Keller & Keller: Building an Indiana Personal Injury Law Legacy

The Keller & Keller Legacy Begins

• 💡 The firm was founded in 1936 by George Keller in South Bend, Indiana, and Niles, Michigan, after he graduated from Notre Dame Law School.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 George Keller's dream was for his grandson, Jim Keller, to practice law with him, fostering a love of law in the family.

Redefining Wrongful Death Damages

• ⚖️ A landmark case, Wycko vs. Gnodtke (1957-58), argued by George Keller, redefined the value of a child in wrongful death actions.
• 💰 The Michigan Supreme Court case established that non-monetary gains (e.g., birthdays, graduations, grandchildren) contribute to a child's value, not just pecuniary damages.
• 🌍 This decision created a bombshell across America, changing how courts and lawyers approached wrongful death damages nationwide.

Growth and Modernization

• 📺 Jim Keller pushed for television advertising in the 1980s, initially against his grandfather's wishes, to reach more people and tell the firm's story.
• 📈 The firm expanded to Indianapolis in 2000, and now operates in Michigan, Indiana, and New Mexico, growing to over 100 employees.
• 🤝 Jim emphasizes the importance of treating employees well to ensure clients receive excellent service, reflecting Indiana's community-focused ethos.

Client-Centered Legal Approach

• ✅ Keller & Keller offers a contingent retainer agreement (zero fee guarantee), meaning clients only pay if they recover money.
• 💼 Their role involves maximizing client recovery and negotiating medical bills to ensure clients receive a fair outcome.
• 🔍 The firm is selective with cases, focusing on those where they can provide expert service and make a significant difference for injured individuals.

Community Impact and Philanthropy

• 🏡 The firm founded Samantha's House, a non-profit that initially built handicap-accessible homes for children with severe disabilities, now focusing on accessible vans.
• 🦃 They also run the "Turkey for Every Table" program, providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
• ❤️ Giving back to the community is seen as a prerogative and an essential part of the firm's ethos, extending beyond legal representation.

Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

• 💡 Research is crucial before hiring a lawyer, utilizing online resources like AVVO and Martindale Hubble ratings, and firm websites.
• 📞 It's advisable to talk to two or three lawyers to compare approaches and ensure a good fit.
• ⚠️ Be wary of lawyers who pressure you to sign immediately or guarantee specific outcomes, as case values cannot be determined in initial conversations.