Rory Pendergast is not your typical personal injury attorney. His background in the Peace Corps shaped his ability to adapt, problem-solve, and persist qualities that now define his legal practice. At Rory Law, he takes on complex cases with an investigative approach that uncovers key evidence many attorneys overlook.
In this episode of True Law Stories, Rory shares how his deep investigative work and persistence have led to life-changing outcomes for his clients.
But before we proceed, don’t forget that this episode is brought to you by videocasestory.com. Click here if you need help collecting, crafting, and delivering customer stories.
A California Highway Patrol Hero’s Life-Altering Crash
Some clients have already been heroes before they even set foot in Rory’s office. One of them was a California Highway Patrol officer who had been awarded the Medal of Honor for pulling a man from a burning car. Years later, he suffered a devastating motorcycle accident that left him fighting for his own life.
The injuries were so severe that he lost four months of his memory. Multiple surgeries and chronic pain changed everything, including his ability to provide for his family. While it may have seemed like an open-and-shut case for insurance compensation, that wasn’t the reality. Rory had to take an exhaustive investigative approach to uncover the full story and fight for what his client truly deserved.
The Mysterious Note That Cracked the Case
The key to winning this case was buried in thousands of documents that most attorneys would have skimmed over. Rory reviewed public records, tax rolls, and old Google Maps images to find answers. Early on, he had written a small note to himself in the margins of a document. At the time, it didn’t seem significant, but more than a year later, that note led him to a critical connection that changed the trajectory of the case.
What seemed like a minor detail turned out to be the missing link that tied the right parties to liability. That breakthrough led to a resolution that ensured his client would have financial security for the future.
The Border Patrol Agent Who Waited Too Long to Sue
Not all injury victims act quickly to protect their rights. A San Diego Border Patrol agent was rear-ended in an accident that left him with serious injuries. At first, he didn’t think he needed an attorney. Like many hardworking professionals, he believed that lawsuits were unnecessary and that filing a claim wasn’t something he would do.
The reality set in when his injuries started to interfere with his job. He struggled to carry the required amount of water while on duty and began missing work due to pain. By the time he realized how serious the situation had become, he was up against the statute of limitations. Rory stepped in, built the case, and secured the compensation the agent needed to move forward with his life.
How the Insurance Industry Tricks People Into Not Seeking Justice
Insurance companies spend billions of dollars convincing people that they shouldn’t sue. Rory has seen this mindset play out repeatedly. Many injury victims feel guilty for seeking compensation, even when their lives have been completely changed by an accident.
The reality is that compensation isn’t about getting rich, it’s about restoring what was lost. Injuries take away a person’s ability to work, provide for their family, and enjoy their daily life. An attorney can’t undo what happened, but they can fight to make sure the victim doesn’t have to suffer financially as well.
The Most Important Step If You’ve Been Injured in an Accident
If you’ve been injured, Rory’s advice is simple: don’t wait to take action. The first step is always seeking medical attention, even if you think you’re fine. Many injuries take time to fully develop, and early medical documentation can be crucial in a case.
Finding the right attorney is just as important. Personal injury cases are complex, and the relationship between a lawyer and a client needs to be one of trust and understanding. Rory compares it to dancing two talented dancers can still step on each other’s toes if they aren’t the right match. The same is true when choosing an attorney. If you don’t feel comfortable with the lawyer you meet, move on and find someone else.
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