Saad B. Sweilem

My experience with Adamson Ahdoot LLP was ultimately disappointing and left me with significant concerns regarding communication, transparency, attorney fees, and the overall handling of my case. I retained the firm in 2021 following a motor vehicle accident that had a major impact on my physical ...health, emotional well-being, and ability to work. At the time, neither my spouse nor I were fluent in English. No Portuguese interpreter was provided during the intake or contract-signing process, so we relied heavily on the verbal explanations given by the firm's representatives. One of the most important issues involved attorney fees. We were verbally informed that the attorney fee would be 26%. When we questioned contract language referencing fees as high as 45%, we were told that this was simply standard legal language and would not be an issue. Based on those representations, we proceeded with the firm. Over the years, my case was transferred between multiple attorneys. Communication was often inconsistent, and I frequently felt that I was not receiving clear information regarding important aspects of my case. Despite numerous discussions throughout the representation, I do not recall receiving any meaningful notice that the fee percentage could later increase to 40% or 45%. I was also uncomfortable with certain conversations regarding my medical treatment. At one point, I felt pressured concerning medical decisions, including discussions related to surgery. Medical procedures involve personal health risks and should ultimately remain the patient's decision. The manner in which these discussions occurred left me feeling that my concerns and hesitations were not fully respected. Another concern involved the handling of medical treatment and billing information. Throughout the case, I often struggled to obtain complete clarity regarding medical expenses, liens, treatment-related decisions, and how certain amounts would affect the final settlement. Even after the case concluded, I was left with questions regarding portions of the financial calculations. I was also surprised to learn that the lawsuit itself was not filed until more than two years after I had retained the firm. Given the length of time my case remained open, I expected more proactive communication regarding major developments, strategy decisions, and overall case progress. After waiting nearly five years while dealing with pain, multiple medical procedures, financial hardship, emotional distress, and uncertainty regarding my future, I was informed that the firm intended to charge 45% in attorney fees. When I disputed this and referenced what had originally been explained to us, I was told that if I did not agree to 40%, the firm could enforce the full 45% under the contract. Given the circumstances, this did not feel like a collaborative discussion and left me feeling pressured to accept terms I believed were inconsistent with what had originally been represented. Although the case ultimately resulted in a settlement, the outcome does not erase the concerns I experienced throughout the process. What disappointed me most was not the legal result itself, but the lack of transparency, the communication issues, the language barriers, the uncertainty surrounding attorney fees, and the feeling that many of my concerns were never fully addressed. I appreciate the work that was done to bring the case to a conclusion. However, based on my experience, I strongly encourage prospective clients to request written confirmation of all important terms, carefully review every fee provision, ask detailed questions regarding medical liens and expenses, and ensure that language assistance is provided whenever necessary so there is no misunderstanding about expectations or financial obligations.