After graduating with honors from Drake University Law School in 1993, I moved from my hometown of Des Moines, Iowa to Arizona, initially working as an insurance defense attorney. In 2001, after finding the defense work unfulfilling, I joined Paul Rudolph at Rudolph & Rudolph, LLC, where we specialize in representing plaintiffs.
The move to representing real people, people who needed expert representation against large insurance companies, has been greatly rewarding. Over the years, I have represented hundreds of people who have been seriously hurt or injured through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, as a personal injury trial lawyer, I frequently enter people’s lives when something traumatic or horrific has happened. As a result, this experience motivates me to work hard to make sure justice is achieved, which in turn, makes our world a safer place for everyone.
I am a Certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a Specialist in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death law, a certificate of expertise earned by less than 2% of lawyers in the State of Arizona. I am a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and proud to be listed as a “Southwest Super Lawyer.” Outside the practice of law, I am a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale I am also a board member of the Arizona Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA).
I have been married for 22 years to my wife Alison. I like to say I outkicked my coverage when she agreed to marry me. We have three kids: a 19-year-old girl, 17-year-old girl, and a 14-year-old boy. When I’m not at work, I am usually driving someone to hockey, golf, work, or a friend’s house. While it is sometimes hectic, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Finance, Truman State University
Juris Doctor, Drake University Law School
RECOGNITION
American Board of Trial Advocates (President and Board Member)
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Southwest Super Lawyer since 2012
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Rotary Club of Scottsdale (Past President and Board Member)
Arizona Amateur Hockey Association (Board Member)
PARTICULARLY GRATIFYING CASE
One of my most rewarding cases involved the death of a young man in the Grand Canyon. Not only were we able to resolve the wrongful death case for the family from a financial standpoint, but also were able to help them heal emotionally. At the mediation, we arranged for a meeting with the defendants where they apologized for what had happened. Afterwards, the mother wrote me a letter saying that as a result of the mediation “years of hard feelings towards the defendants melted away” and “lifted a burden on her heart.” To this day, I keep a copy of that letter in my office drawer to remind me of the reason and purpose for doing what I do. At Rudolph & Hammond we strive to help our clients get fair compensation and peace of mind. We carry our clients’ flag. We fight their fight.
Practice Areas:
PERSONAL INJURY
“Personal injury” arises when one person suffers harm from an accident, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. An injury can be the result of a car, truck, motorcycle, airplane, drunk driver, or construction site accident. If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another, you need aggressive advocates fighting to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. The attorneys at Rudolph & Hammond have the unique perspective of knowing how insurance companies work to deny, delay, and underpay claims. We are proud of the relationships we have built and the justice we have secured on behalf of our clients.
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? WE CAN HELP.
When individuals are killed or seriously injured, families face not only emotional but also financial wounds. If the person killed was the family’s primary breadwinner, families may find themselves having trouble paying rent and bills. Some of these families face months, even years of difficult recovery. A loved one’s life may be altered forever by the accident, and the individual may not be able to work.
For every accident, there are one or more victims and their families affected by that accident. For these victims and their families, the damages are personal. The accident attorneys at the law firm of Rudolph & Hammond offer compassionate counsel to victims and their loved ones. The aftermath of an accident can be difficult and confusing; We offer advice and counsel and help you receive the justice you deserve.
Auto Accidents
If you have been in an auto accident, let Rudolph & Hammond help you recover the damages to which you are entitled. We advocate for our clients every step of the way – from helping them understand all aspects of the damages to which they and their family members are entitled under law, to thoroughly investigating all aspects of the accident, to taking depositions, and seeking experts when necessary to prove their case. Having served on both sides of injury cases, we understand the process when insurance companies are involved.
Aviation Accidents
Airplane and helicopter accidents are rare – but when they occur the results can be devastating. Aviation accidents happen with both large and small aircraft and are often the result of faulty equipment, mechanical failure, or pilot error. Aviation accidents require a very thorough investigation of the accident site in order to determine the factors involved in causing the crash. In many instances, multiple factors may be involved, including equipment failure and pilot error.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction site accidents can be severe and sometimes deadly. Working with tools, building equipment, and heavy machinery can often times result in severe physical injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, head injuries, electrocution, and even death. We represent those injured in construction accidents in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding metropolitan area. We investigate construction accidents so that those responsible can be held fully accountable.
Drunk Driver Accidents
Every year drunk drivers recklessly take to the roads and seriously injure and kill thousands of innocent people in alcohol-related automobile accidents. The selfish actions on the part of a drunk driver not only seriously impacts the lives of those involved in the accident but also their families as well. Arizona and the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas are not immune from the actions of drunk drivers. While we can’t make the physical and emotional effects of the accident go away, we will fight hard to get you and your family the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Accidents
Each year thousands of Americans are injured or killed in motorcycle accidents caused by reckless or inattentive motorists. Many of these are injured or killed in Scottsdale and the Phoenix area. The injuries from these accidents can range from broken bones, loss of a limb, paralysis, or even death. We take the time to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the motorcycle accident so that fault can be determined, and the injured person (and in the case of a wrongful death, the victim’s family) can get the compensation that is deserved.
Truck Accidents
While many truck drivers and trucking companies follow federal regulations, sadly, many others fail to take the precautions required to protect innocent drivers on the road.Accidents involving large, trailer-pulling trucks are more complicated and involved than typical auto accidents. Understanding the common reasons for trucking accidents and the relationships between the people and companies connected to the truck, the trailer, and the load will help to determine whether there is a valid claim and which party is responsible for your injury.
