Heavens Law Firm - Charleston, West Virginia & Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chris Heavens started his legal career in 1991 working for a litigation law firm that primarily defended corporations and insurance companies. Chris quickly developed a reputation as a skilled and aggressive litigator, racking up defense verdicts in favor of the firm’s wealthy and powerful clients. While these courtroom victories increased the law firm’s profits through increased business, Chris was sometimes left with an empty feeling in having defeated working class people with whom he could personally identify. It was at this early stage in Chris’ career that he began to reexamine what he wanted his own legacy to be at the end of his career. When offered a lucrative partnership with his law firm after four years of practice, Chris declined the offer and started his own law firm representing plaintiffs. The personal satisfaction and worthwhile feeling Chris has derived from that decision cannot be measured. When you meet Chris, you will begin to understand why so many former clients refer their family members and friends to him.
Chris Heavens is rated AV Preeminent by the Martindale Hubbell legal directory. Less than 5% of attorneys in America have this highest rating. If you are in a legal situation where the result could impact you or your family for the rest of your life, it is advisable to retain an AV-rated attorney because the rating comes from anonymous surveys of attorneys and judges who have had personal experience with the attorney. This is no ballot box-stuffing rating system or an award that can be purchased online.
The great film director Frank Capra once said, “only the morally courageous are worthy of speaking to their fellow citizens for two hours while they sit in the dark.” Chris Heavens believes that same sentiment is true of attorneys. Only the morally courageous are worthy of the privilege of representing people in what is often the most important conflict that they will face in their lifetime. Chris Heavens has the kind of moral courage and fearlessness that cannot be learned in books. If you are looking for an intellectual warrior who takes winning your case as a matter of personal pride, call Chris Heavens.
Q. Can I afford an attorney? How much will it cost me?
A. Yes and it will only cost you a percentage of your recovery in injury cases. A contingency fee means you pay the attorney only if the attorney is successful in making a recovery of benefits for you. The typical contingency fee is 33.3%. Watch the Meet Chris Heavens video.
Q. How do I select an attorney?
A. Select an attorney who has experience in the type of case you have, but only after you ask our 5 critical questions. Watch the How Do I Choose A Lawyer? video and get the 5 Questions You Need to Ask an Attorney newsletter, available free upon request.
Q. Should I attempt to negotiate with the insurance company without an attorney?
A. No. Insurance adjusters are trained to handle you in a manner that either eliminates your claim or limits the amount of money they pay you. Plus, if you delay in hiring an attorney valuable evidence can be lost, severely damaging your claim. Watch the Immediately Hiring a Lawyer video and get the 10 Secrets That Insurance Companies Don't Want You To Know newsletter, available free upon request.
Q. Will my case go to trial?
A. 90% of cases settle before going to jury verdict. However, the best way to get a case settled is to have an attorney who thoroughly works the case up and has the ability to try to the case. Watch the Will I Have to go to Court? video.
Q. Will people think I am greedy if I immediately hire an attorney?
A. No, but unfortunately many people are intimidated into inaction because of the perception that they will be viewed unfavorably. Fair-minded intelligent people will not view you this way. Think of hiring a lawyer as your effort to level the playing field when dealing with trained insurance adjusters. Watch the Immediately Hiring a Lawyer video and get the 10 Secrets That Insurance Companies Don't Want You To Know newsletter, available free upon request.
