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01 Sep, 2016 by Leonard
The law firm of Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead LLP is the best - Joe Mondock in particular. He took my son’s case after three other law firms declined – and two of the three chased us down, initially. The end result was that Joe Mondock got my son a decent settlement. The other law firms were too busy, or not interested, saying the injuries weren’t bad enough, the medical bills weren’t high enough ($7300), etc., even though the case had several rock solid aspects to it. My son and his girlfriend borrowed my car and stopped at a red light. A drunk driver slammed into the rear of my car and fled the scene. The drunk sped away with his airbag deployed, his trunk bent up and front end smashed. My son called the cops, and he and his girlfriend (she was driving) chased after the drunk in my damaged car ($6000 damage, in the shop for 100 days) and the drunk driver was apprehended after 7 miles of twists and turns. The drunk driver failed the sobriety test and was taken to jail. It was his 3rd DUI. None of this mattered to the other law firms. For them, it was all about the money, and they said there wasn’t enough money at issue. They told my son to settle it on his own. Of course, the drunk driver’s insurance company offered up “peanuts” when my son tried to settle with them. It was ridiculous. After we pondered the situation for a few months, luckily we saw the Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead television ad where they talk about “Walk-In Wednesday”. So, we met with Joe Mondock without an appointment the next Wednesday, and we discussed the potential case, at length. He said my son deserved more than the crap the drunk’s insurance company was offering. In fact, Mondock wrote up the complaint with an additional angle reflecting the drunk fleeing the scene - extra ammunition. To tell you the truth, at deposition, I don’t think the drunk driver’s attorney quite understood this additional aspect, nor their predicament. Mondock made the case about more than just the money. The defendant’s team understood eventually, when the case was settled for an amount double digits times what they initially offered my son. Bottom line, I give the law firm of Thorson Switala Mondock & Sneed a solid “A”, especially Joe Mondock. He wasn’t afraid to step up to the plate and take a swing, and fight the good fight.
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18 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I thought Joe did a wonderful job for my daughter's case. She was attacked by a dog and was bit two times on her face. Joe was very helpful and helped me every step of the way. I valued his opinion as I had to make the decisions for my daughter and I felt helpless but Joe was there every step of the way. He was very knowledgeable and always answered my questions quickly.
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05 Oct, 2014 by Pam
My family has obtained Joseph Mondock for legal services on 3 different occasions, different family members each time. Our choice of him originally started when I was in an auto accident and we contacted his offices for legal services. Mr. Mondock came to our home to get my information as I was in pain due to my injuries. He was very professional and caring and took the time to make sure that I understood everything and answered all questions. Throughout my case he was quick to respond to my calls and questions as well as giving updates so that I always knew what was going on. He worked hard to get me the best settlement possible and make sure all of my bills due to my accident were taken care of. There was little to no work needed on my part as Mr. Mondock handled everything with the insurance and medical bills which removed all the stress of the situation from me and made it possible to just heal and deal with my injuries. My husband ended up in an accident a few years later which was more extensive and time consuming than mine. When we determined that we would need a lawyer, we did not hesitate in contacting Mr. Mondock for his services. He once again provided the same excellent service to the point that he makes you feel as if you are the most important case he has. My husbands recovery and medical care was much longer than mine and Mr. Mondock still took care of all details for this extended time and got us a generous and much appreciated settlement. Recently my son was in an accident due to an uninsured motorist and we immediately contacted Mr. Mondock to get his help in how to handle such a situation. He gave us the straight truth about how to deal with it and did not try to promise that he could do something that might not be possible just to get business. Mr. Mondock once again handled all of the details and worked with our medical insurance as well as our auto insurance for the uninsured motorist claim in order to get the claim handled the best possible way. He was even able to get the medical insurance to accept a lower amount for their reimbursement in order to provide my son with a larger settlement amount. Every time that we have obtained Mr. Mondock he has provided excellent service and has never let us down. We have been completely satisfied with his efforts and would highly recommend his services to anyone. We greatly appreciated all of his hard work and the stress that he removed from us by him handling all aspects and details of our claims.
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24 Jan, 2023 by Justin cassidy
Great honest attorney, Very helpful and offers a great service.
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29 Sep, 2022 by Ryan hannahan
This guy really cares, don't lie to him or mess around. Pay on time and be straight. Michael Mills is top notch. I highly recommend Mr Mills and his staff for his aggressive stance, reputation with the courts and his organizational skills. Mr Mills notes the details and his always on time. Phone calls are always proper and timely. This is Dayton's lawyer people I can't say it any other way. If you wanna be heard you better hire Mike.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Cassandra
Mr. Switala took care of my problem completely to my satisfaction. I appreciate his attention during a trying time and will definitely recommend him.
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05 Mar, 2017 by Bradley c.
Mr. Switala met with my wife over a slip/fall accident that occured due to the negligence of a building owner. My wife fell which caused my wife to hit her head on the side of his building and she suffered a concussion and had to have staples in her head to close a wound. We contacted Mr. Switala for guidance wanting to recoup our medical expenses because the owner of the building happened to be a local attorney in our town and we wanted to make sure we had someone who could guide us through this unfortunate event. We met with Mr. Switala and he guided us through every step of the process. He answered all of our question and never once made us feel rushed. He is kind, caring and compassionate and had my wifes best interest at hand the whole time. Because of his expertise we were able to resolve the matter without going to court and not only did the pay the medical bills, my wife received a very nice unexpected settlement from the property owner/insurance company. If you are involved in an accident or personal injury I would highly recommend contacting Gil! Thanks again! Brad and Ange C. Springfield, Ohio
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09 Jun, 2013 by R.e. powell
We could not be more happy with a devastating situation. When someone you love gets into an accident and it takes their life, Jim Thorson and Gill Switalla, (of Thorson, Switalla, Mondock and Sneed) become part of your family. They worked for us as if it was their personal loved one that was lost. Jim personally could not have understood our pain and the reality of medical bills afterwards. To lose your parent at the hands of an uninsured 17 year old is bewildering. Jim Thorson took a hot-mess and bent but never broke on our case. We won but would rather have our father back. Jim and his office will stop at nothing to get just-due in what is fair, honest and right! We thank you from our hearts...
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05 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I was very impressed with the amount of time Mr. Snead spent on my case. He had brought to light a few things I had never considered before. Very well prepared and knowledgable of my type of situation and explained everything I needed to know in detail. I will call Mr. Snead if I ever need any kind of legal help again. Thanks Jeff.
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18 Apr, 2023 by Tj fan
Very nice person. He will help you solve your problem at fare price. Very professional at traffic and marriage law. If you are in Dayton, choose his service!!
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11 Mar, 2023 by Mike komitsky
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19 Jan, 2023 by Iris booso
Josh handled our case with the upmost concern for our case.He never made us feel judged for even one moment.He was find and very understanding.We really feel he gave us our life back.We will use him in the future with our will or any other legal need we have. We feel we can't say enough except to thank him for our lives back. Robert & Iris
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What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You

A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Whether you've been hurt in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

Personal injury lawyers act as your advocate, navigating the legal system on your behalf and dealing with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle complex legal matters and help you avoid common pitfalls.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where you've been harmed due to another's negligence. Some key scenarios include:

  • Severe injuries: If you've suffered significant or permanent injuries that result in substantial medical bills, a lawyer can help ensure you are fairly compensated.
  • Long-term or permanent disability: Injuries that affect your ability to work or require ongoing medical treatment are complex, and a lawyer can help estimate long-term damages.
  • Disputed liability: If the responsible party or their insurance company denies liability for your injury, a lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.
  • Insurance company lowball offers: Insurers often try to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement.
  • Medical malpractice claims: Injuries caused by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider due to negligence require a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice law.
  • Exposure to hazardous substances: If you've been injured due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances, a lawyer can help pursue legal action.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process is crucial, especially if you're unsure of the full extent of your injuries or damages.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

A personal injury lawyer provides a wide range of services to guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. They can:

  • Evaluate your case: A lawyer will assess the strength of your claim and determine whether you have a viable case.
  • Investigate the incident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions is key to building a strong case.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and aren't taken advantage of.
  • File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement can't be reached, the lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
  • Help calculate damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
  • Prepare and file legal documents: Lawyers handle all the paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, including filing motions and discovery requests.
  • Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, the lawyer will argue your case before a judge and jury to obtain the compensation you deserve.

How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either through settlement or a court judgment. Here’s how it works:

  • Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award, typically between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it's resolved.
  • Costs and expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, the lawyer may deduct other costs associated with the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. These expenses are often advanced by the lawyer and repaid out of the settlement.
  • No upfront payment: Since the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning, you usually don’t pay anything upfront.

Always discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to avoid surprises.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, the amount you pay will depend on the outcome of your case. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Contingency fees: Typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. The percentage may increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
  • Other costs: In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, medical record retrieval fees, and court costs. These are often deducted from your settlement, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.

While the cost may seem high, hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly increase the amount you recover, making it a worthwhile investment.

Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right representation. Here are some important questions to ask:

  1. What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award.
  3. How long will my case take?
    While it's hard to predict, a lawyer can give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled.
  4. How often do you take cases to trial?
    Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    In larger firms, junior lawyers or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it's important to know who will be managing your claim.
  6. Do you have references from past clients?
    Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and professionalism.

How to Check the Credibility of a Personal Injury Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a credible personal injury lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any history of disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Online platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews can provide insight into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
  • Look at their track record: Review their experience with personal injury cases, particularly how many cases they’ve successfully resolved or taken to trial.
  • Ask for references: Credible lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their work.
  • Check professional memberships: Lawyers who are members of respected organizations, like the American Association for Justice (AAJ), often have a solid reputation in the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, prepare the following:

  • Detailed account of the accident: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and locations. Include any witnesses or police reports if available.
  • Medical records and bills: Bring any documentation of your injuries, treatments, and associated medical costs.
  • Insurance information: Provide your insurance details and any communication you’ve had with the other party’s insurance company.
  • Employment and income records: If your injury has impacted your ability to work, bring proof of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
  • Photos or videos: If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, bring them to your consultation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions to ask, including how the lawyer will handle your case and what you can expect in terms of timeline and outcome.

By preparing thoroughly for your first consultation, you’ll help the lawyer understand your case more quickly and get a better sense of your legal options.

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