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10 May, 2024 by Luigi
After attempting to work directly with the insurance companies and getting nowhere, working with Sethi and Sledd was one of the best decisions I could have made. Once it was in their hands I did not have to worry about any of the details and they were able to resolve my claim quickly. I highly recommend both Gobind and Samantha. They are both compassionate and caring Lawyers and a pleasure to work with. Maria their office manager was also very effective at keeping me in the know and handling any documents along the way.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Chandra shekhar
I am so glad that i found Sethi & Sledd, PLLC. I had pleasure to work with Samantha and Mr. Sethi. They both understood the issue on hand and did not try to push in any direction. They always laid out all the facts and let us decide the best outcome. They are so professional and prompt with all the follow ups to make sure we are all on the same page. Thank you Samantha and Mr.Sethi for working so passionately with customer service motto of Serve and Obey.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Dorothy thompson
I had a fall injury which resulted in contacting Samantha Sledd as my attorney. She is a wonderful attorney and helped me throughout the process! I would highly recommend her!! Thank you.
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10 May, 2024 by Luigi
After attempting to work directly with the insurance companies and getting nowhere, working with Sethi and Sledd was one of the best decisions I could have made. Once it was in their hands I did not have to worry about any of the details and they were able to resolve my claim quickly. I highly recommend both Gobind and Samantha. They are both compassionate and caring Lawyers and a pleasure to work with. Maria their office manager was also very effective at keeping me in the know and handling any documents along the way.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Chandra shekhar
I am so glad that i found Sethi & Sledd, PLLC. I had pleasure to work with Samantha and Mr. Sethi. They both understood the issue on hand and did not try to push in any direction. They always laid out all the facts and let us decide the best outcome. They are so professional and prompt with all the follow ups to make sure we are all on the same page. Thank you Samantha and Mr.Sethi for working so passionately with customer service motto of Serve and Obey.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Dorothy thompson
I had a fall injury which resulted in contacting Samantha Sledd as my attorney. She is a wonderful attorney and helped me throughout the process! I would highly recommend her!! Thank you.
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07 Jul, 2012 by Hilary
Bruce Blanchard was an amazing lawyer. He helped me get out of two felonies with the best possible outcome. Totally worth the money.
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01 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Bruce handled a complex plaintiff's matter for me and my family. It involved complex and novel issues of law and fact, difficult defendants (e.g. the State of Virginia), and a very challenging emotional situation. He handled all of this very well. While there is no such thing as a good outcome in this type of case I do believe that we got the best outcome we could given the circumstances thanks to Bruce.
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24 Dec, 2009 by Jack
He will not fight for you especially if it is a small criminal case. His lack of interest in the case (not in the money), now is costing me my future. When I told other attorneys how he had handles my case, they stay puzzled and surprised. I have had other cases with other attorneys in the area related to business and family law. conclusion: for him and or other attorney's, do not believe their CV. Go to the courthouse and watch their work.
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21 Mar, 2024 by First wife 1
Steve handled my high-pressure, high-profile divorce from start to finish from 2013 to 2014, as well as lingering issues in 2015, with complete professionalism, control, and finesse. Steve always kept me informed, never let me feel intimidated, let me read everything, incorporated my edits, and handled numerous explosive legal situations that were repeatedly lobbed at me. Let me emphasize – this was not an easy divorce, nor was it at an ideal time in my life, as I had only recently returned to the workforce after staying at home with my children for many years. But Steve has seen it all, and has excellent instincts. He’s not intimidated by anyone on the other side, but does not have to resort to bombast in order to accomplish what you need. His demeanor is quiet, yet very thoughtful, and I found that he is extremely well-regarded by all judges we went before as well as among his fellow attorneys and mediators, which is critically important. Nothing about getting a divorce is easy – especially when there are kids involved and an unpredictable spouse who is taking a “scorched earth” approach toward your divorce. But when your life is falling apart, you HAVE to have someone on your side who can handle the legal chaos that can result. Steve did that for me and successfully negotiated what I needed for the future. I interviewed two other attorneys before hiring Steve – both in Fairfax City near the courthouse who had handled divorces for friends of mind. Both were very nice, but neither could have withstood the withering tactics of my ex and his attorney. Steve is NOT afraid to go to court for you – and so often, you have to go to court – and he is NOT afraid to deal with opposing counsel. Remember – with any attorney, you get what you pay for. I’ve seen this over and over with my divorced friends who hired other attorneys and who did NOT get the settlements or agreements that they needed. This is probably the worst time in your life; don’t make it harder on yourself by hiring someone who can’t handle your situation. I highly recommend Garver Law Offices, and have already recommended Steve to several people I know who unexpectedly found themselves in the same situation. Trust me, Steve knows what he is doing.
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04 Apr, 2020 by Michael
A number of years ago, I hired Mr. Garver to represent me in my divorce, which included the legal service of filing a document on my behalf, about two pages in length, with the Fairfax County Circuit Court. A few days afterwards, I phoned him and asked if he could please send me, for my own reference, a copy of this short document he had filed with the court for me. It was a document that could have been photocopied and faxed to me within a few minutes. Mr. Garver reacted with mocking sarcastic irritation to my request, stating "Is it critical?" as if he were speaking to someone utterly beneath him. He then informed me that he was too busy that day to fax me a copy of this document. At that point, he did not tell me when I might expect to receive it. Mr. Garver acknowledged that I had a right to receive a copy of this document from my case file. However, he would not give me a time frame for when I might expect him to fax it to me. I then asked him if he could confirm that he would be able to fax it to me the following day. But he would not confirm that either. Since Mr. Garver was apparently too busy to fax a copy of this document to me that day, and also would not provide some reasonable assurance that he would fax it to me the following day, I asked him by what day I could expect to receive it. Even then he still would not provide me with a firm date by which I could expect him to fax me a copy of this document. That is how our phone conversation ended with regard to a simple request to receive a copy of this short document from my file. I did not appreciate his evasiveness when I asked him for a simple estimate of how long it would take him to get around to faxing me a two-page document. I faxed Mr. Garver a letter soon afterwards, notifying him that I no longer wanted him as my attorney because of this behavior and requesting a refund of any unused portion of my retainer. It took him about one month to provide this refund, after I followed up with him about it. Shortly after I notified him that I no longer wanted him as my attorney, he did then manage to fax me a copy of that document.
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02 Jan, 2020 by Margarita
I would not recommend Steven Garver, very disappointed. I hired him and then decided to go with another lawyer who is more specialized in criminal defense. It happened a week after I paid him, so he didn’t do anything yet. When I asked for my money back, Mr.Garver said he’ll refund some, not all of it. Couple weeks later he sent me a check for half of what I paid. Very unprofessional. Stay away
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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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