By Trevor Eisenman on May 10, 2021
Viral Mehta and Jason McConnell head a local Charlotte NC law firm specializing in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. A distinctive difference in personal appearance may be the first thing one notices, but more important is to note their 30+ years of combined legal experience. Both Mehta and McConnell began their careers representing insurance companies and employers before joining forces to open their own legal practice in 2021. With a twist. Their understanding of the legal process from the corporate point of view is now a key advantage for their current clientele: the injured worker.
“Another meaningful advantage we have over big firms is the fact that we are a small firm. Our clients have direct access to both Jason and me,” explains Viral. “From the start, Jason and I establish a direct relationship with each client; they are never assigned to a paralegal or a case manager. Our clients are often dealing with a perfect storm of the involved parties looking out only for themselves. Through all that financial stress – the worry about health and dealing with insurance – we are here to hold the client’s hands and work out a favorable resolution, for the client.”
Viral grew up in Charlotte since the age of four, spending all his educational years in North Carolina, including obtaining his undergraduate degree from Davidson College, and his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. In addition to a decade of experience defending employers and insurance companies, he is a North Carolina State Bar board-certified specialist in workers’ compensation law and recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2019, 2020, and 2121. He and his wife Christina are looking forward to the birth of their first child this year. During his off time he enjoys traveling, sports, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Jason McConnell is a North Carolina native, growing up in Lincoln County, NC, and attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He attended law school at Loyola University in New Orleans and has lived in Charlotte NC for over 20 years. Also, a Board Certified Specialist in workers’ compensation law, his two decades of experience have included hundreds of mediations and arbitrations in workers’ compensation. A father of three, he enjoys cooking, traveling, and playing golf.
We sat down with Viral for a quick interview:
Q: Why do you do what you do?:
A: “Jason and I worked together at another law firm and had similar goals to open our own practices. With our behind-the-scenes knowledge of insurance companies and employers, from a workers’ compensation perspective, representing workers made sense. Individuals as clients also have more gratitude than big corporations, thus our work with individuals is more fulfilling.”
Q: What do you like about Charlotte?
A: “Charlotte was a very quaint, sleepy town when I was young. It’s experienced massive growth in recent years but has maintained a very green and nature-friendly atmosphere. There is a light rail system – our office is very close to the East/West Station – and Charlotte’s Greenways outdoor trails are fantastic for anyone who likes to spend quality time in nature, including walking, and biking. Dining is also really, really good, with many kinds of cultural options available.”
Q: What is the Mehta & McConnell 2021 Scholarship Contest?
A: “We initiated what we call the “Work Injury Awareness Scholarship Contest” to increase awareness around undocumented workers and the difficulties they encounter after getting injured at work. The prize is $1000 towards college tuition. It’s an essay contest open to high school seniors graduating in the summer of 2021 or students who are currently enrolled as of the 2021 fall semester.
The full details of the scholarship contest and how to enter are available on our website. We are looking forward to announcing the winner on December 15th this year.
Q: If you could share one tip with the readers for choosing a lawyer, what would it be?
A: “Go with your gut, but also research the lawyer in question. While you should feel comfortable with your lawyer (and select someone who is looking out for your best interests), verify online their expertise in the area of law you’re hiring them to handle. Workers’ Comp is a very niche area of law, for example. Check Google if they are board-certified, what kind of experience they have, and look for detailed reviews.
“Be alert that your lawyer’s vision matches yours. Sometimes a lawyer might be trying to win a home run to make themselves look good, instead of being practical or realistic. Going to court is not always the best move, so being both experienced and practical goes a long way to obtain a favorable outcome for the client.”
If you have been injured on the job or in a car accident, lost wages, or suffered occupational disease in the Charlotte, NC area, Mehta & McConnell stand ready to help you, starting with a free and confidential consultation. Get over 30 years of legal experience in your corner! Reach out to them through their website or call them directly at 980-326-2270. Mehta & McConnell – For Workers, For the Injured.
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