John P. O’Neil

John P. O’Neil joined Elk + Elk in 2012 as a partner. He is one of the firm’s leading medical malpractice and personal injury attorneys, whose practice focuses primarily upon death and catastrophic loss cases.

Prior to joining Elk + Elk, John spent 14 years at one of Ohio’s top defense law firms, where he served as a practice area chair and member of the firm’s management committee and executive group. He also spent time working as a successful prosecutor in the Dade County State Attorney’s Office.

Over the years, John has successfully tried more than 80 jury trials for medical malpractice, transportation, legal malpractice, premises liability, and personal injury.

John’s first chair jury trials are in state and federal courts, and he has argued in the Eighth District Court of Appeals, Ohio Supreme Court and Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

John received his undergraduate degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and his law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois.

Settlements and Verdicts

$6.7 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

A 38-year-old woman had her lower extremity run over by a limousine bus.  She suffered many fractured bones in her foot and subsequent infection.

$5 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

Our client, a 26-year-old dump truck driver and father of one minor child, was struck at a rural intersection when another truck ran a stop sign. He suffered a severe cervical injury, which required surgery, but resulted in partial paralysis of his upper extremity. He is no longer able to work as a CDL driver.

$5 million – Personal Injury

Loading/unloading accident in Indiana, which caused catastrophic brain injury.

$4.75 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

Truck crash, which caused catastrophic orthopedic injury.

$4.5 million – Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury

Case involving a truck striking an elderly pedestrian causing orthopedic and neurological injuries.

$4.25 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

Wrongful death of a 20-month-old child struck by a vehicle.

$4.25 million – Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury

Wrongful death of a 22-month-old baby struck by a passing vehicle while in a stroller.

$3.65 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

Truck accident where a floor mat (product defect) caused unintentional acceleration, causing severe and permanent neurologic injuries.

$2.3 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

A rear-end auto accident involving a closed head injury to a 56-year-old woman.

$2.3 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

Highway crash, causing significant permanent orthopedic and neurologic injury.

$2.063 million – Medical Malpractice

In Hamilton County, alongside Elk + Elk Partner Phil Kuri, secured a verdict following a two-week jury trial involving claims of medical malpractice and wrongful death. The case stemmed from complications after a hiatal hernia repair that resulted in the death of a 73-year-old woman. The jury found the surgeon liable for failing to properly diagnose and treat post-surgical complications, while determining that the radiologist was not at fault.

$2.0 million – Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in Florida of failure to properly diagnose an abscess leading to lower extremity paralysis.

$1.75 million – Personal Injury

Wrongful death of a 61-year-old Cleveland man, married with two adult children, killed in an industrial accident in Arizona.

$1.7 million – Personal Injury

A 63-year-old man was struck by a public entity transport vehicle and suffered an amputation of his lower extremity.

$1.65 million – Personal Injury

A 52-year-old man struck by a tractor-trailer while working at a job site suffered significant lower extremity injuries.

$1.65 million – Personal Injury

Personal injury of a 55-year-old male struck while working near another truck in a work zone. Our client suffered a fractured tibia/fibula.

$1.1 million – Auto Accident, Personal Injury

Intersection collision resulted in a permanent foot drop.

$1,035,000 million – Personal Injury

Shooting range accident which caused serious internal injuries.

$1 million – Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury

In Erie County, our client suffered catastrophic injuries when a box truck turned in front of his motorcycle, causing a violent collision. He was rushed to the hospital with multiple fractures, severe facial trauma, and a significant concussion. His injuries required several surgeries, including procedures to repair his arm, wrist, and rotator cuff, as well as a chest plate placement following rib fractures and lung complications.

$1 million – Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death of an eighty-year-old man who was struck and pinned by a box truck while getting gas. He suffered severe crush injuries and passed away weeks later from complications related to the trauma.

$1 million – Wrongful Death

Wrongful death of a 36-year-old, married with four children, killed in trailer underride crash.

$850,000 result – Workplace Accident

A 40-year-old laborer was struck in the leg by a flying piece of metal that broke off a trailer. He suffered compartment syndrome.

$787,500 result – Bicycle Accident, Personal Injury

Bicycle accident case that caused the death of an adult male.

$700,000 result – Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury

A 72-year-old man was struck by a car as he crossed the street.  He suffered a severely fractured leg.

$585,000 – Personal Injury

Negligent security case on a college campus.

$540,000 – Wrongful Death

Wrongful death of a 26-year-old male killed in a one-car crash after leaving strip clubs. Dram shop case.

**All lawsuits are different and Elk + Elk makes no representation or promises that it can obtain the same results in other cases. These results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the outcome of any future legal matter. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.

Client Reviews

Personal Injury Client Review – Tina C.

I’m incredibly thankful for the support I received from Elk and Elk after my injury. John, Denise and their entire team made a difficult situation so much easier by being patient, understanding, and always available to answer my questions.

They handled everything efficiently and fought to make sure I was treated fairly. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to represent me.
Thanks to their hard work, I received a great outcome. I truly appreciate everything they did and would highly recommend Elk and Elk.

Personal Injury Litigation Review – Ron N.

Elk & Elk’s staff is second to none in the greater Ohio area. They just helped me with a personal injury claim that another firm gave up on. John O’Neil is a top notch litigator. He tells the client what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. Highly recommend.

Severe Injury Settlement Review – Roshelle J.

I suffered a severe leg injury in April 2024. Initially I had a difficult time finding an attorney who would take my case but Elk & Elk accepted the case without hesitation. John O’Neil and Denise were great! They kept me informed on all aspects of my case and worked hard to get me a fair settlement. I highly recommend Elk & Elk to anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer.

Personal Injury Case Review – Alexandria R.

Came highly recommended and they did deliver. Great communication, timely, organized. John and Denise were an absolute pleasure and I am more than pleased and will also recommend. Thank you for a great experience during a very difficult time. With love from Jersey! Google Review

Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Review – Crystal S.

I was involved an a terrible motor vehicle accident. I reached out to The Elk & Elk firm and worked with John and his team. John was competent, very professional and diligent in his work practices. Denise was always available to help me with any concerns or questions. I truly appreciate everything that the Elk & Elk firm has done. Keep up the good work! Google Review

Car Crash Injury Case Review – Lexi P.

Elk & Elk took great care of my grandmother after her life-altering car crash. John O’Neil went above and beyond to help my grandparents understand the process and they were able to fully trust his expertise. John’s staff also provided extra help in accounting for my grandparents’ lack of technology and understanding – which was invaluable. The case resolved faster than we could have imagined, our family is very grateful to Elk & Elk for their support.

Personal Injury Representation Review – Diane B.

I needed a group of lawyers at a time where i was at the worst part of my life. They took the best care of me! I trust John, Bill and Elk and Elk with my life!