Accident & Injury

Tamara Putnam has been practicing law for over 25 years in the Kansas City metropolitan area. She attended the University of Missouri at St. Louis to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with Cum Laude Honors. She earned a four year athletic scholarship as a member of the University of Missouri–St. Louis NCAA Women’s Basketball team. Tamara then attended Washburn University School of Law to obtain her Juris Doctorate. While attending Washburn Law School, Tamara Putnam became a published author. The Washburn Law Journal published her law review article with co-author Jonathan Lautt. Will Debtors Win the Battle as Creditors Win the War?: Retroactive Recovery of Attorney Fees in Consumer Credit Contracts in Kansas, p. 556-572 (1.5 MB PDF) Tamara I. Putnam & Jonathan J. Lautt Tamara worked for the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. She worked as a drug prosecutor. She was promoted to the lead prosecutor of the Violent Gang Crime Unit. She worked closely with the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and Street Narcotics Unit (SNU) to prosecute crimes related to illegal production, transfer, sale and possession of controlled substances. As head of the Gang Unit, she focused on the prosecution of violent offenses committed by suspected gang members, including assaults, robberies, armed criminal action and shooting into a dwelling. After a successful term as a prosecutor, Tamara moved into private practice with a focus on criminal defense. As a former prosecutor, she has a deep understanding of the strategies used by the prosecution and law enforcement to obtain convictions. She prepares for the prosecutor’s tactics and walks into court prepared to defend her client’s case. Tamara later expanded her practice to include personal injury. She litigates personal injury cases in both Missouri and Kansas from a simple slip and fall to wrongful death. She has an unwavering commitment to assist people who have been injured due to the negligent actions of others. She takes great pride in taking on the profit motivated insurance companies and holding them accountable to fully compensate her clients. Tamara has focused her practice on criminal defense and serious personal injury her entire career. She has handled countless felonies charges in State Court as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense counsel. She also focuses her practice on litigation of serious personal injury accidents. Tamara has a fierce reputation as an outstanding advocate excelling in both criminal defense and personal injury.

Scott Goodwin has been fighting for personal injury victims for over 38 years. After graduating from the Michigan State University College of Law in 1986, Goodwin was admitted into the Michigan Bar and started his own practice. Since then, Goodwin has earned a slew of honors and awards, the most notable being named a Super Lawyer for over 20 years, Inducted into the MI Lawyers Weekly "HALL OF FAME" in 2024 . Champion of Justice in 2021 by the MI association for Justice . Lawyer of the year in 2004. Leaders in the law 2016. Best lawyers in America year after year including 2025. Past President of the Plaintiffs Trial Lawyers in Michigan. DBusiness Top Lawyer 2009-2025. Decades of Pro bono work sponsoring Law Day events. Chairman of the MAJ Judicial qualifications committee.. Scott Goodwin brings unmatched skill, dedication and tenacity to every case, going head to head with corporations and insurance companies. His unwavering promise . Every client is treated like a member of his family, with the respect ,care and commitment to win. " WIn with Goodwin ": 1888goodwin,com

Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Wrongful Death, Personal Injury Born to Cuban and Colombian parents, Cassandra “Cassie” Lombard was raised in South Florida and is fluent in Spanish. She attended the University of Miami, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2010. While there, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and graduated in the top five percent of her class. She was also a member of the prestigious University of Miami President’s 100. She then attended the University of Miami Law School, graduating in 2013 Magna Cum Laude. She was also on the Inter- American Law Review during this time. Cassie began her internship with Gordon & Partners in 2012. One year later, she joined the firm’s Broward County office as an associate attorney. Cassie is currently a trial lawyer who has devoted her professional life to representing injured individuals in litigation. Cassie began her career at the firm handling all types of personal injury cases. In 2017, Cassie was trial counsel in a motor vehicle case where she obtained a verdict that was listed as one of Florida’s Top 100 Motor Vehicle Accident Verdicts in Florida. In 2017, Cassie began working exclusively in the firm’s tobacco litigation division. During this time, Cassie has been on trial teams that have received seven and eight figure verdicts including one that was named in the Top 100 Verdicts in Florida in 2018. During her free time, Cassie enjoys spending time with her family. Below is a list of recent verdicts that Cassie has been involved in: Duignan vs. R.J. Reynolds and Phillip Morris: $26,750,000.00 Coyne v. R.J. Reynolds: $17,589,233.00 Burgess v. R.J Reynolds: $3,000,000.00 Garcia v. Rance & X-Ray Copy Service Inc.: $254,461.00

David treats every case from day 1 as if it will be presented to a jury and explains each step of the litigation process so that you are an informed client and trial partner. David joined the firm as a “Summer Associate” in May of 2013 after completing his second year of law school. His position was originally for a limited time period spanning the summer months. However, David impressed the partners of E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy with his ability to write, critically think on his feet, and the ease of which he understood the new legal issues thrown at him. David stayed on to become a full time Associate Attorney after he graduated. Over the years David has proven himself a zealous trial advocate for his personal injury cases amassing jury verdicts and favorable settlements for his clients. Having tried an assortment of different personal injury cases, David knows from start to finish what it takes to get the result his clients deserve. As the head of the firm’s small class action litigation department, David was lead counsel for a class of over 34,000 people against Stewart’s Shops, which resulted in financial compensation to every class member. David is actively engaged in pursuing compensation for victims of timber theft where he has several trial victories and multiple favorable appellate decisions on the topic, including an appellate decision increasing a $12,000 monetary award to $124,000. David is also very active in the local Rugby community in and around the Capital District. David was introduced to Rugby at Albany Law School. In his second year, David became the Vice-President of the team and eventually became President of the team his third year. While in law school, David became one of the founding members of the Albany Bootleggers, a local social rugby club named after one of E. Stewart Jones’ most famous defense clients, Jack ‘Legs’ Diamond. The Albany Bootleggers not only play rugby but concentrate on fraternity and charity, adopting families in need during the holiday season so nobody has to go without, holding annual cancer research fundraising events and holding fundraising events for wounded veterans. Besides Rugby, David otherwise spends a considerable amount of time with his blind rescue dog Betsy and her brother Murray.

A native of New Orleans, Evan Breaux is the son of Darryl Breaux. Since his youth, Evan has known that he wanted to be an attorney like his father, Darryl, and his maternal grandfather, the late Clifford P. de Laup, Jr. While earning his Business Management degree at the University of New Orleans, Mr. Breaux worked part-time for his father, thus beginning his experience in the field of personal injury law. Mr. Breaux then worked as a law clerk for a Baton Rouge mixed litigation firm with a concentration in personal injury during his law school years. Soon after obtaining his Louisiana Bar license, Evan began working as an Associate Attorney at a well-known, large personal injury firm in New Orleans. Evan gained valuable experience at that law firm, and in January of 2017, he joined the law office of Darryl Breaux & Associates, creating one of New Orleans’ only father-son personal injury law firms. Like his father, Evan is accessible; he believes the firm’s family atmosphere and dedication to personal attention is what sets DB&A apart from other firms. Guided by his father’s strong work ethic and a philosophy of respect for all persons, Evan is committed to getting the very best results for his clients.

Albert Lara is an associate at The Pendas Law Firm specializing in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), where he helps medical providers across Florida in the collection of unpaid medical bills by insurance companies, as well as General Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Vehicle Negligence and Premises Liability. Mr. Lara earned his Juris Doctor from Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Florida International University, with a double major in Marketing & International Business. Prior to joining The Pendas Law Firm, Mr. Lara worked for a prominent medical provider in the South Florida area. Mr. Lara managed the collections department and worked closely with attorneys to assist them in the recovery of previously unpaid medical bills that had been submitted to insurance companies. It was here where he first acquired first-hand knowledge on personal injury law and personal injury protection (PIP). Mr. Lara is a member of the Florida Bar and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

A. Parker Trotz joined Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz in 2013 upon graduating from law school. He is admitted to practice law in Tennessee and has been named as a Rising Star in the field of Personal Injury by Super Lawyers, which recognizes lawyers who have received professional achievement in their field and the community. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he is a fifth generation Memphian. In 2006, Mr. Trotz graduated from Ridgeway High School in Memphis before attending college at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He earned his undergraduate degree from the UGA Terry College of Business, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Following college, Mr. Trotz moved to New Orleans to begin law school at Tulane University Law School. In the classroom, Mr. Trotz was named to the Dean’s List and graduated magna cum laude. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Trotz clerked for judges at the state and federal court levels in Georgia and Louisiana, respectively. In addition, Mr. Trotz volunteered with the Tipitina’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to enrich and promote the music community and culture of New Orleans. Through this program, Mr. Trotz helped low income artists and musicians who could not afford legal counsel achieve their goals by assisting them with needs such as business formation, drafting contracts, reviewing documents, and intellectual property issues. Since joining Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz in 2013, Mr. Trotz has handled personal injury cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Each and every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured through no fault of their own, and many of his clients have sustained traumatic, catastrophic and life-altering injuries. Many times, people injured in an accident are unsure of the process, their legal rights, and what they may be entitled to. By taking the time to speak with clients, answer their questions, and address their concerns, Mr. Trotz is able to help clients through their time of need and make a difference in their lives. Handling a claim against a big insurance company or appearing in court can be daunting tasks for those without legal training or experience in the ever-changing personal injury field, and Mr. Trotz takes pride in being the voice for his clients in such matters. In a personal injury case, an injured client may incur medical bills and lost wages from having to miss work. In significant injury cases, a client may be facing diminished future earning capacity or permanent impairment. Mr. Trotz provides fundamental services which properly document these damages, which can include consulting with and retaining qualified experts who can provide reliable testimony in support of their opinions. Mr. Trotz, along with many other attorneys with Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, is a member of the Memphis Bar Association, where he is active with the Young Lawyers Division. Each year, the Young Lawyers Division sponsors a mock trial competition for high school students, and Mr. Trotz serves as a volunteer judge. Mr. Trotz also volunteers with the Memphis Area Legal Services Saturday Legal Clinic. Through this rewarding program, members of the community can meet with licensed attorneys to discuss their various legal needs, at no cost. Mr. Trotz also co-chairs the firm’s community service program. This initiative entails social outreach to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Mr. Trotz plans and coordinates programs for the employees at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz to volunteer, give back to those in need, and make a positive impact in the community. With deep roots in Tennessee and the greater Memphis area, Mr. Trotz takes great pride in being able to help members of the community in which he and many of his family members grew up in. He also enjoys cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, Memphis Tigers, and Memphis Grizzlies.

After high school, John attended the University of Utah, graduating in 2001. John then attended his dream school, Notre Dame Law School, where he graduated, with honors, in 2004. John is licensed to fight in court for real people in the State of Arizona, the United States Federal District Court of Arizona, and the 9th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Before establishing what is now Torgenson Law, John practiced in the litigation group at Fennemore Craig, the oldest law firm in Arizona, and one of the largest firms in the Southwest. John will always be grateful to the excellent lawyers and great leaders who gave him a shot and taught him so much about being a personal injury lawyer at Fennemore Craig. Having practiced at Fennemore Craig in both the defense and plaintiff’s practice areas gives John a complete perspective of the litigation process, and valuable insight into how to efficiently and effectively advance his clients’ interests. His unique and balanced background enhances his credibility with defense lawyers, insurers, and defendants as well as with judges and arbitrators. John realizes that civic and community involvement is essential in order for him to keep a solid balance between his professional and personal life. He was named one of Phoenix’s top 35 entrepreneurs by the Arizona Republic. He has been a board member at Kids @ Core (offering fitness and healthy living classes for underprivileged children), has coached the 7th and 8th grade football teams at St. Francis Xavier, is an active member of the Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association, and serves meals to the homeless at Andre House in downtown Phoenix. John is also a member of Grand Canyon River Guides, and has been a licensed Grand Canyon River Guide for the past 22 years. John devotes 100% of his career to fighting insurance companies and corporate interests on behalf of good people who are hurt. People call this “personal injury law.” John wears that term proudly. Although insurance companies, corporations, and their lobbyists want you to envision slick-backed hair, greedy, desperate lawyers running after an ambulance when you hear “personal injury lawyer.” John wants people to envision what it really is – taking vulnerable, broken, hurt people who are at the loneliest, darkest times in their life, and helping them rebuild – piece by piece. Having the backs of real human beings by fighting against greedy insurance companies and corporations who are looking to boost their ever-increasing profits on the broken backs of the people they hurt. That’s what a real “personal injury lawyer” is. And John is proud to be one. John devotes his practice to sticking up for those wronged by others. Then, holding the wrongdoer accountable. Whether his client is injured due to someone’s choice to disregard basic safety rules, or a corporation or insurance company’s attempt to take advantage of an individual, John relentlessly pursues justice for his clients through loyal advocacy, honest communication, and the committed pursuit of the truth. John works hard and creatively, drawing on his mind and his heart for his clients to ensure that they are treated fairly in every single step of the litigation process. John gets his tireless work ethic from watching his dad, Fernando, report to work like clockwork as a Journeyman Lineman in Southern Utah for the past 43 years, then coming home and showing John how a real man works by being an amazing dad, coach, and maintaining their house. John’s mom, Karen, who raised him and his siblings to always stick up for themselves and anyone else getting picked on, gives him his unbending will to continue to take the fight to well-financed opponents, and seek justice for his clients.

Matthew J. Fogelman is a founding partner of Fogelman Law LLC. Mr. Fogelman’s litigation practice is focused on employment law and personal injury cases. He is an experienced trial lawyer, having won a number of significant cases on behalf of plaintiffs, including prevailing before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in a ground-breaking disability discrimination case involving an employee’s right to use medical marijuana off-site. Mr. Fogelman also reached a settlement in a catastrophic personal injury case for $11.5 million, one of the largest settlement in Massachusetts in 2024. Mr. Fogelman has also prevailed on a race and gender discrimination case in Middlesex County for $2.5 million, and on an age discrimination case in Norfolk County, securing a $1.2 million verdict at trial for his client. The firm also recently settled a wrongful death / dram shop case for $2.2 million at mediation. For his work on the Barbuto medical marijuana employment case, Mr. Fogelman was named one of the “Lawyers of the Year” for 2017 by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly; he also received the award for most outstanding 2017 “Professional Achievement” of any member by USA500, a prominent networking group of lawyers and other professionals, out of 650 members. For eight consecutive years (2018-2025), Mr. Fogelman has been selected as a “Top 100 Super Lawyer” for both Massachusetts and New England, a distinction received by only 100 lawyers out of nearly 44,000 lawyers in Mass. and nearly 80,000 in New England. In the employment arena, Mr. Fogelman has litigated cases ranging from Wage Act and overtime cases to discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation matters. He has significant experience advising employees on non-compete and severance agreements. In the personal injury realm, Mr. Fogelman has extensive experience litigating complex personal injury cases and emotionally-charged cases, including allegations of sexual abuse and wrongful death, as well as car collisions, slip-and-falls, and dog bites, among many others. Mr. Fogelman is the current Vice President of the prestigious Massachusetts Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA), the leading plaintiffs’ lawyer group in the state. He will serve as President starting in the summer of 2026.

Ted is the founder and owner of Colquett Law. After spending more than two decades at prominent insurance defense law firms, he opened CLAW to provide industry-leading legal services to individuals and businesses with the flexibility and efficiency of a law firm dedicated to insurance claim, insurance coverage litigation, commercial litigation, and accident and injury litigation. Ted has practiced insurance and personal injury law exclusively for his entire legal career. Having handled thousands of insurance disputes involving accidents and personal injuries, catastrophic property damage claims, bad faith denials of coverage, and COVID-19 business interruption claims, he is uniquely positioned to provide elite litigation services to his clients.