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11 Apr, 2023 by Junior brooks
Best attorneys I have ever worked with in my life.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jimmy harris
Will has been our attorney for several small businesses over about 5 years. He is thorough, knows his stuff, and gets back to you quickly when you have urgent issues. I highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Wendy daum
23 Mar, 2020 by Maria
When my husband was seriously injured on private property, we thought that the owner’s insurance company would work with us to fairly handle the injuries. We were wrong and quickly realized that we would need to hire an attorney to help. We hired Mark Johnson and Michael Sprangers to represent us. From the day we hired them, a huge burden was lifted from our shoulders. They guided us through the entire process, so we could focus on getting better and our lives (and not a lawsuit). We can’t thank them enough.
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26 Jan, 2020 by Susi
Mark represented me in a legal malpractice lawsuit. The attorney my husband and I had hired to help us with our wills and estate planning had, unbeknownst to us prior to my husband’s passing, created a real disaster. This resulted in a lawsuit between family members and was the absolute worst-case scenario I or anyone else wanted to go through, especially while dealing with my husband’s passing. I hired Mark to pursue a legal malpractice lawsuit against my previous estate attorney. Mark was so great. From the beginning he made the process understandable, and I always felt I was in great hands. Mark was always prepared, professional, and I cannot thank him enough for handling my case. I highly recommend him.
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03 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Mark Johnson and Michael represented me in a personal injury case. I am a journeyman electrician, and I was seriously injured while working. I had no prior experience with lawsuits, and Mark and Michael were great. They guided me through the entire process, and my family and I are so grateful for their hard work. We are so thankful they were able to get us a good outcome. I would recommend them to anyone who wants the best. Nobody wants to be in a position to need the help of an attorney, but if you or a loved one has been injured, you should definitely give Mark and Michael a call.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Jennifer
Susan went above and beyond to help with such a difficult situation dealing with private insurance. She’s reached out to me immediately to help me during such a stressful situation that’s affected my health. I was so impressed with her wanting to help
me and listened to my concern. What a professional and wonderful law office whom is so concerned about my well being. I highly recommend. I was moved by how their office is driven to have my best interest at heart. I’ll always be grateful for Susan and her office staff. Thank you very much Jennifer
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11 May, 2014 by Kelly
She let me know honestly how things would most likely progress in my case, so that I wouldnt get my hopes up. She prepared me for the important things, and both her and her paralegal Kathryn helped me with all the little things with my case and insurance and all that. made my life so much easier. I will recommend to anyone who asks.
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16 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Susan Machler is the best attorney, she gave me great advice and I appreciate her steering me through a difficult time in my life.
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05 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Hello, everyone. I would like to recommend a exceptional attorney. Her name is LaDonna Marie Jones. LaDonna Jones represented me in 2006 in a personal injury case and again in 2014. She's been very skillful, empathetic, and fair throughout my cases. Based upon my experiences with her, she is a very hard-worker and knowledgeable person in her field of work. I would also like to say that she definitely a professional businesswoman in representing you in your case.
Thank you so much, LaDonna Jones for being such a good representative of what it means to being an experienced attorney.
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24 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney took the awesome approach of informing and educating my husband and I as her clients. She educated us of our rights as well as positioning us in the best way possible to get the most out of our case. S
he took great initiative and anticipated our needs. Her communication style and frequency was appropriate and balanced - we always heard from her when we needed to.
Once we retained her, she immediately began working on our behalf, freeing us from the need to speak with claim adjusters who were not working in our interest.
She was a great negotiator and used her skills, experience, and influence to maximize our settlement.
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16 Apr, 2014 by Courtney
I hired Ms. Jones to represent me when I was in a rear-end accident. Ms. Jones was not only professional, but compassionate as well. She was knowledgable about the relevant law and made herself available to answer any questions I may have had. I would highly recommend LaDonna Jones and The Law Office of L.M. Jones.
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10 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Chris helped us through a long immigration process. Throughout, he was very respectful, practical and honest. We found that we could trust his advice and experience. I would highly recommend Chris for immigration needs.
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23 Mar, 2021 by Deniz
Mr. Jarvis kept me calm as I was dealing with a nerve wrecking family based immigration case. Once I started working with Mr. Jarvis my experience was different than any immigration lawyer I dealt with before. He is very measured and reasoned. We dived in very deep to all the details of my immigration history by created a timeline and gathering all details about each event and movement in immigration terms. He steered my away from spending thousands of dollars for stuff that I did not even needed in the first place. He is the perfect combination of an aggressive subject matter expert in immigration matters, and a calm rational communicator to his clients. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
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25 Feb, 2016 by Monique lalonde
Chris was hired by my previous employer to submit my PERM application. He was fantastic, highly recommend. I had previously experienced two law firms in the past with regards to immigrating to the US which were a mess, mostly drawing out the process, dumping the work onto inexperienced clerks etc... The companies I worked for were paying but I was suffering from how long they were taking - Chris was fast, efficient, got me my PERM ASAP. He's the best.
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15 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Kenneth Selander represented me in a motorcycle vs car accident, in which I incurred severe injuries. I found him to be sincere, trustworthy, kind. caring and considerate at all times. Any time I called or left a message he or his office staff returned my call promptly.
Overall, If I had to do it all over again--Ken Selander would the first and only representative I would contact.
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08 Jan, 2013 by Adam
Ken provided clear honest representation for the entire legal process of my case. He was always responsive to my complex questions and provided clarity at every turn. His dedication proved its self time and again throughout my case. Ken is a highly recommended and trusted ally who skillfully represented my case to the end.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I was very satisfied with how Kenneth Selander handled my auto accident case. He was honest with me about the pros and cons and probably outcomes, and he listened to what I wanted without pressuring me toward any particular option. I'm pretty sure he got me a better settlement than I would ever have gotten without him.
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23 Apr, 2020 by Markos
Raymond is really oriented and friendly , he answer all questions professionally, he answer all phone calls and explain you all details. He is one of best lawyer in Seattle, I really recommend him for any case.
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02 Apr, 2018 by Christa
Years ago when my husband and I were trying to navigate a tricky legal issue Raymond was very helpful and answered all of our questions knowledgeably. Today I had need of him again and he promptly returned my call and should this issue come to court I know he will get me the justice I deserve.
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26 Feb, 2012 by Leo
Mr. Connell is one of the most experienced and caring lawyers I have ever encountered. I have worked with him on two cases, one involving an political asylum case and one a criminal case defending a wrongfully accused. In both cases, Mr. Connell showed a deep sense of caring and understanding and went above and beyond the call to stand up for his clients.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Junior brooks
Best attorneys I have ever worked with in my life.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jimmy harris
Will has been our attorney for several small businesses over about 5 years. He is thorough, knows his stuff, and gets back to you quickly when you have urgent issues. I highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Wendy daum
11 Apr, 2023 by Junior brooks
Best attorneys I have ever worked with in my life.
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19 Apr, 2022 by Jimmy harris
Will has been our attorney for several small businesses over about 5 years. He is thorough, knows his stuff, and gets back to you quickly when you have urgent issues. I highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Wendy daum
22 Apr, 2017 by Naziyr
I was charged with 10 felonies in a very complicated case. This man believed in me and worked tirelessly to get a jury of 12 to do the same. He was able to get several of the counts dismissed prior to trial, and defeated each of the felony counts at trial.
Tom is very resourceful and experienced, and he works well in a team situation, as he did with Bob Goldsmith in this case. He knew the right questions to ask and the right buttons to push, and he got the result that he wanted.
I cannot recommend him enough.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Melissa
Mr. Coe did a thorough job of reviewing the case and was well-informed about similar cases. He was communicative about strategies as the case progressed and was receptive to feedback.
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01 May, 2014 by Albert
Got a speeding ticket over in Clyde Hill. Tom took care of everything. Didn't even have to take off work. Kept me updated on the case and get my $275 ticket down to a $125 non-moving violation.
I would recommend him highly to anyone who wants a quick, easy and painless process.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Don
I have used Ron on several occasions for a variety of issues, both big and small. His expertise, professionalism and ability to make the legal system make sense has always been very welcome. He has always been very good at getting back to me quickly and I have never felt that my case had been put on a back burner.
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24 Feb, 2016 by Ben
Ronald C. Gardner is a great attorney who did very good job on my case of car accident in 2012 . He help me handled my case successfully . The result of the case was more than I thought and very helpful .
Appreciate !
Ben
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14 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Gardner was very helpful in assisting me with a previous tenant who abandoned a 24 foot power boat on my property. Due to neglect on the tenant the boat had partially sunk into the lake. I had originally hired a company to remove the boat; however they would not do so without the permission from the owner. At that time, I found out that the tenant wasn’t even the owner of the boat. When the tenant vacated they provided me with incorrect forwarding addresses and telephone numbers. The City of Seattle imposed a fine of $500 per day if I didn’t remove the boat. Mr. Gardner was very professional and took over the issue for me. The process was painless for me and the results were awesome. I can now enjoy the view without having a partially sunken boat on my property.
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21 Sep, 2015 by Greg
Over the past 5 years, Fred has successfully handled several legal issues for me including a client claim, and settling of an estate.
He has always been thoughtful and clear in his responses and advice, and shows genuine concern for problems and issues.
Going forward Fred will be the only attorney I will consider working with.
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31 Jan, 2014 by Janice
There is no attorney that I respect and trust more than Fred Reed. He handled my Mom's estate and is now our family counsel.
First, he listens and draws upon a deep reserve of expertise and experience. Talking with him feels like being with a dear friend. He was able to synthesize all the information I shared in the first meeting and immediately offered a viable solution. I might mention that the two attorneys I had been working with had less experience and were at a loss as to how to proceed.
Second, he makes himself available by phone or email whenever I have a question or just need reassurance. I am always kept informed of the progress.
Third, he is cost effective. His commitment to excellence in all he does streamlines the process. His efficiency and honesty saves me both time and money. When he says he will deliver a document by Friday, it is there!
I am so fortunate that my realtor referred me to Fred.
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22 Nov, 2013 by Monica
Fred Reed is one of the best real estate attorneys in the Northwest. He is a rare find. Fred is extremely quick to understand complex situations. He can explain complicated concepts so his clients can understand. Fred brings commitment, a tremendous amount of knowledge, and resourcefulness to his real estate practice. It has been a pleasure to work with him.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Dave
I am a retired attorney myself, so like to think I have pretty good insight into good legal services.
Couple years ago I got myself in a difficult situation (due to my own foolish screwup) and asked Mr, Haggart to help me get through the complications as best as could be done. He reviewed the legal and factual situation carefully and advised me to be less defensive --- which was very good advice, it turns out. Over the next year he worked carefully and prudently to bring the mess to a happy conclusion in my favor, and the bills were always fair and reflective of productive effort. He has my permission to have other people contact me for further questions about his performance, but what I have said here pretty much says it all -- trustworthy, practical, knowledgeable.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Duane
I was in a tractor trailer accident in 2007, I was injured and ticketed by the police.
I called Mr Haggart to protect me from any claims that may be filed against me.
The long and short of my story is that he thought I had a case against the other driver and company and I was awarded a large settlement.
Richard always told me the truth and was always ready and working for me. Thank you CRichard
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27 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Dick assisted me with two insurance claims arising from a motor vehicle accident. He was clearly extremely familiar with the world of insurance and knew just how to present my claim to result in a quick and favorable outcome. He was patient with my questions and followed up regularly to keep things on track. I could not have been more pleased with how things worked out, and I give Dick full credit for that.
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20 May, 2015 by Lisa
Mr. Osborn responded very quickly, on a Sunday, and was very helpful.
I wish I would have had him for my council instead of the attorneys that was recommended to me.
I really pray I get a second chance to receive a fair mediation, as I would love the opportunity to work with Mr. Osborn.
thank you for your advise
Lisa
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03 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
It's nice to have someone genuinely care about what you're going through. I haven't found that in a lot of attorneys. I appreciate that I'm not just another person in the turnstile. When you're going through a hard time, almost nothing matters more than finding someone who actually cares about what you're going through and uses that passion to fight for you.
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23 Sep, 2009 by Phillip
Simeon Osborn was very helpful and responsive in assisting me fighting a false domestic violence claim against me. I had to respond quickly and without much time to do so. Osborn and his partner assisted me in getting this false charge dismissed.
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06 Mar, 2022 by Male rn
30 May, 2020 by Suzette capo
11 Mar, 2013 by Maggie
Frank represented me for a car accident and he was amazing!
Getting through the physical pain from my accident was rough but having Frank as my lawyer made my lawsuit painless. He was constantly in touch with me letting me know how my case was progressing and was an exceptional advocate. I appreciated that he was always quick to respond to emails and phone calls as well!
I recommend him to all my friends and family! A++
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15 May, 2019 by Hn
I sought representation in large part because I had been wronged by a group of men in positions of authority who abused that authority. It was a difficult time and definitely colored my opinion of men at the time. Fortunately, James Kytle was part of my legal team. It goes without saying that he is an exemplary attorney with tremendous talent in his field, but more than that, he is one the kindest, most decent men I have ever met. He is one of the good guys determined to use his legal experience to attain justice for his clients. He definitely wanted the best for me. He ensured that I understood my options and allowed me time to weigh those options. His concern for me and my case was genuine and very much appreciated. My respect for him is immeasurable. Thanks to James and his amazing team, we prevailed. I highly recommend him.
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12 Mar, 2014 by Mary
James Kytle handled a auto accident for me, and was very through, professional and caring. I would always return to Mr Kytle for any legal advise.
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23 Mar, 2012 by Kenny
Jim Kytle is a great lawyer. He always kept me well informed and did well with my case. I highly recommend him.
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16 Jan, 2019 by Olga andrei
Simon represented us in a personal injury case after a car accident. He is a real professional, very knowledgeable, and always on top of his game. We felt very confident about our case and were pleasantly surprised with the final result. We strongly recommend Simon. He is the best!
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30 Nov, 2011 by Alicia
I got in a car accident and my friend recommended me hiring Simon Kvasnyuk. It was a pleasure working with Simon. He did great on my case. I liked the way he took care of all the issues related to the accident and the settlement was very satisfying. Will definitely work with him in the future.
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11 Nov, 2011 by R.e.p.
I hired Simon to represent my son for a civil infraction, and have referred numerous acquaintances for representation in speeding infractions and personal injury claims. He has a consistent record of wins.
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26 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
John was hired though our insurance company. There was a really bed dog bite at one of our rentals. He truly helped to keep everything in line and also took time to ensure that we were doing good as well. I am very happy that we had John by our side during this very difficult time in our lives. Thanks John!
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17 May, 2017 by Heather
Jonathan was assigned my case which was already in progress when assigned by my insurance company. He immediately familiarized himself with the case, quickly assessed previous efforts and decisions to resolve and made recommendations on how to proceed. It was a bit of a unique scenario, one that John himself indicated he had not seen previously, and throughout the entire process was communicative, professional, informational and assertive which in the end, worked out as favorably as possibly. I would recommend John if you're looking for representation that is assertive while maintaining professionalism, however maintains a no-nonsense demeanor in the pursuit of resolution.
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25 Nov, 2013 by Joshua
Jonathan helped handle a case where the plaintiff was impacted in their car and sued myself and another car driver for damages. The results were the best that could be expected - very minimal damages on my part, and with only a couple appearances required of me. Mr. Missen showed decorum, poise, and a cheerful disposition during the entire process, which no doubt helped the results turn out as they did. He was knowledgeable without being pushy, and this came across in deposition and arbitration. I was pleased to have his support and skill in the case, and would want him on the case again if a similar situation arose.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Julia buck
24 Feb, 2020 by Tammy white
15 Jul, 2018 by Kelcey shelton
10 Jul, 2021 by Eric tillman
This firm is absolutely amazing. Chuck Rullman is an amazing attorney. He was super helpful and very responsive. I would 100% recommend this law firm to anyone.
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15 Mar, 2018 by Natasha d
22 Sep, 2017 by Emerald city
01 Nov, 2021 by Nicole
Chris is Amazing!!! He makes you feel like family! He helped me win my case against my employer!!!
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21 Jan, 2020 by Douglas
I had hired Chris Stockwell to represent me in a wrongful termination case. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome and the quality of legal counsel I experienced with Chris. I highly recommend Chris.
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10 Sep, 2016 by Rajiv nagaich
When it comes to looking for a lawyer who can get you justice, I mean real justice, not just words, there are very few who make the cut for me. And Greg makes that cut. Greg is the tops. He has taken on large companies, the government and shady (and shifty) actors to bring them to their knees. Could not endorse anyone with more enthusiasm. He is not a good or great lawyer - he is among the few pre-eminent lawyers you would be lucky to have on your team.
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14 Apr, 2016 by Doug
I have worked with Greg McBroom on numerous matters and he has always done a great job. One of his strong attributes is that he know when to be tough and when not to be. Always has a positive attitude.
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27 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
We had questions about our surety, she had extensive knowledge and made it clear where the limits of our bond extended, probably saved us from future headaches and pain. Advised us on further protections.
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02 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Served as a consultant on a construction matter involving a deceased party with unfinished construction projects. Savvy and resourceful, hard-nosed approach, and sound in her understanding of our discipline.
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23 Nov, 2021 by Laura
Mr. Gillis is quite the advocate. He worked so hard for me. There was no slowing him down. He peaked around every corner, looked at every piece of the case with professionalism. I cannot say enough positive words to describe him. He is smart, articulate but most of all, believed in me. It was healing to work with him. What I like most about Mr. Gillis is that he is extremely competent, he trusted me, and showed me respect and patience. I trust and trusted Mr. Gillis completely.. Hire this man and his firm. They are quite THE advocates and you cannot go wrong with him and his firm.
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21 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I’m a happy client. Mr. Gillis handled a lemon law issue with my three-year-old automobile and represented my interests very well to the manufacturer, which resulted in reimbursement to me of all costs associated with the car at purchase (Oct 2014). This allowed me to negotiate a good deal on a 2018 replacement vehicle, too. Mr. Gillis is all about justice, equity, and Goodwill! He is a true advocate for those in need! It will be interesting to watch his career at this point, as he rights many wrongs for his clients!. I can only wish him the very best.
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19 Mar, 2023 by Cassandra
I was in a hit-and-run accident which has left me with permanent injuries. Managing my pain requires daily medication and additional medical treatment. I did not have PIP; fortunately, I did have UIM. I was thankfully able to receive the maximum amount of UIM coverage available from the insurance company.
Jeffery intently listened to me and captured my concerns. After receiving the demand letter that he drafted on my behalf, the insurance company tendered the policy limits. They also paid to repair my vehicle, which was a high amount due to the extensive damage. Everything was settled out of court.
I am so grateful for Jeffery's diligence and attentiveness. If I ever need representation again, I will be sure to retain him once more. He was a pleasure to work with and was always so respectful. I highly recommend this attorney.
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26 Feb, 2016 by Fred
Jeff dedicated a lot of time and care to my accident case. As a result of his representation, I was able to receive fair compensation for my injuries from an insurance company that had been very difficult to deal with. I really appreciate his quality assistance and highly recommend him for his attentiveness and advocacy.
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11 Nov, 2015 by Shirley
Working with Erica Buckley was a wonderful experience. She did exactly what she said she would do and in less time than I expected. She relieved me of so much stress and I was able to focus on healing from my accident. In the end she was able to settle my case for more than I could have imagine. I highly recommend Buckley & Associates.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Michael
I worked with Erica with other lawyers from around the country, and I would highly recommend her if your looking for an aggressive and passionate lawyer to handle your case. She is legally skilled and truly cares about the clients she represents. I would not hesitate hiring her if I ever needed a personal injury lawyer.
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23 Mar, 2013 by Rob
It was a pleasure working with Mr.Drotz. Any time that I had a question I could get a hold of him immediately. He was also very meticulous with his work. I would recommend him to anyone.
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15 Mar, 2013 by Kate
John helped me deal with complicated insurance issues and reach a good resolution in my case.
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14 Nov, 2012 by Shane
Justin is a highly knowledgeable and diligent lawyer. His integrity is second to none. When I first approached Justin for legal advice, I was hoping to avoid the need for a lawyer altogether, but wanted the opinion of someone trustworthy. Justin took the time to make a few inquiries on my behalf before recommending that I utilize his services.
His advice was highly beneficial. Justin quickly ascertained that the responsible party in my legal claim had no intentions of otherwise making things right (which explained the roadblocks I was facing on my own). Once Justin took on my case, the claim was taken seriously and he was able to expeditiously settle my case. He handled all of the details and otherwise removed all of the personal burden of dealing with an unfortunate situation.
I am far better off due to the services Justin provided and would not hesitate to hire Justin again should the need arise. I would recommend others do the same. His services are invaluable from both a personal and financial standpoint.
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28 Oct, 2012 by David
At all times during the course of his representation of our interests in a dispute, Mr. Bolster carefully analyzed each situation and development, advised courses of action, was patient and was quite thorough.
He was an effective negotiator with the opposition and the outcome was quite satisfactory.
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13 Jul, 2016 by Rosie
Jason helped me with a car accident claim. I'm so glad I went to him for help!
Jason was recommended to me by a lawyer friend. My lawyer friend said he hadn't been able to win against Jason in a similar case; that seemed a good recommendation to me!
Jason was thorough and he listened—smartly and kindly. He did not give up. And he helped me understand how the legal system works. I always felt like he had time for my questions, and he answered them clearly. Car accidents and the subsequent pain (and pain meds) can make you emotional and a little fuzzy; Jason was patient with that, too. Although my case was probably small compared to his other cases, I felt like he treated my case just as he treated the rest.
Jason is intelligent, strategy-savvy, and he really connects with people genuinely. He prepared and he came through for me. I highly recommend him.
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11 May, 2016 by Jill
I had been in a car accident that resulted in surgery and was overwhelmed at the thought of going through the claims process on my own. Jason stepped in to handle my case, much to my relief. He is very knowledgeable in personal injury matters, knows the ins and outs of the system, and negotiated a very favorable settlement for me.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Juan
I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Pruzan. From his vast knowledge of complex issues to his passion to justice, he is the attorney you want on your side! My case may not be worth a ton of money, but he is helping me seek justice for my injuries!
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15 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
A fellow attorney referred me to Mr. Pruzan for an issue involving my own child. I was very impressed. Mr. Pruzan conducted a thorough and honest review of our potential claim. Although this did not result in a claim being filed, it helped my wife and I to be confident in our decision not to pursue legal action. Due to his obvious expertise and knowledge and his careful and thorough review of all the facts and documents pertaining to our case, I have no doubt we made the right decision. If you have a child with a birth-related condition, you know how difficult this is to say. I highly recommend Mr. Pruzan.
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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.
