The questions clients actually ask, answered the way we'd answer them across a table.
Fees & Getting Started
How much does it cost to talk to you?
Nothing. Consultations are free, whether or not we take the case — and if you don't need a lawyer, we'll tell you that too.
What does it cost to hire the firm?
Personal injury, wrongful death, and civil rights cases are contingency-fee cases: no fee unless we win, with the percentage set out in a written agreement before we start. Case costs are explained up front. Criminal defense is different — contingency fees aren't permitted in criminal cases, so those fees are quoted in advance and put in writing.
What happens after I submit the form?
A real person from the firm — not an answering service — reviews it and responds within one business day, usually faster. If it's urgent, call (304) 948-8529.
What should I bring to a first meeting?
Whatever you have: photos, the crash report or charging documents, insurance letters, medical records, names of witnesses. Don't wait to gather everything — the conversation matters more than the paperwork.
Injury & Civil Rights
How long do I have to file?
In West Virginia, most injury claims must be filed within two years (W. Va. Code § 55-2-12); wrongful death claims also carry a two-year period (W. Va. Code § 55-7-6). Ohio's general injury period is likewise two years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10). Section 1983 civil rights claims borrow the state's injury period — two years in both states. Some claims, especially against government entities, have shorter notice rules. Call early; deadlines kill good cases.
What is my case worth?
Honestly: it depends on liability, the medicine, the available insurance, and venue. Anyone who quotes you a number before reviewing records is selling something. We'll give you a range once we've seen the evidence — and our valuation assumes a jury, not a quick discount settlement.
Can I really sue the police or the jail?
Yes. 42 U.S.C. § 1983 lets you sue state and local officials who violate constitutional rights — excessive force, false arrest, denial of medical care in custody. Cities and counties can be liable for their policies and customs under Monell v. Department of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978). These cases are hard — qualified immunity is real — which is exactly why you want a firm that handles them routinely.
The insurance company already made an offer. Too late?
Not unless you've signed a release. An early offer is usually a signal the carrier sees exposure. Have a trial lawyer read it before you sign anything.
Criminal Defense
Should I talk to the police first and get a lawyer later?
No. Be polite, identify yourself, and say you want a lawyer. Nothing you explain in that room helps you, and everything is being written down. Counsel first.
Do you handle both West Virginia and Ohio charges?
Yes — Tyler is licensed in both states and appears in state and federal courts in each.
Will hiring a trial lawyer make my case look worse?
The opposite. Prosecutors evaluate cases partly on whether the defense will actually try them. A lawyer known for pleading everything out gets plea-deal treatment. A lawyer who picks juries gets attention.
