If you’ve been injured on the job in Ohio and suffered a hernia (rupture) as the result of your injury, you may be surprised to learn that injury claims for hernia are among the most difficult claims to prove. Generally, this is … [Read more...] about Hernia and Workers’ Compensation: A Legal Trap for Injured Ohio Workers
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.
On the Road with Plevin & Gallucci: From Cleveland to Columbus
As Ohioans, we're used to seeing cars and trucks from neighboring states on our roads. For decades, we have been a state of transport, proudly allowing – literally -- the wheels of commerce to pass through on our … [Read more...] about On the Road with Plevin & Gallucci: From Cleveland to Columbus
Injury or Occupational Disease? What Ohio Workers Should Know
Many workers’ compensation cases in Ohio filed as occupational diseases can more properly be classified as accidental injury claims. Because of restrictive limitations in many types of occupational disease claims, it’s often in … [Read more...] about Injury or Occupational Disease? What Ohio Workers Should Know
New Ohio Law Raises Financial Responsibility Limits in Auto Policies
The day has arrived - December 22, 2013 - when Ohio’s new law raising financial responsibility limits for auto policies both newly issued and renewed takes effect. After 44 years, the new law doubles Ohio’s longstanding minimum … [Read more...] about New Ohio Law Raises Financial Responsibility Limits in Auto Policies
How “Injury” is Defined under Ohio Law
Last updated Oct. 27, 2017. Under Ohio law, the term “injury” includes any injury, whether caused by external accidental means or accidental in character and results, received in the course of, and arising out of, the injured … [Read more...] about How “Injury” is Defined under Ohio Law
Personal Injury Medical Records: The Importance of Informing Your Doctor
Insurance companies don’t like to pay people who are injured by the companies’ customers. Those payments come right out of the companies’ bottom lines, meaning less money for their executives and investors at the end of the … [Read more...] about Personal Injury Medical Records: The Importance of Informing Your Doctor
Never Events in Surgery: What You Need to Know
Surgery is always risky. A person undergoing an operation always faces a range of potential complications that can result in serious injury or death. Doctors are generally supposed to warn their patients about these risks to … [Read more...] about Never Events in Surgery: What You Need to Know