Michael M. Heimlich, Practice Areas

Practice Areas

Governmental Liability Insurance Law Employment Law Personal Injury

Construction Law Product Liability Wrongful Death Appeals

Governmental Liability

Experience representing governmental officials including law enforcement officers, county engineers, prosecutors, judges, public schools and others. Knowledgeable in all aspects of governmental liability and immunity, including actions under 42 USC §1983. Cases have involved Use of Force, Jail Conditions, False Arrest, Malicious Prosecution, Negligent Training and Supervision, Construction and Engineering Claims, Age Discrimination, Sexual Harassment as well as Motor Vehicle Claims.

Personal Injury

Experienced representing both Plaintiff and Defendant in cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, wrongful death and catastrophic orthopedic injury. Numerous cases involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites, fire cause and origin, construction accidents, intentional tort and property claims. Hands on experience in cases ranging from low impact soft tissue litigation to complex accident reconstruction.

Insurance Law

Knowledgeable and experienced in cases involving motor vehicle liability, property and casualty as well as specialty insurance and commercial claims. This includes cases involving accident reconstruction, fire cause and origin investigation and all facets of Insurance Defense and coverage issues. The matters handled include everything from common motor vehicle claims to specialty claims involving fireworks displays, carnival rides, fraternity/sorority liability, trucking claims and intellectual property.

Product Liability

Claims involving design and product defects often require a deeper understanding of the principals and science behind the product. Experience has provided that understanding and knowledge in areas of product design and failure analysis. Practical experience with building and construction have also aided in understanding principals of engineering and design related to product claims. This experience includes acting as Plaintiff's counsel in the landmark Ohio Supreme Court case of Perkins v. Wilkinson Sword, holding that a product can be defective in design even if it functions as intended.

Employment Law

Representation of employers and governmental entities in matters involving claims of Wrongful Discharge, Sexual Harassment, Hostile Work Environment, Age Discrimination, Defamation, Employer Intentional Tort and a multitude of other employment related matters. Skilled in both litigation and negotiation strategies. Experienced in alternative dispute resolution, both as counsel and as an arbitrator and mediator.

Construction Law

Working in a lumber yard and in construction during college provided a solid understanding of construction materials and methods. When trying to explain the cause of a building failure, proper construction practices or an equipment related injury, this experience is invaluable. The same holds true for matters involving damage to adjoining property, claims involving workplace safety, disputes over workmanship and a host of other construction related issues. Cases routinely handled include workplace injuries, building collapse or structural failure, damage to adjoining facilities or structures and claims of faulty workmanship.