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19 Dec, 2024 by Carey deshaw
Michael and his staff were awesome. Always kept me informed on what was going on with my case. And they kept advocating for me until they got the maximum I deserved from my settlement. I recommend him and his team to anyone. Sincerely Carey Deshaw.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Sherri lasater
Mr. Tario worked on my case to get me the best settlement possible. He is very passionate, generous and actually cares about you. His staff Sandy and Mars... you can't get any better than them. Always calling me to check in to see how I was feeling and my recovery. If I needed anything they would take over and get the job done. They actually care. This by far is the best team! Highly recommend this firm.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Maria pagnotta
I can't say enough good things about Michael Tario and his team! He truly cares about his clients and works hard to get the best results. His attention to detail and deep understanding of the law really stood out. The entire team was professional, kind, and responsive, and I would recommend them to anyone in need of legal help in Bellingham!
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11 Dec, 2024 by William coats
I highly recommend Brett McCandlis Brown and Conner. I'm a lawery and have referred many clients to the firm. They are always highly professional, get tremendous results (including many multi-million dollar settlements), and are really good people.
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16 Nov, 2024 by Eloise brown
Very good very good
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17 Sep, 2024 by Don baca
Adam Engst is an excellent lawyer. He is professional and personable. He explained the process thoroughly. He was always happy to respond to any questions we had quickly. My husband and myself were involved in a serious rear end collision. We were both injured. My husband required neck surgery and will have continued pain and limited mobility of his neck. This affects our future financially as well. He has lost income by severally limiting his ability to work. Adam fought to get medical costs related to injury plus the maximum $ amount from the insurance company and succeeded! The settlement was in the 6 figures and will go towards our being able to live without fear of losing our home. And for future medical expenses. In my case because of my illnesses, I was unable to get medical treatment for my crash-related injuries, which would normally mean that my case was not very valuable. However, Adam was able to convince the insurance companies that my low medical bills did not reflect the severity of the injuries I suffered. As a result, Adam was able to get them to pay every last dollar of all the insurance policy limits available. We were so impressed and satisfied with Adams representation. I would without hesitation recommend Adam Engst to anyone who needed a great lawyer for an injury case.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jason keniston
Paula and her legal office were kind, caring, compassionate, and expediate with their communication. Their advice and wisdom led to a succesful settlement and outcome of my vechicle accident situation. I can't say enough about how great their professionalism was. It is becasue of their time my matter was resolved. I recommend to all in need.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Keith e
In the summer of 2019, I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. Fortunately, I do not remember the accident. The EMT’s put me into an induced coma at the scene of the accident and after a few days in the hospital I was brought out of the coma. After waking up, all I wanted to do was to get out of the hospital and back to work in a business I had just started. I felt that the aches and pains were just a distraction from the dedication I needed to make the business successful. My punctured lung, broken ribs, broken other bones, smashed in face, missing teeth, my body numb from the hips down, and a severe head injury with a hematoma could just be ignored. Maybe I was not thinking straight! My wife suggested that we should sit down with an attorney regarding the accident, and I reluctantly took a meeting with Paula McCandliss from Brett Law. I wasn’t keen on lawyers, and I did not put much effort into the meeting. My thoughts were that I’d quickly get over my bumps and bruises and Paula would be wasting her time with my case. Well, I was not thinking straight, and thank goodness for Paula putting up with my callousness. The physicians and hospital staff did a respectable job putting me back together, but it’s hard for them to determine the extent of the injuries, and of course the medical profession cannot get you back to 100%. After my discharge It took time for me and my primary physician et. al. to determine my ongoing care and what medical problems would be permanent. Let me say this- I was fortunate to have met Paula and her team at Brett Law. They were always personal, professional, and caring, and not to mention they worked tirelessly on my case. It was ‘my bad’ to assume that they were just a firm chasing an ambulance. To my ignorance, I didn’t perceive the onslaught of hospital and specialty physician invoices, the art of dealing with medical and auto insurance companies along with collection agencies on invoices that were never presented to me. Paula helped us get through all these unforeseen hurdles with kindness, legal insight, and experience. She is a great coach to lead you through the myriad of difficulties you may face after a painful accident, and I highly recommend her. You will appreciate both her legal skill and warm personality.
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29 Apr, 2021 by David deyoung
Paula is an excellent attorney. Have only heard good things about her work.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Jason keniston
Paula and her legal office were kind, caring, compassionate, and expediate with their communication. Their advice and wisdom led to a succesful settlement and outcome of my vechicle accident situation. I can't say enough about how great their professionalism was. It is becasue of their time my matter was resolved. I recommend to all in need.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Keith e
In the summer of 2019, I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. Fortunately, I do not remember the accident. The EMT’s put me into an induced coma at the scene of the accident and after a few days in the hospital I was brought out of the coma. After waking up, all I wanted to do was to get out of the hospital and back to work in a business I had just started. I felt that the aches and pains were just a distraction from the dedication I needed to make the business successful. My punctured lung, broken ribs, broken other bones, smashed in face, missing teeth, my body numb from the hips down, and a severe head injury with a hematoma could just be ignored. Maybe I was not thinking straight! My wife suggested that we should sit down with an attorney regarding the accident, and I reluctantly took a meeting with Paula McCandliss from Brett Law. I wasn’t keen on lawyers, and I did not put much effort into the meeting. My thoughts were that I’d quickly get over my bumps and bruises and Paula would be wasting her time with my case. Well, I was not thinking straight, and thank goodness for Paula putting up with my callousness. The physicians and hospital staff did a respectable job putting me back together, but it’s hard for them to determine the extent of the injuries, and of course the medical profession cannot get you back to 100%. After my discharge It took time for me and my primary physician et. al. to determine my ongoing care and what medical problems would be permanent. Let me say this- I was fortunate to have met Paula and her team at Brett Law. They were always personal, professional, and caring, and not to mention they worked tirelessly on my case. It was ‘my bad’ to assume that they were just a firm chasing an ambulance. To my ignorance, I didn’t perceive the onslaught of hospital and specialty physician invoices, the art of dealing with medical and auto insurance companies along with collection agencies on invoices that were never presented to me. Paula helped us get through all these unforeseen hurdles with kindness, legal insight, and experience. She is a great coach to lead you through the myriad of difficulties you may face after a painful accident, and I highly recommend her. You will appreciate both her legal skill and warm personality.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Keith
In the summer of 2019, I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. Fortunately, I do not remember the accident. The EMT’s put me into an induced coma at the scene of the accident and after a few days in the hospital I was brought out of the coma. After waking up, all I wanted to do was to get out of the hospital and back to work in a business I had just started. I felt that the aches and pains were just a distraction from the dedication I needed to make the business successful. My punctured lung, broken ribs, broken other bones, smashed in face, missing teeth, my body numb from the hips down, and a severe head injury with a hematoma could just be ignored. Maybe I was not thinking straight! My wife suggested that we should sit down with an attorney regarding the accident, and I reluctantly took a meeting with Paula McCandliss from Brett Law. I wasn’t keen on lawyers, and I did not put much effort into the meeting. My thoughts were that I’d quickly get over my bumps and bruises and Paula would be wasting her time with my case. Well, I was not thinking straight, and thank goodness for Paula putting up with my callousness. The physicians and hospital staff did a respectable job putting me back together, but it’s hard for them to determine the extent of the injuries, and of course the medical profession cannot get you back to 100%. After my discharge It took time for me and my primary physician et. al. to determine my ongoing care and what medical problems would be permanent. Let me say this- I was fortunate to have met Paula and her team at Brett Law. They were always personal, professional, and caring, and not to mention they worked tirelessly on my case. It was ‘my bad’ to assume that they were just a firm chasing an ambulance. To my ignorance, I didn’t perceive the onslaught of hospital and specialty physician invoices, the art of dealing with medical and auto insurance companies along with collection agencies on invoices that were never presented to me. Paula helped us get through all these unforeseen hurdles with kindness, legal insight, and experience. She is a great coach to lead you through the myriad of difficulties you may face after a painful accident, and I highly recommend her. You will appreciate both her legal skill and warm personality.
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31 Aug, 2023 by Ruben
Mrs. Carrie Coppinger Carter, in my opinion is the one of the best lawyers in the Northwest especially because she is hard working, super communicative (so you don’t have to worry about updates on you’re case). She is currently handling 2 of my cases and so far I’ve seen a lot of progress and I already know that I will get the settlement that I deserve if I have her as my lawyer! And so will you if you have her as you’re lawyer!
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16 Apr, 2023 by Cheryl
Carrie and her team are very professional, incredibly welcoming. I'm grateful for the time and energy Carrie put into my case, she kept me apprised and always responded to me in a timely manner. Carrie and her team made this difficult situation so much easier, I truly appreciate Carrie. She fought for me and I appreciated her honest and open approach throughout my case.
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15 Jul, 2022 by Tim the truck man
Carrie is one of the most exceptional attorneys in this community matter fact probably in the state and even across this country bar none and I literally mean bar none she will give you every inch every possible Avenue that could actually be litigated she is 100% by the book and she calls it by the ball straight and narrow and she only throws strikes once in awhile because she works so hard she'll throw a slider when you least expect it I know no other woman nor attorney on this planet that could actually do a better job for you your corporation family business or personal she'll tell it to you straight I hope that's what you like to hear she's not going to fluff things up but she's here to win she's not a loser matter of fact she has saved one and litigated some claim that I never thought would even get off the ground she sees through all the muck and mire because she is a Coppinger,.! She comes I'm a family that sticks together and I don't mean to make this racial but you don't see white families stick together like this normally everyday like they do I don't know if you know how Hispanic people and other races help out the elderly and stick by their family but you don't see too many white families caucasians doing but this family does she is extremely versed an extremely connected all the way to the top she does not use her connections to win the fight on the contrary when they see her coming they know that they have a battle before them I'm about to give up even before the the shooting starts I've always I've always wanted her on my team but I can't say that I could afford her he's not cheap on any aspect nor should anybody be with a talent and the expertise that she has you have to pay to play so to speak I would do anything that I possibly could for this person in which she is actually stuck out her neck far beyond anybody that I've ever known and of course she is the only Christian woman that holds the line matter of fact to a T you cannot make this woman false her when it comes to Jesus and who other that you want on your side I'm not saying that you need to be a Christian to actually hire her but I'm not going to say that she's not going to mention her savior if you come through her doors without him it doesn't really matter anyway you might as well throw in the towel but don't quite give up yet she'll see your last breath and she'll put out her hand pull you back up dust you off and push you across the the finish line in which you may never think that you would have made it and without her more than likely you wouldn't give her a call let her check out your case I promise you there isn't a better attorney in town none zero mark my word Godspeed
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18 Dec, 2024 by Alice baggett
Adam worked diligently to help us with a complicated situation without dear pup. At every moment he was kind, professional, and knowledgeable. Without his expertise, we would’ve been lost. His services were worth every penny and we highly recommend him.
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17 Dec, 2024 by Tiffany bailey
I had the pleasure of working with Bill on various matters and can confidently say he is a dedicated, knowledgeable, and highly professional attorney. His attention to detail, ability to communicate clearly, and commitment to achieving the best outcomes truly stand out. Bill consistently goes above and beyond for his clients, making sure they feel informed and supported throughout the entire process. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of an exceptional personal injury attorney!
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13 Dec, 2024 by Ashley pavone
I couldn't of got my girls back without his help he was amazing and I would work with him again if I had to
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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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