Mike Williams, the former wide receiver who played for Syracuse University, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Buffalo Bills, retired from professional football in 2016. After his retirement, 36-year-old Williams began to work … [Read more...] about Construction Accidents Are Too Common in Ohio
Personal Injury
Ohio personal injury law covers a wide range of case types. One of the most common is motor vehicle crashes, including motorcycle accidents and collisions with bicyclists and pedestrians. Another common type of personal injury is a slip-and-fall incident, where someone slips or trips on someone else’s property due to faulty maintenance or some other type of negligence. But these are just two examples.
An Ohio personal injury claim can arise any time someone has a duty of care, fails in that duty, and because of that failure, causes injury or other damages. For example, a store owner has a duty to maintain the premises in reasonably safe condition. If store employees mop the floor, leave it slippery with soap, and don’t put up a warning sign, they have likely failed in that duty. So if a customer slips on the soapy floor and is injured, the store will typically be responsible for damages.
Ohio Personal Injury Lawsuits
In Ohio, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the incident that caused the harm. However, it’s important to be aware that related types of suits, such as medical malpractice, may have shorter statutes of limitations. Similarly, claims against some governmental entities may require quicker notice of the claim. So it’s best to talk with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Another reason it’s in your best interest to act quickly is that evidence may be lost or destroyed over time. Similarly, witnesses may be difficult to locate or may not have clear memories as time passes. And getting advice early in the process can save you from costly mistakes.
Damages in Personal Injury Suits
The damages available to the injured person depend on the specifics of the case. Some of the most common types of damages awarded include:
Lost Income: The injured person may be entitled to compensation for lost work time in the aftermath of the accident. In some cases, where the injury is long-term or permanent, the injury victim may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity.
Medical Expenses: As with lost income, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses already incurred and for those expected to arise in the future.
Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering is the most common type of “intangible damages,” meaning that there is no direct economic cost. Still, Ohio law recognizes that things like pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and limitation on activities are significant and provides for compensation.
While no personal injury attorney can tell you exactly what your claim is worth or promise you a result, a local attorney experienced with similar cases can give you a general idea of how similar cases have been treated.
The Five Most Dangerous Jobs in Ohio Ranked
All jobs have different advantages and disadvantages, but some are just plain more dangerous than others. The people who do these jobs have an increased risk of injury or death on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor … [Read more...] about The Five Most Dangerous Jobs in Ohio Ranked
Decks and Porches: Is There Danger in Your Back Yard?
Activities like drinking your morning coffee on the front porch or gathering for a barbecue on a friend’s deck probably don’t register at all on your risk-meter. It’s certainly true that porches and decks don’t present a huge … [Read more...] about Decks and Porches: Is There Danger in Your Back Yard?
How Common are Elevator Injuries in Ohio? Can I Sue?
You’ve probably never wondered how many elevators there are in the state of Ohio, but the answer is “more than 34,000.” That’s a lot of equipment to maintain, especially when you consider that just 65 inspectors at the Ohio … [Read more...] about How Common are Elevator Injuries in Ohio? Can I Sue?
What is the Average Personal Injury Verdict in Ohio?
At first glance, it seems like there’s a quick, simple answer to this question. A company called Jury Verdict Research recently reported that the average personal injury award in Ohio is just over $300,000. Unfortunately, that … [Read more...] about What is the Average Personal Injury Verdict in Ohio?
Halloween and Pedestrian Fatalities: What You Need to Know
On Halloween, there’s a lot more foot traffic than on the typical evening–especially an evening in late autumn. Many of those pedestrians are young children and adolescents, which complicates the driving situation further … [Read more...] about Halloween and Pedestrian Fatalities: What You Need to Know
Hammocks are More Dangerous Than You Think: Here’s Why
When installing a hammock, people are usually looking forward to relaxing with a book. They don’t think of the possibility for accidents, let alone serious injury or death. Yet, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety … [Read more...] about Hammocks are More Dangerous Than You Think: Here’s Why
New Ohio Law Puts Firework Safety in the Spotlight
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Ohio Water Park Injuries: Liability, Legal Rights, and More
It’s not unusual to be a little nervous when you’re standing at the top of a long water slide or getting ready to jump off a platform holding tight to a rope. But few of us expect serious injuries from these water park … [Read more...] about Ohio Water Park Injuries: Liability, Legal Rights, and More
Ohio Forklift Injuries: Understanding Your Legal Rights
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 7,000 U.S. workers are injured in forklift-related incidents each year. An average of 87 are killed annually. In 2020, there were 7,290 non-fatal forklift accidents … [Read more...] about Ohio Forklift Injuries: Understanding Your Legal Rights
Ohio Concert Injuries: Who’s Responsible?
Ohio has the dubious honor of being the site of one of the best-known concert disasters in U.S. history. In 1979, 11 teens and young adults were killed and at least 26 others injured when a crowd waiting outside the Riverfront … [Read more...] about Ohio Concert Injuries: Who’s Responsible?
Ohio Daycare Injuries: Understanding Your Legal Rights
Daycare is essential for working parents, and it’s tough to find in many parts of Ohio right now. According to a report issued by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in September, 76% of Ohio child … [Read more...] about Ohio Daycare Injuries: Understanding Your Legal Rights
Are Liability Waivers Valid in Ohio?
Liability waivers got a lot of attention last summer and fall, as businesses and other organizations started rolling out “Covid waivers.” Even the President of the United States asked attendees at his campaign rallies to sign a … [Read more...] about Are Liability Waivers Valid in Ohio?
Ohio 4th Deadliest State for Child Pool and Spa Drownings
The USA Swimming Foundation says Ohio ranked # 4 for kids under the age of 16 drowning in pools and spas in 2019. Each of the top three states--Texas, California, and Florida--is a year-round warm weather state. There were 14 … [Read more...] about Ohio 4th Deadliest State for Child Pool and Spa Drownings
What is a Catastrophic Injury Under Ohio Law?
Generally, the term “catastrophic” means “involving sudden great damage.” That’s a pretty good description of a catastrophic injury, but Ohio law is more specific. The type of injury generally described as “catastrophic” in an … [Read more...] about What is a Catastrophic Injury Under Ohio Law?
