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10 Jun, 2024 by David sybers
Excellent service and took time to explain everything.
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07 May, 2024 by Carrie coffman
07 May, 2024 by Belinda smith
Her service was very compassionate and understanding. She took the time to explain everything. She addressed all of our needs and represented us very well. She knows her clients and has great knowledge of law. I would return to her for any future matters if needed.
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10 Jun, 2024 by David sybers
Excellent service and took time to explain everything.
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07 May, 2024 by Carrie coffman
07 May, 2024 by Belinda smith
Her service was very compassionate and understanding. She took the time to explain everything. She addressed all of our needs and represented us very well. She knows her clients and has great knowledge of law. I would return to her for any future matters if needed.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Antoinette garrett
Great business. Great job on handling my case. I would recommend them to anybody in need of law help. Thank you Mr. Lupton and your team.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Zachery duke
Awesome people, lots of patience, constant communication. If I had questions, and there were alot of them, they always answered and the Lawyers were cool, talking to all of them was easy and like talking to family. 100 of 10 would recommend. Loved working with them, every step of the way.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Betty boop
Thank you for helping me through this situation…. Everyone was pleasant!
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17 Nov, 2023 by Melissa s
I hired Joe and his team to help with my case. From day one I felt very comfortable and confident with my decision. They took time to get to know my case and to help me understand what I would be going through. Beth Powers was wonderful to work with also she helped me when ever I had questions or concerns. I would highly recommend them for any of your needs.
Thank you again Joe Miller Team for everything.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Jason
From the start I have been very pleased with the service I have received from Joe Law firm. I have been working with his Paralegal Beth Powers. She is phenomenal. Anytime I have had a question I could email or call her and she would either have an answer for me or get me an answer very quickly. Just goes to show the quality of service you get with Mr. Miller's Law firm. He has a very good Paralegal in Ms. Powers. Highly recommend any and everyone that needs an injury lawyer to make the call to Mr. Miller's Law firm. You will not regret it.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Rossi
I highly recommend this business, their customer service is second to none,especially Beth. She is very friendly,professional and has an outstanding personality.
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13 Apr, 2023 by Liz
Heath and his staff helped me obtain a loan modification. They made the very stressful situation easier by being helpful and available whenever needed. They took the time to be sure I understood everything that was happening and that I needed to do to get the modification done. They went above and beyond!
I highly recommend Heath and his team.
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30 Nov, 2021 by Ron
Attorney Thompson , and team was professional and courteous keeping us informed during each step of loan modification for our home saving us from foreclosure. His firm Knows how to deliver successful results. Thank You !!!!
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30 Jul, 2019 by Greg
We called Heath Thompson to save our house. We meet Mr. Thompson he told use he could help us and he did. Heath saved our house. Thank you so much. We are grateful.
Greg R
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06 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Kind, caring and compassionate. He's doesn't see you as a dollar figure, he sees you as a person. It makes all the difference. He knows the DUI laws and helped me go from a felony DUI 3rd offense to a 2nd, 2nd offense and no felony. Again, makes all the difference. Highly recommend him when your future is on the line.
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04 Apr, 2017 by John
Lee is a very good negotiater, and savy with the judges as he has served as an ADA with the City of Virginia Beach. He knows the law and is easy to converse with, he takes his time with you. I'm glad Mr Devendorf was my choice.
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04 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
He cares to help, not just about getting money! He does his best to get us where we want, not guilty!
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07 Feb, 2023 by Francis shields
Jim is extremely knowledgeable, and if you have concerns about your VA waterfront property, I'd recommend you give him a call.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Masonry design
I am a business owner who uses attorneys from time to time. Jim Lang is the best. He helped me fix a big problem
I had at the VMRC on a matter of great importance to me. This was not a simple case so it turned into a 4 year journey. Over that entire time Jim was always smart, tenacious, experienced, a great listener, and (most importantly) caring. A lot of road blocks popped up over the life of my case. Jim figured out a way over, around or through each one. Jim's deep contacts at the agency, and the credibility he has built up over his many years representing clients before the VMRC, turned out to be a resource that was very helpful in getting my case resolved in highly favorable terms. Another thing that I liked about Jim is that he kept me informed all along the way. I always knew exactly what was going on with my case. This attorney is a quality human being who is very good at what he does. Highly recommended!
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19 Jan, 2022 by Jeff johnson
Jim was extremely helpful in answering all my questions. He is extremely professional and always responded in providing service in a timely fashion. I would definitely use Jim again if I needed assistance involving any environmental issues at hand.
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29 May, 2023 by Kate
Paige was the first lawyer I ever worked with and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She handled my case quickly and effectively, as she remained personable and reassuring. She went above and beyond for me and I felt extremely taken care of through a difficult time. Thank you, Paige, for everything!
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24 May, 2023 by Mary
Navigating any situation that necessitates legal assistance can be challenging, but fortunately, there are lawyers such as Paige who can guide you through. As a client of Paige, I found that she consistently demonstrated understanding, attentiveness, responsiveness, and reliability. Her unparalleled expertise, meticulousness, and proficiency shone through during the entire litigation process. Without any hesitation, I would wholeheartedly recommend Paige to anyone dealing with business or personal injury disputes.
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24 May, 2023 by Haynes
I highly recommend Paige for anyone seeking a litigation lawyer. Paige did an outstanding job representing me in my case. Their extensive knowledge and experience in the field of litigation were evident in the way they handled every aspect of my case. They were always responsive, providing clear and concise explanations of legal processes, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their attention to detail, strategic thinking, and strong advocacy skills resulted in a favorable outcome for me. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in need of a skillful and professional litigation lawyer.
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18 Jan, 2022 by William
Mr. Tackett was not only successful in winning my case for the negligence and wrongful death of my Dog against the veterinarian, but was also a friend during my grief. That may sound cliche', but it is the truth. He really cares, and it shows. Thank you again Dennis, thank you for being there.
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03 Mar, 2018 by Jim
Mr. Tackett has handled many cases for me and my family over the years, and each time has delivered a winning and favorable outcome. He is very responsive, patient and a great listener and counselor with legal advice
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12 Oct, 2016 by Alison
Even after moving out of state, Mr. Tackett kept me updated on my case. I only wanted to make sure the doctor's bills were paid but he wouldn't have it. I am extremely pleased and would recommend him to anyone!
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18 Sep, 2018 by Stacey
I had the pleasure of using Shelley when I was rear ended and she by far exceeded my expectations! I am recommending her to everyone I can! The best lawyer I have ever used. She is very communicative with the process and a true expert in her field. If you need a lawyer she is the one to call!
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12 Oct, 2017 by Sandy
Shelley Swain Berry and her team were the most amazing team to work with. They kept us apprised of all aspects of the case from the beginning to the end. Shelley had been in an accident too, so I knew she'd fight hard for us. It was nice to have a lawyer who understood what we were going through. Her compassion shined through and I truly couldn't have asked for a better lawyer to handle our case.
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01 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer was an all around blessing to our family. She told us what to expect and when.. she was honest and upfront. The fact she has been through a similar situation really allowed her to relate to us. Thank you, Shelley!
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03 Jul, 2012 by Constance
It is my great pleasure to highly recommend Kellam T. Parks as an attorney at law. Attorney Parks is an intelligent attorney who has great knowledge of the law. He is trustworthy, caring and a fine human being, as well. In a time when mediocrity is the norm, it is rare to find a gentleman with the high quality characteristics that Attorney Parks possesses.
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07 Jun, 2012 by Chris
Over the course of the last 14 years I have used four different attorneys for the various issues that have arisen regarding custody of my child. Throughout my cases I was left wondering what my counsel was really doing. My attorneys were hard to get in touch with and I never really heard from them until a couple of days before the case went to court. I felt completely in the dark.
With Kellam, things were different from the start. He was very honest with his assessment of our case. Time was of the essence in my case and he hit the ground running. I had access to all the documents he had in my file through his internet-based case management system. I got the updates for our case as soon as he got them and I knew every step of the way how things were going. If I needed to ask a question, I got a quick response to my e-mails.
With his diligence things happened quickly for us and we are in a good place right now. This was a very sensitive time for my family and I truly felt through it all I had someone in my corner.
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04 Jun, 2012 by Mark
Kellam was extremely knowledgeable about our employment case and followed through with each and every issue involved. He kept us informed throughout and responded to all our requests immediately. If with have another employment or any other legal need, we will be sure to use Kellam.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Michael
Best Lawyer in the game would recommend him anytime! Shows up on time check on his clients couldn’t ask for a better lawyer
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06 Aug, 2021 by Amanda m
I found myself in an extremely difficult, criminal, legal situation and hired Mr. Rasberry immediately after interviewing 4 other attorneys.
He is very personable and empathetic, yet outspoken and demanding when necessary which I appreciated. He was very thorough and informative when explaining courtroom procedures
and what I should expect when taking the stand. His advise and confident demeanor put me at ease during a very stressful time in my life. In the courtroom he is clearly respected by all. He is concise in his speech and has the ability to command closure.
He was able to have the charge dismissed and that was the correct and desired outcome. I am thankful to Mr. Rasberry and highly recommended him for legal counsel.
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20 Mar, 2019 by Kelli
Mr. Rasberry represented me in a Child Visitation case. He took the time to listen to our needs and desired outcome, we never felt like just another client. Mr. Rasberry was able to get a resolution to this quickly and efficiently. He presented our case well in front of the Judge with confidence and professionalism. I am very pleased with the outcome of this situation.
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03 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Yates is a great lawyer. He knows the laws and my DUI case was dismissed. He was very compassionate with my situation. We used him 30 years ago on another matter and he was able to mediate and make both parties happy. His rates are reasonable and far less than others that quoted. If I ever need him in the future, I will definitely use him again.
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21 Jun, 2019 by Dave
Great Lawyer. He's helped my family through the years. I'd recommend him highly to anyone seeking an attorney.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Talk about professional. Mr Yates will tell you the ins and outs of your case. This was my first time dealing with Johnny Law so by nature I was nervous. They always say go with your first instinct and that's what I did. So I called Mr Yates and the receptionist was as calm as possible and very embarrassing. She told me with confidence "Mr Yates is the man for you and he'll take care of you" from there I set up a meeting. I can admit I was nervous speaking with him but he reassured me that "I'll do what's best for you" he was straight forward but tactful in his delivery, but I knew he was the man for my case. On the day of the trail he smiled and told me worse case scenario. But as they say in wrestling "for every move there is a counter and for every counter there's a move." When I say he was well prepared that's an understatement. We walk into the court room and less than 10 minutes dismissed! He's well worth every penny.
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14 Jul, 2021 by Kaylee
Mr. Thorton was extremely through, understanding and advocated for me in my case. He did an excellent job in putting my needs first while conducting prompt and efficient service. I am so thankful that I was referred to him and that he was able to help myself and my family in one of our greatest times of need
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29 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Thornton to represent me in a brain injury case. Mr. Thornton is not only incredibly smart and experienced, but he is also very personable and down to earth. He worked wonderfully with my family, friends and doctors. He always kept me updated with case developments, and promptly returned all calls and emails. I completely trusted him, which was a huge relief in a otherwise stressful situation. I would highly recommend him for hire.
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28 Dec, 2017 by Grace
A friend recommended Mr. Jonathan Thornton to represent me. During the initial consultation, Mr. Thornton explained the complexity of my case in a highly knowledgeable manner and answered my questions patiently. He is very intelligent, professional and extremely thorough. He kept me informed throughout the entire process by direct contact until my case was resolved. I deeply appreciated his dedication and commitment to my case. For this, I feel very grateful. I would recommend Mr. Jonathan Thornton anytime!
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02 Mar, 2022 by David
This lady is serious about winning your case! My case took almost five years but she was focused and determined.
I would recommend her to anyone and everyone that I know that is in need of an attorney.
Thank you so much for all of the hard work from you and your staff.
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28 Jan, 2021 by Matthew
I have hired Michelle twice now for child custody matters. She was able to have custody of my children awarded to me, then she was able to prevent my children from ending up in an unsafe situation. I have the deepest respect for her, her staff and I have the upmost confidence that she will go the extra mile for her clients. Thank you Michelle!
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28 Jan, 2021 by Nicholas
Michelle came highly recommended and rightfully so. After our first meeting I was confident in Michelle's ability to handle my divorce case. Michelle was attentive to my needs and always kept me well informed. It was a contentious divorce from the start and Michelle did a tremendous job with the many "curve balls" throughout the case. In the end, I was satisfied with the result and would definitely hire Michelle in any of her specialties.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Victoria
Ted was a great choice in lawyer. He was very ethical and is a man of sound judgement. Would use him again. Highly recommend.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Michael
One of the most competent and professional lawyers I have had the pleasure of representing me. Ted Yoakam’s extremely competent representation and broad experience brought the resolution I hoped for.
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31 Dec, 2011 by Eileen
While the insurance company said we didn't need a lawyer, I knew that I had to have someone to help us. Ted was this someone.
It took over 2 years, but thankfully it ended. And when it did, the Jury saw our case as it really was. When you need someone on your side to show the truth, call TED, he's the one.
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28 Jul, 2022 by Kim
I had a family member that was charged w/ DUI, hit and run, and Mike Robusto was our first and only call. He was incredibly knowledgeable, honest, straight forward, and kept us informed throughout the process. He explained how everything would work and what the possible outcomes could be. He took the time to really understand the entire situation which allowed him to make a case that yielded the best result possible.
We had never dealt with anything like this in the past so there was a lot of anxiety from not knowing what the outcome would be. The result was so much better than we could have hoped for. I don't know how he managed to get the result he did, but Mike was such a blessing & we were thrilled to have him in our corner! Hopefully, we won't need Mike's help again, but if we do, we will not hesitate to hire him as our attorney. Thanks for everything Mike!! We appreciate you more than you know.
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20 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
My husband was charged with a DUI, and Hit and Run. The case was potentially quite complicated and we had never needed a lawyer before so, not only was I nervous about the legal process, it was beyond unnerving to know that my husband's fate hinged on the skill of whomever I hired. I had very little time to search for the "perfect" attorney, but after interviewing quite a number of them, I ultimately hired Mr. Robusto to handle the a case. Mr. Robusto very quickly eased our fears and handled the case in a very professional and ethical manner and I feel that we received the best possible outcome; from start to finish, I never once questioned my decision to hire him. He was very personable and very patient with my legal questions concerning the case, yet he was also very straightforward, which was greatly appreciated! Hopefully this is the last time we will ever need a criminal attorney, but we will certainly be hiring Mr. Robusto again for any legal issues going forward!
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16 Oct, 2014 by Ron
Mike did an excellent job of handling my case he always told me of any changes or incidents that have occurred with the insurance company Mike has been my attorney for over 25 years I always recommend him very highly
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27 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
He was my attorney last summer and he was awesome! Very honest with me about what could happen and he went out his way to fight for me. He has personality but also remains very professional. He'll take care of you don't waste your money using anyone else! He's the best lawyer in the VB/Hampton Roads area!
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13 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
EVERY CLIENT THAT HAS HAD HIM AND EVERY LAWYER I HAVE SPOKEN TO..SAYS HE IS THE BEST..HE IS GOING TO BE MY LAWYER AS HE IS COMPETENT AND HAS PEOPLE SKILLS..UNLIKE SOME IVE PAID FOR AND SOME I HAVE HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF HAVING TO REPRESENT ME..
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14 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Morecock to represent a family member. He is very knowledgeable and professional. We were kept up to date on the latest with the case(s) and he remained dedicated to providing us with the best possible service. Because of the complexity of the cases, we were worried about who to hire prior to meeting him. He put us at ease immediately. His representation exceeded anything we even imagined. Hopefully, we won't need the services of an attorney again but if did, Mr. Morecock would be the only attorney that we would consider. We have referred others to him and will continue to do so. We have the utmost confidence in his ability to provide outstanding representation. His experience in the courtroom is evident in the way he carries himself and communicates with others. If you want the best attorney, look no further.
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16 Apr, 2021 by Scott c
Lance and his paralegal team were very helpful. I felt comfortable from the time I sat down with lance and discussed the accident I was involved in . He will help you through the whole process. It’s easy to communicate with Lance and his team. They’re very prompt on getting back to you or letting you know about new information. I appreciate all of there help during tough times for me and even through the pandemic. I feel Lance and his team went above and beyond.
Thanks!
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10 Apr, 2021 by Cindy
Lance Garner is an amazing attorney. There is not enough word that I can put to be very grateful for his help.
I had a big car accident in June 2018; I almost lost my life because of a careless driver that crushed my car to rush to the gas station. I suffered a lot from this accident, been through so many medications and treatment, mentally so stress, and financially been rough. With so many going on in my life, I didn’t have any more power and energy to deal with the person and insurance that responsible for all of these. (This case is almost 3 years; you can imagine how frustrated I am)
I pray to God, and I really thank God that he sent me the best lawyer to handle my case. Lance Garner worked so hard to handle my case and kept fighting diligently. He is very professional, honest, no sugar coating, helpful, and smart. The most important is that he is someone that I can trust and respect.
He worked beyond my expectations; he solved my case quickly and got the best settlement for my right.
Finally, I can breathe freely, been suffocated by this case for almost 3 years. I couldn’t thank enough for Lance Garner. I would highly recommend him to any who needs an amazing remarkable attorney.
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15 Sep, 2017 by Angelo
I'm really not one to leave reviews but Lance and his team did their thing . I was looking at a case that I even thought I was gonna lose Lance was very upfront with me and told me there was a chance I could lose it and I accepted and thought I'd be left with medical bills forever but as time went on they worked their best for me and one day I get a call and they tell me that the other party settled and thanks to their work all my bills were taken care of and everyone was happy so again Lance thank you so much for all you guys did for me I really appreciate it
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27 Mar, 2016 by Jeff
I contacted Ms Sampson after I was involved in a car crash resulting in personal injury. She reviewed my case, presented my options and vigorously fought the auto insurance company of the at fault driver. They tried to get me to settle for far less than I received, and Ms Sampson never gave in to their less than sufficient offers. I would recommend Ms Sampson to my family and friends and would call her again should I need legal assistance in the future.
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11 Jan, 2012 by Mark
Sandra Sampson was my defense lawyer for 3 Felony charges in the City of Norfolk. The charges had a combined maximum sentence 30 years in jail and up to $100k in fines. I contacted Ms. Sampson the day after my arrest and she immediately took up my case. She kept me informed through the processes and always presented all of my options, their consequences, and, if I asked her questions about the proceedings, she gave me informed answers. The entire process from arrest to outcome took only about two months, and as the title states I received a nolle prosequi (no contest) for each charge against me. Thanks to Ms. Sampson's efforts, I got the outcome I deserved and my good name isn't tarnished.
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16 Dec, 2016 by Steve
Greg has been our lawyer for 12 years and in that he has handled lawsuits for two family members against insurance companies and won. He has gone up against the DOD and won. Additionally he has handled wills and other family matters. Big or small Greg gives common sense affordable recommendations.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Terry
Mr. Klein did a wonderful job for my family. He handled a personal injury case for us in a very professional manner. We were shown compassion and respect during a difficult time. I can't thank him enough for all of the assistance he gave us in getting everything settled as quickly as he was able.
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22 Mar, 2022 by Kevin
Mr. Littel is a formidable, thorough and professional attorney. He serves his clients first and foremost. Mr. Littel is willing to handle difficult cases that other attorneys will not handle and do so successfully.
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09 Nov, 2018 by Evonne m.
When I had a personal injury claim against the State of Virginia, I found it difficult to find an attorney willing to take my case…too difficult to sue the State and most likely not enough money to bother with. Even more difficult was the fact I lived in the Midwest. But after a phone conference, Mr. Littel agreed to take my case even though we were up against the statute of limitations and he sent me a contract as well as guidelines for the legal procedure via Clio Connect, a web-based client portal. I was more than pleased to find that David Littel practiced with complete transparency and honesty. He always took my phone calls or answered my e-mails. I was very impressed with his attention to detail, finding questionable statements that could be challenged. It provided me an opportunity to give an explanation eliminating a possible vulnerability. He settled the case for more than anyone anticipated and stood by his agreement. Although there were minor charges he could have added to the final bill, he did not. I would highly recommend David Littel. This is an endorsement I have not been able to make for many attorneys I have dealt with.
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03 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Rick is a very trustworthy and determined lawyer! He is very knowledgeable and will fight for you till the very end. I high recommend him!
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25 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Rick is a very determined attorney. He fights for the best of his clients. He is very thorough in his explanations and preparation of his clients for any possible scenario that can come up through litigation.
He is compassionate attorney and will do whatever takes to make sure he gets the best outcome for his clients.
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05 Nov, 2020 by Kelly
He’s an amazing attorney and has worked with me whenever I’ve had any issues with my case or needing continuances. I definitely would recommend hiring him for whatever legal matter you have.
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02 Oct, 2015 by Thomas
Great lawyer. Got 2 separate driving on suspended dismissed in one year. Have used for many things and has never let me down from traffic to criminal and custody. Great lawyer
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23 Mar, 2022 by Kevin
Mr. Shall is one of the best work comp lawyers in Hampton Roads. He is widely respected and highly recommended.
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12 Nov, 2018 by Theresa
Mr Shall is the absolute best lawyer. He's alway's on top of what's going on in my case. You never have to question anything about your case. He has it taken care of. My case has been very long and difficult life changing experience for me. But, Mr Shall has and continues to make sure I'm being taken care of with medical and payments. I truly don't know what i would do without Mr shall on my side.
Thank you Mr. Shall for all your hard work.
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07 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Barney and his staff were amazing. They always return calls and/or emails and their knowledge made me very confident in the outcome of my matter which leads me to the outcome, I was more than pleased!!
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04 Dec, 2015 by Pam
My husband and I met with Joshua Coe and Stewart Gill regarding a family matter. They were quick to help, professional and maintained great communication. We could not be more pleased with the service that we received. I would HIGHLY recommend using East Coast Trial Lawyers for any and all of your legal needs.
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08 Mar, 2017 by Kelly
Both my husband and myself have used Mr. Whittemore's services over the years. I cannot say enough about how pleased we were with the results! The thing that I valued most was Mr. Whittemore's sense of compassion and his genuine concern for us. He was always there for us during a very emotional and stressful time and always promptly responded to calls and emails. He never seemed bothered by my incessant questions or my emotional responses to things that were going on. In fact, he helped me to remain calm and take things step by step. He was always very frank and open with us and I always felt like I could count on him. I would never use anyone else!
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28 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Crandley assisted my family in recovering funds lost to a contractor who provided inadequate workmanship and failed to complete a home remodel. He assisted not only with the lawsuit, but also with applying to recover the funds from the state licensing board (A process that is not trivial). He demonstrated incredible organization and attention to detail throughout the process, and went above and beyond to communicate each step in clear manner that was easy to understand. He was successful in helping my family recover all the lost funds and providing us with closure in a difficulty situation. I highly recommend his services in any legal matters.
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14 May, 2015 by Pamela
Mr. Driscoll recently handled my case involving my sister's breach of fiduciary responsiblity in the handling of my late mother's income. He involved me in the process at every step and though a suit was filed, a fair negotiated settlement was reached before the case went to court. He gave me excellent advise and his genial demenor kept me sane through a very difficult time. I would not hesitate to use his services again should a need arise.
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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:
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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.
