Case 1: Tragic Loss Presents Need for Personal and Legal Advocacy
Asleep at the wheel, a driver crossed the center line of a two-lane highway. An experienced trucker responded quickly, knowing that the driver would be killed if he didn’t act. Pulling the semi onto the shoulder, he avoided the accident and then was tragically paralyzed in a roll-over.

This MRR client was without a significant personal support system, which led Maschka, Riedy & Ries case manager Alicia More and lawyer Jerry Maschka to support him personally throughout his initial year of recovery -- in the emergency room, during the hospital stay, and as arrangements for ongoing care and rehabilitation were made. As "his ears and his voice" they learned the facts, talked them through with him and helped him weigh his options.

As advocates and in the absence of family, More and Maschka helped a close friend of the client's become his legal conservator. This optimized the possibility of stable lifetime care for the incapacitated man. The three then worked together to make sure that the client's basic needs were met, that rehabilitation could proceed to the degree possible, and that financial procedures were in place to help the conservator support him in the challenging years ahead.

In light of mounting medical bills and a future of dependency, a maximized financial settlement became critical. Because the client was 65, the possibility also existed that developing federal laws would require contribution of an amount equal to anticipated lifetime expenses sometime in the future. To provide and to protect, MRR pursued complex analysis related to the set-aside, negotiated with the client's annuity company for an age rating reflecting the impact of injuries on lifespan, and secured a $2.2 million settlement for his continued support.

Sadly, this Maschka, Riedy & Ries client will not again experience the quality of life we all desire. Says Jerry Maschka, "In spite of our client's efforts and those of others, his injuries are such that he hasn't been able to develop the strengths that permit admission to a rehabilitation center. He was horribly injured when trying to make sure another driver survived. Our only satisfaction is knowing we've done what's possible to make sure he was supported and that he'll continue to receive the practical support that provides comfort to some degree."

Case 2: MRR Representation Creates Just Result
Stopped on her way to work, a teacher’s car was hit from behind by a fast-moving vehicle. Injured, she sought medical treatment and learned that long-term rehabilitation would be necessary. A $5000 offer from the insurance company didn’t add up to justice, so she hired an attorney. Because he was not a specialist in personal injury law, progress was minimal. MRR was contacted and her needs were recognized and acted upon.

Knowing the insurance company was not prone to negotiate and believing that a jury would empathize with this client’s very real medical needs, MRR took the case to court. A final verdict of $148,000 covered expenses and left the injured woman feeling that the system had treated her fairly.

Case 3: Settlement Acknowledges Loss of Life
On a wet road, a speeding driver lost control. Several cars collided and a well-loved, highly respected man lost his life. His family and his community experienced losses heartfelt and practical. The man's disabled son no longer had significant personal support. Other family members were left without a husband and father. Across the community, leadership gaps were felt and organizations were forced to change. At the same time, the speeding driver denied that his choices had caused the collision, generating deep anger in the family and making it hard for them to move on.

The family came to MRR through a lawyer they knew, who called MRR because he recognized the complexity of the case and did not regularly take on personal injury work. Throughout, he stayed involved as it benefitted the client. Sequence and timing by MRR was critical to maximizing a settlement at $850,000. Money cannot erase the loss, but the award represents its magnitude, holds the driver accountable, and makes it possible for the family to move forward and continue a community-wide legacy.