. All matters were called first who had attorneys but sure enough mine waited until he got there. I feel I would've gotten the same results without him for sure as he did very little communicating with the DA or anyone on the other side of the podium. To top it off on my last court date after not seeing him for over half an hour I called his firm and they informed me he was in redwood city helping someone else. Seriously not cool at all or professional. So they sent another attorney from his office but not until an hour and a half from when the court started. I'm not here to complain about my outcome from the court cause that was a separate issue but i am here to complain about the unprofessional relationship I had with Mr. Valencia and how I will never recommend or reach out to them again. So save your money or go elsewhere because I wasted $4000 for something I could've and should've done myself. Last but not least I think it's very unprofessional how in most of the reviews that are not favored to them they put the person on blast for the previous case they had with them. That's very rude, unprofessional and down right dirty. If they do not like the truth being put in the reviews then maybe they should not be practicing law and giving people false hope. So I won't be surprised if I see information about my case they handled on here based on the responses to reviews that aren't in their favor.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Negar tabatabaei
I recently had the pleasure of working with Caroline Nasseri and her team on my personal injury case following a pedestrian accident involving my mother and me. Caroline and her paralegal, Mary, handled our case with exceptional compassion and professionalism.
After the accident, I was in shock and unsure of what steps to take. During our initial consultation, Caroline provided invaluable guidance and reassurance. Throughout the entire process, both Caroline and Mary were consistently available to address any questions or concerns I had. In the end, I was extremely impressed with the settlement result.
Thank you for your outstanding work, Caroline and team.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Allah ditta badmahsh
01 Apr, 2024 by Jorge macias
Great representation and excellent service from the staff I recommend Bernardo for whatever immigration issue you might have.
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14 Dec, 2023 by Krista caya
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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.
