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D. Robin Gouveia

Attorney

Attorney D. Robin Gouveia has been practicing law for OVER 20 YEARS. Since joining the firm, Attorney Gouveia has been exclusively practicing personal injury and disability law. Attorney Gouveia works with clients in the East Providence, Middletown, Pawtucket, Fall River, New Bedford and Wareham offices.

Education

  • South New England Law School in 1998.

Bar Admissions

  • Rhode Island Bar Association
  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys

Membership

  • Rhode Island Association for Justice Board of Governors (RIAJ)
  • American Associates for Justice (AAJ)

Client Reviews

They were amazing with getting my case settled quickly and effectively!!! I couldn’t have asked for better people to help me then Robin and Lisa. Thanks again for everything d’Oliveira & Associates!

Client Loris', positive testimonial of Robin Gouveia's legal services.

Lori

I called d’Olivera & Associates right away after my accident because they were so highly recommend. They have worked so hard on my case, and have always kept me informed and up to date on what was going on. They were so helpful, answering any questions I had. Thank you Attorney Robin Gouveia and Lindsay Proffitt for all your help!!

Omar, a happy client giving a positive testimonial of Robin Gouveia's legal services.

Omar

 

Meet the Staff

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Lisa Lennon
Office Manager/Paralegal

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Donna Medeiros
Office Manager/Paralegal

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Maricza Allende
Paralegal

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Patricia O’Donnel
Claims Adjuster

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Tiffany Shields
Paralegal

Headshot of paralegal Jodi Almeida.

Jodi Almeida
Paralegal

How Did You Get Started?

I went to law school while working full time for an insurance company handling claims. Once I obtained my license to practice, I began my career at a personal injury firm. I have handled personal injury claims solely for plaintiffs for more than 15 years.

What Training Did You Have?

My experience in the insurance company claims department provided me with the tools to become a successful negotiator. I learned the details of what claims adjusters need to fully evaluate a claim; what information is needed to increase and maximize settlement offers; and what evidence is needed to advocate and negotiate the best settlement for my clients. In addition, I gained tremendous experience in assessing, reviewing and analyzing medical records for use in effective advocacy.

What is a Typical Day on the Job Like?

A typical day for me involves speaking to prospective clients to answer questions before they come in for a meeting with us; calling active clients to discuss treatments and evidence of how the accident is impacting their daily life; and drafting and reviewing demand letters to insurance companies. I meet with clients to prepare them for arbitrations, depositions or mediations and present the cases to such forums. I communicate with medical providers regarding client treatment, medical conditions and develop the best and most effective strategy for each case.

What’s Your Favorite Part of the Job?

There are so many parts of the job I love. I love talking to clients who have gone through trauma, helping them cope and deal with insurance companies, and most importantly, helping them address and connecting them with appropriate providers to alleviate and treat their injuries and pain. I also love reviewing evidence, finding key pieces to effectively fight for the client during negotiations; and negotiating is by far, my favorite part of the job. The advocacy and persuasion are so rewarding when a fair and reasonable settlement or award is obtained.

What is the Greatest Challenge?

I find the greatest challenge is convincing insurance adjusters these injuries are real and felt by real people. Often adjusters doubt the legitimacy of claims. I find that to be an attitude held by many insurers and they attempt to apply it to all claims. More often I have to emphasize medical evidence, discuss statements made to initial emergency personnel regarding the mechanism of impact. (For example, statement made to ER personnel regarding positioning of body at the moment of impact or the movement of the body inside the vehicle at impact) The mechanism, I have found, to be an effective tool of persuasion for low impact or minor type cases.

I have also experienced adjusters during negotiations summarizing medical records incorrectly. This is a challenge for many because they simply skim the records and don’t know truly what the records say. I review the records fully so I know immediately if the adjuster is attempting to misinterpret or misquote the record in their favor. This happens more and more frequently and it is often challenging to know if the adjuster is doing this. Being prepared addresses this challenge effectively.

Most Notable Personal Injury Case Settlements

  • $950,000 Car Accident Settlement

    The client was struck as a pedestrian by a driver of a company vehicle and she sustained a fractured knee, among other broken bones and facial lacerations.

  • $800,000 Car Accident Settlement

    From the car accident, the client sustained catastrophic injuries that required invasive surgery that left her unable to care for herself.

  • $300,000 in Dog Bite Settlement

    Our client was attacked by a dog that was not on a leash. The woman suffered several lacerations to the face and chest.

  • $200,000 Workers Compensation Settlement

    Our client stumbled backwards and fell against a railing. As a result, he sustained major lower back injuries requiring surgery.

Awards

d'Oliveira & Associates BBB Business Review