Executive Director Chuck Stratis
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Mr. Charles (Chuck) Stratis is the newest member of the Wagner Reese & Crossen team. Chuck holds the title of Executive Director, and his duties are varied. Chuck has a diverse background, previously working as an executive in the trucking industry, a paralegal and office manager of a small law firm, and a small business owner. Chuck brings to the firm in depth knowledge of the trucking industry unparalleled to most "experts" other law firms often hire. Chuck currently holds a Commercial Drivers License (Class A) with all endorsements and certifications necessary to operate doubles, triples, and even tanker trailers. These "hands-on" skills, along with his inside knowledge of the industry, allow Chuck to investigate catastrophic wrecks that involve these behemoth vehicles with the experience and skill to reconstruct the accident in detail. He has the ability to view the scene as the professional truck driver would have, and drive the route the truck driver would have navigated. By assessing the professional driver's perception, line of sight, obstacles, road hazards, and the design of the roadway, Chuck can reconstruct the truck accident. This type of investigation is invaluable in protecting our client's recovery rights. Not only can Chuck step into the driver's seat literally and figuratively, but as a former Corporate Executive with some of the largest trucking companies in America, Chuck was charged with the safe operation of thousands of tractor trailers rigs. With the responsibility to protect millions of dollars of cargo, and more importantly the safety of the motoring public, he literally helped "write the book" on industry training standards, including policies on drug testing, hiring practices, driver orientation, operational training, and proper completion of driver log books. After his career in the trucking industry, Chuck spent six years with a personal injury law firm in Southeastern Indiana, holding the title of Vice President of Operations. His duties included developing a comprehensive marketing plan, tracking business flow, and assisting the attorneys in prosecuting and trying personal injury cases. Chuck is an active member of the Paralegal Committee of the Indiana State Bar Association. His last endeavor before joining Wagner Reese & Crossen was as an entrepreneur. Along with his three sons, Chuck purchased and rehabilitated a historic building, opening a restaurant and tavern in Ripley County, Indiana. During a two year period, the business flourished. In 2006 Chuck was named the "Ripley County Business Person of the Year." The family business also proudly co-sponsored local art displays, car shows, music festivals, and holiday charities. Chuck and his wife, Michele, reside in the Carmel area, enjoying motorcycling, horseback riding, antiquing, and spending time with their one year old granddaughter. Chuck is politically active; he is particularly passionate in his support of our troops, believing we should give our troops all the armament they need to do the job and proper health care and re-adjustment intervention to transition back into society when their service is completed. This is a cause that is very close to Chuck's heart--his youngest son volunteered for the Indiana National Guard and has orders to deploy to Iraq in early 2008 along with about 3,000 other Indiana National Guard troops. You can reach Chuck by email at Cstratis@InjuryAttorneys.com. |
