ComplaintsforSweet James LLP

• Initial Complaint

  06/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  In May of 2023 my wife and I were in a not at fault car accident, hir from behind. Our car was totaled and both of us were injured. That night we called Sweet James, we asked what the fees were and told 33 1/3 rd and that include any fees. We said our car was totaled and we needed to rent. We were told our car would be replaced and the rental would be paid for from "pain and suffering." All of this was false. After 100 day the percentage went to 40%, the car was not replaced and the rental was not reimbursed and there was no "pain and suffering" money involved. When we inquired about the changed percentage we were told by "*****" that the fee was causing confusion with customer and they just settled on a 40% flat fee, he did say they we hired them when it was still 33 1/3rd but after 100 days it still goes to 40% and that it was in the contract emailed. That is not what they told us when we called to hire them nor do I recall that contract we signed. We were also in fact charged "case costs" of approx $3400 total. What we are asking for is our "case costs" refunded, we are also asking for the difference from 33 1/3 and 40% refunded back to us. Even to the day of this writing if you call they will tell you the fee is 33 1/3 and that includes all fees.

  

  Business response

  06/15/2024

  Hi ******,

   

  Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. It's critical to Sweet James that you are treated with the highest level of care and that our work for your results in the very best outcome.  Someone will reach out to you on Monday to ensure that we address your concerns and do our best to provide you with the very best experience. Your trust is greatly valued and we look forward to connecting. 

  Thank you!

  Customer response

  06/15/2024

  No, we do not accept their response, I don't know if they have my current email which I preferred to be notified by, ******************* If we rely on phone by this company they will just say they could not get ahold of us. 

  Thank,

  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  05/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I HAD RETAINED THIS ATTORNEYS TO REPRESENT ME, MY CASE SETTLED IN 30 DAYS FOR 11/28/2023. I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THE SETTLEMENT CCHECK WAS SENT 12/28/2023, I THAN RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM SWEET JAMES THAT THE CHECK WAS RECEIVED 1/08/2024 AND THEY WOULD BE IN TOUCH, I HAVE CALLED ON A WEEKLY BASIS AND REQUEST AN UPDATE AND I KEEP GETTING THE RUN AROUND. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM ONE OF THEIR CLERKS 4/20/2024 GIVING ME A SCRIPTED CALL TELLING ME THAT THEY HAD JUST RECEIVED THE CHECK AND IT WILL BE ANOTHER 90 DAYS FROM 4/20, WHEN I LET HER KNOW THAT WAS NO CORRECT SHE LOOKED INTO MY CASE PROFILE AND APOLOGIZED AND SAID I WAS CORRECT AND SHE WAS ONLY DOING HER JOB, I TOLD HER I NEEDED AN ANSWER BY END OF DAY, AND NO REPLY..

  

  Business response

  06/15/2024

  HI *****,

   

  We are sorry to hear about your experience.  It's critical to Sweet James that you have a positive client experience.   We strive to help every person that trusts us with their case to highest level possible. Someone will be reaching out to you Monday to see how we can help ensure you have a smooth experience moving forward. 

• Initial Complaint

  10/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  SweetJames LLP **** ********** suite200 ************* ** ***** i was involved in a car accident on 4-29-2023 The other Driver ran the red light and totaled my **** ********** Beetle car i hired sweetjames to take my case they sat on the case and eventually drop the case because they felt like they could not win the case mean while i have Hospital Bills Therapy Bills Ambulance Bills stacking on me . i acquired other law firm trying to pursue my accident case and other attorneys and my self are asking for a copy of the whole case file of my previous attorney sweetjames so i can pursue another attorney to pursue the case i been asking sweetjames law firm ******************** attorney handling my case and , *************************** over 3 months calling them and have not given me a copy of my case only thing i recieved from ****** ******* was a Discontinue Representation Letter on 8-17-2023 .and this is unprofessional and aggravating being held hosting to pursue other attorneys so i can get help can BBB Please help me out to intervene and look at this situation would be gladly appreciated .

  

  Business response

  10/26/2023

  Good evening,

   

  Our office has been in touch with ********************** and not only previously provided him with the requested information on numerous occasions, but once again also provided it to him today. ********************** confirmed receipt of his file. It is our current and present understanding that he has all the requested documents. 

  Customer response

  10/26/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  James *********
  I Just Received a copy of my case file on 10-26-2024 and satisfactory sweet james LLC Law firm called me and rectified the complaint situation . as far as sweet james  stated i received it previously early is insufficient But all not lost Thanks BBB . Definitely appreciate Resolving this situation .
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/09/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On August 06/2019 myself and kids were involved in A collision where the other party admitted full liability .The tow truck company suggested that we went to Sweet James accident attorneys a woman came out to our house to for us to retain them . I was told by the first attorney that the at fault party had a policy of $100,000 per per person and they were going to pursue the maximum amount.! I put my trust in this law firm only to be let down . This has been the worst experience of my life with a law firm or any professional business . And I have been in many accidents before and they have gone way smoother. From the day of representation they have switched attorneys without our knowledge several different times there has been several months of lapse of communication lack of return phone calls . Having to explain my case over and over again every time there was a new attorney upon settling my case I was told that there was a clause that prevented me from getting the full settlement stating although they admitted fault because I paid my insurance was expired they would only pay the lowest amount so I would only be able to leave with about **** come to find out that that is not what the insurance company paid out sweet James accident attorneys paid me less pocketing the majority of the claim getting down to my son of my daughters claim I was told that by **** that she knew the *** adjuster and that the *** adjuster would not go over $18,000 for my son I told her that I would not except anything under us bringing home $18,000 for my son. Then o spoke with ****** who said the settlement was ready and I needed to sign . He sent me a doc you sign document stating that I would only bring home **** plus for my son and even less for my daughter after all their fees .none of this I agreed to . They are now saying they are going to drop my case because of my yelp review and because I am fighting for my rights to not be taken advantage of. Its been 2 years !

  

  Business response

  10/11/2022

  Good afternoon, 

   

  We have explained to ******************** on previous occasions that the gross recovery is $18,000 for her son, ********************************* case. Having had previous cases with our firm, ******************** should be aware that there is a gross recovery in which then fees, medical specials and costs are deducted from. At this time, there has been a breakdown in communication, and we have withdrawn our representation of ************************ children, including *****************************. She will be able to secure representation as she's fit. 

  Customer response

  10/11/2022

  I do not accept business response . I never agreed to that amount so it should not have been settles . I said i would like to take it to trail and **** kept trying to talk me out of it . This law firm dragged my case out for 2 years with terrible communication no return calls unless I call for months . No recording shared of me so call accepting this amount, which I did not agree upon .No case was filed within the allotted time which they should have done so no this is unacceptable and I will be contacting California State bar.

• Initial Complaint

  07/27/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  [Abstract] As I was traveling back to the car dealership in *********, **, I was injured in a rear-end accident. I had never been in this situation before; therefore, I knew I would need a lawyer. A neighbor gave me Sweet James LLP information, so I contacted them about my situation. As a result, I entered into a written contract with Sweet James LLP on 02/24/2020. However, my then attorney ***************************** **************, made a fee modification to my original contract on Feb. 29, 2020.Through medication, my case was settled on 04/26/22 by my attorney *********************. During the settlement negotiation process, ***** and I discussed the amount I should expect to receive after negotiating fees and bills. The settlement check was wired into the ** trust account to handle all incurred bills and fees. On July 22, 2022, I received a phone call from *****'s paralegal (*****************************), who has continuously given me misleading information advising me of my net proceeds. Verbally I was told $14,000 would be the check that I was to receive; however, via email, the ** closing department prepared by (**************) that I was supposed to receive $11,500, which i disputed via email. I then requested a complete unredacted accounting of all payments deducted from the settlement. After reviewing a few emails, the cost was not in line with what was printed on my settlement letter. Therefore, I am asking that the BBB, State Bar, and ***********************************/Los Angeles county******* Attorney fee dispute get involved with my issue. I am sure that I am not the first client that this law firm and its attorneys have misled. I made the mistake of trusting their word and being faithful that the employees working my case would look out for my best interest and not their best interest. Lastly, I have yet to receive a complete accounting of my settlement. I will be providing everyone involved with all emails and text conversations.

  

  Business response

  10/12/2022

  Good evening, 

   

  Client has submitted documentation to dispute fee and we are pending resolution of the fee arbitration. This matter is working towards resolution with the client. 

  Customer response

  10/13/2022

  I *********************, do not agree with this business response. I would like my complaint to be posted and further investigated.

• Initial Complaint

  05/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I retained Sweet James LLP after having a car accident. It has not been a good experience. I wish that I chose wisely.Sweet James took most of my settlement money because I wouldnt get the treatment that they recommended .They wanted me to get multiple epidural injections, but I had a bad reaction, so I continued with chiropractic treatment I also dont think they deserve what was paid to them, because during the negotiation process, I didnt have good representation , as my Lawyer who was originally assigned to my case was no longer employed with the company. I was never told that I didnt have representation anymore. They brought a Lawyer on at the end of my case, named ******** who was rude when I would ask her how much would I be getting in the settlement. She would never give me an answer and just talk about how clients never want Lawyers or Dr.s to get paid.And she also told me that, shes not accounting, so she doesnt know how much I would get.They were taking my money, thats why she didnt wanna give me an answer.Does that sound like someone representing me? Not at all.They inflated the medical bills in order to get more money.Also, after we settled on the case, one of the women named ******* told me that I would get at least $16,000 and I got no where near that.They also made me think that I would get more money on the case if I got different treatment then I was already getting, so that they can prolong the case to get a bigger percentage of the settlement.I seen this particular Dr. 2 times. The first time I got an epidural shot and the 2nd time he didnt touch me and they claim that the cost for that was $13,400. ******* stated that 1 epidural shot is $15,000. Which is false. They took more of my money because I didnt get them the $100,000 that they were seeking.This firm is very deceptive and I wont stop until I get what belongs to me. I was the one injured and they are more compensated.I will be reporting this to the state bar, also.

  

  Business response

  06/23/2022

  our office has recently come to a resolution with ******************.

  Customer response

  06/28/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  
   
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩