Meet Our Attorney Joe Ritch

Joe has a personal mission for defending you and your families, and a long history of big wins.

Why I Practice Product Liability

For me, your fight is personal.

When I was 10 years old, I was involved in a terrible accident. Driving down a dirt road in Mershon, GA, I was with my Aunt Maveline. I remember I was going on an errand with her. I had a brought a glass of sweet tea with me. It was really a beautiful day. There was no way we could have known how much that day would affect our lives.

We came up to a four-way stop at the dirt road, and Aunt Maveline was always such a careful driver. We pulled out from the stop, like you are supposed to. A huge dump truck blasted through the stop sign and side swiped us, coming right at me.

All I can remember was the loud noise of a car screeching and glass everywhere. The tea glass I was holding exploded. Shards of glass flew into my face, slashing it from my cheek all the way down to my lip. The whole side of my face was just hanging wide open.

I had to have eight to ten plastic surgeries before I was actually put back together again. I was teased horribly as a child, with bandages all over my face.

My parents and my grandparents were from South Georgia, and they didn’t know how to fight big companies. The truck driver and the company he worked for got away, almost scot-free. We barely had enough to pay for my surgery. I took what little was left and dedicated my life to fighting for folks that have been in accidents like mine. It became my dream and my dedication to become a lawyer. Through faith and determination, God placed me in the field of product liability. Today, I defend families just like mine against negligent corporations to help them get the compensation they deserve and get back on the road to healing.

Education & Experience

Joseph (“Joe”) E. Ritch obtained his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2002, where he graduated with honors and published a note in the International Law Journal. After graduating from law school, Joe went on to obtain his L.L.M. in taxation from the University of Florida, one of the top tax law programs in the country.

Joe joined the law firm of Wigington, Rumley, LLP in January of 2007. As an equity partner in October 2011, Joe successfully litigated numerous cases throughout the country and has obtained significant verdicts and settlements. He has litigated cases in Texas, California, Michigan, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio. His work on a Texas dram shop case resulted in the largest dram shop verdict in the state of Texas for 2009.

Winning Big, Time and Time Again

He has successfully prosecuted oil and gas well site accidents against various Fortune 500 companies. In addition to oil and gas well site litigation, Joe has expanded his practice into environmental litigation and has worked to represent clients affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010. He is also working in connection with air quality groups around the country to combat defectively designed outdoor wood boilers (OWBs) that pollute the air.

His accomplishments have been featured in Texas Monthly, Verdict Search, Texas Lawyer, and numerous other publications from Texas to Michigan.

In May of 2014, Joe teamed up with Michael A. Elliott to form Elliott & Ritch, LLP and pursue earnest dedication to defending families that have been affected by tragedy. Since then, he has successfully represented hundreds of families in need, resulting in millions of dollars in settlements.

Your fight is our fight

  • Product Liability $7 Million

    Snubbing unit failure

  • Product Liability $5.7 Million

    Bar Blamed for Drunk Driving Death

  • Product Liability $5 Million

    Seat Back Failure

  • Product Liability $4 Million

    Defective Steering Linkage

  • Product Liability $3 Million

    Fuel-Fed Fire

  • Product Liability $2.7 Million

    Defective Seatback

  • Defective Products $1.8 Million

    Injury Due to Defective Product

  • Product Liability $1.5 Million

    Failure of Airbag to Deploy

  • Product Liability $1.2 Million

    Defective Roof System

  • Commercial Truck Accident $875,000

    18-Wheeler Accident

your Experience with us matters

We Care Deeply About Your Case
    Excellent person and excellent lawyer.

    “He is an excellent person and an excellent lawyer. He did so much for our family and our son especially. Comes highly recommended.”

    - Kat W.
    They gave me hope.

    “Their hard work and dedication helped me in ways that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

    - Wade A.
    Professional and efficient.

    “I strongly recommend this law firm. They’re very professional and efficient. I didn’t have to worry or do anything.”

    - Judy B.
    Peace of Mind

    “I entrusted them many times with important issues in multiple social security claims. I felt confident and also had peace of mind. Thank you for helping my family.”

    - Esmeralda G.
    Fantastic!

    “The staff at Elliott & Ritch are fantastic! They have been helpful, supportive, and really know their stuff.”

    - Jeff R.

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