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.