John A. Sheehan

I serve as the Managing Attorney of the Los Angeles office of The Barnes Firm, one of the largest and most powerful personal injury law firms in the nation. Since I began practicing in 1988, I’ve found immense satisfaction in helping individuals whose lives have been upended by others’ negligence.

What makes my practice unique is the depth of experience I bring—having prosecuted claims against some of the biggest companies and insurers in California and New York. I even represented the family of a pedestrian struck by a Buffalo snowplow, securing a meaningful settlement. My own background—once burned by hot steel on a worksite—fuels my passion and empathy for hard-working individuals, especially construction and workplace accident victims. I’ve successfully handled cases ranging from severe trip-and-falls to an unsecured-load accident that left a driver with 11 crushed ribs.

At the heart of every case, I rely on a focused, positive attitude, disciplined preparation, and relentless pursuit of the desired goal—principles that guide how I fight for justice for each and every client.

What types of accidents do you handle?

I represent clients in a wide range of cases including construction and workplace accidents, trip-and-falls, motor vehicle crashes, and catastrophic injuries. My background gives me unique insight into workplace accident claims, and I use that experience to fight for the best possible outcome for my clients.

Can I still bring a case if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Yes. In California, the law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but that doesn’t mean you lose your right to a claim. I work to minimize any blame unfairly placed on you and maximize your recovery.

What should I do if an insurance company contacts me right after the accident?

Be cautious. Insurance companies often try to get you to make statements or accept low offers before you know the full extent of your injuries. It’s best not to speak with them until you’ve talked to an attorney who can protect your rights. I handle all communication with insurers so my clients don’t get taken advantage of.

How much does it cost to hire you?

At The Barnes Firm, clients never pay upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. This ensures you can focus on recovery without worrying about legal bills.

One of the most challenging aspects of personal injury law is dealing with powerful insurance companies that try to minimize our injured clients pain and losses. In cases like construction accidents or workplace injuries, there are often multiple parties involved, which makes the legal process even more complex.

At The Barnes Firm, we have the resources and experience to take on even the largest corporations and insurers, and I take pride in using that strength to level the playing field and fight for the justice my clients deserve.

Early in my life, I was seriously injured when hot steel burned me while working on a job site. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of how suddenly an accident can change someone’s life and how important it is to have someone fighting for your rights. Later, as an attorney, I saw how much of a difference strong advocacy could make for injured clients and their families. Those experiences inspired me to dedicate my career to personal injury law, and ultimately led me to my role as Managing Attorney at The Barnes Firm, where I can use my skills and resources to help people through their most difficult times.

Outside of my legal work, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active.

What I’d like clients to know is that when you choose me and The Barnes Firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a team that is committed to standing by your side through one of the most difficult times in your life. With more than 30 years of experience, I’ve seen how overwhelming an accident can be for a family, and my focus has always been on guiding clients with honesty, compassion, and relentless advocacy.

At the end of the day, my greatest satisfaction comes from helping people rebuild their lives and making sure their voices are heard. That’s the commitment I bring to every case, every client, every time.