FAQ

At William L. Stehle Co., L.P.A., we have done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our clients' needs. With that goal in mind, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at (614) 337-0354 or email Mr. Stehle directly by clicking here.

Q:  If the government appropriates my property by eminent domain or under the threat of eminent domain, what money am I entitled to?

A:  The law says you are entitled to the FAIR MARKET VALUE of the property taken plus DAMAGES which are computed by the diminution in the FAIR MARKET VALUE of the residue (rest of your property) taking into consideration the adverse effects of the government's project.  These projects include roads, sewers, waterlines, widening of highways, dams, parks and recreational areas, airports and urban developments.  We have represented landowners in cases involving all of these projects and have settled their cases and where necessary, tried them successfully to jury verdict in state court and in federal court.

Q:  Besides money for the take and damages to the residue, what else am I entitled to by law? 

A:  If your case is over $10,000.00, the government has to give you a copy of their appraisal to show you how they arrived at their offer to you.  In some instances and if the facts warrant, you, your family and your business are entitled to relocation benefits like a comparable place or home, and expense money for moving.

Q:   How do you charge in representing me as an appropriation attorney?

A:   In appropriation cases the government will make you a final offer. When they do, we recognize that you could accept it, so our fee is called a contingent fee, which is a percentage, usually one third, of the money we generate for you over the amount of the government's offer.  So looking at it this way, if the offer is X dollars, and because of our representation, the government pays X + Y, our fee would be 1/3 of Y.  In addition to the fee, there are incidental costs involved which we will fully explain to you before initiating representation.

Based on our experience, clients like this arrangement.  Clients get money while retaining the right to get more money. The law permits this as you have a constitutional right to just compensation.

Q:   Do I have a case for getting hurt in an accident, or have a case against a hospital or some other medical provider, for mismanaging my care and treatment?

A:   These cases are called negligence cases, meaning that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstance. This is true for defendants in driving cars, managing businesses, running some government activities, owning dogs that bite, serving you tainted food and in providing medical care.  There are standards of care for their conduct just like there are standards and rules for people who design and construct buildings.  Usually these defendants carry liability insurance to protect them against their own negligence. Even though their actions aren't intentional, they none the less caused serious damages that interfere with normal activities and run up medical bills with permanent injuries.  The law still permits juries to hear and decide these cases.  So the first thing we do is to meet with you and discuss with you whether or not a jury would find in your favor after all of the facts are in, and what are your damages.  To do that, you need to schedule a free consultation with me.  I have represented injured plaintiffs for many years and will take the necessary time to professionally analyze your case and give you an opinion. You are under no obligation.   If you have a case, we will represent you if you so desire, with a contingent fee. You will pay no fee unless recovery is obtained.

Q:  Are there time limits in the negligence cases you discussed above?

A:  Yes, most definitely and they are called statutes of limitation.  Miss one and you are prevented by law from pursuing claims against the defendants.  Don't wait for an insurance adjuster to knock on your door and give you a check.  Please be proactive and contact an attorney when in doubt.  We are an email or phone call away, and there is no charge for the first consultation.

Q:  Why should you hire us and not the one who sent you a mailer with an enclosed police report?

A:   You get what you pay for.  The usual and standard fee is one-third, so why not hire an attorney with the proven experience, energy, and resources.  Who are you getting with a mailer?  Please think about it.  We have the personal touch. You deal with me from day one; we keep the pressure from adjusters and the invasive insurance company off your back.  Lastly and most importantly, we practice the three "Ds" in valiantly speaking for you. It takes DESIRE, DETERMINATION and DEDICATION to see you through the process and to care and protect you every step of the way to settlement. Yes, that is legal prowess.