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23 Dec, 2024 by Alex harness
After getting myself into serious enough trouble that it could have derailed my life, I couldn't be happier or more relieved after Mr. Grady Smith handled my case. After speaking with Mr. Morrell about my case, he recommended Mr. Smith as he was the most familiar with my local law enforcement and it certainly worked in my favor. Mr. Smith was very polite, knowledgeable, and explained everything in a way I could easily understand. I can't stress enough that the outcome was much better than I, or my family and friends, could have ever expected. I'll be recommending this law firm to anyone who asks for as long as I'm around.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Lisa schwarz
Timothy Baldridge and Tiffany Engel was great..they took car of my car accident..was always there to answer questions when i needed...always returned calls the same day..I would recommend them over and over
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20 Dec, 2024 by Hugh cansler
I have to say Andrew did his best and was very good at what he did. Managed to get my charges reduced.
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27 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
He got the bill collectors off my back when I got out of hospital. He and his secretary always talked to me when I called. Settlement helped me get my life back
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09 Jan, 2017 by James
Amee has gone over and beyond to make sure the family I work for is taken care even to the point of wanting to pay unpaid staff for work completed that out conservator has been less than lax with.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Paula frater
15 Oct, 2024 by Matthew williams
Shelley breeding is awesome! So helpful and supportive and professional. Thank you Shelley your the best!!!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Bethany heins
Did not look out for her clients best interest and extremely unprofessional. Put us in the worst situation, had to hire a new lawyer.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Alex harness
After getting myself into serious enough trouble that it could have derailed my life, I couldn't be happier or more relieved after Mr. Grady Smith handled my case. After speaking with Mr. Morrell about my case, he recommended Mr. Smith as he was the most familiar with my local law enforcement and it certainly worked in my favor. Mr. Smith was very polite, knowledgeable, and explained everything in a way I could easily understand. I can't stress enough that the outcome was much better than I, or my family and friends, could have ever expected. I'll be recommending this law firm to anyone who asks for as long as I'm around.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Lisa schwarz
Timothy Baldridge and Tiffany Engel was great..they took car of my car accident..was always there to answer questions when i needed...always returned calls the same day..I would recommend them over and over
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20 Dec, 2024 by Hugh cansler
I have to say Andrew did his best and was very good at what he did. Managed to get my charges reduced.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Rally nashville
19 Nov, 2024 by Jason
Three months into my representation with no resolve! Communication is poor; I did most of the calling and texting because I felt neglected.
I had an attorney call me and tell me he would call me the following week but never heard back. . . .
Overall: lack of professionalism, respect and see through.
If you’re wanting reasonable results . . . don’t call this law firm.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Miles anderson
Bart Durham Injury Law far exceeded my expectations in the end. I am ultimately satisfied with their superior services. Patience is a virtue and I am especially grateful to have let them do what they needed to do to settle the matters. Thank you so much Nikki Johnson. Thank you Melissa Grimes. Thank you to the whole team. Forever grateful.
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02 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
NO COMMUNICATION. NO CALL BACKS. NO FOLLOW UP. HORRIBLE ATTITUDE. STEER CLEAR OF HIM.
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04 Jun, 2013 by Cynthia
Having known Mr. Bill Poland for over 40 years,
I am confident in recommending him in every manner possible.
Not only is he an excellent Attorney - giving suburb legal advice,
but he is also a true Patriot.
His service to our great Nation is exemplary...serving both
in Vietnam as well as the Army Reserves long
after he could have resigned.
My recommendation is unconditional
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17 Nov, 2011 by Jenn
I never ha dthe need to use a lawyer before and was surprised hpw easy it was to talk with Mr. Poland about my case. I have a lot of confidence in him.
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17 Mar, 2020 by Jack
Mr. Burch and Mr. Lockhart represented me in a difficult situation. They both were very attentive to my concerns and quick to return my calls. He staff is very courteous and went that extra mile for me. Highly recommend.
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04 May, 2016 by John
Eric Burch's expertise and knowledge of law was amazing. He helped me through a very difficult legal issue. I could not have asked for a better attorney. I was more than impressed with his advise, professionalism, and sincerity. If you or anyone you know are looking for an attorney there is no one that can measure up.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
DID ME WRONG.FIRST TIME HE DID GOOD BUT ONLY HAD TO FILL OUT PAPERS FOR AN EASY DIVORCE.NEXT TIME,HE SCREWED EVERYTHING UP AND I GOT 45 DAYS INSTEAD OF 10 THAT I WAS SUPPOSE TO ONLY DO THANKS TO HIM.WILL NEVER EVER RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE EVER AGAIN.HE'S LET HIS HEAD GET TOO BIG.HE'S NOT THE SAME SWEET GUY FROM SCHOOL ANYMORE..ARROGANT NOW.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Paula frater
15 Oct, 2024 by Matthew williams
Shelley breeding is awesome! So helpful and supportive and professional. Thank you Shelley your the best!!!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Bethany heins
Did not look out for her clients best interest and extremely unprofessional. Put us in the worst situation, had to hire a new lawyer.
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4.5
149 Reviews
10 Jan, 2025 by Paula frater
15 Oct, 2024 by Matthew williams
Shelley breeding is awesome! So helpful and supportive and professional. Thank you Shelley your the best!!!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Bethany heins
Did not look out for her clients best interest and extremely unprofessional. Put us in the worst situation, had to hire a new lawyer.
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24 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
this guy took my money and sent me to jail and had me arrested for his negligence, If you need a criminal attorney this guy will take your money and run… he is a “criminal” that’s for sure and if you need a bankruptcy filled for you he is very good at that as he does it often. If i could’ve giving zero stars i would. he needs to be barred from practicing anything related to the law
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01 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
do not i’m telling you do not hire this attorney for anything outside of personal injury you will regret it and spend the rest of your life in jail. i honestly don’t know if he is a good ambulance chaser either but i wouldn’t want to gamble with my money.
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26 Jun, 2017 by Amber
I hired this firm to represent me for an auto injury accident case. I knew I was in good hands when I walked into their office and they immediately got to work on my case. I had been trying to contact the insurance company for a week with out a call back. They had the insurance company calling me to fix my vehicle the same day I met them! They were able to resolve my case in a timely manner. I was was over the top excited when I found out how much money I would receive in pocket! I highly recommend hiring attorney Billy Marlowe!!
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13 Feb, 2025 by Camille atkins
Mr. Thurman was extremely helpful as we navigated my lawsuit together. He provided prompt responses and was very cordial during my time as a client at this firm. Very thankful I had him on my side during negotiations.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Dee harr
My experience was not good. If you call them for a medical negligence experience be sure the first thing you tell them is that the person you are calling about, in this case my mother, is not about to die, because they will not even talk to you. My mother is currently dealing with stage 4 cancer, however she is absolutely kicking it's butt. I never called them about her cancer diagnosis. I called them about a wound she had sustained from some incompetent doctors. My mom is blazing through the cancer treatments, it's the wound that we called them about causing hurdles. Had these Drs been 1/2 way competent my mom's cancer would have undoubtedly been discovered at stage 1 or 2. These idiots willy-nilly cut into a cancer tumor in her anal area with no questions asked calling it a "cyst". She had an abnormal papsmear result just 6 months prior and she is 78 years old. No biopsy on the "cyst", no questions asked, didn't even pick up her medical file to see an abnormal papsmear just a few short months prior. The wound that was created because of that is my mom's issue, not the cancer. She now has to see a specialist for the exposed bone in this wound and is constantly having to stay on top of infection with it. Her cancer diagnosis came a short time after they cut into her "cyst" (which was actually a tumor) and putting aside the wound they created, she is doing remarkably well with her cancer treatment.
Kinnard Law would not even talk to my mom, and I never once spoke to an attorney. The reason? "The prognosis of this kind of cancer is not good".
Well, Kinnard Law, my mom has just about completed the cancer treatment and you may be happy to know, but I highly doubt a second thought will be given, that the prognosis is actually looking great. I suggest too that if you as attorneys are not speaking to people and you are choosing instead to have these calls screened, hire people that can follow along in the conversation intelligently. The person that I spoke to struggled greatly with this.
If you choose to call these attorneys for a medical injury just be sure to preface the conversation with, "hey, I'm not about to die, I'm good there". You may actually make it to an attorney.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Joanna barney
I was recommended Patrick Thurman for a personal injury claim and I am so pleased. Patrick and Lisa were so kind, helpful and responsive throughout the whole process. They explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Patrick informed me on my options and helped me receive an appropriate sum for my injuries. It is apparent that they truly care about their clients and go above and beyond to support them in every aspect of the process. I highly recommend Kinnard Law, especially Patrick Thurman and Lisa, the paralegal.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Melvin cosey
26 Feb, 2025 by Tim collins
Speeding ticket dismissed with no court costs. Well worth the money to avoid a trip to 201.
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24 Feb, 2025 by King sonny
22 Sep, 2023 by Nicky bryant
Was prompt in responding to my request for help.
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05 Jul, 2023 by Greg campbell
13 Feb, 2023 by Alisha campbell
This is one of the greatest attorneys that there is! Have been with him for years & every-time he gets the job done!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Samantha beck
Called 2 times to set up an appointment. Never received called back.
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11 Dec, 2023 by Melissa scott
Very nice and very helpful 😊
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14 Aug, 2023 by Frederick thrift
Staff was great and helpful and mr. Agee took real good care of me.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Mark jones
Cornelius Bostick is an absolutely terrible attorney and should be disbarred immediately. I paid him over two thousand dollars to represent me in a child custody matter during the spring of last year. Prior to us having the first court hearing in September 2024 I constantly reached out to him to figure out what was the status of my case and he wouldn't respond back to me until days later. When we did speak on the phone he would always rush me off the phone as if he had more important matters that took precedence over my case. He also acted as if he never knew what was going on in regards to my case for example he was supposed to have my son's mother served with custody paperwork in the summer of 2024 however when I called him to find out whether or not she was served he was unsure. The only way I found out that the processer served her was because my son mother called me and stated that she had been served. I'm very displeased with his mediocre service, during my first court appearance he failed to prep me properly prior to court which caused the judge to become very irritated with me due to the fact I wasn't fully prepared for the questions that the judge was asking of me and because of him I was tardy for court simply because he gave me the wrong teams virtual link in which he acted as if it wasn't a big deal . It was so disappointing, and embarrassing to say the least that we had to stop the court proceedings so that he and I could go in a separate room to discuss why he didn't inform me of the questions the courts were asking me prior to court. While he and I was having a sidebar while court was being conducted I asked him how come you didn't prepare me for court his exact words to me was Well We Here Now! At that point I relived him of his duties instantly and hired a new attorney. Due to Bostick incompetence and lack of caring I would highly suggest not to hire him to represent you on any court related matter you would be better off saving your money and representing yourself. It appeared to me that he works for the other team and not you.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Isa ragland
I tried to contact this lawyer for over 2 weeks, and he never responded to my messages. I don't think you can trust him with your case.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Allabouttee
16 Jan, 2025 by Mark jones
Cornelius Bostick is an absolutely terrible attorney and should be disbarred immediately. I paid him over two thousand dollars to represent me in a child custody matter during the spring of last year. Prior to us having the first court hearing in September 2024 I constantly reached out to him to figure out what was the status of my case and he wouldn't respond back to me until days later. When we did speak on the phone he would always rush me off the phone as if he had more important matters that took precedence over my case. He also acted as if he never knew what was going on in regards to my case for example he was supposed to have my son's mother served with custody paperwork in the summer of 2024 however when I called him to find out whether or not she was served he was unsure. The only way I found out that the processer served her was because my son mother called me and stated that she had been served. I'm very displeased with his mediocre service, during my first court appearance he failed to prep me properly prior to court which caused the judge to become very irritated with me due to the fact I wasn't fully prepared for the questions that the judge was asking of me and because of him I was tardy for court simply because he gave me the wrong teams virtual link in which he acted as if it wasn't a big deal . It was so disappointing, and embarrassing to say the least that we had to stop the court proceedings so that he and I could go in a separate room to discuss why he didn't inform me of the questions the courts were asking me prior to court. While he and I was having a sidebar while court was being conducted I asked him how come you didn't prepare me for court his exact words to me was Well We Here Now! At that point I relived him of his duties instantly and hired a new attorney. Due to Bostick incompetence and lack of caring I would highly suggest not to hire him to represent you on any court related matter you would be better off saving your money and representing yourself. It appeared to me that he works for the other team and not you.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Isa ragland
I tried to contact this lawyer for over 2 weeks, and he never responded to my messages. I don't think you can trust him with your case.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Allabouttee
03 Jan, 2025 by Larhonda mclemore-cockrell
06 May, 2024 by Katrina williamson
10 Dec, 2023 by Ashtyn turnbow
Ms. Greene-Campbell is an excellent mediator. Very fair, reasonable, and kind.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Felipe pena
I hired this firm to represent me on an appeal concerning a ruling in juvenile court. I won the ruling but the attorney by the name of Emily Pfeiffer, who is no longer active at that firm did not follow up to see where I stood on child support payments, and when the final order was drafted the court was under the misconception that I owed $10,000 and back child support which was paid at the end of the year prior which put me back in a position to owe child support arrears that I’ve paid already. Also, I was very detailed at what I wanted because opposing party was going after me for $20,000 in attorney fees I also wanted appealed and council representing this firm did not follow up, but left me in a position to get garnished by opposing counsel and insisted on me paying my $800 balance with them , when the job was not finished. Rob turner also garnished my wages for the remaining balance and left me in debt, leaving me to do my own footwork and prove to the court that my arrears have been paid would cost me three years of wasted time. I reached out to the firm to have this taken care of on a walk-in visit and a lady by the name of Chelsea Stevenson literally lied to me for six months straight after I explained to her in detail what was going on and had me under the impression things were getting resolved when they weren’t. After I had proven my case to the court as of recent I sent the firm the updated order to show them. I wasn’t lying and have not heard from any of them, that is “Rob Turner“ and “Chelsea Stevenson“ who used a personal matter concerning my ex-wife as leverage from me not contacting her and said I was harassing her after she surrendered her personal number to me to keep in contact with her. Absolutely nothing got done, and this firm is horrible in representing anyone, but will take your money immediately. I paid the full balance for 3 court appearances on my appeal in the dollar amount of $4000. This firm should be shut down by the bar of Nashville literally . They’re a bunch of liars and do not have the people in their best interest. They care nothing of their reputation and left me in shambles. Rob Turner is a crook and from what I was told he had a life-threatening accident from falling off of balcony, it’s not to wonder if someone threw him off with how his firm conducts business.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
The firm at Nashville Law was extremely professional, informative and attentive to my case. They worked hard to help me get the best results! I definitely recommend them. They did an amazing job for me!
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11 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Go find other representation. Do not let the urgency of your situation put yourself into a position where you end up further taken advantage of by this law firm. $11k down the drain, crappy advice, lack of engagement & communication, missed deadlines and they contributed to prolonged suffering. The attorney I was assigned was nowhere to be found unless it was to bill another retainer and receive that $$$.
Do NOT hire these people. They will manipulate you and string you along to get more money for themselves with zero results for your case. They did it to me and every other person here warning you.
This office is also known as Nashville Law Offices, PLLC, Turner Law Offices, and Robert J. Turner & Associate.
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16 May, 2022 by Ronald fisher
I was a passenger and a head-on collision I was airlifted to Vanderbilt State University trauma center she contacted me Miss guthridge she failed to go to the jailhouse right beside her office and file paperwork with the man that was arrested it took two and a half years to get any settlement I was almost killed I got out of a $25,000 liability insurance that he had I was supposed to get $16,000 she got the rest instead she held my money in escrow and told me that it never came and loaned me money from her husband's loan company at $2,000 interest on every 2000 she got all the money I got nothing supposed to be a $750,000 settlement the man has a lien on him she's I know has been collecting my money I haven't got another penny she told me never to contact her again and I know she's been ripping me off I did not contact her she contacted me she is worthless and she's been robbing me I know there's two or two stimulus checks where's my money I was made to select a rating there was no zero so I had to pick one star if there was a zero I would pick 0
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07 Feb, 2019 by Gail
I am grateful that I fought her as a lawyer. She is caring and care about your case . She stated and I love this every case I treat the same. There is know respectful person in my case. I know she will win . My case and get the most for my injury.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Jen
I have had to contact this lawyer repeatedly to get action on my case. This was after she messed up my appeal and I had to refile my disability case. She does not return phone calls or emails. Their phone system only goes to voicemail and it is nearly impossible to get a real person on the phone. She was recommended to me by a trusted attorney who was not aware of her current actions. Now I am in a position trying to find another lawyer to take over my case. She might be a good lawyer for other things, but clearly social security disability is not her strong suite.
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07 Oct, 2023 by Mark
My wife and I engaged Steve Huret for a property dispute. He was recommended by his father-in-law, an attorney that we had high respect for. We paid $975 for the initial consultation with Mr. Huret. We were charged even for time spent going through reams of paper concerning liability protection for Mr. Huret. At that initial visit, we had the distinct impression that Mr. Huret's focus was on the money and not on helping us. Mr. Huret then asked for another $1000 check for a retainer, and he agreed to hold the $1000 check until he heard from us. We then asked him to let us try to resolve the dispute without incurring more legal fees since it was getting expensive at this point.
We were unsuccessful in resolving the property dispute on our own and so contacted “our attorney”, Steve Huret. Mr. Huret replied that he had taken on some other clients and was planning on doing some traveling. He said that since he had not deposited the thousand-dollar check that we wrote him, he felt under no obligation to represent us and declined to help us. So, sadly, after spending hours in his office and leaving $975 poorer, we were left to begin again the search for another attorney to help us. We felt "kicked to the curb" without even recommendations of another attorney. We received nothing of value for the time and money spent to Mr. Huret.
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18 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Do not use this attorney. Didn’t give feedback for what he charged us, I feel like we were completely taken advantage. He seemed very friendly but obviously a crook. Use someone that will fight harder for you and not just take your money like Mr. Huret
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29 May, 2022 by Anonymous
If I could give a lower rating than this I definitely would. He drug out the divorce as long as possible, Would bill me every month additional $100-$300 or more for “mailing” me with ridiculous trumped up fee charges such as, he would bill me for “reading”an email from defendants attorney who made a minor statement concerning a date or comment and also for cost of secretary “ mailing “me a notification stating that he read it, a separate fee for postage, and “ labor” for actually mailing it! He also called me one Saturday morning asking me to come to his office to “discuss the case” which I thought was odd and said so but he insisted that, “he had other pressing cases coming up and may not have another time before the next 3 weeks before going to court”… so I drove a good distance to get to his office, within a minute of being seated he excused himself and spent a good 30-35 minutes rummaging in a file closet across the hall, kept excusing himself to do more of the same, would comeback… ask me something that we had already discussed then get on his laptop… he didn’t want me there to discuss MY case… he was preparing for ANOTHER upcoming case and wanted to BILL ME for his time at the office on a Saturday!
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29 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Needs to retire. His letters to the court are always with spelling mistakes, he overcharged me (bills to read a one sentence email). When you call him he is in a bar or tavern as you can hear the backnoise. A few emails to him he charged over 1000. He is a joke and has people believing he is this really good lawyer. He is good at taking your money, thats all. My ex was trying to work with Mr. Valone through his lawyer to wrap up our divorce and Mr. Valone would write all these awful lies in letters to my ex. When I asked him why he was doing this he said he has been doing it all his life. He even had me feeling sorry for my ex. I think he has had a bad life or bad drinking problem. His letters are all filled with lies and he does not care. He sounds drunk all the time. His face is always red. Stay away.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Shelley
This firm only takes your money with no results. Poor response. Doesn’t show up or say anything at a hearing.
Do not hire this firm
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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:
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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.
