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18 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
Was very happy with my decision to go with Mr. Helton as my attorney.
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12 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
States he will take 30-35 percent of settlement but takes money from workmans comp weekly checks after settlement. (Does Not tell this upfront) Will not call clients back in a timely fashion when letters are received from workmens comp.
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18 Mar, 2021 by Rondall
This is the worst workman’s compensation attorney in the state! He let me completely hang myself in my hearing to get reimbursed for my travel expenses. This cost me about $6,000! Then I couldn’t even get him to return a phone call afterwards to see if he was filling an appeal. I would represent myself before I’d hire this firm. The only one that’ll give you any answers is their assistant “Tori Lowder”!
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24 Jan, 2020 by Chereyl
During consult he's Very calm, focused, nonchalant, laid back Guy. No Barking! I was so worried! Until He showed up in Court. He showed up and showed out! I am so impressed and Proud of Jacob! I'm team Jacob everytime. Phew! My heart is so heavy. Been takings L's for 2 years with this case. Finally God sent Jacob! Jacob is a testimony! Thank You Jacob and apologize for being so extra, extra, anxious!
God Bless You Sir!!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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15 Jul, 2024 by Liset cruz
Brindaran trabajo
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07 Apr, 2021 by A d a
No help
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27 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
I was ref to use p.C. I received bills from her but never had an oppurtunityfor her to rep me since I was drop from her client list. i hired her to rep me in a hearing she only filed one paper work and one call back. i sadden to be left out in the cold now with no help. I have bills for hours and hours of work. my case file is not that long 30 min max but it seems 4 hours one email ... this is crazy. I wish I had seen this site before hanf
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25 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I was recommended to this lawyer over a year ago. I was injured over a year ago. During the time she was supposed to handel my case. I was still doing most of the leg work with my doctors while she collected money. Every week her fees totaled the maximum amount she could take, how strange? Also her requests were denied all the time saying she was on the phone for hours witch is alie. Ninety percent of the time I was doing those things. After my designated doctors appointment I had to hound her just to get the results. And was supposed to have a conference with her after. Haven't heard so much as a peep out of them. It's been five months. I would never recommend this lawyer she only wants your money. Stay away unless you like shady doctors,doing the work for her and paying for nothing.
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08 Jul, 2014 by Kathryn
Peggy Campbell handled my case for me a couple of months ago, she was such good help, she answered all my questions, and took care of the insurance company. I went to her about an impairment rating from a designated doctor that was unfair, and help with the fact that insurance companies take advantage of you if you don't know the law. Ms. Campbell helped me with my case, she is a great attorney.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
After reading two of the three reviews on here I find myself having to say that these people, more likely than not, have zero understanding of how litigation is handled.
Mr. Vance is an extraordinary attorney who handled my case in a very professional manner and in a timely fashion. He's friendly, courteous and has over 30 years of experience with law practice so that speaks volumes over someone who claims they couldn't even pay their medical bills. The man wouldn't be in business if he wasn't good at what he does. Huge thumbs up and I'll provide excellent referral kudos to anyone seeking a competent strong attorney. Thank you, Mr. Vance!
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10 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
This is the second lawsuit Lester Wade Vance has handled for me and I am happier now than I was the first time!!
I think there are a lot of sue happy idiots that think that just because they were rear ended or fell in Wal-Mart that they are going to collect a huge amount of money and never have to work again! I think these are the idiots that post reviews online. I have been very pleased with Mr. Vance's representation and would definitely use him again.
While in Mr. Vance's office, the phone rang off the hook with calls. Mr. Vance's staff was professional, kind and very knowledgeable. Mr. Vance comes out to the reception area and greets everyone individually. I think he's great!
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14 May, 2013 by Sulav
lazy, messed me up. I still owe some bills to hospitals even though he made a lot of money out of my accident. unprofessional. I am not saying because I did not get any money from car accident injury, I could not even pay my bills. please do not go to him, better solve it yourself.
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29 Aug, 2016 by Kathy
I am very happy with Ms. Rodriguez Service. She helped me win my Case. After 1 1/2 Years I found her from a friend.
She took my case, Went the 2nd BRC Meeting,, and to Court. She was Prepared for the case and had all the information she needed to present. I am very happy with my results from Ms. Rodriguez
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08 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Took my mother to see this lawyer and she wasn't helpful at all!! She never explained anything to her about workers comp. when her doctor gave her a settlement paper to sign legally they should have had an interpreter to translate what was she signing little did we know that we had 90 days to Appeal. We didn't know any of the process and when we went to see her and showed what she had signed she said we couldn't appeal the 90 days were up. when it was time for her to meet with social worker from workers comp she wasnt there and they rescheduled to appeal the settlement that mom signed without knowing what it was. Later on just 3 weeks before the appointment with workers comp social worker she call my mother and says she wasn't going to represent her no more that she needed to face this alone since it was her fault for signing a paper without knowing. It was the lawyers responsibility to inform their client what they maybe facing with doctors and what papers not to sign unless an interpreter was present!! Very lousy lawyer don't throw you're money away might as well let workers comp keep it!!
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28 Aug, 2014 by Eduardo
Read the previous reviews and could not comprehend the last one, no proper grammar. However Laura did help me a lot after I was in a motorcycle accident and had my leg broken. She spoke with me often about her progress as well as the length of time a case like this would take. It took a little over a year to get my settlement which helped pay for my medical, which was such a relief. When they say it cost a arm and a leg they mean it. Laura was a great relief in such a bad time in my life where all I could do was heal, she did all the work and kept up with contacting me thru it all.
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27 Jul, 2015 by David
hired him late Feb. 09 for breach of contract he turned it into on job injury then sat on breach of contract (never returned my calls) then passed statue of limitations even lost injury case would't put me on witness stand
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03 Feb, 2014 by Ravan
Alan could not have described him better! He takes every case personal. He takes time in research and never leaves a 'T' uncrossed. I would and have recommended him to anyone! He knows the law but never uses it to patronize his clients. In my opinion, he is the best!
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12 Aug, 2013 by Miguel
Mr. Miller is the worst attorney I have ever dealt with. He is sloppy and makes lots of mistakes. He is not always truthful and is not professional. Even when he doesn't know what he is talking about, he acts like he does. Under no circumstances would I recommend using Mr. Miller. I wish I had read the other comments on Mr. Miller. I guess that is why this site exists!
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01 Oct, 2023 by Tony
Hired this firm to represent me and all I got was a cold shoulder money taken for no service rendered never received a call back in three week I've called and no answer went to office door closed all I like is to receive my money back .. nice talk but don't do the walk
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06 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Scooby Doo would do a better job........................................................................beware
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27 Jun, 2016 by Isabel
I hired Carlos based off a referral. He had such passion at the start of my case. 8 months later I hired a new attorney. I was tire of email & phone tag. I was struggling trying to reach them to make payment. That is pretty bad when you can't even pay your attorney. Happy this headache with this firm is over. Now I have an attorney who has been able to get it done in a couple of weeks.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Carmen sosa
Horrible I talked to a "specialist" and she was rude and vile Monday April 8 at 11.00 . She didn't even let me talk sadly Texas is going downhill
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29 Mar, 2024 by Mike mendoza
The fact this business is supported through extortion and unlawful acts that are considered crimes because they are at work forcing people to pay their way through life so they don’t have to actually work is a complete crime against our gos given rights. Don’t pay but make sure to send notarized and certified mail asking why they think it’s okay to take our god given rights away so they don’t have to actually work. Ask them why they think it’s okay to enslave us through policies and take the rights gave you away. Supreme law of the land already determined this business is not conducting itself in a manner that states our children are not the beneficiary as they should be. We are the beneficiaries and they are the trustees.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Ky'essence cox
Most unsupported people I have ever contacted. Seems like everyone hates their jobs and maybe lives too
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03 Jan, 2018 by Cameron
Todd told me on multiple occasions that he was going to find out some information about my case and he would get back to me. He did not get back to me at all. His assistant Cassidy also said she was going to do some work and contact me and she never did. The law firm itself did not return my calls on two or three different occasions. Please don't go here.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Stephanie
I’m not sure why everyone else has had a negative experience. We filed ch 7 bankruptcy and everything went smoothly and very quickly. Every time I had a question Jane our paralegal was extremely helpful. I would definitely recommend Todd Malaise!
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15 Aug, 2017 by Cody
Just received denial letter from SSA for disability. Firm had an agent call me with a questionnaire and determined, without seeing the contents of the letter, that I had a "technical" denial, and stated I could not be helped.
Called the firm and possibly talked to a paralegal. Again refused to listen to the circumstances stated on the letter, which contained numerous inaccuracies. Also refused to consider I'm a 100% disabled veteran, concurrently rated "individually unemployable."
Ultimately was told I should read the requirements on the SSA website. Well, I did.
This law firm is only looking for the easy clients and has a poor sense of justice and fairness. Will not recommend this firm to my friends.
"Also in 2009, both houses of Congress introduced legislation known as the BRAVE Act1 that would certify veterans judged by the VA to have total disability (that is, having a combined rating of 100% or a rating of individual unemployability [IU]) as meeting the medical requirements of the disability programs administered by SSA. Essentially, a veteran with a rating of total disability would not have to undergo the medical portions of SSA's disability determination to be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits."
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/v74n3/v74n3p1.html
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20 Mar, 2023 by D
Hindsight is 20/20 and to this day I regret meeting this awful animal. I was referred to a specific attorney and the attorney I was referred to referred me to this awful awful being.When I talked to her on the phone she seemed knowledgeable but when I met her in person at a mall parking lot I wish I had gone with my first instinct when I saw her. She was unorganized and disheveled. This attorney took my money went on vacation and didn’t complete all of the work. In addition what she did complete was full of misspellings and grammatical errors which is inexcusable. Attempting to be fair, I simply requested a refund for the unfinished portion and she went postal started yelling and screaming and tried to say it was my fault she didn’t finish. Very unprofessional and I regret that I didn’t stick with my gut.
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09 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Wynthia J. Cheatum took my money as well and did not render the services I expected. She has been publicly reprimanded and privately reprimanded by the Texas State Bar. I was unable to get any of my funds back. I definitely would never recommend hiring her.
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27 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Although my case is old now, I felt like I had a pretty good one, until I met this woman. I was in a car accident which left me with a fracture in my neck. She was referral and I can't even call her an attorney. To make a long story short I fired her and got another one, she was so upset that she told me I was still going to pay her. All she did for me was come to my home for an interview and again at the hospital to record me via video which I'm sure wasn't for my benefit. She told me it was for training purposes. It wasn't about me and what I was going through but more so what she could get out of it.
After, all these years I was happy to see she was reprimanded in 96, that makes me feel good, but sad at the same time knowing she's still allowed to practice law. My prayer for this woman is that she will NEVER treat anyone the way she treated me. Hope, maturity has taught her a lesson before God does.
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18 Aug, 2024 by L lebron
I dont dislike Andrew Tatgenhorst as a person even though he does appear very bored and generally disgruntled. However, I do have experience with him as opposing counsel and my genuine feeling/opinion is that he’s bad for kids. Andrew ramps things up, serving only himself in legal fees, and seemingly has no sight of the child at the core of the dispute. Thus, districts are paying taxpayer dollars to Andrew’s attitude rather than to children’s services. I didn’t find Andrew to be incredibly honest, the opposite in my experiences. I also noted that Andrew focused quite a lot (perhaps exclusively) on extraneous things that did not serve the child or resolution but designed to malign the student and/or their family. Unfortunately, I also witnessed harmful tactics. I would hope school districts would partner with solution oriented, student centered firms who can advance mutual interests and needs, support children, and save taxpayer dollars. I did not feel like this was the case with Andrew and Thompson Horton.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Tasteforbattle
Would never pay these unethical and immoral clowns to represent me. I prefer ones who abide by the law instead of side stepping it.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Theon greyjoy
Imagine a Law Firm that teaches people how to get around the law. Isn’t there some type of legal ethics involved here?
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07 Dec, 2023 by Joshua b
Took my money. Took my info. Vanished.
Now after 4 months and threats of bad reviews, she replied and promised to finish case. Vanished again.
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30 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Rogena the beginning of February to file my bankruptcy case and my case is not filed! I did everything myself basically so I don’t understand the delay. She never responds to my email, scheduled calls never go happened, and her assistant always say she not unavailable. I wish I would have never trusted her to take my case!
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01 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Paid the fees as quoted by cash and money order and after that she never responded to calls or emails. I filled out the information form as requested but my case was never filed. Now the credit card companies have discharged by debts and the IRS wants to collect from me. I didn't have money then and I have less money now. She never performed the job she was hired and paid for.
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06 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
this attorney was not even hired. went to him for advise. he told me to sign documents and stated i won't charge your temporary disablity payments until you call and tell him that his service will be needed. He started billing my employment workers comp insurance company 25% before i asked for his service. So i went to Texas injured employees counsel to get my money back. We went before a hearing officer. He was ordered to pay back/reimburse the money back within 15 days. It took multiple phone calls and a official complaint letter to get my money back from this CROOK. I was going to send him a 10 day letter, call the police and file with police or JP court to get my money back.
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05 Sep, 2012 by William
Hired this attorney, he was seen on video on a few seconds, leaves everything to assistants and keeps no official records. Bills everything on his actions and amounts rather than what assistants do. Goes into hearings and admits he does not keep records, and will say anthing to avoid having to admit he does not know what he is doing or how to conduct his business. Made the statement to me" If you want to know what is going on in your case talk to my assistant as I dont know anything about your case" and then passed me to his assistant who knew everything except that he was receiving my money and putting it into his account without my knowledge and consent. Had to go to President of company he works for to get repayment of unauthorized funds he deposited to his attorney account
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05 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Consulting fee. Refunding fee. No cost information. No payment plan information.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Olen
Took our retainer $2500 and submitted 2 documents to the courts. Did not hear anything from him in 3 months. I've called his firm for 6 months attempting to ask what was going on with our case. NEVER answered or returned my calls. NEVER sent a contract statment or a billing statement. I finally wrote a letter of termination. I've called to ask for refund of monies and still won't take my calls. Totally unprofessional. Would NOT recommend him. Since then I have hired a professional lawyer.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Arlene 210-309-0437
Took my $1200.00...Hired her to help Me to get custody of my 3 year old grandson...I go to Court on 1-23-14...she called me and said she has health Issues and will not be practicing law anymore...but will Not refund my money....so I can hire another attorney...Amazing
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23 Nov, 2023 by John
When Dawn took me as a client our mission was crystal clear and we both believed in my case, a few months later she had mentioned she met some other attorneys and was going to start a practice with them. Our communications became less and less, as now when I reached out to her it would take her weeks to respond, if at all. Eventually she stated that she wanted a class action lawsuit, whereas before we agreed my case would set a precedent for others to follow. She wanted me to find other litigants for her (I'm assuming her new partners tried to push for class action, more money in it for the firm) So basically I was cast aside told to "F Off" literally, and that was the end of that. Originally I thought about filing a complaint with the State Bar Association. Dawn is an unseasoned, unprofessional, attorney with no track record, and I'm sure she prefers others do the heavy lifting. She has no confidence in her own abilities.
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11 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I had the horrible pleasure of coming in contact with Mr. Edmond O'suji through a referral. In all my years I never seen such fraud, deceit and misrepresentation so much before in my life. This attorney has been deemed negligent, he failed to allow or advise me on proper process or ethical process of my case, he accepted a plea without my knowledge, he entered into a financial arrangement regarding my case without communicating anything to me. As a result my integrity and my case has been compromised. Future word of advice to any future prospects that are considering retaining this gentleman. Please do yourself a favor and save yourself the headache of dealing with dishonest attorney that will make provisions and accept pleas without your knowledge. He does not care about the consumer and has been known to misinform clients for his own gain.
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24 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
I would NOT recommend this attorney. He was rude over the phone and continually interrupted me while I was trying to explain my situation to him. He talked down to me in such a self-important tone that I felt like I was a waste of his time. The only positive thing I can say is that he took my call immediately when the receptionist put me on hold. Otherwise, buyer beware.
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29 Jul, 2014 by Steve
This is classic garbage for an attorney. In February of 1996, on my 19th day on the job, I was told to enter a building at a location where I had never been before. I was a truckdriver who had witnessed part of the murders of the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas on April 19, 1993. The company I went to work for, out of Green Bay, Wisconsin began to try recruiting me to work for them almost immediately after that. As I stepped into the building, it was totally dark, suddenly and immediately, a voice to my left said (it was the voice of the company representative who had climbed up to the top of the tank) " The fill line is directly above you ... over head!" but the drain valve is over here beneath me, you have to step around the tank to see it!" Startled and disoriented because of the darkness, I relextively stepped sideways to the left. Unknown to me the floor plates had been removes. I flipped over upside down and head first,the back of my hard cap struck the razor sharp edge of the 3/4 inch angle iron frame bouncing me up, sitll upside down, backward and head first and dropping me eight feet to the floof below, two fo my finger nails were ripped off , 14 teeth were fractured , my neck was broken at C5 and C7 in the cervical spine. The rotator cuff in my right shoulder was torn and my right hip landed on a four inch pipe manifolded across the floor. My employer and the employee responsible for this "accident" did not even call a doctor for me. I eventually had to quit to seek medical treatment. the Employer Schneider National Carriers of Green Bay, covered up everything. When I got out of the sleeper during my last dispatch into Houston, my feet began to itch almost immediately. I didn't think too much about it at first because fo the heavy traffic. Finally, when I got to Hempstead, I removed my boots. My feet were a bloody mess. As I attempted to remove my socks, the skin on the top of my feet came off. The co-driver, a homosexual had laced my boots with a hazardous chemical. Every branch of law enforcement blocked any kind of investigation I tried to initiare. I realized the "accident" of 13 Feb 1996 had been an attempted murder but did not tell my wife becuase of her poor health. I finally retained Stuart Lewis because we were getting medical bills that supposedly had been for treatment by Texas Workers Compensation (which is a joke). The collection agencies including doctors offices would call my residence around the clock 24 /7 on the hour demanding payment. The Bryan Texas Field Office and the late Office Manager, Geraldine Urso, were worse than usless. When I retained Lewis, I asked him to write a letter to the collection agencies and doctors pto prevent them from calling our house. Instead, Lewsi told us to "just go ahead and pay them but to give him all of the receipts, especially the originals. After six years and $130,000 out of pocket, my wife went to his office for the first time and asked an inexperienced intern if she could see my folder. There was not one receipt in it. Studart Lewis had destroyed every receipt and I had received no medical treatment at all. It was all a joke to him. But TWCC was actually paying him to represent me. I filed a complaint with the Texas State Bar to have Lewis Disbarred. The hearing was at the Brazos Center in Bryan, Texas on May 20, 2000. Lewis was lawyered up with Jim James of Bryan, one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Texas. During the hearing, Lewis admitted telling me to pay all of the buills and that he had purposely destroyed the receipts that he had told me to give him. He also testified that not once during the time he supposedly represented me did he contact Schneider National Carriers of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the employer who had caused these debilitating injuries. Attorney Jim James, Lewis's attorney actually got up and walked out of the hearing - abandoning his own client when he heard what Lewis had done. The hearing was concluded shortly afterward.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Sherry counts
Scam
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02 Mar, 2020 by Randall kennedy
Keep getting threatening letters sent to my address for someone that hasn’t lived at that address in over 10 years. Called the number multiple times to report that person hasn’t lived there in many years and got talked down to by a rude person. They still keep sending the letters. Poor system and poor internal communication.
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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:
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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.
