John Mesirow

I am an experienced (26 years) personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to the practice of law and to my clients. While most cases resolve before trial, we aggressively prepare all of our cases so that, if a favorable settlement cannot be obtained, we are ready to go on the offensive from the beginning of the litigation process until its conclusion. We handle personal injury and accident cases (automobile, bicycle, pedestrian, slip and fall) in all areas of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, in both state and federal courts.

As a small firm, we're able to give your case the personal attention it deserves. My team and I will handle your case from start to finish, and -- unlike many Washington, DC personal injury lawyers at large firms -- you'll never be passed off to a law clerk or a paralegal. That personalized attention is one reason why I have been named a top personal injury attorney by Washingtonian Magazine the last 7 times they have reviewed attorneys. Additionally, I was awarded the prestigious 'AV' rating from Martindale-Hubbell -- their highest possible rating for legal ability and ethics. I also have a 10.0/10.0 (superb) rating from Avvo.com, a professional review site for attorneys and doctors. Not that all of this isn't important, but nothing is more important than reviews. Please read my reviews on Google and Avvo.

We're located in downtown Washington, DC, one block from the Metro, and would be happy to to discuss your case. Initial consultations are free. Call us at 866-463-0303.

• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice

• Car Accidents
• Premises Liability

• Free Consultation
  Free Initial Consultation
• Contingent Fees

DC

Since 1992

Maryland

Since 1992

Virginia

Since 1991

U.S. Supreme Court

United States District Court for the District of Columbia

United States District Court for the District of Maryland

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia

Managing Member

Mesirow & Associates, PLLC

2000 - Current

Law Offices of John B. Mesirow

1993 - 2000

Frank, Berstein, Conaway & Goldman

1991 - 1993

George Washington University School of Law

J.D., with Honors | Law

1991

Honors: The George Washington Journal of International Law and Economics, Member

Miami University of Ohio

B.S. | Finance

1984

Top personal injury lawyer

Northern Virginia Magazine

2016

Top Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer

Washingtonian Magazine

Seven consecutive times, including in the most recent edition (December 2017)

"AV" Peer Review Rated Attorney

Martindale-Hubbell®

District of Columbia Bar

Member

Current

National Crime Victims Bar Association

Member

Current

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Member

Current

Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Member

Current

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

Current

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Current

Q. Is the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit the same across all states?

15 November 2018

A: NO!!! It varies from state to state, and the nature of the claim! Call a lawyer for more information.

Q. I was hit in the District, but live in Virginia -- which laws apply?

13 November 2018

A: DC law applies to the accident. If you were injured, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. There are some things that, if not done soon after the accident, may hurt your case. For example, you want to get pictures of any property damage (e.g. car, bicycle) before it is repaired, and any visible injuries (before they heal). It is also important to get witness statements now, while their whereabouts are known, and the memories are fresh. This is not an exhaustive list. Good luck.

Q. Is a cyclist totally at fault if they didn't stop at a stop sign so when I went through I hit him?

13 November 2018

A: I am a cyclist, so this "hits" close to home. The law in DC changed a couple years ago. In the "bad" old days, if a cyclist contributed to the accident, he/she could not recover due to a doctrine called contributory negligence. Now, fortunately, the law has changed as set forth below. § 50–2204.52. Contributory negligence limitation. (a) The negligence of a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other non-motorized user of a public highway involved in a collision with a motor vehicle shall not bar the plaintiff's recovery in any civil action unless the plaintiff's negligence is: (1) A proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury; and (2) Greater than the aggregated total amount of negligence of all of the defendants that proximately caused the plaintiff's injury. So, depending on the facts, the cyclist could have a claim. If you have not already done so, you should report this to your insurance carrier. You don't want to blow your coverage.

Q. I was charged in a fight, but got injured myself - can I sue the other person?

13 November 2018

A: Yes, but even if you win in court, it is difficult to collect from most individuals for a variety of reasons. Because of this, it will probably be difficult for you to find a personal injury lawyer who would be willing to take your case on a contingency basis. You should call a personal injury to discuss this further.

Q. If I am injured by an employee who ran over my foot with a golf cart on a golf course can I sue the golf course company?

13 November 2018

A: Possibly, but you would need to provide A LOT more information to an attorney to get a definitive answer. You should call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible because if certain things are not done in the near term - photographs of injuries/property damage, obtaining witness statements, etc. - it can negatively impact your potential claim.

Q. I broke my tooth upon eating some Turkey Jerky from Boar's Head. What is my recourse? The company has left me hanging.

12 November 2018

A: Assuming that you broke your tooth on a piece of bone or something else that should not have been in the Turkey Jerky, you have a claim. Not to minimize what happened, but the problem you may have in finding a lawyer is what appears to be the limited nature of your injury. You should contact a personal injury lawyer in your area to discuss this further.

Q. So if we file a wrongful death claim, does the person go to prison, or is it just money we get?

21 September 2018

A: Just money. A wrongful death claim is civil, not criminal.

Q. We are trying to figure out - is wrongful death always a criminal lawsuit?

7 September 2018

A: Wrongful death is a civil claim. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the merits of the claim.

Q. I am a biker who collided with a car parked closer then required 30ft to an intersection. Who is liable for the incident

5 September 2018

A: Fortunately, the law in DC for collisions like this changed in 2016. Before that time, if you were even 1% at fault (and therefore "contributed" to the collision), you were barred from recovering anything. Now, per the statute below, that defense (contributory negligence) cannot be asserted if you were less negligent than the defendant(s). More information is needed to express an informed opinion as to the strength of your claim. Consult a DC personal injury lawyer to discuss the facts of your collision in more detail. I hope you feel better. 50–2204.52. Contributory negligence limitation. (a) The negligence of a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other non-motorized user of a public highway involved in a collision with a motor vehicle shall not bar the plaintiff's recovery in any civil action unless the plaintiff's negligence is: (1) A proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury; and (2) Greater than the aggregated total amount of negligence of all of the defendants that proximately caused the plaintiff's injury.