Disclaimer
This
website has been prepared by JOHN E. STILLPASS CO. LPA for general
informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The information is not provided in the course of any attorney-client
relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from
an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This website occasionally contains links to other web pages. The
inclusion of such links, however, does not constitute referrals,
sponsorship, or endorsements of the linked entities or websites by
us.
The hiring of
a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely
upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free,
written information about our qualifications and experience.
The
Firm’s Attorneys and the Practice of Law
Our
attorneys are admitted to practice law only in those jurisdictions
listed on their respective resumes. The appearance of an attorney’s
resume on this website does not constitute a solicitation or advertisement
for engagement of legal counsel for any specific matter or situation,
or in any jurisdictions other than those listed on such attorney’s
respective resume.
Unless otherwise
specifically noted on an attorney’s
resume, the listing of an attorney’s practice area, or indications
of experience on an attorney’s resume or anywhere else on this
website does not, and is not intended to, indicate any certification
or expertise in such practice area.
Conflicts of
Interest and Establishing an Attorney-Client Relationship with
this Firm
This website
and the data and content provided or viewable on, contained in,
or downloadable from this website (collectively, the “Content”)
are available to you solely for general informational purposes. The
Content does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Viewing,
reading, printing, receiving, downloading or otherwise using the
Content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you
and John E. Stillpass Co. LPA or any of our attorneys.
Should you desire to engage us or one of our attorneys to provide
you with legal services, there are several steps that must be taken
prior to establishing an attorney-client relationship with us.
Prior to establishing an attorney-client relationship with a client,
we must ensure that our representation will not create a conflict
of interest. Accordingly, please do not send us or any of our attorneys
any information regarding a matter that may involve you until you
receive confirmation that our conflict of interest procedure has
been completed and further discussion is appropriate.
If
you are not already a client of the firm and you are interested
in having us represent you, the most appropriate way for you to initiate
a possible representation is to contact an attorney at our law firm
by telephone so we can determine whether the matter is one for which
we are willing or able to accept professional responsibility. The
telephone numbers for our offices are listed in this website. We
reserve the right to decline any representation. We may be required
to decline representation if it would create a conflict of interest
with our other clients. Not until a formal engagement has been established,
will you become our client, at which time we will be able to exchange
information freely.
State Disclaimer
We
have made efforts to comply with all legal and ethical requirements
in compiling this website. We do not want to represent clients based
on their review of any portion of this website that does not comply
with legal or ethical requirements. This website was created in conjunction
with the Rules of Professional Conduct in effect in the jurisdictions
in which are attorneys are authorized to practice. To the extent
that visitors to this site are from other states or countries, this
site may not comply with the specifics of such other jurisdictional
professional codes of ethics or conduct and should not be construed
to meet any requirements of such other jurisdictions.
This website is not soliciting clients for any specific matter and
does not propose any specific type of transaction. You should not
act or rely on any information at this website without seeking the
advice of an attorney for your specific situation. The determination
of whether you need legal services and your choice of a lawyer are
very important matters that should not be based solely on websites
or advertisements. Visitors to this site are advised that part or
all of the content of this site may be viewed as advertising.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS GIVEN FOR FOR POTENTIAL PERSONAL INJURIY
CLAIMANTS:
UNDERSTANDING
YOUR RIGHTS*
If you have been in an accident, or a
family member has been injured or killed in a crash or some other
incident, you have many important decisions to make. We believe it
is important for you to consider the following:
1. Make and
keep records - If your situation involves a motor vehicle crash, regardless
of who may be at fault, it is helpful to obtain a copy of the police
report, learn the identity of any witnesses, and obtain photographs
of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries. Keep copies of
receipts of all your expenses and medical care related to the incident.
2.
You do not have to sign anything - You may not want to give an interview
or recorded statement without first consulting with an attorney,
because the statement can be used against you. If you may be at fault
or have been charged with a traffic or other offense, it may be advisable
to consult an attorney right away. However, if you have insurance,
your insurance policy probably requires you to cooperate with your
insurance company and to provide a statement to the company. If you
fail to cooperate with your insurance company, it may void your coverage.
3. Your interests
versus interests of insurance company - Your interests
and those of the other person's insurance company are in conflict.
Your interests may also be in conflict with your own insurance company.
Even if you are not sure who is at fault, you should contact your
own insurance company and advise the company of the incident to protect
your insurance coverage.
4. There
is a time limit to file an insurance claim - Legal rights, including filing a lawsuit, are subject to
time limits. You should ask what time limits apply to your claim.
You may need to act immediately to protect your rights.
5. Get it
in writing - You may want to request that any offer of settlement
from anyone be put in writing, including a written explanation of
the type of damages which they are willing to cover.
6. Legal
assistance may be appropriate - You may consult with an attorney before you
sign any document or release of claims. A release may cut off all
future rights against others, obligate you to repay past medical
bills or disability benefits, or jeopardize future benefits. If your
interests conflict with your own insurance company, you always have
the right to discuss the matter with an attorney of your choice,
which may be at your own expense.
7. How to
find an attorney - If
you need professional advice about a legal problem but do not know
an attorney, you may wish to check with relatives, friends, neighbors,
your employer or co-workers who may be able to recommend an attorney.
Your local bar association may have a lawyer referral service that
can be found in the Yellow Pages.
8. Check
a lawyer's qualifications - Before hiring any lawyer, you have the right to know the lawyer's
background, training, and experience in dealing with cases similar
to yours.
9. How much
will it cost? - In deciding whether to hire
a particular lawyer, you should discuss, and the lawyer's written
fee agreement should reflect:
a. How is the lawyer to be paid? If
you already have a settlement offer, how will that affect a contingent
fee arrangement?
b. How are the expenses involved in your case, such
as telephone calls, deposition costs, and fees for expert witnesses,
to be paid? Will these costs be advanced by the lawyer or charged
to you as they are incurred? Since you may be obligated to pay all
expenses even if you lose your case, how will payment be arranged?
c.
Who will handle your case? If the case goes to trial, who will be
the trial attorney?
This information is not intended as a complete
description of your legal rights, but as a checklist of some of the
important issues you should consider.
*THE SUPREME COURT OF OHIO,
WHICH GOVERNS THE CONDUCT OF LAWYERS IN THE STATE OF OHIO, NEITHER
PROMOTES NOR PROHIBITS THE DIRECT SOLICITATION OF PERSONAL INJURY
VICTIMS. THE COURT DOES REQUIRE THAT, IF SUCH A SOLICITATION IS MADE,
IT MUST INCLUDE THE ABOVE DISCLOSURE.
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