Recent Cases rachel pelaia Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Lawsuit On Behalf of New Homeowner

We are representing a homeowner who purchased a home located near a ravine.

homeowner lawsuit

We are representing a homeowner who purchased a home located near a ravine.

What the home sellers failed to tell our clients is that the foundation near the ravine was moving and that parts of the back porch had to be aligned because of this.

Now the entire back porch of the house has recently collapsed – and almost took part of the back of the house with it.

These types of lawsuits get emotional for home buyers/owners – who just want to relax in their home after a long day at work. Stay tuned on this one.

Read More
DUI and DWI Defense, Recent Cases rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense, Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Mistreatment in Jail Case

We are representing a young woman who lost sight in her eye due to the mistreatment by the jail guards and nurses at the Cuyahoga County Jail.

lawsuit against jail

We are representing a young woman who lost sight in her eye due to the mistreatment by the jail guards and nurses at the Cuyahoga County Jail.

The lawsuit was recently featured on Fox 8.

Our client fell in a large pool of water, which was coming from a cell from sink/toilet which had been leaking for many days and running out into the areas which service the inmates of the jail. She told jail officials she hit her head and was, "Seeing colored spots and lines in her left eye."

After waiting three weeks to be seen by a doctor our client was then denied her prescribed eye drops.

Stay tuned for details on this.

Read More
Recent Cases rachel pelaia Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Personal Injury Settlement for Elderly Client

We recently settled a long-pending personal injury suit where an elderly woman fell on ice at her senior living apartment complex in Euclid.

personal injury settlement

We recently settled a long-pending personal injury suit where an elderly woman fell on ice at her senior living apartment complex in Euclid.

The private for-profit complex (which obviously does not like spending money on almost anything even though the complex is for elderly people), refused to fix a leaking water fountain – despite the fact that the leaking water froze on the ground causing a serious hazard for the residents.

Our client suffered a terrible injury and we were proud to gain a settlement for her.

Read More
DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Avoid Arrest this Fourth of July

Last year almost 300 people were arrested in Ohio for drinking and driving during the July 4th weekend.

dui attorney avoid arrest july 4

Last year almost 300 people were arrested in Ohio for drinking and driving during the July 4th weekend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 296 OVI arrests, 276 arrests for drug-related charges and 297 crashes.

The stakes are always high when you drive impaired, but with a heightened police presence you are almost certain to face arrest for driving drunk.

News 5 Cleveland reported in 2017 over the same holiday weekend, “eight OVI-related fatal crashes took eight lives.”

Don’t let you or someone you know become this terrible statistic. Avoid getting behind the wheel and call #677 to report impaired drivers.

If you do find yourself under arrest, our office will be open and we urge you to contact us immediately.

Read More
Recent Cases Geof Pelaia Recent Cases Geof Pelaia

No Dismissal For Legal Malpractice Claim

We are pleased to announce that we obtained a very good decision from an Ohio Court of Appeals which reversed a trial court’s dismissal of a legal malpractice claim against a local divorce attorney.

malpractice.jpg

We are pleased to announce that we obtained a very good decision from an Ohio Court of Appeals which reversed a trial court’s dismissal of a legal malpractice claim against a local divorce attorney.  

Our client had been represented by a low cost divorce attorney who believed (because of the low cost) that she (the attorney) had no obligation to (A) investigate any of the assets of the parties and (B) analyze the tentative agreement the client had made with her soon-to-be-X.   

Our expert severely frowned on this, but the trial court still dismissed the case on a technical argument that alleged that our client just made a bad deal. 

The Court of Appeals (ruling 3-0 in our favor) said absolutely not.

Read More
DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Memorial Day Has Highest Fatality Rate

With the highest number of fatal car accidents out of all the major holidays, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of sober driving.

memorial day dui attorney

With the highest number of fatal car accidents out of all the major holidays, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of sober driving.

Known for no work, pool parties and outdoor BBQs, this long weekend sees a sharp increase of drivers on the road. With an increased police presence too, your chances of a DUI become greater.

A day off of school also means more young, inexperienced drivers will be out. Underage drinking and driving become serious causes for concern, so we urge all parents to talk to their teens about the consequences from a DUI.

We are available 24/7 and have represented countless clients who have spent a holiday behind bars. If you do find yourself under arrest this Memorial Day weekend, contact us immediately.

Read More
Community rachel pelaia Community rachel pelaia

Grapes & Ale Event is Coming Soon!

Save the date for Friday, June 14 when this phenomenal event comes to Progressive Field for a night of fun and fundraising for Our Lady of the Wayside.

Grapes & ale event

Save the date for Friday, June 14 when this phenomenal event comes to Progressive Field for a night of fun and fundraising for Our Lady of the Wayside.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy more than 300 internationally acclaimed wines, top craft brews, and BBQ inspired tastes, all while enjoying fantastic views from Progressive Field’s Right Field District Concourse!

Featuring live bands and raffle prizes, this is the perfect way to kick off the summer.

All proceeds benefit the 950 individuals with developmental disabilities Wayside supports through residential, transportation and day programming services.


Read More
Lead Poisoning rachel pelaia Lead Poisoning rachel pelaia

What You Should Know Before Doing Home Renovations

This is the season to start remodeling, but before you begin, make sure you are not exposing your family to lead.

lead poisoning attorney

This is the season to start remodeling, but before you begin, make sure you are not exposing your family to lead.

Cleveland has received much attention about the high lead poisoning rates found throughout Cuyahoga County. Any home built before 1978 has an increased risk of containing lead.

The Environmental Protection Agency states, “Contractors doing work for compensation in homes or child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified and follow certain work practices.”

We strongly advise anyone considering a renovation to hire only experienced, competent contractors who have the knowledge and resources to protect your family from all lead exposure.

If you are renting a home and have concerns that renovations are not being done safely and that your family is at risk for lead poisoning, we advise you to contact us immediately.

Even a small amount of lead can have life-altering consequences, especially for young children. We have dedicated our work to protecting families from this terrible poison and urge you to contact us today.

Read More
Recent Cases rachel pelaia Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed In Favor of Our Client

We were successful in getting a major portion of a frivolous defamation lawsuit dismissed that was brought against our client.

defamation lawsuit attorney

We were successful in getting a major portion of a frivolous defamation lawsuit dismissed that was brought against our client.

The plaintiff had a baseless lawsuit, but it was funded by a wealthy person who actually paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to a young lawyer to continue to pursue what were patently frivolous claims.

This has proven that money does not control the law and the legal process. Our client did not have anywhere near the same funds as the plaintiff, and still she prevailed here.

Read More
DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Successful DUI Reduction

We were once again successful in getting a good faith reduction for our young adult client who had a DUI charge in the southern suburbs of Cuyahoga County.

dui arrest attorney

We were once again successful in getting a good faith reduction for our young adult client who had a DUI charge in the southern suburbs of Cuyahoga County.

Our client was a young man who was very respectful to the police when pulled over – and that mattered here.

Many people ask what they should do if pulled over by the police with a fear that they might not pass a field sobriety test. Each case is different (very different). But it ALWAYS helps if you are very polite to the officer(s).

It may not get you any reduction in the long run, but police officers are just human beings and they often empathize with polite persons who they feel they have to arrest for a DUI – and they will often professionally go to bat for those who might deserve a reduction (based upon the evidence).

Our client was a young kid with a bright future and we are happy for this victory.

Read More
Recent Cases rachel pelaia Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Victory for Elderly Client

We just successfully got a trial court to confirm that a client we were representing in a criminal matter was truly “incompetent” to stand trial.

not guilty incompetent to stand trial

We just successfully got a trial court to confirm that a client we were representing in a criminal matter was truly “incompetent” to stand trial.

This poor older man had difficulty finding our office and the courthouse, and it was next to impossible to get him to the court-ordered evaluation appointments so that they could actually perform the competency exam.

Now, with the court’s help, this man can get the mental health help he needs. We are very happy for his family.

Read More
Ohio Domestic Relations, Recent Cases rachel pelaia Ohio Domestic Relations, Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Is Bullying Illegal in Ohio?

The simple answer is yes. Ohio has anti-bullying policies in place to protect each and every student.

bullying.jpg

The simple answer is yes.

If your child is victim to “harassment, intimidation, or bullying that is written, verbal, electronic, or physical,” then you have the right to pursue action from his/her school.

Ohio has anti-bullying policies in place to protect each and every student. Every Ohio school district is legally accountable to ensuring a safe, healthy environment where each student can thrive.

With recent experience that includes a victory for a mother who fought to protect her son from constant bullying, we took on the school district and families involved with great success.

If your child is not getting their rights met at school, we encourage you to let us help and contact us today.

Read More
Recent Cases rachel pelaia Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Successful DUI Outcome

We recently obtained a very favorable result for a young adult client of ours who picked up a DUI arrest.

dui+arrest.jpg

We recently obtained a very favorable result for a young adult client of ours who picked up a DUI arrest.

After taking a serious review of the video of the arrest (something you have to have the knowledge and time to do), we were able to politely convince the prosecutor to reduce the DUI offense to a much less serious offense.

This client is a young man looking to make this a growth experience and (at the same time) not let this one terrible night become a blemish on his adult career.

Read More
Community rachel pelaia Community rachel pelaia

Celebrate Cleveland's Finest and Support Our Lady of the Wayside!

It’s time for the 25th annual Cleveland's Finest Hors D'Oeuvre Contest, an amazing event where you get to savor tastings from top chefs and pick your favorite winner.

Cleveland's Finest event support our lady of the wayside

It’s time for the 25th annual Cleveland's Finest Hors D'Oeuvre Contest, an amazing event where you get to savor tastings from top chefs and pick your favorite winner.

Held at the Terrace Club at Progressive Field on Thursday, April 11 from 6-9pm, you will get the chance to enjoy delicious food while supporting 950 children and adults with developmental disabilities that Our Lady of the Wayside supports.

You can also enjoy wine, beer and a great silent auction!

Read More
Ohio Domestic Relations rachel pelaia Ohio Domestic Relations rachel pelaia

Tax Issues and Your Divorce

Taxes are due April 15 and you may be filing as a married couple, but are you are considering filing single next year?

divorce.jpg

Taxes are due April 15 and you may be filing as a married couple, but are you are considering filing single next year?

There are so many legal and financial issues surrounding a divorce, it is imperative that you seek qualified legal counsel.

We have represented countless clients looking to protect their financial interests, businesses and properties with great success.

Don’t let the legal minutia weigh you down, take the right steps to protecting your assets by letting us represent you.

Contact us today and we will guide you through the entire process and help you every step of the way.

Read More
Recent Cases rachel pelaia Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Federal Criminal Case

We are working on a somewhat serious federal criminal case where we successfully got the federal prosecutor and the court to agree to have an in-depth mental health exam done for the client.

federal mental health defense attorney

We are working on a somewhat serious federal criminal case where we successfully got the federal prosecutor and the court to agree to have an in-depth mental health exam done for the client.

The client had a history of mental health issues, and the crime involved (threatening a federal official) seemed to be a result of mental illness.

This will allow the client to get a large amount of resources for his health issues, that would have otherwise been unavailable.

This is a very important result that we worked hard to attain.

Read More
DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Celebrate The Day of The Irish Safely

Don’t get caught behind bars this St. Patrick’s Day.

st. patrick's day dui

Don’t get caught behind bars this St. Patrick’s Day.

We all know Cleveland has one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade’s in the country, but with such a large crowd comes an increased police presence.

Whether you venture downtown to enjoy the festivities or to a local Irish pub, we urge you to avoid drinking and driving.

Even a short drive home can land you in jail if a police officer has reasonable suspicion and pulls you over.

If you do find yourself behind bars, make us your first call as we will be available 24/7.

Read More
Recent Cases rachel pelaia Recent Cases rachel pelaia

Elderly Woman Injured at Her Semi-Retirement Community

We are currently representing an elderly woman who slipped and fell on a sidewalk on a cold winter night at her semi-retirement community.

personal injury

We are currently representing an elderly woman who slipped and fell on a sidewalk on a cold winter night at her semi-retirement community.

A broken water fountain had spilled water onto an unlit sidewalk turning the sidewalk into a very serious danger.

The client slipped and fell on her way to her apartment and seriously broke her leg (multiple surgeries and hospital stays - $160,000 in medical bills), only to have to lay there for almost two hours in the freezing cold until help found her.

We are close to resolving this case.

Slip and fall cases are difficult to resolve in Ohio, and we hope this woman can get this matter as far behind her as she can.

Read More
Lead Poisoning rachel pelaia Lead Poisoning rachel pelaia

Will Cleveland Rentals Be “Lead Safe” by 2021?

As reported by the Plain Dealer, each day four children in Cleveland are diagnosed with lead poisoning.

lead poisoning cleveland children attorney

As reported by the Plain Dealer, each day four children in Cleveland are diagnosed with lead poisoning.

Children’s exposure to lead has reached new heights and an advocacy group is working to propose a ballot that would force older Cleveland homes to be completely lead free.

As stated in the article, “A “lead safe” ordinance created by members of CLASH — Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing — would require owners of most Cleveland rental homes to prove their properties are lead-safe by 2021 or face fines.”

This is just one of many efforts being made to protect our youngest Cleveland residents from life-altering health and mental issues caused from lead poisoning.

If your child has lead poisoning, or if you fear you are living in a property with lead, contact us immediately. We have dedicated years to helping families and are ready to fight for you.

Read More
DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia DUI and DWI Defense rachel pelaia

Keep Your Teens Safe on Spring Break

It’s no secret that large groups of unchaperoned teens can lead to trouble.

spring break  attorney underage drinking

It’s no secret that large groups of unchaperoned teens can lead to trouble.

Whether your teen is staying close to home or taking a trip, make sure they are fully aware of life changing consequences from underage drinking.

And for those 21 and up spring breakers, serving drinks to minors, carrying an open container and driving under the influence are just a few ways they can find themselves under arrest.

It’s never too late to set spring break guidelines to ensure your teen has fun safely.

If spring break does turn into charges, contact our office so we can protect your child and work to ensure the best possible outcome.

Read More