Larry F., Former Client

"I'm not sure where I would be today if it weren't for Justin and the law firm he is with... You become a part of the family the day you become a client and there is nothing more satisfying... If you want the best, the most terrific, then this is the man you want as your attorney."

Ben C., Former Client

"They're good people, plain and simple. I had the opportunity to work with Justin Demerath on a few issues. One where he had nothing to gain financially and the other, he did. There was no difference in his demeanor, the way he treated me or his intent. He just wanted to help in any way he could."

Herbert F., Former Client

"I want to thank you Justin for a job well done. My case was certainly a difficult one as attested to by the number of rejections I had before your name was given to me... You were up front about my chances for a win, never denying the road blocks that certainly would arise. I was impressed by the professional manner in which you handled my case."

Melanie S., Former Client

"The service I received from Justin Demerath has been unparalleled in every aspect. He is very professional, concise, and empathic towards his clients. My settlement exceeded my expectations on my collarbone injury case, in result of his strong desire for success."

Teresa P., Former Client

"WOW! I haven't seen this kind of customer service in years. Justin visited with me on the phone until all my questions were answered. He was extremely helpful, gracious, pleasant, willing, professional and very nice."

"In the midst of dealing with insurance, body shop, doctors and staff all of whom were 'just doing their job'... Justin was a ray of sunshine on a very gloomy day in my life. He made me feel very comfortable and encouraged me to continue with my questions... Thank you Justin...God bless you."

Jon S., Former Client

"Fantastic Representation. Justin Demerath represented me in a motorcycle accident where I was injured severely. The outcome was a best case scenario based on the realities of the at-fault driver. I received the largest settlement that was available and it turned out well. That was the bottom line, but what I wanted to comment on was Justin's willingness to explain each step of the process and his personal interest in my case. He came to visit me at my house while I was still unable to walk and his competence and ability to put things in simple terms allowed me to feel comfortable to take the details of my case off my plate and put it in his hands."

Nancy C., Former Client

"I am just so impressed in your scientific and legal knowledge. Your commitment and enthusiasm goes beyond compare. Should I ever need your services again or if someone I know needs your expertise, I will not hesitate to give you and call or make a referral."

Jay B., Former Client

"My experience with the insurance companies over the 15 months following the accident was frustrating... I admit I was also reluctant to find a personal injury lawyer, based on the stereotype of personal injury lawyers that I had ... I no longer carry that stereotype with me, I've since learned better."

Cindy R., Former Client

"Great Representation. I was involved in an auto accident two years ago and, after unsatisfactory dealings with the insurance company of the other driver, I hired Justin Demerath to represent me in my claim for medical bills coverage.... Mr. Demerath is a true professional whose compassion for his clients and for the law is first rate."

Motorcycle Accident / Product Liability

Gross Recovery:$2,275,000.00
Client Net:$1,285,861
Attorney Fees:$910,000
Expenses:$79,138.18
Medical Bills:In excess of $170,438.09
A Retired motorcyclist was killed as a result of injuries sustained when a commercial truck hit his vehicle due to a defective design in the vehicle. Our firm represented 3 of 4 surviving children of the deceased, as well as jointly representing the estate of the deceased cyclist. The values stated are for all children as well as the Estate.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Product Liability

Gross Recovery:$2,025,000.00
Client Net:$810,153.07
Attorney Fees:$810,000.00
Expenses:$58,831.93
Medical Bills:In excess of $640,000.00
Partial blindness, memory loss, and brain damage suffered by a worker as a result of an unexpected vehicle rollover of a defective product.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Auto Accident

Gross Recovery:$1,850,000.00
Client Gross:$1,025,107.50
Client Net:$690,651.27
Attorney Fees:$671,000.00
Expenses:$152,430.75
Medical Bills:In excess of $339,982.00
Auto accident with a commercial vehicle which ran a red light causing a young man severe injuries that resulted in back surgery and prevented him from returning to work. The commercial vehicle driver was killed in the accident, and toxicology results showed him to be under the influence of marijuana while on the job.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Auto Accident

Gross Recovery:$1,250,000.00
Client Net:$671,000
Attorney Fees:$500,000
Expenses:$17,000
Medical Bills:$62,000
After serving two tours in Iraq, our client was hit by a commercial vehicle, suffering multiple broken bones and a spine injury. He was honorably discharged from the military due to his injuries and had a limited ability to earn a living.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Apartment Fire - Negligent Design of an Apartment Complex

Gross Recovery:$950,000.00
Client Net:$288,300.20
Attorney Fees:$378,300.20
Expenses:$251,730.48
Medical Bills:In excess of $532,393.34
Following a fire that destroyed their home and badly burned their children, a family of four hired our firm to represent them against their apartment building that lacked the proper fire exits.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Negligence - 18-Wheeler Accident

Gross Recovery:$900,051.64
Client Net:$540,305.24
Attorney Fees:$279,000.00
Expenses:$65,619.78
Open highway 18-wheeler accident, leading to the death of our client. We represented the Estate of the deceased, the widow of the deceased, as well as two adult children of the deceased when a wheel separated from a trailer. The values stated herein are cumulative.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Product Liability / Defective Machinery

Gross Recovery:$785,000.00
Client Net:$494,488
Attorney Fees:$250,537
Expenses:$39,975.45
Medical Bills:In excess of $67,431.47
Construction worker's legs were crushed by a machine when the braking mechanism failed. Our client was in his 50's and unable to work at his chosen profession due to his injures.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Auto Accident

Gross Recovery:$600,000.00
Client Net:$330,643.88
Attorney Fees:$240,000.00
Expenses:$4,501.59
Medical Bills:In excess of $101,045.83
Mother and two minor sons were all injured in a multi-car accident in which they were hit from behind by a woman who hit the gas instead of the brakes. Our client's spine was fused in multiple locations, and her ability to earn a wage was limited.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Bus Accident

Gross Recovery:$410,000.00
Client Net:$240,693.11
Attorney Fees:$164,000.00
Expenses:$5,309.89
Medical Bills:In excess of $97,892.23
Man injured his spine in an auto accident involving a charter bus on Interstate Highway 35.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Auto Accident

Gross Recovery:$152,500.00
Client Net:$84,609.24
Attorney Fees:$50,325.00
Expenses:$892.93
Medical Bills:In excess of $67,119.28
Teenager involved in a single-car rollover accident in which she was ejected from the passenger seat of the vehicle she was riding in and fractured her skull.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Product Liability / Defective Design

Gross Recovery:$150,000.00
Client Net:$94,151.42
Attorney Fees:$49,500.00
Expenses:$6,348.58
Medical Bills:In excess of $47,704.60
A wheelchair bound woman suffered broken legs due to the use of a customized shower chair that had faulty engineering rendering it an unreasonably dangerous product.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Auto Accident - Intoxicated Driver

Gross Recovery:$25,000.00
Client Net:$16,072.18
Attorney Fees:$8,332.50
Expenses:$595.32
Medical Bills:In excess of $17,892.00
Passenger injured in a vehicle T-boned by an intoxicated teenager who ran a stop light. The maximum amount of insurance was collected.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Auto Accident

Gross Recovery:$20,000.00
Client Net:$12,954.73
Attorney Fees:$6,660.00
Expenses:$385.27
Medical Bills:$31,018.92
Single-car accident. Passenger received soft tissue injuries when driver of her vehicle ran off the road to avoid hitting wildlife and flipped the car landing face down. The maximum amount of insurance was recovered.
Disclaimer:
Past case values are not an accurate predictor of future results, nor the value of any potential client's particular situation. These case results are based upon unique and specific factual and legal circumstances. Each case is different. The same or similar results may not be able to be obtained for other clients in similar matters.

Skillful and Aggressive Legal Representation

When you or a loved one has endured personal injury or wrongful death, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath is committed to providing each and every one of our clients with compassionate advocacy and skillful, tireless, aggressive representation. Our number one priority is providing each client with the most desirable legal outcome to every issue they are facing.

We Value and Respect Every Client

We believe that every client deserves and should receive one-on-one access and attention. Legal issues can be daunting without the protection of knowledgeable and experienced lawyers. O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath is dedicated to resolving your unique situation with compassion and diligence.

Superior Client Services

At O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath we ensure seamlessly integrated work product and representation through our utilization of state of the art technology and resources. We are committed to providing our clients superior legal representation at every turn.

Commitment to Getting you the Compensation you Deserve

In our efforts to obtain compensation for our clients who have suffered injuries and the related indignities arising from the negligent actions of individuals and corporations, we pledge to provide you with a personalized, "no stone unturned" pursuit in achieving the most favorable outcome on your behalf in what are, undoubtedly, the most important and often life-changing situations you may ever experience.

Our clients never owe any fees unless we obtain financial settlement on their behalf. We will go the distance for you.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today

O'Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath offers you a free one-on-one evaluation of your personal injury case. Our clients never pay for our legal services unless we obtain a successful recovery of compensation for you. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyers.

How do I choose the right attorney for my case?

When you or a loved one has suffered an injury, hiring an attorney is one of the most important steps you will take toward seeking compensation from those who are responsible for your injuries. This can be a daunting and complicated process if you have never before hired an attorney and do not know how it all works.

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What are my rights as a client?

If you ever have any questions about these rights, or about the way your case is being handled by your attorney, do not hesitate to express your concerns to your attorney. He or she should be readily available to represent your best interests and keep you informed about your case.

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What should I do immediately after an accident?

Just after an accident or other event which seriously injures your or a loved one you may not know what to do or where to turn for help, especially when you have been injured by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, or in many instances, the manufacturer of defective equipment or other products.

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What is the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process?

After an accident in which you or a loved one are injured, and you have sought medical attention and have hired an attorney to handle your insurance claim, you may be on your way to becoming a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company has refused to make a reasonable offer of settlement on your injury claim.

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Could ERISA reduce my claim recovery?

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, known as "ERISA", is a federal law that may allow your insurance company, or your employer's health plan, to recover its costs on your claim, from a settlement or trial verdict award you may receive as a result of a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as "subrogation", and is considered to be a complex area of law. Potential subrogation interests should be discussed with your personal injury attorney after his/her review of any subrogation clauses in your insurance policy or your employer's health plan provisions.

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What information will my attorney need from me?

When you or a loved one have been injured in any type of accident it is important to keep extensive documentation of the incident and your injuries. Your personal injury attorney will interact with insurance companies and defense attorneys on your behalf, and in order to make a proper claim for all the benefits you are entitled to, this documentation is necessary.

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Some of our Victories

Product Liability Victory

Our firm represented a golf course grounds keeper who, due to a mechanical design defect in the industrial mower he was operating, was crushed under the machine when it fell into 15 foot ravine. The client suffered partial blindness, memory loss, and permanent brain damage.

Widow Prevails in Wrongful Death Action

Justin Demerath, in joint representation with his father, Attorney Larry Demerath, represented the widow of a truck driver who was killed when his vehicle struck a large tire that had detached from another truck. Larry and Justin are pictured above with the client.

Successful Settlement

Our firm represented a family in a wrongful death action against a large trucking company when their father was struck and killed by an 18-Wheeler due to a defective brake pedal. The case settled prior to trial. The brothers are pictured above.

Trasylol FAQ

1. What is Trasylol and what is it used to treat?

Trasylol, or aprotinin, a product derived from bovine lung tissue, inhibits certain enzymes that increase the risk for bleeding. Trasylol administration aids the body's ability to prevent bleeding.

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using cardiopulmonary bypass may be at risk for bleeding complications due to prior use of anticoagulants or clinical conditions that predispose to bleeding. Trasylol is used to decrease this bleeding risk.

2. What is the concern regarding Trasylol?

A January 26, 2006 report in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that Trasylol administration may increase the risk for serious side-effects among some patients undergoing CABG. This report describes the occurrence of serious kidney damage, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke among CABG patients receiving Trasylol. More patients receiving Trasylol experienced these events than patients receiving either no medications intended to decrease blood loss or other medications intended to decrease blood loss.

Another recently published study has suggested that patients receiving Trasylol may be at higher risk for kidney damage. This report (published January 20, 2006 in the on-line edition of Transfusion) used methods similar to those used in The New England Journal of Medicine study but included a smaller number of patients.

3. Did the patients who developed these serious side-effects have other possible reasons to develop these reactions?

It is not known if the patients receiving Trasylol in The New England Journal of Medicine report were sicker and thus at higher risk prior to receiving Trasylol than the patients in the other study groups. The study report authors used statistical procedures to try to adjust for this consideration. In the Transfusion report, the patients seemed to be similar in both study groups.

4. Have other studies indicated problems with Trasylol?

In addition to the previously described studies, one additional study suggested that Trasylol administration may increase the risk for clot formation within coronary artery bypass grafts. In this study, patients receiving Trasylol were compared to those receiving a placebo. The study reported an increased rate of bypass graft closure for patients receiving Trasylol.

5. What are the strengths and limitations of The New England Journal of Medicine Report when compared to other reports?

The major strength of The New England Journal of Medicine study is the collection of information from a large number of patients who were managed according to common medical practice.

The major limitation of The New England Journal of Medicine study is that patients were not randomly assigned to any of the treatments (or to no treatment) for preventing bleeding. The treating physicians determined, based on their experience and judgment, whether to administer Trasylol, another drug to prevent bleeding, or no treatment. It is possible that the treating physicians may have chosen to administer Trasylol only to the sicker patients while the less sick patients received other products or no therapy to prevent bleeding. Consequently, the study outcomes may not truly indicate Trasylol side-effects. Instead, the study outcomes may indicate the seriousness of the underlying condition of the patients chosen to receive Trasylol. It is important to note that the study investigators used statistical analyses to try to correct for this limitation.

In clinical studies where the choice to use Trasylol or not was decided by chance alone, Trasylol administration was not associated with the detection of any increase in the risks for the serious side-effects described in The New England Journal of Medicine report. These types of studies were performed in order to rigorously detect the Trasylol effects. However, these studies also have limitations; for example, the patients enrolled in the study may not truly reflect all types of patients undergoing CABG and the other cardiovascular therapies used in the studies may differ from those routinely used in medical practice. These considerations are especially important when clinical advances may rapidly change the practice of medicine.

6. Was Trasylol responsible for the serious side-effects detected in The New England Journal of Medicine report?

The report suggests that Trasylol administration was associated with the serious side-effects. However, the limitations of the reported study require that the study findings be examined more closely.

7. Based on this report, why isn't FDA immediately removing this product from the market?

The findings from The New England Journal of Medicine report differ from the data submitted to the FDA in support of a marketing application. These other reports indicate that Trasylol has benefits that outweigh the risks associated with the product. The FDA is re-examining all these study findings in light of The New England Journal of Medicine report and other information.

8. Are other drugs available to decrease the risk for bleeding during CABG?

No other products are approved by FDA for use to reduce perioperative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, other products have been used by physicians in order to try to prevent bleeding during CABG. As described in The New England Journal of Medicine report, these other products include aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid.

9. What actions will FDA take regarding these reports?

FDA is continuing to evaluate these reports, assessing other reports and working with the Trasylol manufacturer in order to determine if product labeling changes or other actions are necessary.

10. What information was known about serious side-effects prior to Trasylol approval?

In pre-marketing clinical studies, Trasylol was administered to approximately 2,000 patients undergoing CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass. In these studies, approximately 1,000 patients received a placebo instead of Trasylol. These studies found that Trasylol decreased the need for blood cell transfusion. The studies did not detect an increased risk for serious kidney or heart side-effects. Certain pre-marketing clinical studies showed that some patients may experience allergic-type reactions to Trasylol, especially patients who receive more than one Trasylol administration. These reactions, including hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis, were rare among patients who received a single Trasylol administration (< 0.1%) but were more common among patients receiving repeat Trasylol administrations (approximately 5% in patients treated within 6 months of prior Trasylol exposure).

11. What should patients do regarding this new information?

Patients should be aware that the FDA is examining the safety and benefits of Trasylol, in light of the recent data and the evolving practice of medicine. Patients should discuss all major risks for CABG with their healthcare providers, including the risks for bleeding and the options to lessen the risk for bleeding.

12. What should healthcare providers do in response to this new information?

Healthcare providers should be aware that The New England Journal of Medicine report and another published report raise important questions regarding the on-going safety and benefits of Trasylol administration. FDA will provide healthcare workers and patients with the results of the on-going review of Trasylol effects as soon as possible.

13. What additional actions are likely to follow?

Once FDA completes its preliminary findings, multiple options are available to address the findings. These options include potential modifications of the product label, the performance of additional non-clinical and/or clinical studies and options related to marketing risk management plans. Additionally, FDA anticipates the public presentation of the recently reported study and other information at an advisory committee in the near future.

14. When was Trasylol approved?

Trasylol was approved in 1993.

15. Why was Trasylol approved?

Clinical studies showed that patients receiving Trasylol had less of a need for blood transfusions and less bleeding than patients receiving a placebo. These clinical studies did not detect an increase in the risk for serious side effects.

16. I've received Trasylol. Am I going to have some of these serious reactions?

In general, the serious side effects described in The New England Journal of Medicine report are the type of reactions that occur within days following CABG. Patients are unlikely to experience these side-effects from Trasylol after this time period.

Disclaimer:

Noting on this site should be construed as medical advice, you should consult your treating physician regarding all medical decisions