When a man has played rugby and football, has been a U.S. Border Patrol agent, and has studied sociology and criminal justice—in other words, a man like Todd M. Sailer—he gains a certain mentality that serves him well in the practice of law: play fair, be cordial, but be willing to fight and go the distance for what he knows is right.
Sailer, a personal injury, products liability, medical malpractice and civil litigation attorney with Langhorne-based Begley Carlin & Mandio LLP, has helped hundreds of plaintiffs obtain the justice and compensation they deserve for their losses and suffering through advocacy, oral arguments, client counseling, legal advice and going to court.
“It’s gratifying to be able to help people or families who are suffering and being treated unfairly by large, faceless entities,” says Sailer. “People often feel ‘undermanned’ when trying to put their lives back together and receive fair compensation after a tragic event.”
Sailer has many examples of how his compassion and persistence have served his clients. For example, a husband and father of two lost his 34-year-old wife when doctors failed to diagnose the woman’s endometrial cancer. As a result, she received inadequate care and did not survive. Sailer won a substantial award for the family, which will help pay college tuition for the children.
“Sadly, the kids won’t get their mother back, but the father’s financial burden has been lightened a bit,” Sailer says.
In another case, a man was injured on the worksite when he was struck in the back by a front-end loader. Several vertebrae were fractured and he suffered a great deal of pain. Workers’ compensation covered the bills, but the man’s injury prevented him from returning to work. Depressed, he committed suicide, leaving behind a wife and two daughters. The wife later consulted Sailer.
“Todd was comforting, kept me up to date, and was very informative,” says the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous. “It was a very complicated case, with many factors to be considered beyond my husband’s pain and inability to work, which devastated him because work was his pride and joy.”
The case, according to Sailer, involved negligence. After exhaustive research, Sailer found cases he could cite as precedents, and he was able to obtain a sizable settlement for the family.
“I’m here to make sure the medical bills and lost wages get paid, and that my clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve,” says Sailer. “I do everything in my power to help my clients reach financial and emotional stability. The only thing my clients should have to worry about is getting better.”
Sailer recommends several actions to people who are injured in an automobile or workplace accident. It’s common-sense advice meant to ensure that people are not taken advantage of and to help protect his clients’ rights when they have been injured because of carelessness or negligence.
“First,” says Sailer, “report the accident to the police, and have the accident documented through a police report which confirms the time, date and location of the accident, as well as the names of the parties involved, including the insurance companies. Make sure you tell the police if you’re hurt.”
The next step is to seek immediate medical treatment.
“It’s important to pay attention to what your body is telling you,” Sailer says. “Don’t ignore aches and pains that occur in the hours and days following the accident. Let a doctor decide whether you’re injured or to what extent you may be injured, and what treatment would be required, if any.”
Gather evidence, Sailer adds. “If possible, take photographs of any visible injuries and scenes of the accident. In the case of an auto accident, this would include photos of your car, skid marks or debris on the roadway. At this stage, don’t sign any documents or allow anyone to record you. Then, call me. I will take action right away that will preserve your rights. I’ll track down witnesses, preserve all physical evidence and make sure you receive everything the law provides, including compensation for property damage, loss of wages, medical bills, pain, lost opportunities and more.” He will also review the “declarations page” of a client’s insurance policy and discuss what types of coverage are available to help with a claim.
Sailer advises clients to inform their employer in writing and get a doctor’s note so that the employer can approve any absence.
Sailer was born and raised in Bucks County. After graduating with honors from Bloomsburg University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice, Sailer worked as an agent in the U.S. Border Patrol in San Diego, apprehending drug traffickers. It was an adventure he had long dreamed of, but after a time he returned home to pursue his law career. In 2001, Begley, Carlin & Mandio welcomed him to the firm and asked him to represent personal injury clients.
“I had a wonderful mentor who showed me the ropes,” Sailer says. “I hadn’t actually considered this particular area of law, but it became a perfect fit when I realized I could be of considerable service to people, which has always been a passion of mine.”
Sailer lives in Holland with his wife of nine years, Heather, and two sons, Gavin and Caden, ages 3 and 5. Sailer says he enjoys being a dad and spending time with his family. He also enjoys staying physically fit. “I have to stay in shape to keep up with my boys,” laughs the former athlete.
As one of the oldest and largest law firms in Bucks County, Begley Carlin & Mandio LLP, has been providing high-quality legal services to individuals, businesses and governmental entities since 1933. The firm represents clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Sailer says the firm is a good fit for him because of aligned values. “We’re aggressive lawyers who are not afraid to fight to protect our clients’ rights,” he says. “Our clients can expect an honest and accurate appraisal of the matter and a resolution in the most practical, direct and economically feasible manner.”
Begley Carlin and Mandio LLP
600 Middleton Blvd.
Langhorne, PA 19047
Phone: 215-750-0110
Web: www.begleycarlin.com
