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03 Oct, 2022 by The matala’s
Terry represented us for an accident my husband was involved in . He was very professional and caring and a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend him as an attorney. Terry and his staff treat you like family and make the whole process smooth and non stressful. You develop a few good friends in the process. We were very happy with the whole process and the end results.
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29 Sep, 2022 by Steve
I met Terry years ago and was very impressed with his work. Then when I needed legal help he was the first person I contacted. Terry and his staff are professional, efficient and effective. I highly recommend Terry for legal advice and representation!
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10 Mar, 2021 by Michael
Terry is wonderful to work with. This is my second case with Terry, I have had great results from both cases. I would highly recommend using Terry if you should need a Attorney.mike
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03 Aug, 2015 by Amanda
Margie helped me through the most difficult time of my life. She took care of everything I needed and more. She was always compassionate and always cared about how I was doing. Margie took the time to explain everything, and explain every outcome that could happen. She did everything she could to get me the best outcome possible. I always felt she had my best interest at heart and I could trust her with anything. Margie made this awful time in my life easier to deal with by always being there for whatever I needed. She went above and beyond everything I expected! I can't say enough good things about her. I would recommend her over and over again!
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14 Apr, 2015 by Nilsa
I recommend Marge, is an excellent lawyer and strives to help you with any problem you have. My experience was very pleasant and I will always hire her .. I recommend her for any case you have, she is very professional and treat you with respect and go beyond to help you.
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21 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Margie Soehl is a top notch savvy attorney. She was recommended to us by a former client. She was not only legally savvy but also sensitive to my spouse's needs. For example, the injuries incurred as a result of the circumstances that led to the case, limited my spouse's physical abilities. She spoke to us about doing the necessary deposition over several days, as opposed to one marathon day that would have been superlatively challenging for my spouse. The entire firm was highly professional and able to blend their professionalism with customized client care with ease.
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01 Oct, 2013 by Robert
After discovering that I had Legionnaire's Disease which I contracted from the Best Western Sovereign Hotel in Albany, which has a history of problems with this disease, I contacted Michael Conway who I knew from newspaper stories was representing several other clients with the same problem. Michael was kind enough to visit me at my home while I was still recovering from the Legionnaire's so I wouldn't have to make the trip down to his office. I had originally contacted another lawyer whom I knew personally but decided to go with Michael because he was already deeply involved with other Best Western Legionnaire's cases. I always found Michael responsive and he dutifully kept me apprised of the status of my case by sending me all paperwork and staying in touch by phone. He answered all my questions in an easy to understand way. My case was settled by mediation, and thanks to Michael's and his team's efforts, I was remunerated nearly $36,000 in damages from the Best Western. I appreciate all of Michael's hard work and expertise and would heartily recommend him to anyone seeking an excellent personal injury attorney.
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22 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
A family member was involved in a multi vehicle accident as a passenger and sustain some long term injuries due to the impact and her age. Attorney Conway has allowed me and other family members to ask questions, give input, be involved in decisions. His communication is clear, as well as his actions. He is sensitive and well practiced and controls the process and challanges carefully and artfully while not wasting time. You would be under excellent care in the service of Attorney Conway.
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22 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
As a past client I had an excellent experience with Michael Conaway as my lawyer. He is a very dedicated, upfront and take action kind of lawyer. If you are not experiencing this with your current lawyer I recommend that you change lawyers and contact Michael Conaway. If results are what you want then Michael is your man. Thank you Michael for what you did for our family. Having closure after so many years of waiting is a wonderful feeling. Now we can get on with our lives. Thanks again! A very satisfied client.
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10 Dec, 2009 by Prissy
Mr. Pennock is the best lawyer I've ever had, one you would want to have on your side no matter what type of case or legal affairs you want handled. He is very thorough, honest, and detail-oriented. Nothing misses his legal eye, and the wealth of accumulated legal knowledge and experience he has in various legal areas (especially in cases where they might overlap legal boundaries) is unbeatable. He is fair in everything, including and especially his reasonable fees, and he will tell you if you are being unreasonable in your demands or if you are crossing any legal lines in any of your cases and dealings that you entrust to him. He was my lawyer for a car accident and in real estate, and the thoroughness of the advice and work that he put into both were the same even though both didn't actually pay him the same amount of money. With Mr. Pennock, it doesn't matter what job he is handling or how much the job costs: it is that he gets the job done very well with your best interests always in mind. This is also why I say he is ethical, because unlike a lot of lawyers you meet these days who may only treat you as a case (instead of a person), Mr. Pennock will tell you how your legal decisions may affect you, your family and loved ones, or the other party you are working against, always making sure you do not endanger yourself legally. Because of his work ethic, his partners and legal staff follow the same principles he has set and have the same high regard for you and the law as he himself does.
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04 Dec, 2009 by John
we have known john pennock for about 30 years . in 1981 he defended us in an auto accident which had a positive outcome. then, in 2006 when we had a horrible life changing accident, john pennock was with us every step of the way. that also resulted in a very positive outcome which was tried in federal court. john pennock is very experienced and knowledgeable and comes to trial well prepared to win.
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22 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
John Pennock’s talent for the law is exceptional. Extraordinary trial preparation and organization, witness preparation and trial execution. I am always amazed at how he assimilates and thoroughly digests every detail of any importance. At deposition and trial, John handles every witness with great skill, persistently extracting from them good, solid, factual testimony. Jurors follow his every move in the courtroom, listening intently to his penetrating examination of witnesses, both friendly and hostile. His closing argument puts it all together for the jury in a highly effective, understandable and believable manner. He is very well regarded by the bar and the bench for his high degree of professionalism and skill. Always civil. If you need a gladiator to go to court and wage your war for you, then you need John Pennock.
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08 Sep, 2015 by Jocelyn
I sate in a courtroom with the weight of the world on my shoulders. A prayer deep down in my Soul for my Son's freedom, and Ellanas reputation among her colleagues. She has proven to be a soft spoken warrior for Justice. I can only thank you by praying for you and your family. You are truly an Angle here on Earth.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Taylor yates
I would reach out to O'Connell and Aronowitz for any of my legal needs. I was invited to play on their summer softball league and all of their employees conduct themselves in a respectful and friendly manner.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Ann margaret
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29 Mar, 2024 by Wayne durr
I cannot say enough about the amazing service and guidance my son and I received from Mike and this firm. From our first call to the end of our encounter we were excellently represented and kept fully informed. If you need legal assistance this is the place to contact.
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20 Feb, 2024 by William edgar
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15 Aug, 2023 by Angelina cedeno
Mr. kinlon represented me daughter A. McCall in her case and really patient. Got the job done without even receiving the full payment. He has a great payment arrangement and is very knowledgeable. I appreciate him for what he did for mine. Thank u so so much. Will recommend anyone to ur office
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21 Mar, 2023 by John cutro-kelly
Hired this firm years ago did me nothing but justice got me the best possible outcome worth every penny
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15 Jul, 2023 by S.wilgocki
HORRIBLE! Mr, Gelbman was unprofessional at every turn or our experience. Did NOTHING in a timely fashion after a family members passing. If you are considering getting an attorney, get ANYONE ELSE! Ethics or ethical behavior we found was not his strong suit!
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10 Nov, 2022 by Robert
This attorney took on my traffic ticket case and I found out two months later he did not respond to traffic court. Now I am facing a suspension on my license and he is not responding to any of my queries.
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11 Nov, 2021 by Ronak
Attorny Gelbman was hired to take care of a traffic violation in upstate new york for me. He told me the matter was resolved and provided me with a document and a fine which I paid. Turns out that he gave me the wrong documents and the fine was sent to a different court altogether. After I had informed him of his mistake he acknowledged it and said he'd "take care of it" but then he stopped responding to my/off the record's phone calls. Highly unprofessional.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Do for You

A wrongful death lawyer specializes in representing families who have lost a loved one due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity. These lawyers help families seek compensation for the emotional and financial losses associated with the untimely death of a loved one, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and criminal actions.

If you have lost a family member due to someone else’s wrongful actions, a wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice on behalf of your loved one.

When Should I Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a wrongful death lawyer if a loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Some common reasons to hire a wrongful death lawyer include:

  • Car accidents: If a loved one was killed in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence (e.g., reckless driving, DUI, or distracted driving), a lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim.
  • Medical malpractice: If a loved one died due to medical negligence, such as a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake, a wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the healthcare provider.
  • Workplace accidents: If your loved one died in a workplace accident or due to unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation from the employer or third parties responsible for the unsafe conditions.
  • Defective products: If a defective product caused your loved one’s death, a lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product.
  • Criminal actions: If your loved one was the victim of a criminal act, such as homicide or assault, a wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue a civil claim for damages, even if a criminal case is also ongoing.
  • Nursing home negligence: If an elderly loved one died due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, a lawyer can help you hold the facility accountable for their wrongful actions.

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer soon after the incident ensures that important evidence is preserved and that you can meet any legal deadlines for filing a claim.

What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?

A wrongful death lawyer provides a wide range of services to help families navigate the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for their losses. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Investigating the death: Conducting a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to your loved one’s death, gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
  • Establishing liability: Identifying who is legally responsible for your loved one’s death, whether it’s an individual, company, or government entity, and building a case showing how their negligence or wrongful actions caused the death.
  • Calculating damages: Helping you determine the full extent of your financial and emotional losses, including funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.
  • Filing a wrongful death claim: Preparing and filing the necessary legal documents to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit within the statute of limitations in your state.
  • Negotiating settlements: Working with the responsible party’s insurance company or legal team to negotiate a fair settlement for your losses.
  • Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
  • Handling legal deadlines: Ensuring that all legal filings are completed within the deadlines set by your state’s statute of limitations for wrongful death cases.

How Are Wrongful Death Lawyers Paid?

Wrongful death lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle the case. Here’s how it generally works:

  • Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is usually a percentage of the total settlement or damages awarded, typically ranging from 25% to 40%. You won’t have to pay any upfront fees, and the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.
  • No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer does not win or settle your case, you generally won’t owe them any legal fees.
  • Case expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, you may also be responsible for reimbursing the lawyer for case-related expenses, such as court costs, expert witness fees, and investigation costs. These expenses are typically deducted from the settlement or award.

It’s essential to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to ensure you understand how much you will owe if your case is successful.

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a wrongful death lawyer is usually based on a contingency fee structure, meaning you only pay if the lawyer recovers compensation for you. General cost estimates include:

  • Contingency fee percentage: Most wrongful death lawyers charge between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or court award. For example, if you receive a $500,000 settlement and the lawyer’s fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $165,000, and you would keep the remaining $335,000.
  • Case expenses: In addition to the lawyer’s fee, expenses such as court costs, expert witness fees, and investigation costs may be deducted from the settlement or award. These expenses can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Make sure to ask your lawyer for a clear explanation of their fees and case-related expenses before proceeding with your wrongful death claim.

Top Questions to Ask a Wrongful Death Lawyer

Before hiring a wrongful death lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and resources to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with wrongful death cases?
    Ensure the lawyer has successfully handled cases similar to yours, whether it’s medical malpractice, car accidents, or workplace deaths.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the lawyer’s contingency fee percentage and any additional costs, such as case expenses, that you may be responsible for.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges that could affect the outcome.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Wrongful death cases can take time to resolve, so ask how long the lawyer expects the process to last, from filing the claim to reaching a settlement or going to trial.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court.
  6. What types of damages can I recover?
    Ask the lawyer to explain the types of compensation you may be entitled to, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

How to Check the Credibility of a Wrongful Death Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable wrongful death lawyer, take the following 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 to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for wrongful death experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in wrongful death cases and have successfully handled cases like 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 professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on wrongful death cases.
  • Check for certifications or memberships: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) or local bar associations can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to wrongful death and personal injury law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a wrongful death lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Death certificate: Bring a copy of your loved one’s death certificate, as this is a key document in wrongful death cases.
  • Medical records: If applicable, bring your loved one’s medical records, autopsy reports, or any documentation of their medical care leading up to their death.
  • Accident or incident reports: If the wrongful death resulted from an accident, bring any police reports, accident reports, or workplace incident reports.
  • Financial records: Provide documentation of your loved one’s income, benefits, and financial contributions to the family to help calculate economic damages.
  • Correspondence: Bring any communication you’ve had with the responsible party, their insurance company, or legal representatives.
  • List of questions: Prepare a list of questions for the lawyer about the legal process, potential outcomes, and fees.
  • Timeline of events: Be ready to provide a clear timeline of the events leading up to and following your loved one’s death.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice.

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