Attorney Rich HitzAttorney Rich Hitz is one of Nebraska’s most recognized leaders in the area of elder abuse and nursing home negligence litigation. In and out of the courtroom, Rich has led the charge to create an environment where substandard care in Nebraska nursing homes will not be tolerated. Rich frequently addresses audiences around the state on nursing home neglect issues. Rich leads educational seminars for other lawyers in an effort to increase professional awareness and understanding of these important elder neglect cases.
Rich was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He joined the Navy in 1985, to pursue a medical career. As a U.S. Navy Corpsman (medic), he received the Combat Action Ribbon for his service with a U.S. Marine Corps L.A.I. reconnaissance platoon during Operation Desert Storm. After his time in the military and before attending law school, Rich worked as a certified nursing assistant in nursing homes before becoming a corrections officer while putting himself through college. In 1999 Rich received his J.D. from the University of Nebraska’s College of Law. While attending law school, he received the CALI Award for Excellence in American Legal History, was Chairman of the Client Counseling Board, and received the Litigation Skills Track certification. Rich Hitz knows the heartbreak of having loved ones suffering unnecessarily. Rich is a military veteran who provided hands-on care to U.S. Marines injured on the battlefield during the liberation of Kuwait City. Upon returning to Nebraska, Rich put his medical training to work in a nursing home. There, he began to appreciate the vulnerability of our nation’s elderly. Rich understands human frailty and the long and difficult struggle victims of serious injury and illness face. Rich uses this background to help families through difficult times. When individuals and families come to Rich, they are in pain from loss or injury. They feel unprotected and vulnerable. Rich will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, get to the truth and hold the responsible party accountable. In more than 19 years representing and trying cases for the seriously injured, Rich has handled nursing home negligence, personal injury, wrongful death, workers compensation and catastrophic injury cases in courtrooms all over Nebraska. Rich is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Millard Post #8334. He resides in the Millard area and is the proud parent of three great children, Derek, Helen and Rebekah. Bar Admissions Nebraska – 1999 United States Court, District of Nebraska – 1999 United States Court of Appeals 8th Circuit – 2001 United States Court of Veterans Appeals – 2001 Education University of Nebraska-Lincoln B.S. in Criminal Justice – 1996 University of Nebraska College of Law – Lincoln, Nebraska J.D. – 1999 Associations Nebraska State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association Sarpy County Bar Association American Association of Justice (AAJ) AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Section Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation Veterans of Foreign Wars, Millard Post #8334, Lifetime Member Classes & Seminars Wrongful Death Settlements: A Nuts and Bolts Approach to Appointing a Special Administrator and obtaining Court Approval Nebraska Association of Trial Attorney Seminar – Omaha, Nebraska 12 Tips For Nursing Home Cases In 12 Minutes Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys Seminar – Omaha, Nebraska Nebraska Alzheimer’s Care Act & Negligence Claims Nebraska Association of Trial Attorney Seminar – Omaha, Nebraska Medicine For Lawyers Program Chair and Presenter: “Nursing Home Neglect – Case Selection: What Should I Look For?” Publications - Nursing Home Negligence “How to Protect Your Clients and their Family Members”, The Nebraska Lawyer Magazine - National Business Institute – “Building Your Civil Trial Skills - How to Handle Post-Trial Issues” - NATA Civil Litigation Practice Manual – “Proof of Facts and Evidentiary Issues” – Chapter Author and Presenter, University of Nebraska College of Law |