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19 Aug, 2018 by William
I retained Brian Stapleton over 3 months ago, paid him 5K. Since then, Brian Stapleton has made several excuses as to why he cannot file the complaint in court. As of today, I am out 5K and still in the same situation I was over 3 months ago. I do not recommend Brian Stapleton for ANY legal proceedings.
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09 Apr, 2017 by Mark kronyak
I hired him when he worked for a different law firm than he is with now. Months went by with no correspondence other than me reaching out to him asking how my case was going. Good was the only response I would get . Months turned to over a year and when I called the law firm to find out what was going on I was told he left the firm and they knew nothing about my case.
I was able to hire a different attorney Michael Aviles and Natascia Ayers on Hudson street in NYC I now see what a qualified attorney does.
Again .. do not use this guy!!!
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25 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a very poor experience with this attorney.
First of all, he is supposed to be representing clients who have sustained bodily injury and he talks more about his own injuries (which he always seems to be recovering from) then the clients.
Secondly, although I am aware that this is a business, it is quite irritating when an attorney treats a case with an expected large judgement very differently than those with a potentially more moderate award.
Thirdly, he is very short staffed and is overwhelmed with handling even the simplest tasks which wind up taking an undue amount of time to complete. This creates a domino effect where important components appear to be rushed.
In conclusion, there are better choices out there and if I had to go through this again I would look elsewhere.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Paul
I can’t believe it’s been 8 years since my accident, and since then I been to other law firms . Which they explained to me that Justin wasn’t doing a good job and how I should sue him for the way he handled my case, when I spoke to him after leaving a honest review on here two years ago. He IMMEDIATELY called me and asked me to take the review down if not he WOULDNT be helping me with my case. The nerve to say that to me in a such nasty voice and as a threat. Well I never took it down and I guess he paid someone to take it down for him and paid other people to leave good comments for him. But the truth is he told me that him and Fred were not in business any more and not representing me on my case from 2016 . He is not trustworthy and not the type to keep you informed on your case. He tried to make me feel like he don’t know what to do with my case now and that Covid was the reason he didn’t do any work. The other law firm told me that they WANTED to take my case years ago for my accident and he called over there with his connections and stopped it . Telling them my firm did so much work for him please don’t take my client. I swear on my kids this guy in more fraudulent then a $3 bill. And I want him to know and the rest of these paid actors he got to talk good about him . Stop leading people to this guy. He not that guy. We all seen him on TED with the sorry childhood story to act like he got a heart. I heard his lame story and I can promise you he know how to look you in the eye ,lean in and give you that spoonful of I got game in a soft voice while staring into your eyes with a bunch of bologna behind it. Now since the last chat we had which didn’t take but 5 mins to get the last call from him maybe 2 years ago. Please take the review down he pleaded. Wait to I reach out to the BBB. He been on my case since my hospital bed in Jan 2016 and hasn’t produced results. As a matter of fact he added another lawyer to help to the case which I’m not going to mention his name. But that man has been trying to do something at least answering phone calls. Justin Blitz is like a Puffy Daddy that signs artists so nobody else can help put their music out and they become famous. He stopped their growth. If he can’t get a piece of the action than nobody can eat. WATCH out for him, I’m a regular amputee guy and he’s a this big time lawyer with 5.0 rating, LMFAO that’s not what I seen last time I came on here. He paying people for comments. There’s a God and he watching you and how you treat people. This guy is soul less. I asked him for the video footage of the train accident years ago and he never got the video footage for me and I didn’t see it until 2023 since 2016 and it was the other lawyer who made that happen. Don’t hold your breath and expect for Justin to help you. He wants to look good and play smart with his glasses on and his carisma but we who know really know. Be honest at least. One lawyer said you only spent about $5000 on my case or less from the work you did and that was in 2019 he told me that . He wanted to buy the case from you. Now you place me in a time sensitive situation not that Justin caring like I said. I could have been had someone else on my case years ago and not have to leave this comment in here. But you Justin want to be rude and treat me like less that a human being you never took time on my case . The time we went to that train station together was the only time you showed interest and that was when you first had me sign in to be your client in 2016. It’s about to be 8 years and I’m still suffering from my injuries. You should be ashamed of yourself . Fred told me to go get a job and not feel sorry for myself with a amputee leg. Now I finally got a prosthetic leg and got the will to got back to work and ended up in a car accident . So if that’s their idea of helping me . You better off going to a third world country and getting help. These guys are not professionals and your better off with someone else.
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
