I have recently settled my worker's comp case with Ainbinder & Pratt representing me. The entire experience was frightening for me because I knew from the beginning my work-related injury would mean the end of a career I spent 11 years building. In truth I had no desire to even go to an attorney, but after trying to go through my job and their doctors I knew it was time to get someone that would look after my interests.
I've heard all the horror stories about attorneys so I did my best to do research and find a firm that was credible, ethical, and would vigorously represent me. I chose Ainbinder & Pratt initially because they were local, in good standing with the Bar Association, and had no complaints against them.
In my first visit with them, I met Coleen and Mike, and immediately they both made me feel confident and convinced me I'd made the right choice. Mike especially projected confidence and tenacity and instantly made me feel like he would fight hard for me. They immediately got me seeing a doctor that seemed to actually care about diagnosing and treating my problem, instead of trying to pump me with meds and hope for the best. When I left our first meeting they stressed to me my only priorities should be "Going to the doctor and getting rest." I bring this up because in the beginning I did have to remind myself of those words several times.
If you are the type of person that needs their hand held through tough situations and constant attention and reassurance, Ainbinder & Pratt may not be the firm for you. My wife has attorney clients and they would say things like "We call all our clients every 30 days just to get them updated and see how they are doing." That's nice, but if there is nothing new to tell me, why bother, but that's just me. They are my attorneys, not my friends. Also keep in mind the name of the firm is Ainbinder & Pratt, meaning Mike and Coleen are the partners, and can't be expected to have time to speak to EVERY client when they have questions. That is why they hire associates and these people will be the ones you go to and communicate with.
The associate handling my case was Josh. When I first met him, I was unsure, mainly because of his age, but by the time our first meeting was over, it was clear he knew what he was doing. When I told him I was battling depression over being off work and limited with my mobility and the things I could do, he got me help from a great psychologist immediately. Whenever I had questions he was always there to answer them, even if it meant I had to wait til the next day for a call back. I was never treated like a nuisance, rushed off the the phone, or made to feel like my inquiries were pointless or stupid.
It took almost two years after my accident to get my first settlement offer. This was not the fault of Ainbinder & Pratt however, but rather the insurance company they were fighting. The defendant did everything they could to stretch this out, including switching attorneys, more than once I believe. In the end the company was even sold, so I don't think my case was typical and took longer than anyone expected. Josh told me their first offer, and assured me he understood if was frustrated and ready to close this chapter, accept it and move on with my life. He also let me know if I had more fight in me he was sure I could get more. After waiting almost 2 years I figured what was another another few months? A few more months was actually around six, but waiting paid off with a 1/2 year wait equaling a 30% increase in my final settlement.
When I realized my injury would end my career I was devastated. I also had no illusions about coming out of this rich, or even not needing to work again. I didn't lose a limb, or use of a body part, I just did a very physical job that involved long hours, heavy lifting, and working with dangerous tools, sometimes under dangerous conditions. The laws in this state aren't written to take into account what you did or how much money you made when you got injured on the job. Once I realized this, I came up with a number in my head that would allow me to move on without being bitter, or worried about my future. After being patient and trusting my attorney, Josh almost hit that number exactly. Like I said earlier, these people were my attorneys, not friends or family. They handle dozens of cases at once just like mine. At that the end of the day all that matters is they help me get the best treatment possible and the most value for my case. Every time I thing about it, that's exactly what I got which is the reason I give them 5 stars. read more
