Negligence is the failure to exercise the degree of care that another sensible person would under similar circumstances. For instance, all motorists have a duty of care to drive safely. Property owners have an obligation to keep their premises in good shape. Anything that deviates from what a reasonable person would do could constitute negligence. …
How chronic pain affects your ability to work
Chronic pain could affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. You may need to spend time in a specialized care facility, make in-home accommodations, or delegate your household obligations elsewhere. Perhaps more importantly, it could affect your ability to work. When this happens, you could work with a personal injury lawyer from our firm. We can …
Columbus Wins $50 Million U.S. DOT Smart City Grant
In May 2016, the City of Columbus submitted a final application in a bid to become the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) first “Smart City.” Columbus was one of seven cities vying for the title. On June 21, DOT officials named Columbus the winning city. Columbus will receive a $50 million grant from the DOT …
Rules for punitive damages in Ohio negligence cases
At the conclusion of a lawsuit, after awarding compensatory damages, a judge or jury has the option of awarding punitive damages in Ohio. Punitive damages are different from other types of damages because a jury awards them to punish the defendant for intentional acts against the plaintiff—rather than to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. …
The Lifetime Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are devastating and often require extended hospitalization and rehabilitation. Many victims, even after rehab, cannot go back to same life they lived before; they cannot participate in certain hobbies or even hold a job. Many people do consider these costs, focusing instead on their medical bills. This is understandable as these medical …
How to Get an Accident Report in Columbus, Ohio
The reports filed by police after a traffic accident play an important role in proving civil liability for injuries and property damage. Find out below how to get an accident report for an insurance claim in Columbus, Ohio. How can I obtain a copy of the report? Columbus Division of Police officers must submit all …
How Insurance Adjusters May Try to Devalue Your Personal Injury Claim
When you have been involved in a car accident, consulting with insurance adjusters is a key part of the recovery process. Unfortunately, while you may believe that the insurance adjuster is on your side, chances are that she will use these tactics to try to devalue your claim in order to save the insurance company …
How are criminal and civil DUI accident cases different?
When a drunk driver causes an accident, two different types of legal DUI accident cases may result: a criminal case and a civil case. The state brings the criminal case and charges the defendant (the drunk driver) with driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. The plaintiff (the injured party or her representative) brings the …
If I switch attorneys in the middle of my personal injury case what files do I need to bring them?
When you switch attorneys in the middle of a personal injury case, it’s important that your new attorney have access to your records. Fortunately, you should be able to retain most of your information and transfer it to your new lawyer. Your Rights to Your Files If you are unhappy with your current lawyer, you …
Filing an Injury Claim on Behalf of Your Child after an Accident
Minors are not eligible to file personal injury actions. When a child is hurt because of another person’s negligence, the parent or legal guardian may file on his or her behalf. Learn the basics on filing a claim for another person so that you may receive compensation for medical bills and recovery. Types of Situations …
Ohio Texting and Driving Laws: Secondary Offense for Adults, Primary for Teens
There’s no doubt that texting while driving is a dangerous action that should be against the law. In recognition of this fact, the state of Ohio has banned texting and driving for all drivers, regardless of age. However, whether the offense is considered primary or secondary, differs slightly for teens vs. adults. The Law for …
Parties Liable in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Sustaining an injury in a serious accident can lead to bills for medical treatment, time away from work, and even the possibility of a long-term disability, if the injury was severe enough. The problem is not a rare one, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 41 million people visited …
Survival Claim in Ohio: Victim Died While Personal Injury Case Was Pending
If your loved one suffered serious injuries in an accident and died while the personal injury case was pending, you may be able to continue the action. When someone dies as the result of another party’s negligence, two different types of claims may be applicable: the personal injury case (which will now be called a …
Know What Squeeze Play is for Your Own Safety
Driving safely around tractor-trailers, commercial trucks and 18-wheelers is paramount to motorist safety. The risk of injuries is much higher for occupants of smaller vehicles involved in truck accidents than for occupants of trucks. Often, motorists make simple mistakes they don’t realize are devastating to their life and safety. Speeding, tailgating and lingering in a …
Writing a Letter of Spoliation to Prevent Evidence Destruction
If you or a loved one was recently involved in a truck accident and you have decided to file a claim or lawsuit against the trucking company, one of your first objectives will be to send the company a letter of spoliation. It’s crucial to send the letter at the onset of your case to …
The Impact of Recent Legislation Changes on Same-Sex Couples’ Rights
Attorney General Eric Holder recently made it clear that same-sex married couples should enjoy marital rights and benefits for all federal legal matters, regardless of state marriage law. On February 10, 2014, the Department of Justice released a memorandum from Attorney General Holder instructing all legal cases that involve the Department of Justice or federal …
What type of insurance covers my injuries at a neighbor’s house?
Home insurance coverage will generally cover injuries sustained at a neighbor’s house. This will depend on the types of coverage on the homeowner’s insurance policy: homeowner’s personal injury liability and medical payments coverage may apply. Home Insurance Coverage When Injured at Someone Else’s House No one ever knows when an accident on someone else’s property …
10 Signs of a Bad Attorney
Searching for a lawyer can be stressful, with a lot of uncertainties about how to begin and how to avoid hiring a bad attorney. There are signs, however, that may indicate when a particular attorney is not right for your case. Poor communication. The way a client is to correspond with an injury lawyer should be established …
What types of experience should I look for when hiring a personal injury attorney in Ohio?
When searching for a personal injury attorney in Columbus, there are several different factors to consider when evaluating attorney experience, including the number of years he or she has been practicing, and how many cases similar to yours that the lawyer has handled. Because hiring the right attorney can be very helpful to the outcome …
3 Fundamental Elements of Personal Injury Claims
The basics of personal injury claims include aspects such as legal liability, damages and evidence. Claims also include a smattering of other legal details that vary according to exactly what type of accident and injury occurred. Personal Injury Claims: The Legal Liability Lowdown One of the most fundamental parts of an injury claim is the …
5 Tips to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Court Case
Remember these five tips to prepare for a personal injury court case. Learning how the procedures will be handled and going over your testimony can be enormously helpful for plaintiffs who are unsure of what to expect. Help for Plaintiffs: Preparing for an Injury Court Case Court cases can be brief, but normally, jury trials …
Questions to Ask a Lawyer
You or someone you love just suffered a serious personal injury. Now you’re forced to consider hiring an Ohio injury attorney because your medical bills are piling up, you’re missing work because you’re in severe pain, and you’re losing income. But before you decide on who will represent your case, arrive at your legal consultation …