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27 Jan, 2023 by Yolanda beltran
22 Oct, 2018 by Karen
Look no further if you are in search of a personal injury attorney. You can tell communication is key with this firm and it’s a priority for me. I was filled in throughout my case and there was never a moment I felt in the dark. Any questions I had answered. Happy with the end results. Highly recommend.
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04 Sep, 2018 by Sharlon
I was very pleased with the work done by this firm if anyone one needs a good attorney please call this one
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03 Jul, 2013 by Patricia m.
Thank you so much for all the work you have done on my behalf and on my daughter's behalf. It means so much to have the financial security that you helped to ensure for us. I don't need to worry about how I am going to pay for my daughter's education. I won't be struggling to make ends meet every month. It is difficult to express all that it means for me to know that I do not have to struggle. Through your work on my behalf, you have increased my freedom and reduced my stress level for every day of my life. I am so profoundly grateful for all that you have done for us.
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01 May, 2013 by Eric
My wife and I are extremely grateful for Chris and his firms assistance, guidance, and representation through a very trying ordeal. Throughout the entire process we experienced integrity, care, knowledge, and professionalism. And in the end we feel confident that we got the best possible result for our son.
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09 Nov, 2010 by Bruce
Chris made an effort to meet my needs as a client. His interest was in me and my concerns.
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26 Aug, 2022 by Martha
I was referred to the Law Office of Michael Smith by another attorney. They worked on my case with the utmost professionalism. In particular, I worked closely with attorney Michael Chu who was responsive to my questions and concerns. He routinely kept me informed of updates on my case. He negotiated a good settlement for me with the at fault driver and he was also able to reduce my hospital bill. I ended up with a better recovery because of his efforts.
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26 Jul, 2022 by Nicole hinojosa
I've had a lawyer for an old car accident and I felt like I was invisible. Michael Chu was the exact opposite. If something came up I was notified right away. When I was in person in a zoom he was my rock I felt he had my back no matter what. I will forever recommend Mr.Chu to anyone and everyone I know because he gives results. Our case only lasted a year I was in shock how quick and not to stressful on me. Michael Chu is a lawyer that really cares for his clients and there well being. Thank you so much for fighting for me when I had no voice and when I had no fight in me. Thank you
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16 Aug, 2017 by Anna
Michael Chu is an amazing lawyer whom worked tirelessly on my unique case. I had an accident in November 2013 that took me longer than expected to heal from and followed horrible advice from others. I listened to the wrong people and read wrong advice. Months later, I acquired Michael Chu in March 2014. It seemed to be like an open and close case, but given the bad advice, I found myself more in a predicament that Michael helped me with. He was very professional, easy to contact via email or phone, very responsive, contacted the opposing party and tried his best to resolve the issues outside of court, and was able to resolve my case. It required much more work than expected, but Michael was always helpful, responsive, and welcoming. We never went into litigation since it was resolved prior, but his work was very organized and well written.
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14 Aug, 2013 by Diana
I just wanted to let you know how much of a difference that your years of effort have made in my daughter's life. Krystal is doing well and now has access to so many resources that we wouldn't have even been aware of or otherwise have access to without your help. I don't know how we could have made it through this experience without you. It was the most excuciating experience I've ever been through. Without your support and the support of the entire Aitken Aitken Cohn Firm, I just don't know what we would have done. I will never forget all that you have done and will be forever grateful for everything.
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15 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
There is so much all positive. I cannot thank Richard Cohn enough for believing in me and for fighting for justice. What I like most about the attorneys and staff was their attention, respect and the way they treated me. Everyone understood how I felt. Everything was above and beyond!
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15 Jul, 2013 by Patricia
What I like most was the personal time Rich spent with my family making a point to greet us personally every time we came in. They never over promised things but they still delivered. This was the most awful event me and my son had ever experienced but your firm's actions made it bearable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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20 May, 2024 by Hiking99
You'll see and feel the difference when you talk to Norman. He listened and reviewed my case carefully and was very passionate to help me understand the procedure and the option. I felt like chatting to an old friend, or a family member. His brother and father are lawyers, working at the same home-style-office. I felt secure at that home with three lawyers. I definitely will retain him when my workers comp case can be reopened.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Cindy
Excellent, honest and competent Attorneys! Senior partner, Dad Norman Katnik attended 2 depositions with me and was on point!! I wouldn’t go to anyone else!!
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13 Nov, 2015 by Geric
I had an excellent experience in dealing with my attorney. He worked with great diligence in resolving my case garnering greater than expected results. I was extremely pleased with his work and his courteous, caring demeanor. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to resolve a personal injury.
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23 Jun, 2021 by Judith
Micheal Penn was my attorney for my personal injury case. He is a fantastic, brilliant, kind attorney that is extremely well skilled. He is compassionate and will work on your case diligently and effectively until completion. He will do whatever it takes to resolve your case in your best interest. I highly recommend him for your legal needs.
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17 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Michael Penn was exceptional-always responsive, professional, supportive and understanding. I appreciate how friendly and dedicated everyone is and that they make the client feel like their number one priority.
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17 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
All the staff who worked on my case were knowledgeable and attentive. Mr Penn. went above and beyond to help everyone in my family.
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03 Oct, 2019 by Monica shick
31 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I approached this attorney for several workplace injures, some very, very serious. She was "CARING" and "CONCERNED," and immediately went to work on my case.
I was so impressed at the first meeting, EVERYONE TOOK THEIR TIME.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Miyunn
Met with her and decided she was everything I was looking for. Experienced, honest, up front, polite and practices soley in the area of workman's comp. She was very nice and seemed extremely well versed and knowledgeable about my case. I will update a few more months in.
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30 Oct, 2017 by Danny
Rick was very professional and keep me informed through the whole filing of the lawsuit and the settling of it. He was personal enough to come to my house to visit and consult. His staff always kept me informed of the next step and what was required of me.
I would high recommend him to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
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25 Feb, 2016 by Sandra robles
I cannot express the happiness and gratitude I feel after working with Richard for the last 2 years. he stood by my side from the beginning to the end. He was available to answer any and all questions regardless of the date and time. He worked countless hours to make sure I was taken care of and my needs were met. He went above and beyond what I could have ever imagined. I highly recommend him. He is passionate about what he does which is why he is so successful. I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me and my family and the burden he has lifted from my shoulders. This man is heaven sent!
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30 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Richard Stout came highly recommended as a personal injury attorney and he delivered. Mr. Stout represented us successfully against a major US air line . During this time he was attentive and available when I reached out to him-an experience I had not shared with other attorneys. I would recommend him to any one suffering a personal injury, or for other legal matters.
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25 Aug, 2015 by Andrew
I highly recommend her. Diana may be a woman but do not let that fool you. She takes her job very serious and works hard to get the best settlement for you which made me more than comfortable enough for her to take on my case. Diana is better and tougher than a lot of male lawyers I came across. She is also really kind with her clients which was a plus for me because other lawyers do not treat their clients with the same respect.
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22 Aug, 2015 by David
Looking for a good lawyer? Look no further. Diana Lopez is amazing at what she does. She'll get the job done and done right. I had her for a few years and seeing her every time we had to discuss about my case I felt like I was in good hands. She knew exactly what she was doing so I felt comfortable letting her handle my case. I definitely recommend her. She speaks English and Spanish as well.
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20 Aug, 2015 by Verina
When justice needed to be served, I reached out to a dear friend of mine. He is also an attorney and he assured me that his respected colleague, Diana Lopez, would have some great insight for me. I was very interested and needed someone on my side. I was a little desperate, but careful to trust. The way I was maltreated was frustrating and Diana got to the bottom of many laws that my former employer violated, that I did not even know about. She is very intelligent, precise, detailed and efficient at her job. She was very professional, yet easy to talk to at the same time. She always made time for my email, calls and silly questions no matter how busy she was. Diana had a lot on her plate already when I first introduced her to my case, but she assured me that with patience she would provide the greatest focus and diligence. I liked best how Diana represented me in a very sophisticated and hard-working nature to my former employer. I try extremely hard to be professional in the workplace and I value that she was able to portray that of me during this "battle" between them and us. I appreciate what Diana has done for me so much. She has not only helped me to be at ease with that situation in my life, but she has brought justice where my previous employer needed a rude awakening. Thank you Diana for everything. You are great at what you do and you should feel good that you've made the world a little bit better to live in :D
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01 May, 2017 by Brooke
He helped us through a very trying and emotional time after my husbands motorcycle accident. Without him to guide us I don't know how we would have made it. Thank you so much!!!
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18 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Atticus helped my wife and I in a very difficult time. He was very thorough in his approach, he listened to us and understood where we were coming from. He gave us an honest, straightforward assessment at every point of the process and delivered a fair result.
I would definitely hire him again.
I am happy to know that there are guys out there like Atticus ready and willing to help people like us who fall into very unfortunate circumstances.
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18 Feb, 2015 by Georgepalaziol
Atticus is an amazing attorney. He came highly recommended and we can see why. He is a man of integrity and high morals which says a lot these days. He worked tirelessly on our case and always was available throughout our ordeal. Thank you Atticus! If we need representation in the future there is no question of who we will call!
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01 Sep, 2017 by Tina
He was helpful in getting health care for my back when I was in an accident. His office is very accommodating and easily accessible for questions.
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01 Sep, 2017 by Shell
My case is still pending however Rafik has been extremely helpful and I will refer him and his office to anyone, He goes above and beyond to support you through the process and guide you along the way. I am thankful I have hired Rafik and his law office to handle my case.
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31 Aug, 2017 by Joseph
I was referred to Rafik through a close friend of mine and have no regrets whatsoever. Rafik was very sympathetic and truly cared about my personal injury case. He made sure I was getting the best medical care and sent me to the best doctors for treatment. Rafik's staff was very good at keeping me informed throughout the whole process and letting me know where the case stood. Rafik fought very hard on my case and went to battle for me when it came down to negotiating and settling with the other party. He doesn't take no for an answer.. so you will get top dollar on your case. I highly recommend him!
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21 Feb, 2020 by Constance
Lance was really helpful when it came to my case. He worked really hard to make sure I was treated properly and I got what I deserved. I will recommend him to anyone because he gets the job done.
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17 Feb, 2020 by Dave
I was involved in a serious auto accident where the other driver was at fault. When I tried to handle the claim on my own, the other driver's insurance started playing games with me.
I hired Lance and within a week the other insurance company accepted 100% of the liability. Throughout the next several months Lance worked with the insurance and my medical providers to get me a very fair settlement. Lance and his entire office were professional and effecient. I'm glad I contacted him and decided to have him fight for me.
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19 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I got rear ended as I was sitting at a red light by someone who fell asleep behind the wheel. It was my first accident and I was pretty rattled. Since the accident wasn't my fault, my attorney, Lance Rupp was able to get me treated and I was compensated as well. It is really important to document everything if you are in an accident and definitely use an attorney. I would definitely use this law firm again.
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15 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Casey was great and was always ready to answer our many questions and help us. We were extremely satisfied with the results obtained and want to express our gratitude with a "very well done job" Casey and staff!!
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11 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Casey cared and that made the difference. He balanced my situation with real world experience to offer sound legal advice to reach the best outcome possible. He was always available to answer questions.
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08 Jul, 2013 by John p.
Casey Johnson did a great job representing my sister. He was always professional, confident and supportive. Even during the stressful negotiations he was upbeat and inspired our confidence. Perhaps the most important, Casey always showed respect and support for my sister during the entire process. We always knew that Casey had her best interest at heart.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Zoila leon
El abogado fabian nos esta ayudando en nuestro caso, Un exelente serviso a nosotros nos toco trabajar con lily y nos ha dado un exelente service nos ayudo en todo.
100% recomendado
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12 Aug, 2019 by Robert
I have been a long time permanent resident for 30 years. In my early 20's I got mixed up in drugs and picked up some very serious drug convictions. My green card was expiring last year so I decided to submit my application for naturalization. I went to my interview and was detained and a deportation order was issued against me. I was detained for 30 days. Meanwhile my family called attorneys and many turned us away with no hope on relief in my situation. Fabian was one of the only attorneys that saw hope in my situation. My family hired him and he showed up in immigration court and I was released on bail. 8 months later I had my first court appearance where Serrato law was able to get my deportation case terminated based on a decision from the 9th district court only 2 weeks before my court date. The government agreed and my citizenship app was approved. I couldn't be more happy with these guys. Highly recommend. These guys know there stuff. Thanks guys!!!
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01 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Fabian Serrato was hired to help my husband with his immigration status and he has a done a great job! Filling out paperwork, communication, informing us status of the case etc...the experience has been great and the staff is very helpful and very respectful. I would like to thank Liliana Gonzalez and Lorena (don't know her last name) who were very nice and helpful along with the rest of the team. I would highly recommend to anyone.
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24 Feb, 2016 by Hozanna
Anthony helped my business respond to the complaint that one of our customers reported to the state license board. He handled the situation with ultimate professionalism, listened to the issue I was dealing with, and gave me solid advice on how to address the situation. He walked me through each step of the way on how to handle the complaint and was always readily available by phone and e-mail. I felt so comforted with his knowledge and expertise in an area that I had never navigate it before. Thank you Anthony for your services!
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18 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Modarelli represented me in a complex case. I appreciated his competence, professionalism and compassion. I highly recommend his services.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Dr. ernesto martinez
I had three attorneys before I hired Edward, and he blew everyone away. He is confident, fair, reassuring, and dedicated. He is the managing partner at his firm for a reason. He was able to see things other attorneys were not able to see in my case, he's very insightful. Fight On, USC and Edward!!!
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02 Nov, 2010 by Dan
Best and brightest lawyer I have ever met!!!
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20 Apr, 2020 by Linda l mitchell
I have had the privilege of providing my services as a handwriting expert in several cases for this firm. In every case, I have experienced a highly professional staff from the attorneys to the legal assistants. It is a pleasure to assist attorneys who are efficient, well-organized and willing to listen.
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01 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Chad Gerardi represented me in a difficult and emotional case. I have never met someone with such genuine compassion for others. He was there for me and my family and fought for us throughout the long process to trial. Chad showed passion, brilliance, commitment, hard work and dedication to me and my family and obtained justice for us. He is our angel, a true trial warrior in the courtroom, and a friend for life. He was always available by phone and kept us in the loop every step of the way. I couldn't have dreamed of a better lawyer. He was recommended to us by another lawyer as one of the best in trial lawyers in the courtroom.
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12 Jul, 2012 by Don
It is heartfelt when I tell you that I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Cochran. After hiring him for my situation (after a conducting a comprehensive search for a good attorney) he proved to me over and over again to be an excellent attorney who well exceeded my expectations! He is very knowledgeable, conscientious, fair, ALWAYS returned my phone calls/e-mails as well as proactively communicated with me on a regular basis. Mr. Cochran is good natured and worked very effectively with other attorneys as well as myself (as his client) personally managing my case. I would highly recommend him for superior results!
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21 Jul, 2011 by Rachel
I never believed in Angels till I met Mr. Cochran. He resolved our problems instantly and professionally with much experience in our case. I can now sleep better at night because of him.
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13 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Richard Thomas Collins is representing me in a wrongful termination/whistleblower case. We lost our case in federal court. Rich is my hero and will continue to be even if the appellate court denies our appeal for a new trial. I'd recommend him and his team at Berger Kahn to anyone.
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14 Apr, 2011 by Dennis and sheryl
We shopped around and spoke with 6 other attorneys before finding Richard Thomas Collins. We knew he was "the one" when he took time to listen to every aspect of our case and even advised us for awhile, before we officially hired him. And then when we did sign on with him, he tried to be reasonable about the fee and not charge more than necessary. His attitude was to see how things go and maybe he wouldn't need to charge more.
Other attorneys wouldn't even talk beyond 10 minutes or so without demanding a retainer fee.
Richard Collins remained realistic and careful not to promise positive results that might not happen, but at the same time, he was thorough and quoted actual penal codes that pertained to our case. He did his homework and made sure the details were correct. The letters he wrote on our behalf were so outstanding and accurate that it helped us get through rough days and cheered us up to read them!
It appears that the outcome of the case is exactly what we had hoped for, and we attribute that result to Richard Collins' expertise and knowledge, for our type of case.
He was completely professional yet sensitive to what we were going through as real people with feelings.
His manner is so pleasant and reassuring.
He was always good to return calls and kept us informed.
Having worked with other attorneys on other unrelated issues in the past, we wish we had known about him sooner!
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04 Aug, 2015 by Jeff
Dave and his team provided comfort and reassurance during a period of dealing with domestic issues that I had never endured before. They were there when I needed them and fed me no mumbo jumbo or worked me for fees. I would highly recommend them to anyone of my friends.
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08 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
David Wasson is responsible, knowledgeable, trustworthy, professional, ethical, and very reliable. I asked me to represent me for a short period of time and he accepted, even if he knew that I was broke. I recommend him 100%, no doubt. Trust me, you won't regret if you hire him. He does his best to settle the case and will not drag it to make money.
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30 Jun, 2015 by Irene t.
I am so glad that my case was referred to Cynthia Craig. Since she took over my PI case the work started getting done.
She is very friendly, personable, approachable and a very kind hearted person....not just a lawyer.
She listens to your opinion and your concerns.
All i can say is that...she did an excellent...superb job in taking care of me and my case.
Thank you Cynthia for an awesome outcome with my case.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Ashleigh represented us in our case and we couldn't have asked for a better attorney. She handled our case with such professionalism, determination, and care. She guided us every step of the way, and although it was a long process, she was always happy to help and listen to our concerns. She made the legal process of our claim so easy in what was one of the most stressful times of our lives. I cannot recommend her enough!
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20 Jun, 2019 by Esther
On the eleventh hour I was recommended to Katnik and Katnik, because I no longer was able to deal with the insurance company on my own for my worker’s comp case. I really appreciated the personal interactions with Kurt and his brilliant assistant Cynthia. My case was ongoing as the nature of my case and Kurt responded to all my emails and calls in a timely manner. At the end, the result exceeded my expectation. Thanks for all your teams’ efforts.
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17 Feb, 2017 by Karina banuelos
I had a great experience with the Reeves Law Group. They really did right by me and my friend. They were straight forward and kept it to the point when we had questions. I would highly recommend this firm and i know they will do right by other clients as well. Mark Thompson is The best litigation attorney.
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29 Apr, 2017 by Karen
Mr Bosse and his staff are OUTSTANDING ! I never had a doubt that he was the attorney for me. Mr Bosse listened intently to my stressful case. Through careful preparation, attention to detail and Mr Bosse's skill of managing the entire process he won the case for me. Mr Bosse is very adept at handling opposing attorneys with ease. Mr Bosse, thank you for your compassion, attention to detail and taking the time to address all my over zealous concerns. You are a credit to the legal profession.
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03 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Gentry is an excellent attorney. Every one in the office is very helpful and very nice. My case was really complicated and he walked me through the process and made sure I understood what was happening along the way. Everyone I dealt with was really professional and took time to make sure I was taken care of.
The comp system can take a long time but in the end it was worth it. David got me a great settlement and I was very happy with the overall experience. I would recommend this firm to anyone and if I ever need another lawyer, Mr. Gentry is who I’m calling.
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19 Jun, 2015 by Jose
As indicated above, there's not enough stars to rate this lawyers performance, she is all of the above plus I know other lawyers but I kept her as my family lawyer because of honesty and commitment, never to busy to attend you..
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18 Nov, 2016 by Maria
I hired John Delis for a property damage insurance claim. His knowledge and dedication to my case was first rate! He alleviated the hassle of dealing with the other party's insurance company. It was resolved in a timely manor with a very fair settlement. The office staff are friendly and on top of it!
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08 Mar, 2021 by Jason
I have come to attorney Paul Supple multiple times over the years. He has helped my mom with her immigration case and has helped her prepare for her citizenship test. He has helped a few of my friends with their DUI's. At any chance I have had, I recommend him to those that are looking for an immigration or criminal attorney. He gets the job done right.
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28 May, 2016 by Jacob
I met Oz at a networking event and retained his services for a few legal matters. He helped set up a trust for my family, took care of a litigation I was involved in, and referred an attorney for a personal injury case I had. He is very smart and trustworthy. Looking forward to doing further business with him.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Whether you've been hurt in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Personal injury lawyers act as your advocate, navigating the legal system on your behalf and dealing with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle complex legal matters and help you avoid common pitfalls.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where you've been harmed due to another's negligence. Some key scenarios include:
- Severe injuries: If you've suffered significant or permanent injuries that result in substantial medical bills, a lawyer can help ensure you are fairly compensated.
- Long-term or permanent disability: Injuries that affect your ability to work or require ongoing medical treatment are complex, and a lawyer can help estimate long-term damages.
- Disputed liability: If the responsible party or their insurance company denies liability for your injury, a lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.
- Insurance company lowball offers: Insurers often try to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement.
- Medical malpractice claims: Injuries caused by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider due to negligence require a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice law.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: If you've been injured due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances, a lawyer can help pursue legal action.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is crucial, especially if you're unsure of the full extent of your injuries or damages.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer provides a wide range of services to guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. They can:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer will assess the strength of your claim and determine whether you have a viable case.
- Investigate the incident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions is key to building a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and aren't taken advantage of.
- File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement can't be reached, the lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
- Help calculate damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Prepare and file legal documents: Lawyers handle all the paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, including filing motions and discovery requests.
- Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, the lawyer will argue your case before a judge and jury to obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either through settlement or a court judgment. Here’s how it works:
- Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award, typically between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it's resolved.
- Costs and expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, the lawyer may deduct other costs associated with the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. These expenses are often advanced by the lawyer and repaid out of the settlement.
- No upfront payment: Since the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning, you usually don’t pay anything upfront.
Always discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, the amount you pay will depend on the outcome of your case. Here are some general guidelines:
- Contingency fees: Typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. The percentage may increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
- Other costs: In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, medical record retrieval fees, and court costs. These are often deducted from your settlement, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.
While the cost may seem high, hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly increase the amount you recover, making it a worthwhile investment.
Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right representation. Here are some important questions to ask:
-
What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award. -
How long will my case take?
While it's hard to predict, a lawyer can give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled. -
How often do you take cases to trial?
Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior lawyers or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it's important to know who will be managing your claim. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and professionalism.
How to Check the Credibility of a Personal Injury Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible personal injury lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews can provide insight into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
- Look at their track record: Review their experience with personal injury cases, particularly how many cases they’ve successfully resolved or taken to trial.
- Ask for references: Credible lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their work.
- Check professional memberships: Lawyers who are members of respected organizations, like the American Association for Justice (AAJ), often have a solid reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, prepare the following:
- Detailed account of the accident: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and locations. Include any witnesses or police reports if available.
- Medical records and bills: Bring any documentation of your injuries, treatments, and associated medical costs.
- Insurance information: Provide your insurance details and any communication you’ve had with the other party’s insurance company.
- Employment and income records: If your injury has impacted your ability to work, bring proof of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Photos or videos: If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, bring them to your consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions to ask, including how the lawyer will handle your case and what you can expect in terms of timeline and outcome.
By preparing thoroughly for your first consultation, you’ll help the lawyer understand your case more quickly and get a better sense of your legal options.
