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05 Dec, 2024 by Mary mcf
We received outstanding professional legal representation by
Drake Buckman.
Aimee and Nick worked diligently behind the scenes on our behalf.
We were treated with respect and dignity as we navigated the murky waters of the insurance system. All the while being continually updated by Buckman and Buckman.
Yes, we received a positive outcome in our case. But we received so much more in the knowledge that there is a law firm in Sarasota that is truly client focused. And approaches each client with care and respect.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Stefani
Very Friendly and Very Responsive !! Thank you so much Elizabeth for all your help !!
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12 Nov, 2024 by Jose delira
Amazing staff and firm to work with! They handle my case and also my sons case efficient and effectively! I would definitely recommend to friends and family
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26 Jul, 2020 by Jennifer daniels
Very courteous and professional. I would never have gotten through a bad experience the way I did without their team!
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03 Mar, 2020 by Harley hall
I got into a bad accident. My car was totaled and I was out of work for weeks. Michael Ortiz ended up being a big mistake. He was friends with my chiropractor and both of them made a pretty penny while I got peanuts. He insisted that I accept the first offer from the insurance company which left me with 2500 dollars. I lost more than that the first week of work that I missed. I feel strongly that ANY other lawyer there is could have done a better job. I am also convinced that he needed the money more than I did. Do yourself a favor if you have an accident and get ANYONE besides him to handle it. I would have been better off by handling it myself and that is a fact.
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26 Feb, 2020 by Julie rodriguez
This man is more then a lawyer. He is honest and forward yet patient. He listens and takes in account what I am saying. On a personal level he belongs to the Lord and there is no one else I rather represent me .. then someone who seeks our God first.
His staff are amazing. He will get your case done! He will make you happy that he is fighting for you!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Sky beard
Thank you Nick, Lex, Sam, and the whole team for my successful settlement case win! I had them take over after delays from another law firm and they took charge and I was able to reach a fair settlement! I would recommend this Law firm to anyone looking for great lawyers and legal team that made me feel like family and always kept me informed about the proceedings of my case. I hope to never have any more need of them for any further accidents, however knowing that they would be there for me is a comforting thought! Sincerely thankful!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Denise blazer
Wow! I would recommend Lutz Bobo & Telfair Law Firm to everyone. After a bad car accident and having major surgery they made this process so easy and seamless for me. I’m so thankful I choose them to Represent me.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Pamela mccrone
I highly recommend Lutz Bobo and Telfaire as a 5 Star law firm. Charlie Telfair’s Team are true Professionals and each one has an Outstanding Talent they bring to the negotiating table. Their Knowledge and Planned approach to a case is the Best and unrivaled. A special thank you to Charlie, Lex, Nick and Samantha for all their hard work!
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01 Dec, 2024 by Michell chiquito mijica
I cannot thank Smith & Eulo Law Firm enough for their outstanding legal expertise and unwavering support. They guided me through a challenging situation with empathy and professionalism. Every step of the way, I felt reassured that my case was in good hands. Thanks to their dedication, I was able to achieve a favorable resolution. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance
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29 Nov, 2024 by Dayarliz sánchez
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the attorneys at Smith & Eulo for their exceptional care and attention. They are truly wonderful people who go above and beyond for their clients. Thank you for all your support!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Zudaiby sanchez
I cannot thank the team at Smith & Eulo enough for their outstanding support throughout my case. Their dedication and availability made a world of difference, and I felt constantly reassured knowing that they were on my side. Highly recommend their services
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15 Dec, 2024 by Jan mangham
Greg and his staff are a pleasure to work with. They are very thorough leading clients through the process of establishing a trust. I have already recommended this firm to friends.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Dominick crea
Greg and his staff are unbelievable. Best experience we ever had with a legal firm. They are extremely knowledgeable of all facets of Wills and trusts. They answer all your questions patiently and in great detail in everyday language not legalize terms. HIGHLY trust Greg and his team.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Mary myers
Exceptional experience. Great professional advice. Tremendous team of experts. Best experience ever. Strongly recommend you make an appointment and get your personal effects in order. I am confident that all of my last wishes will be executed exactly as desired.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Gabriel rivera
I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for Adam Dunn and his outstanding legal expertise! I came to him with a DUI charge that seemed like it would turn my life upside down, but Adam worked tirelessly and skillfully to get the charge reduced to reckless driving. The outcome was absolutely life-changing! Adam’s professionalism, knowledge, and dedication were evident every step of the way. He made me feel confident, supported, and truly cared for throughout the entire process. If you're in need of a top-notch criminal defense attorney in Sarasota, look no further than Adam Dunn. I will forever be thankful for his help in getting me the best possible result. Truly a game-changer!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Rebekah cooper
He's the very best attorney in my opinion in the south goes the extra mile for clients really cares about them well worth every penny then some great guy makes you feel like your case matters and will not stop to get what you want in your case to watch him work in a court room is a wonder the intelligence and knowledge of the law he practices and knows like the back of his hand hes well respected by other attorneys and state attorneys and judges for sure hes there for the little guy and the wrongfully accused like no other lawyer around 5 stars all the way if you need a good lawyer hes the man
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19 Sep, 2024 by Tyler mitchell
I am incredibly grateful for attorney Adam Dunn as I got myself into a bad situation and he was able to fix it for me and make it go away. His office always kept me informed and up to date and his paralegal Kayla is absolutely wonderful. Adam Dunn is the man.
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24 Feb, 2025 by James alderman
Ms. Ross, Mr. Wenmark and team were phenomenal!!! They were tenacious in settling a long drawn out insurance claim (by the insurance company and FIGA). The end result from their hard work was a settlement that got me whole. THANK YOU ROSS LEGAL!!!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Lorelle smith
Tells me to report my atty to the bar. After I reported him they refuse to take my case. Now hope I can find an atty.
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17 Oct, 2024 by J hayes
Horrible people ! I straight up fired them and they still harassed me on a daily basis to sign checks for them. Worst law firm I have ever dealt with. I would NEVER recommend anyone use their services. The BAR will be hearing from me about how you all handled my case from beginning to end. Took over 8+ months to get my ALE that they said they were not going to fight for , then when I pushed the issue they finally looked into it for me after 8+ months. I called to get a copy of my statement and I got told " No one in our office likes you , you have been nothing but rude " then proceeds to hang up on me. Again I would never recommend anyone to use this law firm. I fired them through email and they still continued to contact me and did not remove themselves as counsel after several letters informing them I did not want them representing me any further. Run run run. Find a different place.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Wedencise lubin motivational speaker
15 Aug, 2023 by Christopher nutting
Bart Stoddard was excellent, professional, & courteous. As a disabled veteran, his team helped me in many ways. I definitely recommend as a 5* Manatee criminal defense attorney!
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15 Aug, 2023 by Handy man
Bart stoddart criminal attorney Sarasota county was excellent it’s execution of my dismissal of a 21 year old probation violation extremely communicative him an staff was great all the stress going through Bart re assured me not to worry it worked out perfect thank you
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05 Dec, 2024 by Rhonda aldana
A very passionate and caring attorney. Very helpful and professional. I highly recommend them for your needs.
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17 Nov, 2024 by M
Very professional and informative; highly recommend…10/10!
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14 Nov, 2024 by R-k s.
When you are the parent of a child with special educational needs, and you begin searching for a civil rights attorney, it probably means you’ve had some pretty horrible experiences. When I got a call from our young son’s principal, and she began using terms I could not understand, I knew we needed help to get him an IEP immediately. Windsor Law is an incredible firm, and hiring them was the best decision we ever made. Jane and Mitch are the perfect blend of experience, knowledge, and compassion. They will do whatever is within their power to get your child the support he or she needs and is entitled to. Not only do they represent you, but they also teach YOU how to advocate for your child. That alone tells you the type of people they are and what they prioritize. They give practical advice, such as “make friends,” which is not always obvious in the chaos that often surrounds education-related issues. This simple advice helped us get into a problem-solving mindset, which proved to be helpful and productive in the long run. They also are not in the business of making false promises. When we were asking for things that were outside the scope of what is allowed, Jane’s response to me was “I will do my best, but I am not God.” It made me laugh, because we needed that kind of real guidance. It’s scary to hear certain things about our kids. Jane and Mitch do not shy away from having the tough conversations, and I am so grateful for that. Of course, they will also guide you through the entire process. I am an attorney myself, and there were times I talked to Jane about deviating from her proposed strategy. In retrospect, I am so glad I followed her advice instead of thinking I knew better. Jane and Mitch know the system. They are experts in this field, and no one knows it better than they do. They never steered us wrong. In fact, our son is now in a school he loves and where he is loved. He has a 100% attendance rate. He has a teacher that includes him. He completes all his classwork and participates in activities. He’s gone from being in the 1st percentile to being in the 50th percentile in English in less than a year, because he has the support he needs to thrive. I have no doubt that he will soon move out of the middle and into the higher tiers. He is so smart and is finally able to shine. He comes home happy every day and even asks to go to school on weekends. I cannot express how much the simple decision of hiring Windsor Law has changed all of our lives for the better, including our home life, which is a lot more positive and hopeful nowadays! We are so grateful to everyone at Windsor Law for their patience, guidance, and support.
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20 Feb, 2025 by Amanda vanderee
Wyndel G. Darville is hands down the attorney to hire. His level of knowledge and skill as well as experience, patience, and professionalism cannot be surpassed. He has personally represented my family my son and myself with honor and integrity and has brought so much peace during such a stressful chaotic time and circumstances. His ability to listen as well as to be heard will bring forth so much guidance and peace for you and your family anyone would be blessed to be able to be represented and spoken for by Wyndel G. Darville.
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15 Feb, 2025 by Marie bourassa
We had a very positive experience with Eastmoore Crauwels and Dubose EC&D. We would recommend them to anyone searching for an attorney. Warren Chin and Jennifer McGill were wonderful. They were always prompt in returning our calls and emails and would address any issues right away. They worked hard to resolve our case and we are extremely grateful for their knowledge, guidance and assistance. 5 stars!
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02 Jan, 2025 by Kimberly b
I can't recommend the wonderful team at Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose enough.
From the moment I reached out for help after my accident, I felt completely supported and confident that I was in good hands. Warren was not only professional but also compassionate, taking the time to explain every step of the legal process.
The entire team was incredibly responsive and kept me updated on my case regularly. They fought for me every step of the way, securing a settlement that exceeded my expectations.
If you're looking for an personal injury lawyer who is both skilled and truly cares about your well-being, I would highly recommend Warren and the entire team at Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose.
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4.5
14 Reviews
03 Apr, 2017 by James
I was involved in an accident and contact Mr. Goldman's firm. I was pretty stressed out about how to handle things but they were able to put me at ease and walk me through the case. Things turned out well and I highly recommend them!
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30 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Very reliable and proficient! I received very prompt and professional responses making the experiences I was going through more manageable and simplified.
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28 Mar, 2017 by Beth
David Goldman is an exceptional and caring attorney. I would hire him for any problem or case that I had.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Peter dawson
15 Aug, 2024 by Daniel patton
I have worked with other law firms that specialize in their services. By far the experience was transparent and much better than firms I have used with in the past.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Peter delgado
5.0
1 Reviews
4.3
8 Reviews
08 Nov, 2024 by Gary claxton
17 Oct, 2024 by Ashley moore
You broke my soul.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Serendipity films
16 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I was rejected my this law firm because, "Unfortunately, our small law firm is not in a position to undertake such a complicated case in another county." Simple medical malpractice case resulting in toe amputation.
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29 Dec, 2014 by Sarah
We had a medical malpractice case that lasted several years. But, through it, all George stayed dedicated to the case and really delivered. During the proceedings it was very evident that he and his team really did their research and they put on an excellent case. Also, throughout the process, he kept us informed of what his strategy would be and kinds of things we could expect during the depositions and trial. Not only did we finally get our day in court but in the end we were awarded the judgement. Thank You George McClain! He is a dependable man of integrity who we very much appreciate. We have recently moved but George will always be our legal point person.
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09 Jan, 2025 by *73swinger special*
Great experience with Blair Jackson at hanlon law. Called after regular business hours and took my call to go over details. Got started right away with a great outcome for my situation. Would absolutely recommend and will be returning for any further legal counsel.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Thomas e. mcclung
It was a pleasure working with MCT Law. They kept me informed through the entire process and hey were always available to take my calls if I had questions. I would highly recommend them.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Mj menein
All of the staff at MCT Law with whom I was in contact, were very efficient, helpful and managed my expectations. Any time I had a question or concern, they were addressed immediately. I felt very safe and assured in my involvement with MCT Law. I feel that I had the best possible outcome and I would not hesitate to recommend MCT Law. They were kind and professional and very respectful. At no time did I ever feel as though I was being processed, or that my concerns were trivial or unimportant. Thank you to Leslie and Michelle and all of the behind the scenes staff at MCT Law.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Joe hinton
23 Jan, 2025 by Linda jeanbaptiste
Everyone at this law office was very attentive and helpful to me
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23 Jan, 2025 by Eric washington
24 Feb, 2025 by James alderman
Ms. Ross, Mr. Wenmark and team were phenomenal!!! They were tenacious in settling a long drawn out insurance claim (by the insurance company and FIGA). The end result from their hard work was a settlement that got me whole. THANK YOU ROSS LEGAL!!!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Lorelle smith
Tells me to report my atty to the bar. After I reported him they refuse to take my case. Now hope I can find an atty.
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17 Oct, 2024 by J hayes
Horrible people ! I straight up fired them and they still harassed me on a daily basis to sign checks for them. Worst law firm I have ever dealt with. I would NEVER recommend anyone use their services. The BAR will be hearing from me about how you all handled my case from beginning to end. Took over 8+ months to get my ALE that they said they were not going to fight for , then when I pushed the issue they finally looked into it for me after 8+ months. I called to get a copy of my statement and I got told " No one in our office likes you , you have been nothing but rude " then proceeds to hang up on me. Again I would never recommend anyone to use this law firm. I fired them through email and they still continued to contact me and did not remove themselves as counsel after several letters informing them I did not want them representing me any further. Run run run. Find a different place.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Adam mcdermid
I was disappointed with my experience. The lawyer did not follow through on promises, including failing to call when he said he would and not delivering the results he initially projected regarding my child support case. Communication was inconsistent, which added to my frustration. I hope they improve in providing clear updates and realistic expectations to future clients.
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26 Nov, 2024 by T jones
I have worked with Joe on several family law matters and he is very knowledgeable and offers good insight on how to get the result that is best for the situation. He stuck with my family for over 3 years through a very difficult and complex case. He and his wife are compassionate and understanding and down to earth people. I appreciate you service and assistance during a very difficult time.
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11 May, 2024 by Shirley schwartz
A big "Shout out" to Michael Fayard my grandson's attorney. My grandson was facing 20 years in prison for an accident he was partially responsible for down to one year. Michael is a man of few word but he sure got what appeared to be the impossible accomplished.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Sarah quick
20 Nov, 2024 by Katie hebda
20 Nov, 2024 by Annie contos
08 Nov, 2024 by Gary claxton
17 Oct, 2024 by Ashley moore
You broke my soul.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Serendipity films
05 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Eric, for my workmen’s comp case. This Attorney is top of his profession always took time to inform me every step of the way always called me back and fought for my rights I thank GOD he never gives up if you’re injured I’m so sorry you need the best Eric is just that thank you Attorney Eric For your out standing professionalism.
Donna
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10 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I have showed up at Mr. Christiansen’s office, over Halloween last year, I was very overwhelmed having to go through the first time in my life, with my injury and needed help.
He has shown so much care, and took his time to explain everything to me, and made sure I understood I was in great hands with him. He has been there for me since day one. I could have not asked to have a better representation then him.
I would recommend him and his firm to everyone that is in need of legal services. I feel very blessed he is on my side, and that i have found their firm.
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04 Apr, 2017 by Andrew
I cannot recall positive experiences with this attorney. I hired Mr. Christiansen after a work related injury to handle my Workers Compensation case. In our first meeting he seemed attentive and interested in the case. After I signed the retention form he suddenly changed. As days went by I started receiving paperwork from the insurance company and others. I had questions. I call Mr. Christiansen many times however he would state that he was busy. I email him. with the same results: no answer. I had to eventually find my answers to legal questions through Google searches. Mr. Christiansen never available. This negligent attitude continued for several month. I eventually received a letter for a deposition and also a mediation appointment in front of a judge. Once again I tried to call him. Not available. I finally email Lancaster & Eure, law office where Mr. Christiansen works, stating that I needed his help, also stating my displeasure of his careless attitude toward my case as an injured worker.
After never receiving an answer to my calls for months he finally called me the next day to his office. As he literally slammed legal books on his desk he fired me as a client ten days before a deposition and a coming mediation in front of a judge.
He never answered any questions about my case, neither helped me on my case as an injured worker. He left me with many questions having to find another attorney halfway.
In my personal experience Mr Anderson doesn’t seem to care about the average guy that is injured on the job, he is unprofessional, vindictive and rude. Avoid a negative experience and work with a different workers compensation attorney in Sarasota Bradenton.
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28 Sep, 2024 by Craig pinto
29 May, 2024 by Cat arnaez
If I could give less than one star, I would. Jamie is all too happy to take money, but not happy to be held accountable for the job for which you hire her. She and another lawyer screwed me and my kids, and when I begged and pleaded for her to fix it, make it right. She told me it wasn’t going to affect me and she didn’t know why I was worried about it (see attached email response). To this day, it does affect me, and my children, and she simply didn’t care to make it right after happily accepting thousands of dollars. I am still dealing with a case that she didn’t fix and reached out again to try to have her resolve but she doesn’t even bother to answer. I had to file a bar complaint for her to respond only for her to tell me she feels she did her job. If that were the case why doesn’t the state recognize the order she filed and why won’t she fix it? This lawyer has no integrity, so if you want someone who will take your money and offer no help, this is the lawyer you want. She is overpriced and doesn’t even do her job. It’s a wonder she hasn’t be disbarred.
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29 Jun, 2023 by Anikakat anikakat
01 May, 2024 by Anna
Rude person, she couldn't understand me after I said three times the same word and when I asked her if she has problem to understand me she dropped my call.
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14 Feb, 2024 by C j
Chris and Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A. demonstrated exceptional legal expertise in handling my case with thorough understanding of the law, attention to detail, and strategic approach. Chris was professional and caring throughout the process and always was there to answer questions or concerns. I highly recommend Chris and the team at Dickinson & Gibbons!
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09 Jun, 2022 by Salman hussain
Chip Denny is an absolute professional who can deliver the results he promises. I have worked with many different law firms and attorneys and Chip Denny and his team have been the most honest (never though I would say that about an attorney), hard working, and dedicated legal team that I have worked with. In a very complex case, Chip Denny battled a team of 4 attorneys for 3 years and delivered results every step of the way.
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18 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
This attorney Daniel Nawara whom represented me in a criminal case years ago screwed me over on a plea deal in which he didn't inform me of the consequences of registering as a sex offender. Since my release from jail years ago; I have sent several emails and calls. Don't trust him at all
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30 Oct, 2024 by David
Great attorney and got a best result for me and saved my life. I would hire again recommend to anyone with criminal case
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29 Oct, 2024 by Rachel
Daniel was a great lawyer when I first hired him. He seemed eager to help my special needs 8-year-old son. I paid half of his $2,500 fee. The other payments were to be made in increments of three over the next 3 months. They were supposed to withdraw the funds from my credit card. There was a clerical error on their end and the funds were not withdrawn. I received a text from Daniel regarding the case. Moments Later I received another text message from him implying that I knew I wasn't being charged , which to me implied that I was trying to scam him. I tried to explain to him that I wasn't aware the card wasn't being charged and that he could charge the full amount that day. After this occurrence, the dialect between him and I changed, and he became very ignorant. All conversations were abrupt and cold on his end. I felt as though he no longer was interested in working hard for my son. Contact between us was very limited and when I would ask a question he would respond with a very brief cold response. I did call him out for his behavior and hinted towards a review, and told him he was a gem (sarcasm)... He insulted me, threatened me regarding my son's case and the legal issues that I will be having, then told me he was dropping me and that I will not be getting a refund. Just be warned....if you do hire him as your lawyer, and as long as his staff does their job and they charge your card.... You will have no issues! Definitely shows his character as a person and as a lawyer. He has a lot to learn about how to treat people compassionately, and how to speak to his clients in a professional manner.
After doing more research, which I should have done more before hiring him. If you look at all of his negative reviews on other sites, you can see his character in his responses. Do your research people.
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01 Jan, 2025 by Michal bajtala
He was hard to reach, but I was very pleased with the end result. I definitely would use him again. I appreciate your help, Mr. Coyne.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth maggio
Coyne was really good and professional at first after we had something filed with the courts to test trial how our situation would work out ….after it started going downhill. I reached out to him expressing my concerns. I have emailed / left multiple voicemails and went by his office to leave a note and haven’t heard back in regards of filing a motion. No communication at all ( within like three months ) very disappointing.
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18 May, 2024 by Anthony smith
I paid for this guy to handle my wife's custody case. He ignored her and didn't even show up to a court date. We got tired of it so hired another lawyer and when the lawyer looked in to the case he found out that whitney coyne lied about two motions he filed. The man didn't even file the motions. My wife almost lost custody of her children due to this man's lies.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I would not recommend this lawyer for anything. They dooped me, lied to me all to my detriment . Later i found another person they did the same thing too and he ended up spending more money to fix their mistakes.
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23 Dec, 2019 by Amanda
Alicia is an absolutely amazing lawyer. She fought tooth and nail when my fiance was killed in a motorcycle accident and I couldnt have been more happy with choosing her. This was almost 3 years ago and we still talk very often and she checks on me and my daughter at least once a week.
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17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
