We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Snyder and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brian, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
For decades, insurance companies have peppered the country with stories of “greedy lawyers,” “runaway juries,” and “plaintiffs winning the lottery in a lawsuit.” This had led to massive efforts to restrict people’s rights to sue, but it has also had a more sinister effect in that it has caused those on the jury to be skeptical of the injured party while also giving the at-fault person the benefit of the doubt. In every focus group we do, and in every jury selection we have just prior to trial, at least a handful of people mention “the McDonald’s coffee case” or a sentiment similar to “I have a neighbor who was in a fender bender and settled for millions.” Billion dollar insurance companies have somehow successfully convinced normal, hard-working people that hospitals, insurance companies, and huge companies should get a free pass on their negligence because the plaintiff is “probably just looking to win the jackpot.” We focus our practice on those who have been catastrophically injured or killed due to the negligence of others. Even in cases with severe brain damage, amputation, or death, people still think the plaintiff must be faking the injuries (or, in the case of death, they say, “Why sue? It won’t bring the person back.”). Those who are involved in the legal profession–even including defense lawyers–know this idea is purely fabricated, but outsiders have bought it hook, line, and sinker.
What should our readers know about your business?
Snyder & Wenner has been protecting our community from negligent healthcare providers and hospitals for over 35 years. What sets us apart from other great firms in the Valley is that we work up every case as if it is going to trial. We retain the best experts in the country, conduct multiple focus groups throughout the litigation, and prepare tirelessly for depositions and mediation. The nature of our business is that we (thankfully) do not get many repeat clients, but we do consistently have old clients refer people to us because of the great work we do. In the last 6 years we have received the largest verdict in the state of Arizona for the year 2017 ($15 million against Banner-UMC Tucson); we have received the largest medical malpractice verdict ever against the Arizona VA Hospital ($3.2 million), and we have obtained dozens of settlements over $1 million. In total, we have collected nearly $200 million for our clients and their families. That type of success is hard to come by in Arizona, and it is one reason why we have been named a Best Medical Malpractice and Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Arizona by U.S. News & World Report every year since the award was started.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partners, Howard Snyder and David Wenner, taught me everything I know about how to be a lawyer and how to win our cases. My wife (Amy), and my three kids (Mia, Noah, and Dylan) are the support system I have (and need) to work such a demanding job.
Website: www.snyderwenner.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/snyderwenner
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/snyder-and-wenner-phoenix-6
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7et2AAGGPJ8w3nf_wzzNQ