GHERASIMOV ATTORNEY advises
Natalia Ghilașcu: Dear Oleg Gherasimov, for almost a decade you have been working with immigrants from around the world helping them reach their U.S. immigration goals. What are some of the issues they are facing under this current administration?
Oleg Gherasimov: Immigration is the system that brought us the likes of Einstein, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jon Stefanuca and me [☺]. The current administration’s position is that the United States is full and immigration law changes are happening, essentially, on a daily basis. As a result, in the last 4 years, many immigration procedures have become much more difficult. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been issuing more denials, a great deal of which, for unjustified reasons. Some procedures were stopped altogether or postponed until the end of the year due to COVID-19. In these trying times it is especially important to work with a professional who will help you navigate the complex issues during any immigration journey.
N.G: Oleg, What are the most challenging cases that our community is facing in terms of immigration and how does your office help them?
O.G: For me, the most challenging cases are also the ones that are the most rewarding. I take great pleasure in handling a variety of cases, including investment visas, consular processing, naturalization, adjustment of status, and auto accident cases. Applicants that have had some run-ins with the law in the past should be more vigilant before submitting an application to USCIS. Also, starting October 1, 2018, USCIS is issuing Notices to Appear in Immigration Court when a case is denied. If you are not careful, you can quickly end up in removal proceedings, where the cost of attorney representation and the pressure to succeed are much higher.
N.G: Gherasimov Law Firm, PC has clients from all over the world. I would imagine that starting a law firm office was not an easy task. Has your experience as an immigrant yourself helped you better understand your client’s needs?
O.G: Having walked in your client’s shoes definitely helps you better understand their story and gives you a better understanding of what their needs are. I take great pride in walking besides my clients every step of the way, and I very much enjoy personally handling their cases from start to finish. Although running a law firm is very demanding, I feel that I get stronger and stronger with every case that I bring to a successful conclusion. This, both, fuels me and keeps my clients happy.
N.G: How has Gherasimov Law Firm, PC (GLF) developed over the years? Are you dealing with the same type of issues or have they changed?
O.G: Because regulations in the immigration field are constantly changing, we are also changing and adapting. We are learning and progressing along with those changes. In addition to immigration cases, we also handle automobile accident cases. This led to a collaboration with Jon Ștefănucă, another Moldovan attorney, who is currently employed by Gilman & Bedigian, LLC. Together we strive to offer a wide array of legal services to our community from all over the United States.
Moldovan Super Lawyer Advocates For Injured People In The Medical Field. Jon Stefanuca, who is based in Maryland, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2021. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at The University of Maryland School of Law. He graduated in 2007 and was admitted to legal practice in 2007. Since 10 years, Mr. Stefanuca has been actively involved in a variety of cases involving complex medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury and other general litigation claims for clients in Baltimore and throughout the country.
N.G: Jon Ștefănucă, you have been very famous for protecting the rights of patients affected by medical malpractice and other negligence in Maryland and around the country. How do you perceive your role in serving our community?
Jon Ștefănucă: It is extremely important to me to provide superior and diligent representation to all of my clients. The message I endeavor to convey to our Moldovan compatriots is that they can entrust their legal problems to one of their own, knowing that the legal representation will be of the highest quality at all times. Eliminating language barriers and misunderstanding of cultural norms is, of course, key in this regard.
N.G: Jon, you have been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in the field of medical malpractice by “Maryland Super Lawyers Magazine” and as a Member of the “Nation’s Top One Percent” of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Does this mean your skills and expertise distinguishes you from other lawyers?
Jon Ștefănucă: Certain recognitions are given to reflect a lawyer’s track record and experience. For example, the Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in a given state. Nominations are the result of rigorous independent research involving, among other things, verdicts and settlements, as well as other legal honors and awards.
These credentials and honors are then peer reviewed by the most qualified members in the same legal field. I have had the fortune of representing hundreds of clients in complex multi-million-dollar legal disputes. These include catastrophic personal injury cases, auto accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, toxic exposure, contracts and business disputes, among other cases. The aforementioned recognitions are a means to reflect this experience and to convey to prospective clients that the lawyer has a proven record of success.
N.G: Jon, auto accidents create a tremendous amount of stress. The process of getting the car repaired, seeking medical treatment and missing time from work can be overwhelming for many people. How has your experience been while dealing with insurance companies in US? Are insurance companies eager to avoid liability?
J.S: Insurance companies are in the business of saving money. In many ways, this means not paying on claims, paying less or postponing payment for as long as possible. This can be utterly frustrating to clients injured in accidents, especially when the medical bills are mounting and the injuries are permanent or the recovery is slow. Insurance representatives do not see this hardship as it is. Instead, injured victims are treated as nothing more than a file number. The best way to confront this apathy is by retaining a diligent lawyer. The insurance company needs to know, in no uncertain terms, that, if prompt resolution is not achieved, aggressive litigation and trial is assured.
For more information, please contact!
Oleg Gherasimov: 443-365-1298 and Jon Ștefănucă: 443-970-1170
Read our Online Free October HORA edition here!