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02 Dec, 2024 by Anthony edick
If you never had the "pleasure" of suddenly being served Divorce papers and you find yourself surprised, a bit lost, maybe locked out of your house, confused, in understandable shock, suddenly without money and blind-sided, I strongly recommend you go to M Kalil as soon as possible. He is very experienced and often has helped first-timers. Kalil is pragmatic and logical formost, saves you from MUCH extraneous nonsense by getting to the point and helping one navigate an impossible situation efficiently and to your benefit. The initial consultation is without charge but, better still, his experience and long-standing relationships with other lawyers and judges and local Courts makes your retainer fee go farther by avoiding legal dead ends and wasteful spending. Every dollar invested in his office saves you two more by avoiding unnecessary, wasteful motions and he is mission-focused on your best ultimate outcome. He will not hold your hand or wipe your tears (trust me, you don't want that kind of lawyer), but he will adopt your case in more of a feduciary sense with your solvency and goals as his goals. If you wish simply to resolve your legal Divorce issues and end up in the best position, use him. He's really good at it. His staff is experienced and has been working for him many years (ESPECIALLY Anne), his staff is top notch. If you are understandably sad or shook, ask him to recommend a therapist maybe, but if you wish simply to get your best outcome financially without nonsense or false leads, get him on your team soonest, please. In my experience, Kalil is an expert on mitigation and obtaining the best result for you personally in an impossible, terrible situation. Divorce produces NO winners, ever, but Kalil will find your path to resolution and place you in the least-bad situation for your benefit, blaze a path for you to stay solvent and hasten your best outcome so you can rebuild your life well. Again, one dollar spent with Kalil saves you many more by avoiding needless pitfalls and costly dead-ends with less experienced other local lawyers - I actually DID check them all out. I cannot recommend him enough. This, from a skeptical first time divorcee, University graduate, professional, NOT a lawyer-fan in general. Name is Anthony, and you're welcome.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Andrew kalaydjian
Such a pleasure to deal with. Very professional. Recommend.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jessie
My ex husband and I used Michael Kalil for mediation for our divorce in 2021. He made the entire process simple and easy for us. We really appreciated his handling of what could have been a high stress situation. I would highly reccomend
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04 Jan, 2025 by David chatten
Great law firm for Estate Planning in Utica and up state New York. The law firm has a step by step process to planning your end of life affairs….they offer seminars for the public to educate them on the importance of estate planning and the law firm has an excellent support staff. I had the opportunity to visit this law firm and was throughly impressed with their professionalism and the friendly approach they take. End of life planning can be challenging but with Robert Hilton and his team on your side, you will ensure your loved ones can focus on healing rather than being at odds regarding important decisions. Call them anytime and they will start working on a plan of action to help you and your family.
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01 May, 2024 by Peter dimaggio
Do your homework before you hire this firm.
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05 Apr, 2024 by Nate graniela
My wife & I did estate planning with John Maine, very professional & thorough, secretary was courteous. Hilton Estate & Elder Law is the place to come to.
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17 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Christopher helped me with my speeding ticket. Instead of me getting 4 violation points and huge speeding ticket he was able to convert it to "1Opening and closing vehicle doors" ticket. So, I paid lesser for ticket and got 0 violation points. Besides, Christopher was extremely responsive and transparent throughout the whole process. Highly recommend!
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25 Jan, 2020 by Steve.
I hired Chris Pelli based on a friends recommendation and I am very pleased with his representation. Chris helped take away my worries in the process and I came away with a very good outcome. My experience working with Chris was excellent and I highly recommend his services.
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08 Dec, 2019 by Vanessa p
I don't even know where to begin to explain how grateful we are we hired Chris Pelli. My husband & i went to several consultations with different attorneys trying to find one that we felt that really understood our case, one who showed compassion, drive, professionalism, knowledge, & we were blessed to find Chris he treated with the utmost respect, he showed full interest in our case. At all times we felt very confident in our decision to hire Chris, we didn’t any promises, he simply shared his knowledge & we felt like he was the right person to take on our case! & time after time he showed us that we had made the right decision. I would absolutely recommend Chris to anyone who’s looking for an attorney in his field!
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01 Jun, 2012 by Dan
Mr. Murad has handled many cases for me and always given a 100% effort. He is very prompt at returning my calls and following through. I recommend him highly.
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20 May, 2012 by Vincent
Mr Murad helped me obtain guardianship and secure an inheritance while keeping me informed throughout the proceeding in terms that I could understand. He was prompt in returning my calls and was in court on the days scheduled without drawn out delays. I have the confidence that Mr. Murad together with his partners can handle any legal situation.
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19 May, 2012 by Kathleen a.
I have used this attorney on several different legal matters. He is very protective of his clients, and fights to ensure that they receive all that they are entitled to. I am lucky to have worked with him.
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05 May, 2023 by David
Ricardo looked into our case without mentioning anything about fees. He investigated with the courthouse and determined it was a clerical error, and obtained proof of the same. He refused to accept compensation for his troubles. There are still some great people in the world, who believe in paying it forward!!
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11 Aug, 2019 by Billy piperata jr
We have had Ricardo Mauro as a lawyer since we first closed on our house in 2008. Due to his friendly and knowledgeable demeanor and his office assistant Sarah we have worked with him several times since. He really cares about people and their situations and is not all about the dollar. He has given us valuable advice for free when we needed it on a few occasions as well. Thank you Rick and team! We appreciate you!
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09 Jan, 2019 by Ron
Where do I begin? My experience with Mr. Mauro began by dealing with Sara, his paralegal. What a peach she is!!! She made me feel right at ease in dealing with my speeding ticket I got while on a vacation to Old Forge. I am a commercial driver so I could not afford to have points on my record. I did a search and found him on line. Not knowing who you are calling when you live in Virginia and having to deal with the legal system in NY can be daunting to say the least but Sara was so easy and confident in who she was and how she handled everything. So professional but yet caring. One hopes they never need legal assistance again but if the need arises...well.... I will just get to talk to Sara again ;>) Oh yes and by the way....no points on my record and a mild fine was the settlement of my heavy foot. Thanks Ricardo.
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05 Jan, 2025 by Kim wilson
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05 Jan, 2025 by Sebastian rivera
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24 Apr, 2024 by Adis begic
Great people to work with
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20 Oct, 2023 by P j
Stephanie Palmer is an honest, compassionate, and knowledgeable attorney. She is very passionate about her cases. She worked on my accident case a few months ago and was amazing. She kept me up to date on what was happening with my case and at the end she got me a settlement that was more than I could have expected. I would recommend Stephanie to anyone who is looking for a good reliable and compassionate attorney.
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27 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Stephanie was excellent to work with in my legal case. She gave excellent advice and guidance while helping navigate my legal issues and mitigating my potential liabilities. Her communication, timely advice and knowledge of the law were huge assets and helped me with my case.
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17 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I like when an attorney isn't for the court and represents the client the best of her ability. Mrs. Talerico did an excellent job with representing me in front of Judge Skane..thank you. If you need an attorney she is the best at what she does, and she will do her best. This attorney was court appointed, either way she is nice, does her job. Thank you!! Satisfied client.
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29 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I recently had the great pleasure to work with this attorney while I was selling a property I owned in Kirkland, NY. My real estate agent introduced him to me and I hired him to be in charge of the closing. I can say with no hesitation that everything went extremely smoothly and he was very responsive and accurate in every step of the process. I live in NJ and he provided me with timely updates and took care of all the details without my intervention. He works with an exceptional staff that is as precise and trustworthy as him. The whole experience was a joy. He is also very courteous and principled. I highly recommend this lawyer.
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05 Nov, 2009 by Laura
I have used this lawyer two times. For my divorce and my bankruptcy. I highly recommend Mr. Daly for an attorney.
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18 May, 2017 by Mark r
I had some probation trouble and I hired tony laface. He was forgetful and acted as if he just didn't care. I went to jail and my friend was facing a major federal trial for marijuana who also had laface. Long story short the judge and da wouldn't listen to him or reason with him. My friend lost property and was sentenced to ten years with the help of laface. Needless to say I felt hopeless and doomed. I hired David and within 2 weeks I was free and the new charges where dismissed. I really cannot thank mr. longeretta enough of praise him enough. He was the only one who actually cared and had the power to do something with the mess I was in.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Sheila
Mr. Kalil was compassionate and extremely helpful to my case. I also referred my daughter to him as I trust him and know he will give her the utmost attention to help her. He is a truly kind and intellagent individual.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Janice panek
I couldn’t say enough about this attorney. Hands down he’s the best around. If you want a no nonsense, get your money’s worth and then some this is your guy!! BEST AROUND HANDS DOWN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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25 Jul, 2024 by Julius lang
Perfect guy to represent you I couldn’t be any happier with no inconvenience to my work life or anything he got the job done I appreciate everything he has done for me and I recommend him 10 out of 10
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27 Apr, 2024 by Lindsey peters
John has been my lawyer for 3 years. He is prompt in communication, professional, always classy and shows the utmost respect toward all parties. Every custody court appearance he has been able to get more than I expected and I’m extremely grateful.
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23 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Brooks Benson should open his own practice and get away from the firm he is with, His work ethic is not at all like the others at that firm and he would be better of on his own or with an attorney that is more like him
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14 Nov, 2024 by David doty
Michelle R. Gu helped me smartly, efficiently, and effectively where other attorneys came up short. She and her team got the job done when things looked rough— and led me, because of her efforts and persistence, to the positive outcome I had long hoped for. Thank you, Michelle and team!!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Zsanette marielle
Michelle was the lawyer I needed from the beginning, I highly recommend her 5 stars in my book! She has a wonderful personality and her office was homey and professional making me feel safe and taken care of. I was able to sleep better at night knowing that I had her on my side.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Goose
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31 Mar, 2023 by Dennis johnson
Quick service and well versed on our needs
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27 May, 2021 by Carl mannino
Worked with Gustave and family. Excellent lawyers, professional and honest.
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05 Jan, 2021 by David k. griffith
We've worked with Gus & Michele on several matters. They're extremely competent, very astute attorneys who are well respected in all local courts. Very fair in their fee/cost. We refer clients to this firm and they have all reported very positive experiences as well.
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05 Jan, 2025 by Kim wilson
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05 Jan, 2025 by Sebastian rivera
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19 Jun, 2024 by David k. griffith
Tom Atkinson is a horrible divorce attorney. He will not work in your best interests, he's not trustworthy and I can clearly demonstrate he violated my trust and confidentiality after I fired him.
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19 Jun, 2024 by David k. griffith
Tom Atkinson is a horrible divorce attorney. He will not work in your best interests, he's not trustworthy and I can clearly demonstrate he violated my trust and confidentiality after I fired him.
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16 Oct, 2023 by Nick jarmak
This office was responsible for my mortgage paperwork, and largely messed up the amount to be held back for school taxes and then emailed me a couple months later to just casually send them a check for over $1500, as if I didn’t just purchase a house and expect that they had already taken care of the tax amounts properly. Horrible experience and now I am not financially sound right before the holidays. Not sure how a law office that manages mortgage paperwork was not aware that STAR credit is no longer applied directly to tax amounts…
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07 Aug, 2023 by Lily corathers
Had my mortgage paperwork through this firm. Very kind, patient, knowledgeable, and transparent. Easy to get a hold of with questions afterward, and kind!
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14 Nov, 2020 by Jay micale -hawkeye-
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12 Jan, 2020 by Fanzareli88
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29 Apr, 2015 by Michael
I litigated a case against Eva and I came away with a very strong respect and admiration for her legal skills. She was extremely thorough - leaving no stone unturned - and clearly had her client's best interests in mind. She was, at the same time, very professional. My experiences with her were consistent with her top notch reputation in the legal community.
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28 Aug, 2023 by Chris b
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25 Aug, 2023 by Billie schadt
I hired them to represent me in a personal injury case, but instead of acting in my best interest, they only seemed to care about their own agenda. The lawyer assigned to my case was rude, incompetent, and lacked any sort of empathy for my situation. He failed to communicate with me in a timely manner, ignored my concerns, and repeatedly missed important deadlines. Despite my numerous attempts to get answers and receive proper representation, the firm failed to deliver. To make matters worse, their billing practices were outrageous and seemingly designed to fleece their clients of as much money as possible. They billed for every single phone call, email, and minute of work, even if it had no bearing on my case. The bills I received were inflated and did not seem to reflect the actual work being done. In addition, the firm was unprofessional in their communication with other parties involved in my case, often causing unnecessary delays and further frustration for me as a client. The firm was also unresponsive to my requests for documentation, such as itemized bills and court filings, making it impossible for me to understand the progress of my case. I would strongly advise anyone considering Finer & Fanelli to choose a different firm. They lack any sort of ethical standards, take advantage of their clients, and do not provide the level of representation that one would expect from a law firm. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the state bar association and hope to prevent others from having to endure the same experience that I did.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Was thinking of hiring, but when I looked up his status online said he was Delinquent for over 2 years with his renewal licensing requirements in NYS
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28 Aug, 2023 by Chris b
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25 Aug, 2023 by Billie schadt
I hired them to represent me in a personal injury case, but instead of acting in my best interest, they only seemed to care about their own agenda. The lawyer assigned to my case was rude, incompetent, and lacked any sort of empathy for my situation. He failed to communicate with me in a timely manner, ignored my concerns, and repeatedly missed important deadlines. Despite my numerous attempts to get answers and receive proper representation, the firm failed to deliver. To make matters worse, their billing practices were outrageous and seemingly designed to fleece their clients of as much money as possible. They billed for every single phone call, email, and minute of work, even if it had no bearing on my case. The bills I received were inflated and did not seem to reflect the actual work being done. In addition, the firm was unprofessional in their communication with other parties involved in my case, often causing unnecessary delays and further frustration for me as a client. The firm was also unresponsive to my requests for documentation, such as itemized bills and court filings, making it impossible for me to understand the progress of my case. I would strongly advise anyone considering Finer & Fanelli to choose a different firm. They lack any sort of ethical standards, take advantage of their clients, and do not provide the level of representation that one would expect from a law firm. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the state bar association and hope to prevent others from having to endure the same experience that I did.
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24 Sep, 2021 by Don mochrie jr
This law firm gives you 110% and more, and isn’t afraid of getting the truth and justice for you.
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03 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Mark invest loyalty in his clients. I admire his work ethic and great reputation.
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09 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Very helpful and there when I needed him. His fees are fair for his experience. I would high recommend Mark as attorney.
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08 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I am sorry to say - Mark is not a good attorney at all - he is old school - no computer to email, no fax, very disorganized, not there when he tells you to come down, you never hear from him, gets snippy when you ask questions, $1000 to retain him for what - does nothing for you - no paperwork sent out - I call the court for my answers. Definitely not a person I would recommend. Very poor in communication. Seems to get cranky when you ask specific questions to him - $300 an hour - stood in his office while he talked on the phone - I got up and left - he was not charging me for sitting there while he was on the phone - my time was as precious as his - I am not sure if he liked it but I sure did not. I have not been back since - no need as he has nothing to say.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Well, I just had a useless conversation with the D.A.'s office. He has jokes!? I told him someone cost me a set of tire because whomever was changing the air pressure, and he asked me if they did it remotely? The tire blow out while I was driving down rt 5. I told him things were missing out of my safe deposit box, and he treated me like I was an idiot. I am down $140,000 and instead of coming up with helpful suggestions, he talks down to me. Great guy, seems he works for the wealthy and connected. Ps. I have proven my mental state to 3 Judges. One federal and two local and by suggesting otherwise could be seen as slander and defamation of my character. 30/Nov/ 2024 What a fun time at the Verona post office. A small group of people and insulting things being said by one of the staff ( stalker was there too). I admittedly did not catch all that was said, but enough to be humiliated and embarrassed. Also enough to know that my mail was gone through by someone other than staff. Is that not what is called mail tampering? How do I know that some of my mail was not taken by the stalker? Why is someone other than employees doing going through mail anyway? Attempted burglary and robbery, theft by deception and unauthorized entry.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Douglas bamford
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17 Feb, 2024 by Thomas netzband
Good afternoon, I am wondering when my parole is going to happen? I am suing Oneida County, 2 counties, the NY AG and a person for breaching my civil rights. I have a Dr's app next week in New Hartford. I am tired of a certain few people, who are not invited to show up and do raise hell. One of the people, call someone, after the cops are called and the cops are sent away. It is also getting back to me that if someone comes to see me, a few of the people involved show up every time. The guy who came to see me leaves without ever having see me. Now it seems that my mail is no longer private. I received a box and a woman approached the sub mail carrier and wanted to know what was in the box and where it came from. Did I fall asleep and wake up in a 3 world country? Is this not the month where we are celebrating the fact people who were treated like they were less than everyone else are not anymore? Am I missing something? Oh and by the way, my meds that were either short one month and over the next. I did report these events. Weird that after changing the locks twice, it is still happening. 4th day of April 2024 and as I thought nothing appears to be being done. Last night, between 9:30 and 10 pm I was told that I should join my late husband. It was too dark but seemed to me to be a man. It reminds me of the first time that type of thing happened. It was the Nov before my husband passed. A guy was letting air out of my tires. This time whoever he was beating on my car. 22/April/2024 I went to the second place where I have a safe deposit box. Strange thing that my late partner's name that was not in thier sign in book, the last time I was there BUT it was this time. The second strange thing was it looked nothing like my partner's signature and his signature was study. No one at this second bank can explain how anyone could possibly know about what was in these safe deposit boxes because the contents were not typical . 3 David's name did not appear in both pages, just one... It must be being done by a magician or ghost... Perhaps? I should have asked Senator Griffo about the events that keep happening to me? Last night, I was again told that I should join my late partner. The content of my house keeps being rifled and I know that being common trash you folks have better things to do or my 3 stockers come by but one would think that you might show a little bit of interest...
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14 Nov, 2020 by Jay micale -hawkeye-
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12 Jan, 2020 by Fanzareli88
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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:

  1. What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award.
  3. 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.
  4. How often do you take cases to trial?
    Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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