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26 Jan, 2025 by Maria almanza
Franco Muñoz went above and beyond, so I can get proper treatment during my worker comp case. I made the best decision having FM represent me. I would definitely recommend Franco Muñoz firm to a family member or a friend. 1000 thank you.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Jose chavez
17 Jan, 2025 by Adela
05 Nov, 2024 by Sebastian lindner
No divorce is ever easy, but being a military member half way around the world, Jackie and her team worked with me and finally gave me the peace I needed.
I strongly recommend giving your trust and faith into this team to give you the same!
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by Michael dore
AJ was great to work with. As an experienced attorney, I can say that having someone who specializes in family law can make a huge difference in terms of money and years spent in a difficult and contentious situation. AJ knew the landscape and helped tremendously.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Renee chissell (mystery chissell)
07 Dec, 2024 by Bisrat alex
Finding the right immigration attorney can be a daunting task, but having someone knowledgeable and dependable can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of immigration law. Below is my detailed review of FN immigration.
Pros:
1+ The attorney took the time to thoroughly read and understand my case, which was incredibly reassuring.
2+ She helped expedite my case, ensuring that it progressed efficiently.
3+ I was well-prepared for my hearing, thanks to her diligent coaching and guidance.
4+ Her expertise in immigration law was evident throughout the process.
5+ She has a solid understanding of what USCIS and immigration judges expect from immigrants, which added a lot of value to my case.
Cons:
1- The billing structure was a bit of a challenge. She charged for every communication made with USCIS ang Immigration court, which added up quickly. A flat rate would have been preferable for predictability.
2- Unfortunately, she had to reschedule my individual hearing at the last minute due to a personal trip. It was really frustrating as I had been waiting for it for so long.
Overall:
Despite a couple of drawbacks, she is highly skilled and effective at her job. I strongly recommend her for anyone navigating immigration matters.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Grace nathan
Working with Florence has given us the confidence and expertise we needed from the beginning to the end of our green card application and renewal process. She's very knowledgable, maintains strong communication throughout the entire process. In such a stressful and life changing task, Florence was very supportive, proactive and thorough. She has also been very responsive and providing ongoing support with various immigration and work authorization questions.
We are very grateful for her and highly recommend you work with her!
Read more
26 Jan, 2025 by Maria almanza
Franco Muñoz went above and beyond, so I can get proper treatment during my worker comp case. I made the best decision having FM represent me. I would definitely recommend Franco Muñoz firm to a family member or a friend. 1000 thank you.
Read more
21 Jan, 2025 by Jose chavez
17 Jan, 2025 by Adela
06 Oct, 2018 by Rosemary
Barry is a very honest and hard working attorney. When I met him I was in tears a real basket case and he explained what he needed to do and he did it for me. I thank God for having Barry represent me and above all just being there for me if I had questions. I recommend Barry for your case. Thank you Barry! Your the Best.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Steve nelson
I hired Barry for my case and the case was handled above and beyond expectations very professional and a great guy very nice I would recommend him without hesitation. You are lucky if he will represent you.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Barry was the best thing I did to settle my case with my employer. He was always available to talk about problems and issues. He provided excellent insights that were helpful and calming. We got a great settlement due to his experience and knowledge. I would recommend him highly.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Renee chissell (mystery chissell)
07 Dec, 2024 by Bisrat alex
Finding the right immigration attorney can be a daunting task, but having someone knowledgeable and dependable can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of immigration law. Below is my detailed review of FN immigration.
Pros:
1+ The attorney took the time to thoroughly read and understand my case, which was incredibly reassuring.
2+ She helped expedite my case, ensuring that it progressed efficiently.
3+ I was well-prepared for my hearing, thanks to her diligent coaching and guidance.
4+ Her expertise in immigration law was evident throughout the process.
5+ She has a solid understanding of what USCIS and immigration judges expect from immigrants, which added a lot of value to my case.
Cons:
1- The billing structure was a bit of a challenge. She charged for every communication made with USCIS ang Immigration court, which added up quickly. A flat rate would have been preferable for predictability.
2- Unfortunately, she had to reschedule my individual hearing at the last minute due to a personal trip. It was really frustrating as I had been waiting for it for so long.
Overall:
Despite a couple of drawbacks, she is highly skilled and effective at her job. I strongly recommend her for anyone navigating immigration matters.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Grace nathan
Working with Florence has given us the confidence and expertise we needed from the beginning to the end of our green card application and renewal process. She's very knowledgable, maintains strong communication throughout the entire process. In such a stressful and life changing task, Florence was very supportive, proactive and thorough. She has also been very responsive and providing ongoing support with various immigration and work authorization questions.
We are very grateful for her and highly recommend you work with her!
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07 Jul, 2013 by Judith
Mr. Emeziem handled my case with compassion, competence and professionalism. i will recommend his services to anyone any day.
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28 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
I think Dikla is a great lawer everytime I have called her to help me out with something I always would see the results I hoped for. I would definetly reccomend this lawer to people. I have had people tell me they wish they had my lawer after I explaied how she helped me.
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17 Jan, 2016 by Debbrah
Andrew Kopp represented me in my recent workers compensation case against one of the largest company's in California and he is an absolute brilliant lawyer and a rock star attorney. He is strategic, polished, and a highly effective & well respected litigator and my family and I were delighted with his expertise and knowledge of workers compensation law. He was with me every step of the way during my case, always supportive, taking the time to help me understand all of the details of my case play-by-play. You could not ask for a more ethical, friendly, meticulous, no-nonsense attorney - he is the peoples lawyer. I was delighted with the outcome of the settlement he obtained for me I would highly recommend Andrew Kopp to any injured worker who needs representation because he is not afraid to stand up to the big fortune 500 companies and he really cares about helping his clients who have been hurt as a result of a work injury to get back on their feet and get the compensation they deserve. Give him a call so he can help you, it will be one of the best calls that you will ever make...
Sincerely,
One of many very satisfied & grateful clients!!
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03 May, 2016 by Paul
Patrick went after Zurich Insurance like the pit-bull that he is. Called their counsel out for not being prepared for the initial phone conference with accident reports, doctors reports, general paperwork and wasting his clients time at the S.F. Dept. of Labor office. If this had been a street fight, Patrick would have put a beat down on these people. Very professional but a no nonsense lawyer. Thanks Patrick.
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14 Nov, 2015 by Danna
I hired Butler Viadro (Chris Viadro was my attorney) to represent me in my worker's comp injury case and am extremely grateful that I did. I was not sure if I should hire anybody, let alone a firm that I knew virtually nothing about... I am happy to say however that the decisions to hire an attorney, and to hire Chris Viadro of Butler Viadro, were beyond "smart" decisions and if I had to decide all over again, I would not change a thing.
Chris was very knowledgeable in worker's rights as well as injury laws and stipulations... and where he had questions about my case or my specific situation, he was honest about it and did the necessary research to find the answer and/or the best direction to take every time. Mr. Viadro is professional and it shows in meeting him in person as well as in his communications; with myself and with my worker's comp insurance adjusters alike. The best part of hiring Chris was not feeling pressured. He was patient, supportive and understanding, while also being honest and up front at all times. He never attempted to persuade me in any decision and always left me feeling in control and able to make the decision that was best for me and my family.
I only have one criticism of my experience: Because I hold service providers and professionals to the highest standards in all areas of my life, I have to say there could have been a little more time spent with me and on my case to a) help understand some of my questions better and b) be more explanatory in some areas where I had questions and wanted to understand the process more deeply. This being said, Chris has been accepting of this criticism and has promised to get to know future clients regarding their level of need rather than assume all have the same level of need.
If I had a reason to hire Chris again, I would feel completely comfortable and trusting doing so. In fact, it would put my mind at ease knowing he was working on my case. I would highly recommend Butler Viadro to anybody needing legal advocacy and representation in a worker's injury case.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Lilli anne
After my shoulder injury from lifting a patient, my life was devastated. At first, I did not think I was in need of legal help until I felt my recovery was being manipulated. I researched online and found a few good law firms in the bay area..... Boxer and Gerson seemed to be standing out from the rest with highly reputable lawyers, experts in Worker’s Compensation.
Amongst Boxer and Gerson's lawyers, I was particularly impressed by Atty. Gary Lee’s profile who was a summa cum laude of UCSF School of Law, has a medical background, decades of successful legal experience specifically in the field of Worker's Compensation, active in community service, etc. All these are solid qualities of a strong injury lawyer. I consulted with him, he listened attentively to what I have to say about my injury and my situation, and he explained to me the process very well that helped me understand what to expect.
Atty Gary is very intelligent, very sharp and tough that I knew I was in good hands. The trauma I had regarding my injury was eased by his strong representation. He took control of my case and successfully represented me. (Due to my condition, I did not have to be present during the hearing with the judge.)
I highly recommend Atty. Gary. He has been instrumental to my recovery, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I trusted him my future. He gave me back my life.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Lina zhu
Devin and his partner David are absolute professionals. Devin's negotiation skills helped bring my case to the finish line, concluding a difficult period in my professional life. They both helped me regain dignity and find the respect I deserve. I would advise any employee in a legally questionable situation to seek out Devin's counsel and expertise.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Clay g
Devin is hardworking and very helpful. I highly recommend him if you need a lawyer. He spends over one hour with me during our initial phone call consultation and then another hour+ when he interviewed me in his office. He also would return my calls and emails immediately. I think frankly this is one of the few lawyers that I would trust with something as serious as my legal issues. He is a very smart confident trustworthy person.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Nichole parkes
Mr. Coyle is a very nice and patient lawyer. He helped me understand my schools NDA practices on a sexual harassment issue. Thank you so much for the help. When dealing with matters like these finding people like Mr. Coyle makes a difference. Highly recommend!
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09 Jan, 2025 by Renee chissell (mystery chissell)
07 Dec, 2024 by Bisrat alex
Finding the right immigration attorney can be a daunting task, but having someone knowledgeable and dependable can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of immigration law. Below is my detailed review of FN immigration.
Pros:
1+ The attorney took the time to thoroughly read and understand my case, which was incredibly reassuring.
2+ She helped expedite my case, ensuring that it progressed efficiently.
3+ I was well-prepared for my hearing, thanks to her diligent coaching and guidance.
4+ Her expertise in immigration law was evident throughout the process.
5+ She has a solid understanding of what USCIS and immigration judges expect from immigrants, which added a lot of value to my case.
Cons:
1- The billing structure was a bit of a challenge. She charged for every communication made with USCIS ang Immigration court, which added up quickly. A flat rate would have been preferable for predictability.
2- Unfortunately, she had to reschedule my individual hearing at the last minute due to a personal trip. It was really frustrating as I had been waiting for it for so long.
Overall:
Despite a couple of drawbacks, she is highly skilled and effective at her job. I strongly recommend her for anyone navigating immigration matters.
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Grace nathan
Working with Florence has given us the confidence and expertise we needed from the beginning to the end of our green card application and renewal process. She's very knowledgable, maintains strong communication throughout the entire process. In such a stressful and life changing task, Florence was very supportive, proactive and thorough. She has also been very responsive and providing ongoing support with various immigration and work authorization questions.
We are very grateful for her and highly recommend you work with her!
Read more
05 Nov, 2024 by Sebastian lindner
No divorce is ever easy, but being a military member half way around the world, Jackie and her team worked with me and finally gave me the peace I needed.
I strongly recommend giving your trust and faith into this team to give you the same!
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by Michael dore
AJ was great to work with. As an experienced attorney, I can say that having someone who specializes in family law can make a huge difference in terms of money and years spent in a difficult and contentious situation. AJ knew the landscape and helped tremendously.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.2
25 Reviews
21 Oct, 2024 by Demarko wheeler
06 Jun, 2024 by Kevin l. nichols
Vernon Goins is the chair of my nonprofit organization, The Social Engineering Project, Inc.'s, board of directors and also serves as general counsel. Day or night, Vernon is always available to counsel me on human resource issues, general liability, labor and employment law, contract law, and general liability issues that may negatively impact the organization. Without his advice, advocacy, and thought leadership, there is no way that we could positively impact the thousands of young lives of underrepresented students of color who are now pursuing careers in technology and STEM-related fields.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Sanford livingston
Mr.Goins has been brilliant in serving my corporate consulting. Highly recommend. Sanford livingston CEO Nor-CalFDC
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24 Aug, 2018 by Victoria fisher aka vicki lynn
Allison has been my attorney for the past years she's been extremely patient thurl and loyal to my cause I don't think I could have gotten through this without her she's been there at all times for me help me every step of the way and staying in my corner she was vastly thurl extremely articulate and a great negotiator if you have a chance for her to legally represent you I hope you follow my advice and hire her immediately I can never thank her enough for all she's done for me and my family
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03 Oct, 2023 by Tom miller
I have had Justin Sonnicksen representing me with my work comp case for years. Mr. Sonnicksen is an outstanding attorney! He listens to me and fights for my rights, well-being and interests with honor and integrity. He is an amazing attorney and his skills as a litigator are second to none.
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08 Jul, 2013 by Camille
he was very good and loyal. Very honest. I had no problems with him. He got me a great settlement.was always there to talk to me and keep me up to date.
Referred him to a friend and they got a great settlement also
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29 May, 2020 by Dennis
I wanted to write a review about JAMES BUTLER AND ASSOCIATES. I had an extremely complicated and difficult work related injury that required a very competent lawyer to get the facts presented properly. My employer took the low road and decided to look the other way or even insinuate that the accident didn’t happen. When you work for one of the largest corporations in the world and they don’t want to listen or help an injured employee I felt this was going to get ugly. I hired James Butler because of his ability to take on corporate giant lawyers, he is a no nonsense straight forward Lawyer that does not back down to anyone trying to put a spin on the facts. The corporate giant lawyers are masters of deception and deceit but James Butler knows how to handle them. Highly recommend… Top notch!
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19 Jan, 2023 by Gabriel
This guy is professional, informative, patient, and a total warrior. Thank you Mark for all your hard work!
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26 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms. Lambert represented me in an administrative proceeding before the Department of Motor Vehicles. The issue in my case was a suspension of my driving privilege. Ms. Lambert made excellent arguments during the hearing and had done an extensive amount of research in a field of law where she had little experience. I found her to be very intelligent and very agressive. After the hearing, I was notified that my suspension was reversed. I would highly recommend Ms. Lambert based on my experience.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Sarah allison
Great people, beautiful office.
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16 Jul, 2018 by Trotter ronnie
13 Nov, 2018 by Sarah allison
Great people, beautiful office.
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16 Jul, 2018 by Trotter ronnie
13 Nov, 2018 by Sarah allison
Great people, beautiful office.
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16 Jul, 2018 by Trotter ronnie
07 Feb, 2025 by Da biz
Lawyer Key was amazing. He guided me through a realy bad situation and made sure I didn't do anything foolish.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Bradley espinoza
Fantastic experience with this law firm! Their team was knowledgeable, approachable, and efficient, offering sound legal advice that really put my mind at ease. They took the time to explain everything thoroughly and made sure I was well-informed throughout the process. I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Steven hamlin
Best experience with a lawyer. They know their stuff and really care.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Stacey warren
Navigating the sale of my business was one of the most stressful experiences I’ve faced, but Vincent Tong of TONG LAW made it manageable and even seamless. Vincent helped me establish a thorough strategy, drafted necessary contracts that protected my interests and walked me through each step of the process, ensuring I understood all the details. Vincent is also an expert in the area of employment law; Vincent helped me with a separate situation with an employer. Vincent's expert advice and calm, steady counsel turned what could have been an overwhelming ordeal into a smooth and successful transaction. Thanks to his guidance, I felt confident and assured every step of the way. If you are a business owner, especially one who is considering buying or selling a business, or if you are an employee or employer dealing with an employment issues, I can’t imagine a better legal partner than TONG LAW. :)
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27 Dec, 2024 by Natacha lopez
The journey through the immigration process seemed daunting and choosing an attorney seemed perhaps even more daunting.
After a first consultation with Kevin,
the process just appeared very straightfoward.
All the information he gave was clear and concise, bringing alot of needed reassurance.
He consistently remained accessible during the entire process with upmost patience answering any new questions that would arise.
There we're some complex aspects to my case that required in depth law expertise and Kevin went above and beyond to finalize brilliantly!
I couldn't have found a better attorney!
For the success of my applications but also for the extra kindness demonstrated along the way.
I also want to mention how Immigrating is and can be a very costly journey to embark on. Affordability and unseen costs we're a concern. I have appreciated that Kevin kept all fees transparent and consistently fair from go to finish!
I think he could charge more in regards of his time offered, so many other attorneys do so ruthlessly but this too reflects kevin's integrity and dedication to helping others.
I classify Kevin in the world of attorneys as a rare gem and find.
He's been a blessing on my journey 🙏
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18 Dec, 2024 by Sha sagpan
29 Nov, 2024 by Alycia galdamez
Carolyn has been a wonderful attorney who I have worked with for a few years now. She has helped my family custody situation immensely, as well as estate planning and she always had very sound legal advice. She was responsive and communicative in all matters. I highly recommend Carolyn or the Law Offices of Robert Goodman to everyone who needs compassionate, effective legal services.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Hannah creasy
I had a 30 minute phone conversation regarding the divorce process and relevant issues. So very appreciated and enlightening. Robert is patient and thorough. Thank you for your time and attention.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Tara van vianen
I was looking for a reputable attorney with good online reviews who specialized in Child Custody. I felt panicked and reached out to several promising attorneys but Robert was one of the few to respond promptly and after hours at that. He allowed me to send my questions in advance of our consultation and did his best to stay organized during our allotted time together, making sure my list of questions were addressed. Should we need further assistance, we would reach out to Robert!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Sharann gomez
Ravi is a top-notch attorney. Very knowledgeable in the Heggstad petition and helped me so much during the process. He checked in often & kept me informed during the process. His cost was incredibly reasonable. I had two other consultations before I chose Ravi and I couldn't have asked for more. If you're in doubt, don't, hire him, you won't regret it.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Stacey warren
Navigating the sale of my business was one of the most stressful experiences I’ve faced, but Vincent Tong of TONG LAW made it manageable and even seamless. Vincent helped me establish a thorough strategy, drafted necessary contracts that protected my interests and walked me through each step of the process, ensuring I understood all the details. Vincent is also an expert in the area of employment law; Vincent helped me with a separate situation with an employer. Vincent's expert advice and calm, steady counsel turned what could have been an overwhelming ordeal into a smooth and successful transaction. Thanks to his guidance, I felt confident and assured every step of the way. If you are a business owner, especially one who is considering buying or selling a business, or if you are an employee or employer dealing with an employment issues, I can’t imagine a better legal partner than TONG LAW. :)
Read more
27 Dec, 2024 by Natacha lopez
The journey through the immigration process seemed daunting and choosing an attorney seemed perhaps even more daunting.
After a first consultation with Kevin,
the process just appeared very straightfoward.
All the information he gave was clear and concise, bringing alot of needed reassurance.
He consistently remained accessible during the entire process with upmost patience answering any new questions that would arise.
There we're some complex aspects to my case that required in depth law expertise and Kevin went above and beyond to finalize brilliantly!
I couldn't have found a better attorney!
For the success of my applications but also for the extra kindness demonstrated along the way.
I also want to mention how Immigrating is and can be a very costly journey to embark on. Affordability and unseen costs we're a concern. I have appreciated that Kevin kept all fees transparent and consistently fair from go to finish!
I think he could charge more in regards of his time offered, so many other attorneys do so ruthlessly but this too reflects kevin's integrity and dedication to helping others.
I classify Kevin in the world of attorneys as a rare gem and find.
He's been a blessing on my journey 🙏
Read more
05 Nov, 2024 by Sebastian lindner
No divorce is ever easy, but being a military member half way around the world, Jackie and her team worked with me and finally gave me the peace I needed.
I strongly recommend giving your trust and faith into this team to give you the same!
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by Michael dore
AJ was great to work with. As an experienced attorney, I can say that having someone who specializes in family law can make a huge difference in terms of money and years spent in a difficult and contentious situation. AJ knew the landscape and helped tremendously.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
Read more
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Do for You
A workers’ compensation lawyer specializes in helping employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job to receive the benefits they are entitled to under workers' compensation laws. These lawyers represent injured workers in claims for medical benefits, wage replacement, and other compensation related to workplace injuries or illnesses. They also help when claims are denied, benefits are delayed, or disputes arise with the employer or the insurance company.
Whether you've been injured on the job, developed an occupational illness, or are dealing with a denied workers' compensation claim, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
When Should I Hire a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a workers' compensation lawyer in several situations, especially when complications arise during the claims process or when your rights as an injured worker are being challenged. Some common reasons to hire a workers' compensation lawyer include:
- Claim denial: If your workers' compensation claim has been denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision and represent you in hearings or litigation.
- Inadequate benefits: If the insurance company offers you a settlement that doesn’t cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a fair amount.
- Delay in receiving benefits: If your benefits are being delayed, a lawyer can help expedite the process to ensure you receive timely compensation.
- Permanent disability: If your injury leads to permanent disability (partial or total), a lawyer can help you navigate the more complex process of securing long-term benefits.
- Retaliation by employer: If your employer retaliates against you for filing a workers' compensation claim (e.g., by firing or demoting you), a lawyer can protect your rights and pursue legal action.
- Third-party liability: If a third party (e.g., a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was responsible for your injury, a lawyer can help you pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your employer or the insurance company claims that your injury is related to a pre-existing condition, a lawyer can help you present evidence showing that the injury was work-related.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can prevent delays, avoid mistakes, and ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under workers' compensation law.
What Does a Workers' Compensation Lawyer Do?
A workers' compensation lawyer provides a range of legal services to injured workers, ensuring that they receive the benefits they deserve. Their tasks often include:
- Filing claims: Helping injured workers prepare and file their workers' compensation claims to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Appealing denied claims: Representing workers whose claims have been denied and guiding them through the appeals process, including hearings and court appearances.
- Negotiating settlements: Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Handling disputes: Resolving disputes between the injured worker, the employer, and the insurance company regarding the amount of compensation or the nature of the injury.
- Coordinating medical evidence: Gathering and presenting medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to support the workers' compensation claim.
- Advocating for benefits: Ensuring that injured workers receive all the benefits they’re entitled to, including temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and medical treatment.
- Filing third-party lawsuits: In cases where a third party is responsible for the injury, a workers' compensation lawyer may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional damages.
How Are Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Paid?
Workers' compensation lawyers typically charge a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover benefits for you. This fee is usually a percentage of the benefits awarded, and the specific percentage is often regulated by state law. Here's how it generally works:
- Contingency fee: The lawyer's fee is typically between 15% and 25% of the total benefits awarded to you. You don’t have to pay any upfront legal fees, and the lawyer’s fee comes out of the settlement or benefit award.
- No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer doesn’t recover any benefits for you, you generally don’t have to pay for their services.
- State regulations on fees: Many states cap the percentage that workers' compensation lawyers can charge, and some states require the fee to be approved by the workers' compensation board or judge.
Be sure to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will owe if your case is successful.
How Much Does a Workers' Compensation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a workers' compensation lawyer typically depends on the contingency fee arrangement, meaning the lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of the benefits you receive. General cost estimates include:
- Contingency fees: Most workers' compensation lawyers charge between 15% and 25% of the total settlement or benefits awarded. For example, if you receive $50,000 in benefits, the lawyer’s fee would range from $7,500 to $12,500.
- State regulations: Some states limit the percentage that workers' compensation lawyers can charge. In these cases, the fee is usually capped, often at 20% to 25%, depending on state law.
- Additional costs: Some lawyers may charge for out-of-pocket expenses, such as filing fees, medical records retrieval, and expert witness testimony, though these costs are typically deducted from the settlement after the case is won.
You should always ask for a clear explanation of fees and potential additional costs during your consultation so you understand the financial arrangement.
Top Questions to Ask a Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Before hiring a workers' compensation lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with workers' compensation cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your injury is severe or the case involves disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and whether there are any additional costs you need to be aware of. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including the potential challenges and outcomes. -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Find out if the lawyer has experience dealing with cases involving similar injuries or disputes, such as denied claims or permanent disability. -
How long will the process take?
While it’s difficult to predict an exact timeline, the lawyer should be able to provide a general estimate based on their experience with similar cases. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of your case. Make sure you know who will be working on your claim.
How to Check the Credibility of a Workers' Compensation Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable workers' compensation lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for workers' compensation experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in workers' compensation law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and service.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their experience in workers' compensation cases.
- Check for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group (WILG) or local bar association committees on workers' compensation can indicate the lawyer’s commitment to this area of law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Accident report or incident documentation: Bring any documentation related to your workplace injury or illness, including accident reports or notifications to your employer.
- Medical records: Provide copies of medical records, including treatment notes, doctor’s reports, and any information related to your injury or condition.
- Employer correspondence: Bring any letters, emails, or forms related to your claim from your employer or the workers' compensation insurance company.
- Wage and benefits information: Provide information on your wages, benefits, and any lost income due to the injury.
- List of questions: Prepare questions about your case, the process, costs, and what to expect moving forward.
- Timeline of events: Prepare a timeline of the incident, your injury, and any medical treatment or communication with your employer and the insurance company.
Being well-prepared for your consultation will allow the lawyer to assess your case more effectively and provide you with the best possible legal advice.
