Not Your Typical Elder Law Firm

  1. Home
  2.  » Testimonials

Testimonials

Dealing with an untimely death of a loved one that necessitates litigation is beyond comprehension when you’re grieving, but it was the choice we needed to make.

We had no experience with litigation of any kind, which is daunting. Kathryn, Karman, and their team gently guided us through every step of the process. Everything was explained in a thorough easy to understand way, making us feel cared for and confident in their expertise. All decisions were ours to make; at no point did we feel pressured to do anything that made us uncomfortable.

We can’t recommend Stebner, Gertler, Guadagni and Kawamoto highly enough, nor can we imagine where we would be if we had not been referred to them. In the end, their hard work led to what we felt was a just and fair settlement.

∼ The Rokas Family


“I cannot say enough good things about Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto. After my Mom suffered an unexpected illness, I was left as her medical representative and decision maker at a fairly young age. I soon found myself in a position where I felt my Mom was not being cared for properly by the facility she was placed in, and I felt completely powerless and helpless. My Mom had always taken such great care of me, and seeing her in a position where I could not intervene and do the same for her was heartbreaking.

I then came into contact with the exceptional and dedicated team at Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto. Having this firm advocate on behalf of my Mom was truly a life changing experience, and neither she nor I would be where we are now without them. From the initial intake, throughout the entire litigation process, the staff members and attorneys at Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto were extremely accommodating and made my Mom and I feel heard, informed, and supported.

Having an aging parent whose care and safety come into question is such a personal and difficult obstacle to encounter. Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto fought tirelessly on behalf of my Mom’s safety and well-being, and were able to obtain a favorable outcome. My Mom is now safe and happier than she has been in a very long time. I can sleep soundly at night knowing my Mom is well cared for, and in a safe environment. I would recommend this firm to anyone struggling through a similar situation.”

~ Ashley Campbell


“My mother’s dementia prohibits her from expressing her feelings but I know she would be grateful for the time and energy Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto gave on her behalf. I am so very grateful for receiving a referral to Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto. I was beginning to doubt Mom would receive a just outcome to her falling incident at a board and care facility. Karman expended her time and energy for my Mother and she is now in good care.

I thank all involved at Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto.”

~ Rick Smith


“Kathryn Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto is the best law firm to help in an elder abuse situation.

Almost two agonizing years ago, my mother became a victim of elder abuse. I didn’t realize what it was, until trying to understand what was happening to my mother I became confused, frustrated and then frightened by my mother’s declining health. I needed answers and I was not getting them from her caregivers. After asking family and friends, one of which is an attorney, I was referred to Kathryn. I met with Kathryn, she listened, and read notes I had made regarding my mother’s health and care, and what subsequently happened to her. Kathryn discussed with me the steps that would occur once she took Mom’s case and then she took the time to calmly answer all of my many questions.

Kathryn and Karman then took over the research, gathering of records and information they needed to carry the case forward. They maintained in close phone contact with me regarding updates and expressing unwavering support, all of this being done in a timely and efficient manner. Kathryn, Karman and Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto fought for my Mom from the beginning to the last hour of the mediation. They were determined, competent and caring to me all along the way.

I cannot say more about the excellent help and service this firm provided for me, the firm’s philosophy regarding elder abuse is obviously paramount in its mission. I highly recommend them to anyone who has befallen tragic circumstances such as I have with my mother.”

~ Marcia Hart


“A caring, sensitive law firm who fought to correct the injustice of our deceased loved one.”

~ The Costa Family


“Upon learning of an abuse to my Father in a nursing home, I was faced with a very difficult decision as how to further protect him from more assaults, and keep him in a safe and healthy environment. My frustration grew with the facility’s administration and their lack of responsibility and care for my Father. As I put details together from the abuse that was initially scoffed as a very minor incident, to when I found out the perpetrator had been arrested without my knowledge, I knew I needed to speak with someone as I was confused what to do.

I was very reluctant to seek legal advice, not knowing if I had any rights on behalf of my Father, but had to be an advocate for him, as he could not do it on his own being a Dementia patient. But the lack of concern by the facility forced me into a decision I would not soon regret.

I contacted Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto, who after a phone interview, invited me to provide them more information regarding my Father’s abuse and a history of his stay at the facility.

After a meeting with Karman, I realized I had made the right decision in contacting them, and felt very at ease with how she said the Firm would look into the details of the complaint and let me know if this was a case to be pursued against the Facility. I appreciated her honesty, as I was still afraid what happened to my Father would not be deemed worthy of a lawsuit. Shortly thereafter, Karman contacted me to let me know the Firm would like to represent my Father, and I soon found out it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Their compassion, professionalism, and the ability to be a formidable advocate on behalf of my Father were unprecedented.

Kathryn, Karman and worked hard and fought for the justice my Father deserved, and I will forever be thankful to them for their empathy for what was a difficult and sensitive time for the family. At the conclusion of the lawsuit, I actually felt I had another family who was by my side the whole time, and if my Father were able to understand what they did for him, he would be extremely proud and thankful.”

~ Darryl Evans


“On behalf of my mother, my siblings and myself, I want to sincerely thank Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto for their high degree of professionalism, advocacy and passion in representing us in an elder abuse case against a nursing home. While my father had been victimized and neglected which was extremely emotional and sensitive for our family, in Stebner we found a firm that listened, that actively engaged, that demonstrably believes that everyone has a right to compassionate and professional-level care. In particular, we’d like to thank Kathryn, Karman and George who all worked tirelessly on our behalf. Their efforts significantly contributed to an ultimate resolution that we believe was appropriate for our case.”

~ Tom P., San Jose, California


“I couldn’t have asked for a better firm than Kathryn’s when it came to dealing with my father’s untimely death. Their knowledge of issues within the arena of assisted living facilities, and the problems inherent in many of these institutions, exceeded my expectations. They guided me through each step of the involved legal proceedings with patience and compassion. Since this was my first foray into the litigation process, I had many questions and concerns. Kathryn and her associates, George and Karman, provided me with information that allowed me to feel assured and confident that I was pursuing the appropriate course of action. This firm is a caring and personal one. Their relaxed, though always professional, attitude put me at ease from the start.”

~ Laurie Bernstein


“When my mother was seriously injured after a fall in a nursing home I was hesitant to try to pursue anything about this incident. It was upsetting and I didn’t feel confident anything would change or be accomplished by my acting on this, but I knew that the home had been negligent and I didn’t feel right just ignoring the situation. After sharing my mother’s experience with a lawyer who specializes in elder abuse, he told me that the one person he would recommend was Kathryn Stebner. Karman, Kathryn’s associate, returned my initial call and immediately put me at ease. After giving all the pertinent information needed, Kathryn’s office set off to do all the leg work, research and investigation necessary in this case. Both Karman and Kathryn comforted me on a personal and professional level all the way through the process. I never felt they wasted any of my time, and had no doubt that my mother and I were in good hands. With all my reservations about pursuing this case, their concern and personal attention made it a positive and painless experience. The case was settled quickly and fairly with an excellent outcome. I was personally happy the facility would have to change some of it’s policy so no other family would experience what we had. I am forever grateful to Kathryn and Karman for their help and recommend this office without reservation.”

~ Donna Stillwell


“Kathryn and Karman were professional and friendly and very knowledgeable about assisted living care facilities and the problems that occur there. Kathryn and Karman were available for questions throughout the process and were very patient and compassionate. When Kathryn and Karman had to appear in court for another case, they kept my brother and I in the loop which we appreciated. We ultimately settled the case and were very happy with everything they did for us. They would have made my Mother very happy!”

~ Kathy Degliatoni


“I wish to state, how pleased my sisters and I were with the services of Kathryn Stebner and her associates, George and Sarah. The law firm handled a very delicate situation with our older sister, age 80. They respectfully treated my older sister with kindness, dignity and a lot of patience. My sister’s case was settled efficiently to the satisfaction of all. The settlement was a lot more than anticipated. I can’t thank the Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto enough, for all their efforts and diligence.”

~ Lee Stoodley


“In my first venture into the process of litigation, I was fortunate to be referred to Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto. Kathryn and Karman provided excellent advice and counsel and I found them to be thorough and professional. They were successful in getting a settlement for my family.”

~ Ray VanBuskirk


“If you want a Law Firm that epitomizes a winner’s attitude, then Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto is the one firm that I would recommend. They’re personal, honest, trustworthy, professional and compassionate about representing their clients during challenging and difficult times. My siblings and I appreciated their due-diligence in handling our case that took over a year to resolve to our satisfaction. Don’t doubt or delay regarding making that call to Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto to determine if you have a legitimate lawsuit. You will appreciate a law firm that will fight for you and your loved ones’ rights. I made the right call to Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto, will you?”


~ Stanford Williams

“Kathryn Stebner replied to my email the same day I sent it. This meant the world to me given the anguish and heartbreak my family and I had been enduring due to the untimely death of my sister. She and her staff were always respectful and supportive of our feelings throughout the process, but also made sure we understood what was going on at all times.”

~ Candace Farris


“When I needed help for my elderly aunt and uncle, I found that it was challenging finding legal representation. I was lucky enough to find Kathryn Stebner and Karman Ratliff of Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto. The firm specializes in elder law and the staff understood the issues surrounding a case involving two plaintiffs that were 95+ years old. Their hard work, compassion, professionalism and expertise lead to a fair settlement for my relatives.”

~ Mary Stompe


“I found Kathryn and Lee of Stebner Gertler Guadagni & Kawamoto to be kind, caring, efficient and appropriately assertive. Additionally, they won my case to my great satisfaction.”

~ Joanne Yinger


“Kathryn Stebner- a cacophony of elder law expertise, honesty, fairness, compassion and professionalism. Ms. Stebner is a winner that enjoys winning- a woman to be reckoned with and admired. I’m sure glad she was on my side!”

~ Phillip Strong


“I had no idea I was about to be represented by a person of such grand integrity. Kathryn kept me informed and aggressively sought every avenue to effectively settle my claim. But Kathryn went much further than just doing a great job. She talked to me and explained every detail throughout the process; she put being a superb attorney second to being a warm person who actually cared about the nature of my claim, which was anything but straightforward. At the end of the day, most people believe they’ve done what they could. I hope Kathryn closed my case knowing that she went above and beyond! She can hold her head high because in the course of my settlement, she consistently did so with kindness, honor and enormous professionalism.”

~ Twila Halter

This testimonial endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.