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20 Mar, 2023 by Maria pantoja
Muy bien
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26 Oct, 2022 by Ryan fahlman-katler
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14 Oct, 2017 by Alison tate
Diego and his paralegal, Ashley, were on the ball with my husband's case from beginning to end. We were hesitant to get an attorney but insurance companies were proving to be huge headaches. We just didn't have the time or knowledge to handle it appropriately. So glad we went with Diego, he was amazing, very factual but also compassionate. I can't recommend him enough.
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06 Mar, 2017 by Nejla
Kindness goes a long way. Mr. Hilts did not represent me. He did, however, provide a consultation. I was very impressed with the prompt call back. Although he couldn’t take my particular case, he was able to refer me elsewhere. He was very personable, courteous, and respectful throughout my interaction with him. His manner was kind and considerate, and not in the least rushed or hurried. If I did retain a personal injury counsel, it would be Mr. Hilts. He is the epitome of what an attorney should strive to be.
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04 May, 2016 by Dawn
I had a car accident in 2015 that left me injured. I had no lawyer and no reference, so I simply search "attorney" and my zipcode on a search engine and found Ryan. I called him and several other attorneys. He answered my call right away, talked with me for a while and we set up an appointment to meet. I really enjoyed meeting him from the start and hired him the first day. He fought hard for me, never accepting the minimum ... always working for what was truly fair for me and not stopping until I told him I was truly satisfied. I never felt pressured with Ryan. He answered all my emails and calls right away and handled all the questions from the insurance companies so that I could focus on my healing. I truly appreciated his work ethic, his drive, and all the time and focus he put in to helping me. I would recommend him to anyone who is seeking a personal injury lawyer.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Pamela crawford
I hired Ryan to represent me in a personal injury matter. I have many years of legal experience and was inclined to represent myself, however I decided to hire him so I could focus on healing. Ryan's fee agreement was fair, equitable and easy for even a lay person to understand. Throughout my case, Ryan displayed competency and integrity, the latter especially being hard to find these days.
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22 Jul, 2018 by Rob
I hired David Penoyer to represent me on three different occasions after I sustained injuries from accidents, two vehicular and one non-vehicular. On all three occasions, David sought fair and adequate compensation for me. He listened closely to my issues and concerns, expertly advised me on courses of action, and negotiated appropriate settlements for me. Through face-to-face meetings and phone conversations, David patiently answered all my questions over the course of the settlements and explained all the legalese. He is intelligent, experienced, thoughtful, measured, caring, assertive when necessary, and completely trustworthy. I highly recommend him.
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01 Oct, 2017 by Joni
Dave has just been wonderful. Sympathetic when he needed to be and extremely professional. He patiently answered all my questions and kept me informed of the status of my case throughout. If I left a message or email he was able to respond within hours! I have never felt in such good hands. He resolved my case even better than I ever could have imagined with such thoroughness that I feel grateful every day. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who might need his services in any way at any time. Thank you Dave.
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02 Oct, 2014 by Llexi.
Dave, is by far one of the best! I wouldn't recommend anyone else. He is very motivated and passionate about his work. Dave encourages you every step of the way and is very knowledgeable and tactical while he's been working on my claim. I feel comfortable when discussing my I Options and always have great advice from all aspects.
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16 Jul, 2018 by Saul
When I got hit by a car while riding my bike to work, I was left with hefty medical bills and lost wages. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to have Patrick handle my case. He and his team were efficient, caring, and very communicative throughout the entire process. I would happily refer Patrick to friends and family should they need legal services. He really cares about his clients and results.
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12 Jul, 2012 by Amanda
Patrick is amazing to work with. He showed he was there on top of things and was very professional. he showed that he was willing to go the lengths needed to help my case succeed. I am very pleased with the results and am very happy to refer him to any one and every one. Great person and very compassionate. hard working as well as shows his clients that he is there for them, I never felt like I was a back burner or that he was hurring or rushing my case. Patric stuck it out with me. Patrick is an amazing lawyer.
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25 Jan, 2011 by Lawrence
We hired Patrick Angel to handle our car accident when my wife was rear ended a couple of years ago. She was injured and missed some work and we needed help dealing with the insurance company to get medical bills paid, our car fixed and compensation for all our losses. Patrick immediately took control of the situation, got the insurance company to pay the medical bills that it was supposed to pay and helped us get a good settlement overall. We were very impressed with Patrick's work because he always communicated with us, kept us informed and involved us in the process. Patrick handled our legal matter with expertise and diligence. We were really very happy with the work he did for us.
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26 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
I was fortunate enough to have Mr Huegli as my attorney during my DUI case. My case was difficult to prove because the police officer was not completly honest in his investigation and actually violated the law in order to charge me with a DUI. Mr. Huegli analyzed the events, the investigation and police reports and was able to determine what actually occurred. He then put a strategy together to prove this in court. I was most impressed with Mr Huegli's litigation and delivery during the trial. In the courtroom he was able to examine and cross-examine so that the jury could understand what actually happened. It was obvious that the police officer was not being entirely honest as Mr. Huegli cross-examined him on the witness stand. The jury deliberated for less than an hour and I was found "not guilty." I would highly recommend Mr. Huegli for legal representation.
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22 Sep, 2012 by Sara
I won't get into too many details about my personal case, however I can tell you that Todd knows the law inside and out. The D.A. tried to bring in a bunch of evidence that would have really killed me and Todd knew exactly how to handle it all. He did an awesome job keeping stuff out of the trial and in the end I was WAY better off having Todd on my side. If you are looking for a criminal defense or DUI attorney, look no further. Todd is really nice, explains everything to you, and then is a machine in the court room.
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13 Sep, 2012 by Aaron
I'm from CA, but had a little too much to drink while in Portland, OR and got a DUI. Todd defended me and did an awesome job. Todd did a great job keeping the DA honest and making sure they could only bring in evidence that was relevant. The details of my case were very involved and Todd did a great job making sure the inadmissible stuff stayed out of the trial. Overall, I couldn't recommend Todd more. He is a very nice guy, easy to work with, and understands the law very well.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Cynthia mason
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19 Jun, 2023 by Andrew colton
Things in my legal malpractice case completely have changed from a year ago I sent in a complaint to the Oregon State Bar and nothing's been dismissed but they won't take the time to review my case again. The person I spoke to was very short and dismissive when I called today. Sorry I wasted your time and bothered you again office of Judy Snyder !!
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25 May, 2023 by M. p.
Easy to work with and gives great customer service
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20 Feb, 2024 by Annamarie davault
Favorite attorneys office. Darin Dooley is my go to attorney and is mindful of budgets.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Randall Wolfe was a great attorney. He will fight for you and take on all of the headache that insurance companies will throw at you. He and his team were supportive and great at communicating. I’ve used him multiple times and will again if ever needed. Highly recommend hiring him!
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27 Jan, 2023 by Eric wishan
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17 Apr, 2024 by Liz & kev - fresh aire of the willamette valley
RJ Sohler has been with us since the VERY beginning of our business, eight years ago. He has helped us with the initial setup, issues, purchases, accounting, business growth, messy taxes, Quickbooks, my one million questions, and everything in between. His team covers so many areas and has been a vital part of our success. Marina Elliott has since joined Sohler Law and she, too, is knowledgeable and kind, always explaining things that seem difficult in an approachable way, and just straight up, she gets things done! We will always continue to use Sohler Law!!
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10 Apr, 2024 by Karin moggridge
Sohler Law has set up my family trust and done my taxes for the last 3 years. I can only say positive things about them. They respond to questions promptly, and are nice and "layed back" in true portland style. I am ancient, and they have patience with my lesser than perfect knowledge of technology. I no longer dread tax season.....
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10 Apr, 2024 by Madeline miller
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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.