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08 Sep, 2019 by Kyle kwik
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15 May, 2019 by Courtney alexander
Elana has been so amazing to work with. Being thrust into entrepreneurship due to a successful Kickstarter, she has helped alleviate the stress of moving forward and protecting my IP. She has been so warm, accessible and knowledgeable. She even attended my event to see what I do. Greenway Firm is now an essential part of my business. I couldn't ask for a better lawyer.
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15 May, 2019 by Mariee mimii5
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24 Oct, 2024 by Mauricio londono (loma)
I cannot express enough how grateful my family and I are for the incredible support and professionalism we received from EDGE LAW, PA. From the very beginning, they handled our case with the utmost care, diligence, and expertise. Their team, especially Shelley Moon, was always courteous, responsive, and made sure we understood every step of the process. They treated us like family and guided us through a challenging situation with skill and compassion. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we reached a successful resolution, and I couldn’t be more thankful. If you are looking for a legal team that is both highly professional and genuinely cares about your case, I wholeheartedly recommend EDGE LAW, PA. They are simply amazing.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer weil
Clint and Amanda did a great job communicating with me about the process. Once we reached a settlement, they helped greatly in getting my medical bills reduced. I am so grateful to this team.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Vika gryshakova
Such a great law firm!!! Clint, Krista and their team are honest, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I highly recommend this law firm for auto accident, criminal and immigration cases. It’s so hard to find people you can trust to represent you in legal matters. But this is an honest and reputable firm you can be sure will do their best to help.
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14 May, 2020 by Audrey
I retained Mr. Jowanna's services in 2017 through 2020 to represent us in a lawsuit. He and his staff are so down to earth. He breaks it all down in terms in which the average individual understands. He seems so laid back but don't let that fool you he is a bulldog when he represents you. He doesn't talk to his clients in a condescending manner like so many other attorneys. He looks out for the financial aspect trying to save his clients from exorbitant attorney fees. He actually listens to what you are telling him and then he consults with you on his plan of strategy. And if you still have trouble understanding what he is trying to get a cross to you then he goes to the drawing board so that he can present it to you visually. He and his staff respond quickly to any and all request. You can tell that he has a passion for the law. I can't express enough how highly I think of him and his staff.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Tom
I contacted Matthew Jowanna about an issue in terms of establishing a trust for my daughter. It turned out that given that she does not live in FL although I do, it was not possible for him to be of assistance. Another attorney at his office worked with me on this. They are responsive and professional. I would unhesitatingly use them in the future based on my limited experience with them.
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10 Jan, 2015 by Lloyd
I live in Land O' Lakes and was looking for a lawyer that was both close and excellent. I didn't want to have to go to downtown Tampa or Orlando to find a big time lawyer. So, I Googled and Googled. Luckily, I found Mr. Jowanna's website. Most lawyers I saw on the Internet (even in the big fancy and expensive law firms) did not even come close to Mr. Jowanna's experience and qualifications. So, I made an appointment. I met personally with Mr. Jowanna and his Office Manager, Andrea. They took the time to listen to everything I had to say. They were very down to earth and casual, which made me less nervous and put me at ease. But, Mr. Jowanna immediately knew the answer to every question I had. And, they didn't charge me anything. Go talk to your doctor for half an hour and see if that's free! It was the best of both worlds. I hired a big league qualified lawyer that was courteous, friendly, very down to earth and professional. I would reccomend Mr. Jowanna's office to everyone. But, do your own homework. You won't find anyone in the area with credentinals that even come close. Everyone in the office was more like a law family instead of some stuffy and stiff law firm.
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19 Dec, 2017 by Diane
My family has used Mr. Stark several times. Every time we were treated like we were his most important clients. Mr. George Stark's office is run professionally with a friendly staff who take a personal interest in everyone. They always remember our names & send birthday & holiday cards. It's their personal touch that sets them apart from the rest! That's why they've stayed in business over 30 years! It's a comforting feeling knowing you have an Attorney & friends, right there for you when you need one!
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12 Jul, 2016 by Jeremy
Paul handled my case from start to finish and made the process easy. He kept us updated and had a great outcome. I would highly recommend him. Thanks!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Mauricio londono (loma)
I cannot express enough how grateful my family and I are for the incredible support and professionalism we received from EDGE LAW, PA. From the very beginning, they handled our case with the utmost care, diligence, and expertise. Their team, especially Shelley Moon, was always courteous, responsive, and made sure we understood every step of the process. They treated us like family and guided us through a challenging situation with skill and compassion. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we reached a successful resolution, and I couldn’t be more thankful. If you are looking for a legal team that is both highly professional and genuinely cares about your case, I wholeheartedly recommend EDGE LAW, PA. They are simply amazing.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer weil
Clint and Amanda did a great job communicating with me about the process. Once we reached a settlement, they helped greatly in getting my medical bills reduced. I am so grateful to this team.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Vika gryshakova
Such a great law firm!!! Clint, Krista and their team are honest, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I highly recommend this law firm for auto accident, criminal and immigration cases. It’s so hard to find people you can trust to represent you in legal matters. But this is an honest and reputable firm you can be sure will do their best to help.
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18 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
This guy is the most knowledgeable and caring lawyer I've ever worked with. He's smart as a whip, thorough and very fair. We worked with him at The Florida Healthcare Law Firm and we're just so impressed. We felt total trust in him and taken care of in a way that is hard to find with lawyers.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Alexander hunter
I had a fantastic experience with The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. They handled my accident claim with incredible patience, even though I had to process everything from overseas. The team took the time to explain every step in detail and negotiated on my behalf when issues arose with different medical providers. Their professionalism and commitment to my case made a stressful situation so much easier. If I ever find myself in an accident again, I wouldn’t hesitate to go straight to them. Highly recommend!
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23 Jul, 2024 by Dew jones
My experience with the Law Office of Matthew J. Johanna was excellent! I could not have asked for a nicer and more helpful lawyer!
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17 Jan, 2024 by Cj mclaughlin jr.
Excellent lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants who care about their clients and work above and beyond expectations. Never regretted working for them!
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04 May, 2021 by Barbara
If you like wasting your MONEY than you've come to the right lawyer. If that's what you eant to call him. This guy is one of the most ARROGANT people I have ever met. He is also incompetent. He brought no witnesses or evidence. Needless to say he lost our case. How he passed the bar examination is beyond me. Save your money. You would be better off representing yourself than have him do it.
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31 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Pratico for nearly three thousand dollars. For my money I received nothing but words of what a great case I had. My case involved the Health Dept. and a pest control company. It was crucial to my case that someone from both of these places would come to court the day my case was heard. They were the witnesses I needed to back up my case. Because Mr. Pratico never had a subpoena served to the Health Dept. or pest control company any evidence involving either one was not allowed to be heard in court that day. Without those witnesses there to cross exam the judge would not allow any evidence we had in writing to back up our case. We essentially had no case! I realized my case lacked competent REPRESENTATION due to the inability of Mr. Pratico not getting witnesses to court that day for our defense. I feel we paid nearly three thousand dollars for absolutely nothing! Not to mention that we now have to pay two thousand dollars for the lawyers fee for the other party involved. My complaint sounds very similar to another complaint filed against Mr. Pratico to the Florida Bar. The day our case was to be heard in front of the judge, Mr. Pratico sent another attorney on his behalf to represent us. That attorney was clearly inexperienced in court proceedings. The judge on numerous occasions had to direct this attorney. Every time this attorney asked me questions when I was on the witness stand pertaining to evidence from the Health Dept, the judge told me I couldn't talk about it since there was no from the Health Dept. to cross exam. It was one fumble after another. I was on the witness stand not knowing what I could or couldn't say! I felt totally lost. Of course we lost the case! Mr. Pratico said he couldn't be there that day to represent me because he had another case to represent. I waited nearly three years for this case to go to court. Evidently this case must not have been important enough for him to make time to represent me. Think long and hard about which lawyer you choose. Do your homework before choosing. I wish I would of. BEWARE.............
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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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