Frequently Asked Questions

Get medical attention first, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks injuries. Call the police so there's an official report. Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. Get the other party's insurance information and contact details for any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before talking to an attorney.

As soon as possible after the accident. The insurance company starts building their file on day one. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and the adjuster is already looking for ways to reduce your claim. You don't need to have all your medical records or know the full extent of your injuries before calling. The consultation is free, and an early call gives me the best chance to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

Most cases settle in 6 to 18 months, but the timeline depends on the severity of your injuries, how long treatment takes, and whether the insurance company negotiates in good faith. Settling too early — before you reach maximum medical improvement — can leave money on the table. I will not rush a settlement just to close a file.

There is no formula. Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost income, how the injury affects your daily life, and the strength of liability evidence. Anyone who quotes you a number before reviewing your medical records and the facts of your case is guessing. I'll give you a straight answer based on what I actually see in your file — no hype, no inflated numbers.

Report the accident to your own insurer, but be careful with the other driver's insurance company. Their adjuster's job is to minimize what the company pays you. They'll sound friendly and sympathetic — that's by design. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to reduce or deny your claim. I recommend speaking with an attorney before giving any recorded statements to the at-fault party's carrier.

You work directly with me. As a solo practitioner, I personally handle every case from the initial consultation through resolution. There is no hand-off to a junior associate or call center. When you call the office, you reach the attorney handling your case.

I used to be an insurance claims adjuster. I evaluated bodily injury claims, set reserves, took recorded statements, and negotiated settlements at a major national carrier. I know how adjusters think because I was one. That background changes how I build cases — I assemble the evidence, the medical records, and the narrative in a way that makes the case harder to undervalue from the inside.

I'll listen to what happened, review any documents or photos you have, and give you a straight answer about whether you have a case. I'll explain your legal options, the timeline, and what to expect from the process. There's no cost and no obligation — it's a conversation, not a sales pitch.

Yes. I'm licensed to practice throughout Ohio and handle cases in state and federal courts across the state. While the office is in Columbus, I represent clients from all over Ohio. Many consultations and case updates can be handled by phone or video call.

Two years from the date of injury for most personal injury claims under ORC § 2305.10. For wrongful death, it's two years from the date of death under ORC § 2125.04. There are limited exceptions — claims involving minors or government entities have different timelines — but two years is the standard rule. Don't wait until the deadline is close. Evidence disappears and cases get harder to build the longer you wait.

Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule under ORC § 2315.33. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame to the injured person to reduce what they pay. Having an attorney helps counter that tactic.

Ohio caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at the greater of $250,000 or three times your economic damages, up to a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff under ORC § 2315.18. These caps do not apply in cases involving permanent and substantial physical deformity, loss of a bodily function, or when the injury prevents you from independently caring for yourself.

It means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fee unless your case recovers money. My fee is 33% if the case resolves before litigation is filed and 40% if a lawsuit is necessary. The consultation is free. There is no financial risk to you.

No. If your case does not result in a recovery, you owe me nothing in attorney fees. That's the point of a contingency arrangement — I only get paid if you get paid. My incentive is aligned with yours.

No. The initial consultation is completely free. I'll review your situation, answer your questions, and tell you whether I think you have a case. No cost, no obligation, no pressure.