Meet Personal Injury Attorney D. Robin Gouveia, ESQ.

D. Robin Gouveia

Attorney

Attorney D. Robin Gouveia has been practicing personal injury law for d’Oliveira & Associates (and d’Oliveira & Morgan) for over 27 years. Attorney Gouveia works with clients in the Attleboro, Boston, Brockton, East Providence, Fall River, New Bedford, Pawtucket, Taunton, Wareham, Worcester, and Woonsocket offices.

Education

UMASS Law School in 1998

Bar Admissions

Rhode Island Bar Association
Massachusetts Bar Association
United Stated District Court, First District of Massachusetts

Membership

Rhode Island Association for Justice Board of Governors (RIAJ)
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys

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 25 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 details of how the accident is impacting their daily life; reviewing medical records in order to best present and draft demand letters to the insurance company; discussing cases with insurance adjusters and attorneys to get the best settlement for the clients; meeting with clients and reviewing evidence to best to prepare them for arbitration’s, depositions or mediations; and presenting cases to these forums. I communicate with medical providers regarding treatment and medical conditions in order to develop the best 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?

Addressing the property damage in the early stages of any case is often the most challenging part. If your vehicle was damaged in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for compensating you for that damage. If you were found to be at fault in the accident, then your own insurance will compensate for your property damage, depending on the kind of coverage you have. For instance, if you have full coverage, your insurance will compensate you for your vehicle repairs or provide the fair market value of your car if it was totaled; generally waiving your deductible if you are not at fault. If you have only liability coverage, however, your insurance likely would not be responsible for paying for your vehicle’s property damage.

The best way to get the most money for your car’s property damage is to have the mechanic doing your auto body repair meet with your insurance adjuster and/or appraiser. The repair mechanic is in the best position to assess the full value of your property damage so that you are effectively compensated.

Robin’s Biggest 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 a 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.