Car Accident Attorney inCleveland, SC

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Cobb Hammett, LLC Fighting
for Your Rights in Cleveland, SC

When an accident comes without warning, even the most prepared person can fall victim. One moment, you're walking to a restaurant after a long day of work. The next moment, someone else's negligence and carelessness change your life forever. Personal injury victims aren't just the victims of negligence they suffer from pain, concern over family and ability to work. Often, these victims do not have the luxury of worrying about work and family, because they're clinging to life in an ER. Without a personal injury attorney in Cleveland, SC, by their side, they mistakenly provide official statements to insurance agencies and accept settlement offers that only account for a fraction of what they have lost.

If you have recently been hurt in an accident, you may be asking questions like:

  • "What happens now?"
  • "How will I pay for my hospital bills?"
  • "Will I get fired from my job?"
  • "Will I be able to function independently ever again?"

With more than 100,000 car accidents in South Carolina every year, we hear these questions every day. Our hearts hurt for those who are suffering due to no fault of their own. Accident victims are not only left with questions like those above; they're also forced to deal with costs associated with medical bills, car repair, follow-up appointments, and loss of income.

While reading these facts can be bleak, there is a silver lining. South Carolina law dictates that those who are found responsible for your pain and suffering may be obligated to pay for your expenses. Cobb Hammett, LLC exists for that exact reason to make sure that negligent parties are held accountable. We fight on your behalf to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. We aren't afraid to go toe-to-toe with greedy insurance agencies who do not have your best interests at heart.

Our overarching goal is to protect your rights, and our law firm is uniquely positioned to do so, with attorney Michael Dill's vast experience in the auto insurance industry.

Personal Injury Attorney Cleveland, SC
Service Areas

We offer comprehensive vehicle representation for a number of different automobile accidents, including:

  • Distracted Driving
  • Drunk Driving
  • Rollovers
  • Multi-Vehicle Accidents
  • Automobile Defects
  • Roadway Defects
  • Speeding
  • Reckless Driving
  • Uninsured Motorists or
    Underinsured Drivers
  • Rear-End Collisions
  • Car Rental Accidents
  • RV Accidents

If you know you have been involved in one of the car accidents above, the time to seek experienced representation is now. Generally, car accident victims have three years from the date of their injuries to file a personal injury claim in Cleveland. That time frame can be reduced in certain circumstances. When a wrongful death is involved, surviving family members must take action in a similar time frame.

The bottom line is that speed is of the essence in these cases. When we sit down with you to learn more about your accident, we will help you understand South Carolina law so that you are fully informed before taking legal action. The sooner we can dig into the details of your case, the sooner we can fight for your rights.

We Recover Compensation
When You Need It Most

The law states that personal injury victims are entitled to compensation for the full extent of their injuries. Why? Because the primary goal of injury compensation in Cleveland, SC, is to help the victim return to the state they would have been in, if the accident never occurred. In the literal sense, doing so isn't possible. The law cannot reverse the incredible suffering and pain that accompanies a severe injury. As such, personal injury victims are entitled to receive a financial reward that equals those damages.

How much compensation you get depends on the facts and nuances of your case. With that said, you may be able to recover compensation for the following needs:

  • Rehab-Related Expenses like
    Physical Therapy
  • All Medical Expenses
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Lost Wages and Loss of
    Future Income Earning Ability
  • Disfigurement
  • Emotional Distress
  • Mental Anguish

If you or someone you love was recently injured in a car wreck, contact our office today to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Cleveland, SC. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin fighting for your rights and the compensation you need.

 Personal Injury Lawyer Cleveland, SC The-Cobb-Dill-Hammett-Difference
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What Our Clients Say

The Role of Negligence in Your
Cleveland Personal Injury Case

If there were one common truth that we can count on, it's that life is unpredictable. Sometimes, accidents just happen. However, when recklessness and negligence come into play in situations where accidents cause personal injuries, the negligent party can be held responsible under South Carolina law. For victims to have a chance at compensation, the party responsible for the accident must be proven to be negligent. When a party or parties are negligent, they fail to take appropriate care when performing an action, like driving an automobile.

 Car Accident Attorney Cleveland, SC
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, our team works to prove negligence
for our clients by proving:
  • The defendant had an obligation to look out for your safety.
  • The defendant did not uphold that duty.
  • There was causation between the defendant's breach of duty and the injuries you sustained.
  • You suffered real damages.

After an accident occurs, it is critical to take certain steps to help prove the responsible party's negligence and maximize the compensation you rightly deserve.

Steps to Maximize Compensation
After an Accident in Cleveland, SC

All too often, car wreck victims don't get the compensation they need because they failed to take the proper steps after their accident. Don't let this be you. By having comprehensive records of your car accident and its aftermath, you have a much better chance of protecting your rights and maximizing compensation for your bills and injuries. If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Cleveland, follow these steps before doing anything else:

1.

Go to a Doctor

First and foremost, seek medical attention for any injuries that you have sustained. You might not realize it now, but your injuries may be more complex and serious than you think. Damage like head trauma and back injuries are not easy to diagnose on your own and sometimes take time to surface. A full medical examination will help reveal the extent of your injuries, lead to a quicker recovery, and help document the injuries you sustained. This last part is essential to prove the significance of your injuries.

 Law Firm Cleveland, SC
2.

File an
Accident Report

The second step you should take is to report your injuries to the correct authorities. The authorities change depending on the circumstances of your accident. If you were involved in a car wreck in Cleveland, you should file your report with the highway authorities and any associated insurance agencies. Regardless of where you were injured and how the wreck occurred, the biggest takeaway here is to file a report. That way, you have an established, official record of the incident that can be referred to down the line.

Personal Injury Attorney Cleveland, SC
3.

Preserve Evidence
if Possible

Personal injury cases in Cleveland are won with evidence. It might sound like the job of the police, but it's important that you try to secure any evidence that you can collect relating to your accident, especially if you are injured. Evidence in auto accident cases tends to disappear quickly. By preserving evidence soon after the accident, it can be used in court. For example, if you cannot get a witness statement immediately after your wreck, their testimony may come across as less reliable. Completing this task on your own can be quite difficult, especially after a serious accident. That's why it's so crucial to complete the last step below.

 Personal Injury Lawyer Cleveland, SC
4.

Contact a Lawyer

One of the most intelligent, important steps you can take after a car accident is calling a personal injury attorney in Cleveland, SC. At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we will assist you with every step of your personal injury case to ensure that your rights are protected. That includes gathering all types of evidence relevant to your case. When we investigate your accident, we will determine the person who is liable for your losses. If there are multiple liable parties, we will hold each one accountable for their negligence.

Every personal injury case is different, which is why experience counts when it comes to car accident compensation. Our track record speaks for itself, but no number of past results will guarantee a perfect outcome. What we can guarantee, however, is our undivided attention and fierce dedication to your case, no matter the circumstances. Unlike other personal injury law firms in Cleveland, you can have peace of mind knowing your best interests always come first at Cobb Hammett, LLC.

 Car Accident Attorney Cleveland, SC

Common Car Accidents in
Cleveland, SC

At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we have years of experience handling some of Cleveland's most complicated car accident cases. Some of the most common cases that come across our desks include:

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is a major problem in the Lowcountry. Drunk drivers are incredibly irresponsible and regularly cause fatal accidents because they drive physically and mentally impaired by alcohol. Drunk drivers have slower reaction times, delayed reflexes, and impaired vision, making them unfit to operate a motor vehicle. In auto wrecks, drunk drivers often come away with minor injuries compared to their victims, which is a bitter pill to swallow

Individuals who make a choice to drive drunk cause accidents by weaving in and out of traffic, going over the speed limit, failing to see pedestrians, and ignoring traffic laws. They may run cars off the road, rear-end vehicles, hit them head-on, or even cause a vehicle to roll over.

Drunk driving accidents in Cleveland care result in horrible injuries, such as:

  • Burns
  • Broken Bones
  • Head Injuries
  • Brain Trauma
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Mental Anguish

If you are injured or have lost a family member due to an impaired or drunk driver, our team of personal injury lawyers in Cleveland can help. We have extensive experience with car accident cases and can explain your rights in simple, plain terms. It is important to know that you can file a personal injury suit regardless of the criminal case outcome against the drunk driver.

 Law Firm Cleveland, SC

Rental and RV Accidents

When accidents happen in RVs or rental cars, people are often unsure of their rights. This confusion is understandable since there are additional insurance and legal issues that must be accounted for in these cases.

Fortunately, the lawyers at Cobb Hammett, LLC, have the experience to help you with complex car accident and RV cases. Attorney Michael Dill worked in the auto insurance industry before becoming an attorney. He also has an undergraduate degree that includes a focus on risk management and insurance. When it comes to rental and RV accidents, we review each client's case with a fine-tooth comb. Once we understand your accident, our team will explain your rights and options in easy-to-understand terms.

If you were involved in an accident while driving an RV or a rental vehicle, you may find that your auto insurance company, the rental car's insurance company, and the other party's insurance carrier will try to deny your claim. Situations like these call for a bold, experienced personal injury attorney in Cleveland, SC, who isn't afraid of large corporations and insurance groups. We have extensive experience with insurance companies and know how to interpret policies. As your advocate, we will ensure that you receive the coverage and compensation you are entitled to, even if an insurance company says you aren't.

We can help you seek compensation in cases that involve:

  • Injuries from Boating Ac
    cidents
  • Rental Cars Injuries
  • RV Accidents
  • Jet Ski Injuries
  • Golf Cart Injuries
  • Rental cars
  • Boat accidents
  • ATV Accidents

Victims of RV and rental car accidents (as well as their families) may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income or benefits. Our personal injury lawyers work with life-care planners, medical experts, and economists to determine the amount of compensation you will need.

Personal Injury Attorney Cleveland, SC

Texting While Driving and
Distracted Driving Accidents

We live in a time where just about everyone has their eyes glued to their phones. Often, this happens in situations where the person needs to be paying attention, like when they're driving an automobile. Taking a few moments to glance down at your phone can cause irreparable damage to other drivers. That is why texting while driving is illegal in Cleveland. Typically, this crime is met with a minor traffic violation. However, when a distracted driver injures another motorist, you can seek compensation through a legal suit. If you have been injured in such a situation, our team can help you hold the negligent driver accountable for your losses and damages.

Texting takes drivers' minds and eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel. Because they are not paying attention to their driving,

They miss crucial road signs and information such as:

  • Changes in the Flow
    of Traffic
  • Traffic Lights
  • Traffic Signs
  • Work Zones
  • Bicyclists
  • Lane Changes
  • Incapacitate Cars and
    Motorists

At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we represent injury victims in Cleveland who are involved in all types of car accidents, including distracted driving. We work with vigor to recover the full amount of compensation you and your family will need to recover. You can rely on our attorneys for dedicated, representation throughout your case. Unlike some distracted driving lawyers in Cleveland, we will assist you with all aspects of your accident, including access to good medical care if needed.

 Personal Injury Lawyer Cleveland, SC

Unflinching Legal Advocacy. Compassionate Care

At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we are proud of our commitment to our clients. We pledge to provide them with the highest quality legal representation in Cleveland and treat them with respect, empathy, and compassion. If you are suffering from the results of a dangerous car accident, know we are here to assist.

We will help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and additional losses. Surviving family members may also recover funeral expenses and compensation for the personal loss of a loved one, including the deceased's future income and benefits. When you or your family's health and financial security are on the line, trust the best choose Cobb Hammett, LLC.

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Latest News in Cleveland, SC

Enjoy the Perfect Park Day at Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC

Have you visited Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC? This gorgeous, heavily shaded park is located just off Asheville Highway and is the perfect place to spend the day with your family. This park has everything, from a large duck pond spotted with several species of bird, to an expansive playground. There is something new to experience with each visit. The park is handicap accessible, so everyone can enjoy the park without feeling restricted. So, grab your picnic basket and head to Spartanburg for a lovely day at ...

Have you visited Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC? This gorgeous, heavily shaded park is located just off Asheville Highway and is the perfect place to spend the day with your family. This park has everything, from a large duck pond spotted with several species of bird, to an expansive playground. There is something new to experience with each visit. The park is handicap accessible, so everyone can enjoy the park without feeling restricted. So, grab your picnic basket and head to Spartanburg for a lovely day at Cleveland Park!

Here are some of the best parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC and Spartanburg!

The “Great Adventure” Playground

The nature-themed play area features several towering structures, climbing towers, swing sets, and wiggly bridges. The entire play area is atop rubberized flooring to provide a safe place for children to run and play. The Tot Lot, recommended for ages 2-5, has an adorable sandbox with a metal digger to let your toddler scoop and pour to their heart’s content. There are also structures to climb that are the perfect size for younger children. The tot area has bucket swings, a xylophone, and monkey bars, perfect for the adventurous toddler in your family.

The largest area, The Great Adventure zone, features a climbing wall, towering structures to climb, and caves underneath to escape the heat and let your imagination run wild! Several slides, tunnels, and rope bridges form the bulk of the park. Also, there is an exciting spinning roundabout that will have your kid giggling uncontrollably (while giving your arms a workout).

A park would not be complete without swings, and this section has several swings and a tire swing! The play area is in direct sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen and water during the summer months to keep your kids happy and safe while they spend their day playing. There is a picnic table area in the shade where parents can relax while their children play, or families can enjoy lunch during their visit.

Paved walking paths weaving through towering shade trees elevate the park’s beauty. Along these paths, you will find gazebos, a picturesque bridge, a large pond with several bird species, restrooms, and several other standout features. Be sure to bring your frozen peas and healthy snacks to feed the ducks!

In addition, there are plenty of spots throughout the park to have a picnic in the grass, with more formal facilities available for rent, and picnic tables spotted throughout the entire park. If you are looking to work out during your walk, you can locate outdoor fitness equipment throughout the park. Looking to host a large event? No problem!

There is a gorgeous event rental space at the John B. Cleveland Event Center as well. Cleveland Park has so much to offer for children, families, and anyone looking to get out and enjoy the beauty of Spartanburg.

141 North Cleveland Park DriveSpartanburg, SC 29303864.562.4150

Has your family visited Cleveland Park in Spartanburg?

Playing as ‘one brain’ Steel City FC’s first half goals hold up in 2-0 win in top of table clash with Cleveland

Steel City FC continued its recent run of success against their rivals from Northeast Ohio, defeating Cleveland SC, 2-0, before a standing room crowd at Founders Field in Cheswick on Saturday evening.With the win, Steel City (5w-0l-1d, 16 points) seized the top spot in the NPSL’s Great Lakes Conference, as they handed Cleveland (3-1-0, 9 points) its first loss of the season.First half goals from Gabe Norris (Highlands/Robert Morris) and Eben McIntyre (Charleroi/Pitt), assisted by Anthony DiFalco (Franklin Regional/Duquesn...

Steel City FC continued its recent run of success against their rivals from Northeast Ohio, defeating Cleveland SC, 2-0, before a standing room crowd at Founders Field in Cheswick on Saturday evening.

With the win, Steel City (5w-0l-1d, 16 points) seized the top spot in the NPSL’s Great Lakes Conference, as they handed Cleveland (3-1-0, 9 points) its first loss of the season.

First half goals from Gabe Norris (Highlands/Robert Morris) and Eben McIntyre (Charleroi/Pitt), assisted by Anthony DiFalco (Franklin Regional/Duquesne) and Justin Kopay (Moon/St. John’s) were enough, as Steel City shut down Cleveland the rest of the way.

“While I’m very happy to get on the score sheet, especially against Cleveland, at the end of the day it was the by-product of a string of really good actions from the rest of the team,” Norris said after the match.

“I think it really highlighted the team’s chemistry and the fact we try to play as one brain.”

Goalkeeper Garret Wilson earned another clean sheet.

“As a goalkeeper obviously clean sheet is always the priority. This particular clean sheet though, all credit to the 10 guys in front of me flying around and putting them under pressure all game. They didn’t have a chance to breathe and we weren’t even really threatened in front of goal,” Wilson said. “To put in a performance like that in front of all of our youth players and members was exactly what we wanted to do. As someone who coaches in the club and sees every side of things it’s such a special thing to see everyone in the club top to bottom come together like that, especially against a rival like Cleveland, there’s nothing better.”

Steel City’s Head Coach Dan Brower was especially excited that his team could showcase a solid performance on the same day the soccer club held a women’s/men’s doubleheader with an awards ceremony for Youth teams between games.

“Just so very happy for the players and our club. Founders was jumping throughout the day and I want to thank our supporters for an amazing atmosphere. Our youth players and their families came out in force and our First Team players responded with an equally lively performance,” Brower stated.

For the second straight match against Cleveland SC, Steel City replicated its result from last season’s Great Lakes Conference Final, posting a 2-0 shut out victory, where the home side stayed in control throughout.

“We defended brilliantly – wonderful team effort to keep Cleveland off the board. We scored two great goals and, sure, would have been nice to put the game out of reach with another in the 2nd half but this just means some more things to work on in training, all good!” Brower added.

“Players are feeling confident and playing with more purpose each and every week. We’re playing a style of football that is true to the club ethos and hopefully excites the fans and our members on match days.”

Steel City continues to roll out many different roster combinations since the start of the 2024 year, as they have used different starting lineups going back to their Open Cup match in April, to the first six contests in league play.

“We were missing a few key pieces and so the depth of our squad took center stage. After this match, we’ve already had 28 players play in league matches and I expect that over 10 of our Academy products will find game minutes this summer,” Brower said.

“Steel City is about over-achieving and that can only happen by developing a thoughtful process-based approach – supported at all levels – and a winning culture. Our Steel City First Team continues to be about Player Development, plus results.”

Full-time at Founders Field finishes Steel City FC 2 Cleveland SC 0

We regroup and come back stronger. #WeAreCLE pic.twitter.com/zliGpZnLNd

— Cleveland SC (@SoccerCLE) June 9, 2024

This Rustic Mountain Restaurant In South Carolina Is Worth The Trip From Any Corner Of The State

Foodie road trips come in a variety of delicious adventures. But one thing they all certainly have in common is the thrill of exploring new places as well as new places to eat. Mountain House Restaurant is one of the best Cleveland, South Carolina restaurants. It has all the makings of a fun experience that includes a winding trek up a sc...

Foodie road trips come in a variety of delicious adventures. But one thing they all certainly have in common is the thrill of exploring new places as well as new places to eat. Mountain House Restaurant is one of the best Cleveland, South Carolina restaurants. It has all the makings of a fun experience that includes a winding trek up a scenic mountain, flavorful lunch choices, and a visit to a state park, which is just steps from the restaurant. The top offers some of the most incredible sweeping mountain views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. There's nothing I appreciate more than the combination of great food and amazing views!

Mountain House at Caesars Head rests at the top of a mountain that peaks at just over 3,200 feet.

On the drive up the mountain, you'll pass the massive natural overlook known as Bald Rock. Stop and explore the rock and the views for 20-30 minutes... it's part of the adventure!

Once you're nearing the entrance to Caesars Head State Park, you'll see Mountain House Restaurant on your left.

Inside the rustic cabin exterior you'll find friendly faces and eclectic decor.

The abbreviated menu includes ideal choices like wraps, club sandwiches, grilled chicken, subs, salads, and more.

On a hot day, it may be difficult to pass up a double-scoop cone after your meal.

Enjoy the lovely view from the bright and airy seating area facing the long-range view out back.

You won't find a more rustic and welcoming eatery on this mountain!

When the last bite has been consumed, go back for a piece of homemade mountain fudge and prepare for the next leg of this journey.

Only steps away (but you'll need to bring your car) is the entrance to Caesars Head State Park, and you won't want to miss it!

Caesars Head State Park features a huge rock with an overlook built on top, plus some spectacular trails.

It affords a perfect view of the Blue Ridge Escarpment (the edge of the mountain chain) and the surrounding mountains and valleys beyond.

On a clear day, you can see all the way to Table Rock and beyond. This is probably the perfect spot to enjoy the view AND that homemade fudge you just bought at Mountain House restaurant.

The rustic Mountain House restaurant is a great place to enjoy both views and great food! The hours for Mountain House Restaurant vary so it's best to check out the Mountain House at Ceasars Head website for current information. You can also follow the Mountain House on Facebook for more photos and to see specials. You can reach it on 864-689-1061.

A visit to one of the best restaurants in South Carolina isn't the only reason to make your way to the area. Cleveland is actually one of the most eccentric and fun spots in the state and we recommend making your visit a long weekend. To help you make the most of it, consider a vacation rental to feel a bit more like a local.

For Cleveland-based science jobs, these 22 will give you the highest pay

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Investing in a science career may be the key to making more money. The median annual wage for life, physical and social sciences is $72,740 in 2021, more than $20,000 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.With about 147,900 openings in the country each year, the field is also expected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, equating to 98,700 new jobs over the next decade.But what are the best options to pursue if you like in Cleveland? ...

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Investing in a science career may be the key to making more money. The median annual wage for life, physical and social sciences is $72,740 in 2021, more than $20,000 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With about 147,900 openings in the country each year, the field is also expected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, equating to 98,700 new jobs over the next decade.

But what are the best options to pursue if you like in Cleveland? Stacker compiled a list of the highest-paying science jobs in the Cleveland metro area using data from BLS. Jobs are ranked by 2021 annual mean wage.

Below are the annual mean salary for the top 22 Cleveland-based science jobs, the current number of employees in that position and the cities with the highest pay for that work.

No. 22. Environmental science and protection technicians, including health

Annual mean salary: $47,890

Employment: 210

Metros with highest average pay: Kennewick-Richland, Washington ($79,780), Huntsville, Alabama ($78,320), Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama ($76,970),

No. 21. Conservation scientists

Annual mean salary: $54,070

Employment: 70

Metros with highest average pay: Springfield, Massachusetts and Connecticut ($108,670), Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota and Wisconsin ($106,200), Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada ($101,900)

No. 20. Chemical technicians

Annual mean salary: $54,540

Employment: 450

Metros with highest average pay: Billings, Montanta ($86,340), Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada ($78,000), Baton Rouge, Louisiana ($77,020)

No. 19. Occupational health and safety technicians

Annual mean salary: $55,620

Employment: 90

Metros with highest average pay: Evansville, Indiana and Kentucky ($77,880), Anchorage, Alaska ($77,690), Oklahoma City ($77,100)

No. 18. Social science research assistants

Annual mean salary: $56,000

Employment: 40

Metros with highest average pay: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia ($88,730), Columbia, South Carolina ($77,760), Springfield, Massachusetts-CT ($70,570)

No. 17. Biological technicians

Annual mean salary: $56,720

Employment: 770

Metros with highest average pay: Dallas-Fort Worth -Arlington, Texas ($69,050), Boulder, Colorado ($68,640), Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa ($65,940)

No. 16. Forensic science technicians

Annual mean salary: $60,280

Employment: 80

Metros with highest average pay: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California ($106,600), Los Angeles-Long Beach -Anaheim, California ($96,980), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($96,410),

No. 15. Microbiologists

Annual mean salary: $64,640

Employment: 30

Metros with highest average pay: Knoxville, Tennessee ($125,380), Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, Massachusetts and New Hampshire ($121,530), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($115,340)

No. 14. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health

Annual mean salary: $71,990

Employment: 210

Employment: 76,890- Metros with highest average pay: Idaho Falls, Idaho ($116,630), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California ($109,190), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($107,710)

No. 13. School psychologists

Annual mean salary: $73,590

Employment: 250

Metros with highest average pay: Boulder, Coloraod ($116,280), El Centro, California ($116,010), Fresno, California ($115,360)

No. 12. Urban and regional planners

Annual mean salary: $74,740

Employment: 180

Metros with highest average pay: Boulder, Colorado ($119,680), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California ($112,760), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($112,740)

No. 11. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

Annual mean salary: $82,540

Employment: 40

Metros with highest average pay: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas ($161,290), Corpus Christi, Texas ($156,870), Midland, Texas ($156,270)

No. 10. Epidemiologists

Annual mean salary: $82,560

Employment: 40

Metros with highest average pay: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington ($145,410), New York-Newark-Jersey City, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania ($139,240), Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, New York ($124,460)

No. 9. Occupational health and safety specialists

Annual mean salary: $82,960

Employment: 860

Metros with highest average pay: Kennewick-Richland, Washington ($111,950), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California ($108,240), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($108,020)

No. 8. Chemists

Annual mean salary: $85,340

Employment: 650

Metros with highest average pay: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia ($131,290), Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Connecticut ($115,790), Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, Massachusetts and New Hampshire ($108,330)

No. 7. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

Annual mean salary: $92,350

Employment: data not available

Metros with highest average pay: Memphis, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas ($176,770), Columbia, South Carolina ($155,570), Danbury, Connecticut ($151,970)

No. 6. Food scientists and technologists

Annual mean salary: $101,750

Employment: 40

Metros with highest average pay: Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas ($138,600), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($103,970), Wichita, Kansas ($102,100)

No. 5. Materials scientists

Annual mean salary: $103,340

Employment: 40

Metros with highest average pay: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, Maryland ($142,410), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California ($135,480), Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, Massachusetts and New Hampshire ($133,380)

No. 4. Atmospheric and space scientists

Annual mean salary: $107,250

Employment: 30

Metros with highest average pay: San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($118,860), Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, Massachusetts and New Hampshire ($118,420), Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Oregon and Washington ($114,860)

No. 3. Economists

Annual mean salary: $111,190

Employment: 60

Metros with highest average pay: New York-Newark-Jersey City, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania ($162,870), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California ($161,320), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California ($156,360)

No. 2. Clinical and counseling psychologists

Annual mean salary: $127,820

Employment: 390

Metros with highest average pay: San Diego-Carlsbad, California ($136,630), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California ($134,200), Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Oregon and Washington ($133,060)

No. 1. Physicists

Annual mean salary: $149,600

Employment: 60

Metros with highest average pay: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland ($199,830), Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona ($195,300), Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas ($188,250)

Zachary Smith is the data reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. See previous stories at this link.

$1 million club - the 38 highest paid non-profit employees in Greater Cleveland

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Mike Derezic and Cleveland SC – Home Again

When Mikey Derezic, midfielder for Cleveland SC, was a senior at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio, his high school soccer career ended at his home field in a 3-1 loss to North Olmstead in the Ohio State District semifinals. Tonight, Mikey steps onto the same Lakewood pitch as a member of Cleveland SC, a member of the NPSL, to battle their rivals, ...

When Mikey Derezic, midfielder for Cleveland SC, was a senior at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio, his high school soccer career ended at his home field in a 3-1 loss to North Olmstead in the Ohio State District semifinals. Tonight, Mikey steps onto the same Lakewood pitch as a member of Cleveland SC, a member of the NPSL, to battle their rivals, Akron City FC. What an amazing turn for this former Lakewood Ranger and Cleveland State Viking!

Lakewood HS is in the Division 1 category of Ohio High School Athletics. Their schedule always has state champions or consistently strong programs that they battle during the regular season. Mike’s senior year, though it ended earlier than he wanted, saw him named First Team All-State, along with a former Columbus Crew and US Men’s National Team member, Will Trapp.

“In high school playing under Coach Toth really opened my eyes. Coach Toth has played a huge role in my life on and off the field. He always taught me lessons through the game and implemented the lessons in the real world. I have to give a lot of credit to him for my success as an athlete and more importantly as a person. I could write a paper on Coach Toth and the impact he has had on my life.”

Mike continued his soccer career at Cleveland State University, a member of the Horizon League, under the coaching of Ali Kazemaini, himself a former Cleveland State grad. Kazemaini was a driving figure in Cleveland soccer with the Major League Indoor Soccer team, the Cleveland Force, where he won Rookie of the Year honors in 1984-1985. Mike, as a freshman under Coach Ali’s tutelage, started 15 games his first year. In 2012 he helped the Vikings to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1980.

“College was a different animal. Playing under [coach] Ali Kazemaini helped me further my game. I believe it was in college that my soccer took a big jump. Both high school and college play a big role in the player I am today.”

After CSU Mikey, the nickname he goes by, started playing for the NPSL club, AFC Cleveland. The Royals were in the NPSL since 2012. Their first year saw them finish third in the Midwest Conference, a respectable place for a first-year club! They even made it to the Midwest Final.

His teammates during this time were players like Admir Suljevic, Vinnie Bell, and Ben Hryszko. AFC Cleveland was a strong member of the Midwest Conference until they suddenly were forced to leave the NPSL.

NEWS: The #NPSL today announced the termination of the memberships of AFC Cleveland (@AFCCleveland) and Sports Club Corinthians USA (@SCorinthiansUSA) in line with the NPSL Bylaws for teams not in good financial standing with the league. pic.twitter.com/Teog7N61vM

— National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) (@NPSLSoccer) December 12, 2017

So, when Mikey heard this, a group of players convened. “When AFC Cleveland folded some of the guys reached out to Sam [Seibert, current owner] to start a new club. We all wanted to continue playing, so when I got the call from some of my teammates it was a no brainer.” Thus, Cleveland SC was born. But what to do during down times?

In 2021 Mikey and many of his current teammates on Cleveland SC started playing for the Crunch, a member of the MASL 2 (Major Arena Soccer League 2), a second tier level organization under the Major Arena Soccer League. The league is a good fit for those players that want to continue their soccer careers since the play starts in late November and runs to early April. Men who play in NPSL have a chance to continue staying fit and sharp. As is the case for Mikey, many of his current Cleveland SC teammates were with him on the Crunch roster.

“A lot of the older guys on the team have played together for quite some time. It’s truly what makes this group special. Playing with the same group on Cleveland Crunch and Cleveland SC (CSC) has only made us better. Obviously the more we play together the better we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Which makes the game become easier for us.”

You can see this in their play with CSC. They know where each likes the ball on the pitch and their communication and fluid play is a great example of how playing together for this long contributes to effective team success.

Mike and Admir were the top scorers in all of MASL 2’s 2021 season. They bring their successful efforts from indoors to outdoors.

(Photo by Luigi Musto, @viperg98)

Mikey and his teammates sit currently in second place in the Rust Belt Conference for NPSL this season. Fresh off an 8-0 win over Akron City FC, Cleveland has seemed to bounce back from their first two game losing streak in over three years!

(Photo by Josh Troche, @pedalstomper78)

Vlad Muresan, the Cleveland coach, and Mikey have a keen respect for each other, and it stems from their playing days together. “Me and Vlad go way back. We played together on the Cleveland internationals academy team and we also played against each other when Lakewood High played St. Ignatius. To keep it simple, the transition has been very easy. He has a European mentality which fits with our team very well.”

Mikey is currently working on “[j]ust staying sharp and fit… [and] helping the younger guys and giving examples for them to follow.” In short, being a leader, the team can count on.

Many people don’t realize that as a semi-professional team these men do not get paid. They have full time jobs. They play soccer for the love of the game, the camaraderie of teammates, and to win. “Winning championships [is] a highlight, but the best memories [are] made in the locker room and practices. That’s where you really get to know teammates and create long lasting memories.”

Mike’s current way to pay the bills? “I currently work at Lubrizol. Work is very flexible for me which allows me to do the things I love.”

Family

When soccer is over, Mike likes to hunt and camp. But really, he prides himself on how much his family has been involved in this endeavor. “Family has always been a big support. My girlfriend has been a great addition to my cheer squad. I have to give her a lot of credit putting up with my traveling for soccer and getting the house ready to move in. Takes a special person to understand that commitment and support me along the way.”

(From Mike’s Twitter page, @MDerezic17)

And this is the story of so many of these players. So, as Mike steps onto the pitch tonight, all his Croatian family support for his soccer from youth games through the professional matches will come full circle on his high school field. Pretty cool for a young man from Cleveland!

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