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03 Feb, 2024 by Joe
From our initial consultation, it was evident that Matthew possessed an unmatched sharpness in understanding the complex nuances of Florida law. His ability to dissect case details with precision and present them in a comprehensible manner immediately instilled a sense of confidence in his capabilities. What set Matthew apart was not just his legal acumen but also his attentiveness. Throughout the process, he was incredibly responsive, ensuring that I was informed and comfortable with each step we took. His approach to client communication is unparalleled, always making time to address concerns and offering reassurances when they were most needed. Matthew’s cleverness in navigating the intricacies of my case was truly remarkable. He employed innovative strategies that showcased not only his thorough understanding of the law but also a creative mindset that anticipates and counters potential challenges. This strategic foresight was instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome that far exceeded my expectations. Moreover, Matthew’s dedication to justice and his clients’ well-being is evident in his passionate advocacy. His professionalism, combined with a genuine compassion for those he represents, creates a supportive and effective legal partnership. To anyone in Vero Beach or the wider Florida area seeking legal representation in personal injury, insurance, or wrongful death cases, I cannot recommend Matthew Thomas enough. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to his clients’ success are what make him stand out as a distinguished attorney in his field. In summary, if you’re looking for an attorney who is not only sharp and attentive but also clever in securing the best possible outcome for your case, Matthew Thomas is the professional you need by your side. His exceptional service and results speak volumes, and I am profoundly grateful for his support and guidance through a complex legal landscape.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Ever tried to read an insurance policy? It's like deciphering an ancient text. Luckily, Matthew speaks fluent Insurance-ese. He navigated those murky waters like a pro, ensuring the insurance folks played nice and fair. With him on your side, it's like having a cheat code in the game of insurance claims.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cannot recommend Matthew Thomas enough! His dedication to his clients is truly remarkable. From the moment I reached out to him, he provided compassionate guidance and unwavering support throughout the entire legal process. Matthew and his team went above and beyond to ensure that I received the compensation I deserved for my injury. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to justice are truly commendable. If you're in need of a personal injury attorney who will fight tirelessly for your rights, look no further than Matthew Thomas.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I am glad to have found this firm through a family friend. They did an amazing job guiding me through the steps they were taking throughout the process. I highly recommend Mr. Graves.
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16 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I endorse this lawyer. I am truly full of gratitude to Joe Graves and his law firm. Joseph H. Graves was extremely knowledgeable about every facet of the process and made this whole process very comfortable for me. He communicated with me constantly throughout my case and has continued to follow-up with me after settlement. Joseph H. Graves and his entire firm were considerate, thorough, compassionate, and honest every step of the way. Joseph was an advocate for me and did not hesitate to go to battle for me when needed. My case was settled at an extremely high value and was handled very quickly. My high profile case was handled as professionally and as carefully possible. I would highly recommend Joseph H. Graves to any potential client and I wish him and his firm the best of luck in the future.
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20 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Graves and his staff are the best in the business. He obtained the maximum settlement available for me and it was complete in a timely manner. I could not have asked for anything more. I strongly recommend him and his excellent team for a successful outcome.
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13 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Be careful thanking people for gifts that they give you. I thanked someone for their gift and what a nightmare it turned out to be. I explained the situation to a State Attorney Rotarian friend and asked him who would he use. “The man for you is Louis B. ‘Buck’ Vocelle Jr.” Buck and his knowledgeable staff was there every step of the way. Buck returned phone calls promptly, arranged his schedule to fit us in (even when he was busy), and kept us apprised of every new development throughout our association. We went through arbitration and came to a settlement that was best in the long run. Without Buck’s confidence and expertise in this situation I don’t know how I would have made it. I highly recommend his expertise to everyone.
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31 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
Mr. Vocelle helped me greatly during contract negotiations with my employer. He thoroughly researched my contract and his recommendations and advice helped secure a satisfactory conclusion to my negotiations. He is an excellent attorney whom I would use again, and I would highly recommend his services to anyone.
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17 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
I was wrongly accused by a local politician ( a lawyer) of participating with an election group (ECO 527). This politician sued the group and included me in the lawsuit. I hired Mr. Vocelle to represent me. He immediately initiated actions to remove me from the lawsuit. He was very methodical and systematic in his successful efforts to remove me from the lawsuit. He won a summary judgement in my behalf against the plaintiff ( the politician) and won the subsequent appeal. This judgement included legal fees which the plaintiff now owes. During this stressful time, Mr. Vocelle answered every question I asked and took the time to respond to every call I made (which were A LOT !!). He also explained all the legal procedures I went through in "layman" terms. He was a very positive influence during the whole process. I would highly recommend him for any legal issue.
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17 Feb, 2018 by Carol
I was a victim of a dog attack that should not have happened at a public dog park. From the very first call to the Grall Law Group, to meeting Patrick Grall, to putting this horrible incident behind me, they were all Compassionant, helpful with advice and got results extremely quickly. Patrick is a caring professional !
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05 Jun, 2017 by Kayleigh
I've worked alongside​ with Grall Law Group for many years now and they have done a few cases of mine and I couldn't be more happy . I always got the best advice!! They kept in contact with me even though there wasn't a solution yet. They worked very hard to get what I deserved . I completely recommend Grall Law Group! Such wonderful people work here and it was a absolute pleasure to work along side of them on my cases ! Tandy was absolutely Amazing!! As well as Mr. Grall !!
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28 Sep, 2022 by Richard
Ms. Servos was very helpful and clear and kept in close contact as this case moved along. She advised but let me make some decisions. She was successful in satisfying me with some compensation for my losses, and we are grateful we had her professionalism and her time to see us through this to the end.
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22 Jan, 2021 by Toni
I HIGHLY recommend Michelle Servos at Grall Law Group. She goes above and beyond the call of duty for her client's needs and is exceptionally nice, professional and put her clients best interest first. 100% outstanding.
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19 Mar, 2014 by Mark
Out of respect for Mr Murphy we first asked if it was OK to review him? "Wil" was somewhat skeptical of forums like these because of the possibility of misrepresentation and I agree with him. The flip side of this however is no reviews and that doesn't help the desperate future client either.... be assured that I am not a brother-in-law. On the other hand, peer to peer reviews could be perceived as a chance for mutually beneficial nepotism. Nuff said there. I first heard of Wil thru a neighbors case 7-8 years ago. These neighbors were known to be exceptionally fastidious in everything they did ... naturally one would assume this would include vetting a lawyer. They picked the right guy too as Mr. Murphy dismantled the opposing lawyer in court ... needless to say he won the case for them. I mentally filed that info away for the day I need legal help. When that day came we quickly found that Wil sorts thru the emotions to find the pertinent facts, then gives you a couple possible avenues that the case might travel. The efficiency of his manner displays his experience. Incidentally our case was a possible fraud against us fueled by greed and nothing else. In the end we didn't get to see the silver tongued Mr Murphy tear apart another foe but we did get a settlement. The thinking behind this rapid settlement was that the fraudster and their lawyer could see they were "out lawyered". Sorry for wordy review.
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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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