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Steven Allan Meline

Steven Allan Meline

also known as Meline & Vargas APC, The Law Offices of Steven A. Meline

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

Workers compensation Lawyer at Santa Ana, CA
Practice Areas: Workers Compensation

1600 E 4th St Ste 210, Santa Ana, CA

About Steven

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Contingency

15%-15%


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 39 years

State: California

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Steven Allan Meline

1600 E 4th St Ste 210, Santa Ana, CA, 92701

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Steven Allan Meline's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (29) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Frank | November 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Expectations exceeded...

Steve Meline saw there was hope for me in my situation even though I was concerned about factors and challenges regarding my circumstances. About four months after injuring my back at work, not being able to work, still having lower back pain, and running low on savings, I realized I needed help. ...It was a timely blessing learning about Steve's law firm through an ad playing on KWVE radio. I called for an appointment and Steve met with me later that same day. Though nervous at first not knowing what was before me, Steve set me at ease making me feel comfortable and welcome; I was greeted with compassion, sincerity and professionalism. As I presented details, Steve listened intently taking copious notes. With truth and honesty prevailing, I was pleased to hear he would take my case. Soon after, I was sent to see a much-needed doctor for the first time and thus began my journey towards recovery and restitution. All told, the legal team of Steve Meline and Sean Vargas believed in me and stood with me through to the end. In my time of need, they gave me hope, support, and the much-needed representation I desperately needed. The office staff performed tremendously behind-the-scenes, as well. Samantha and Maria, handled all my necessary paperwork in such efficient manner and whenever I had a question or concern, they took time with me, never leaving me feeling rushed and always being pleasant and accommodating. Now, having gone full circle, my case has finally settled. In the end, the team of Meline & Vargas were able to obtain a maximum settlement for my injury. I'm very thankful and now I'm able to get my life up and going again. I know I made the right choice being represented by Steve Meline & Sean Vargas and I would recommend them to anyone who's had the unfortunate circumstance of suffering a workplace injury.

Posted by anonymous | August 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

A perfect storm

Mr. Meline took my case in 2001, I had injured myself at work and tried to wait before reporting to see if the injury would rectify itself. When I came to him it was already too late to open a new claim, and the insurance company dug it's heels in, so I couldn't receive any medical assistance. Due to... his understanding of the law, and his incredible negotiating skills, the insurance company chose to settle with a buy out, which helped me may the medical bills that I had built up. This man's compassion, humility, understanding of law, shrewdness and confidence combines to create a very effective tool to help you achieve the best possible outcome from an otherwise unfriendly system. More recently I had another claim that was a re-injury to an existing problem. I didn't feel that it was fair to rake them over the coals over something that didn't fully belong to them. The insurance company was being quite cooperative and I only wanted them to provide the medical care needed to recover. Mr. Meline was still available to me to assist through the process. His drive comes from wanting to help people, not profit. This I feel is what makes him the perfect man for the job, his drive is altruistic, and he appears to trust that it will all work out in the end. This faith is the beauty of his success.

Posted by Teresa | December 15, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation

Wonderful Attorney - Worker's Compensation

Steven did everything he could to get me the best settlement, and fought for me even though the system is really not favorable for the claimant. He was very helpful, always answered my questions, and treated me with respect. I would definitely recommend Steven for any worker's comp claim anyone might... have.

Posted by Bradley | November 18, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

Does not return phone calls!!

Originally referred by the OC Bar. This gentleman started my case all gung ho and ready to take them to court if need be. Two years later after numerous imcompetent events in this case (QME doctor completely missed the main injury), we are "settling" for a low amount and he is not even returning call...s as I am still waiting for something to finalize more than 30 days after signing the settlement agreement. The defendant sent a letter two weeks ago saying they had already stopped disability payments (how I was paying the mortgage and bills) as soon as they "heard" about a settlement being reached. A month later I am broke, not able to pay any bills, and my attorney hasn't returned any of my calls in 2.5 weeks. Going down in a financial ball of flames due to legal imcompetence and extremely poor representation. Not good and not acceptable. 24 hours from now I will return to the OC Bar and update them on this referral and ask for their advice. I will uodate this review as needed.

Steven Meline

Replied last October 27, 2023

I am surprised by Bradley's unexpected representations. This gentleman unfortunately suffers from a rare condition which made Brad vulnerable to a certain cumulative trauma and defined his treatment needs. The Primary Treating Doctor I hand-picked for Brad "got it" and fully expressed his Permanent Disability and future medical care entitlement accordingly. As Brad points out, the QME didn't agree with this assessment. I successfully secured a settlement offer based on our treating doctor. I offered to take the deposition of the QME to argue for and present our perspective. Brad however preferred to take the larger than usual settlement I got for him and get on with his life. The carrier then exercised their option to interrupt his permanent disability advances during the 30 day pendency of the settlement. Brad's calls were promptly returned by my assistant with offers of help. I believe the settlement check was in Bradley's mail box by the time he posted the above review. I want the best for Brad. After handling thousands of cases, at the conclusion of each and every one, I only wish I could do more for all my clients in this horribly unfair California Workers Compensation system, and I will do all I can for you.

Posted by Wally | November 11, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Thank You

I would like to thank Mr Stefve Meline and his staff for all there help. Karen and Maria are very professional and they always returned my phone calls with an answer to my questions. I remember before each deposition we would say a prayer together, and thank you for paying for my parking ticket. I wo...uld use them again. Thank You Wally Hicks

See All Client Reviews

Steven Allan Meline's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Steven
Judy M. Sternberg headshot
Judy Sternberg

Workers compensation lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Steven is highly knowledgeable in his field."

Aneeta Mishra headshot
Aneeta Mishra

Unknown lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse and recommend Attorney Meline."

Matthew Brent Tozer headshot
Matthew Tozer

Workers compensation lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steven is a highly experienced, skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical Workers' Compensation attorney."

Myron Samuel Steeves headshot
Myron Steeves

Workers compensation lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Steve for ten years. He is highly knowledgeable in the workers comp field, and has a passion for zealously representing his clients. He is the best choice for an injured worker to choose to advance their claim."

Sean Christian Vargas headshot
Sean Vargas

Workers compensation lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Steve Meline has practiced workers' compensation law for over 30 years, and has gained a reputation for his honorable character. He treats clients extremely well and is respected by defense attorneys, applicant attorneys and judges alike. I highly endorse Mr. Meline."

Joseph Michael Tosti headshot
Joseph Tosti

Workers compensation lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"In my practice as a personal injury lawyer for the last 30 years, I have had the pleasure of referring my clients that were injured at work to Steven Meline. He and his staff have always handled their work comp cases in a expeditious and competent manner. My clients were thankful for their referral to Mr. Meline. If you have a work related injury, you will receive only the top quality services from Steven Meline and his staff. Joseph Tosti, Attorney"

Marc D. Allmeroth headshot
Marc Allmeroth

Workers compensation lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred dozens of clients for more than twenty years to Mr. Meline when they were injured at work. He is able to provide a personal touch to what is often a high volume, low touch practice specialty. He will fight for you."

Gary Lee Gebler headshot
Gary Gebler

Unknown lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mariam Mary Margaryan headshot
Mariam Margaryan

Workers compensation lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kristine S Karila headshot
Kristine Karila

Workers compensation lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve is an excellent attorney. I refer all workers' compensation business to him. He will fight for his clients' rights."

View All Endorsements
Sean Christian Vargas headshot
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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Top Contributor, Avvo

2019

10 Best, Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service Award, American Institute of Legal Counsel

2015

Client Distinction Award for Quality of service, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Client Distinction Award for Overall Value, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Client Distinction Award for Responsiveness, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Client Distinction Award for Communication Ability, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1998 - Present

Owner, Law Offices of Steven A. Meline

1985 - 1998

Attorney, Stockwell, Harris, Woolverton & Muehl

Associations

2008 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Christian Legal Society

Member

2000 - Present

California Applicants' Attorneys Association

Member

2018 - 2020

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles

Member

2007 - 2018

Christian Legal Society, Orange County Chapter

President

Sample of Legal Cases

URIBE

Stipulation to 100% disability with lifetime future medical care.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1985

Simon Greenleaf School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

California State University, California Polytechnic State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

N/A

California State University, Fullerton

MS - Master of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

Orange County Bar Association

Intersection of Workers Compensation and Employment Law

2019

Chapman University Law School Christian Law Society, Student Chapter meeting

Introduction to the Christian Legal Society, Orange County Attorney Chapter

2007

Chapter Meeting

Workers Compensation Law

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution