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.