Attorney Dennis Carrion on the Art of Negotiation, Championing the Injured, and Following Your Passion

7 min read

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My mom has always been entrepreneurial, the one who finds a way to turn a nickel into 50 cents. While her tenacity and knack for business gave us a great life, we weren't rich. However, what we lacked in material things, we certainly made up for in love, community, and a value system that prioritized character over all else.

My mom earned her Ph.D. in social work and now dedicates herself to helping those in need. Little did I know that I would follow in her footsteps so closely by dedicating my career to accident victims who need a helping hand in difficult times.

The best negotiators are empathetic listeners who act on logic, not emotion. It takes calm, poise, and wit to advocate effectively, which is profoundly important when I'm fighting with insurance companies on behalf of my clients.

I decided to practice differently. I represent injured victims, so they usually have a calendar full of doctor's appointments already. I don't inconvenience them to meet in person - although that's always an option. I communicate with them via phone, email, text, and FaceTime whenever it is convenient for them, which my clients love.

I don't just do this to run a successful business; I do it because it matters. I'm devoted to championing the injured, who are outmatched by corporate giants that often prioritize profits before people. I never want to emulate them by forgetting whom I do this for: the father facing eviction because he couldn't work or the mother who missed her child's concert because she was in the hospital. I help families get back on their feet and recapture the joy, laughter, and hope they lost through no fault of their own.

To all the younger selves out there: Don't go for the low-hanging fruit. Dig deep, identify what you're passionate about, and go for it. Don't let anything or anyone sidetrack what you know is right for you.

It's occasionally true that you're the only one who can handle something. But with proper training and guidance, the right team can handle more tasks than we'd probably like to admit. They may do things differently than you would, but as a leader, you must see the forest, not the trees, and prioritize process over style.

You often spend more time with your business partner than anyone else. They can impact our lives more than anyone, which isn't something to take lightly. I pride myself on being trustworthy and demand the same from a business partner.

Entrepreneurs often eat, sleep, and breathe work in the pursuit of excellence, but there must be a balance. If we grind 24 hours a day, seven days a week, burnout is inevitable. It's amazing how a barbeque with friends or impromptu coffee with a parent can slow you down and put things in perspective. We need to look up and take time to love those who love us. The sun will rise tomorrow, as it always does.

In my personal life, I'm working on my health. I've struggled with unhealthy fluctuations in my weight, but I'm on the upside of the battle now. Like most people, one of my biggest goals is living a long time! I know that I need to take care of myself to stay around longer with my family and friends.

Riding in a hot air balloon is also on my list. There's something about the idea of flying free, with the air hitting your face, that is also terrifying and exciting. (Notice a theme here?)