Our partner firm, the Buckeye Law Group, operates throughout Ohio and has a team of diligent and aggressive attorneys who are ready to fight your case. Their Ohio personal injury lawyers have decades of experience securing clients deserved compensation.
There’s no greater betrayal than suffering an injury due to another party’s negligence. Now, you’re facing a lengthy recovery — likely with climbing medical expenses and time off from work. The team of personal injury lawyers we’ve partnered with in Ohio is here to protect your rights and hold those responsible for your injury accountable. The Buckeye Law Group will guide you through the complex legal process, providing information and support each step of the way so that you can focus on your rehabilitation.
If you’ve been injured in the state of Ohio, don’t wait; schedule a FREE case evaluation with the accident attorneys at our trusted partner firm today to ensure you don’t miss any filing deadlines.
What Sets Ohio Personal Injury Law Apart
Each U.S. state has its own laws governing personal injury claims, and Ohio has a few unique points to consider. The personal injury attorneys we partner with in Ohio are familiar with state and local jurisdiction, which provides the best chance at maximizing your settlement. If you’re filing a personal injury claim in the state, it’s essential to understand what sets Ohio apart from other states.
- Modified Comparative Negligence. If a person is injured in an accident, they can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault. However, the amount they can recover is reduced based on their percentage of fault.
- Statute of Limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio is two years from the accident date. However, for medical malpractice claims, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the injury. The statute of limitations is two years for wrongful death lawsuits.
- No Caps on Pain and Suffering. Some states limit how much you can sue for pain and suffering as part of a personal injury claim. In Ohio, there is no cap on the allowed amount. There are exceptions for medical malpractice cases.
- State Waives Sovereign Immunity. Many U.S. states have a doctrine of sovereign immunity, which states that the political subdivisions have total immunity against lawsuits. Ohio has waived this immunity, and victims can sue the state and local governments for negligence.
- Collateral Source Rule. In Ohio, you may still sue a negligent party for damages even if you recover compensation from other sources like insurance companies.
- At-Fault Insurance State. Ohio still employs a model of “at-fault” insurance regarding car accidents. This means that the driver responsible for the damages in a crash must cover the expenses.
- Worker’s Compensation. Ohio has a unique workers’ compensation process. The BWC handles all claims in the state, making it a slightly different process than in other regions. In Ohio, private insurers do not handle workers’ compensation claims.
- Punitive Damages. Punitive damages are a rare form of compensatory reward in personal injury cases meant to punish the plaintiff and discourage future reckless or negligent behavior. In Ohio, the amount of punitive damages a defendant can seek is capped at two times the amount of economic damages in a case.
Steps to Take When You’ve Been Injured in Ohio
The personal injury attorneys in Ohio that we partner with will guide you through the legal process. They’ll advise you on the next steps, ensure you don’t miss filing deadlines, and gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. The Buckeye Law Group team will conduct a thorough independent investigation of your accident to present evidence to the courts.
If you suffer an injury in Ohio, follow these steps for the best possible outcome in your case.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Keep records of all medical reports and related expenses.
- Contact law enforcement directly from the scene. Call 911 if it’s an emergency. Request copies of the police reports.
- Schedule a FREE consultation with our partner accident attorneys in Ohio as soon as possible. Many victims contact our partner firm from the hospital or immediately upon returning home.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident.
- Keep meticulous records regarding all incurred costs and documentation of injuries and treatment.
- Follow the advice of your Ohio personal injury attorney throughout your case.
Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Ohio
The team of personal injury attorneys we partner with in Ohio handles a wide array of injury claims. Below are some examples of the most common claims the Buckeye Law Group represents.
- Auto Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Train Derailment
- Premises Liability
- Defective Products
- Social Security & Disability
- Workers Compensation
- And More
What to Expect in an Ohio Personal Injury Lawsuit
In a personal injury case in Ohio, a victim and their legal team must establish several points for a valid claim.
- You must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care.
- You must prove the defendant breached that duty of care.
- You must prove that this breach directly caused your injuries.
- You must prove that you suffered damages from such injuries and negligence.
To support your claims, our partner Ohio personal injury attorneys will present evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other relevant documents.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of any personal injury case is establishing causation. Most dismissed cases are disposed of because they fail to prove this element. Ohio courts often consider the ‘but-for’ principle, meaning that ‘but for’ the defendant’s actions, the injury would not have occurred. The attorneys at our partner firm are experienced in proving this key element in personal injury cases.
Understanding Compensation in Ohio Personal Injury Claims
You can file a claim for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages in Ohio.
- Economic Damages. Financial loss associated with the injury. These damages may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and future lost earnings, property damage, and more.
- Non-Economic Damages. These are non-tangible losses associated with an injury. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of reputation, loss of relationships, and more.
- Punitive Damages. These are payments that punish the defendant for particularly negligent and reckless actions. Examples include medical malpractice cases, fraud, intentional harm, and gross negligence.
If You Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay
Auto accidents in Ohio can have life-altering consequences. Our partner firm, the Buckeye Law Group, fights tooth and nail to help make things right so that you can focus on recovering. Contact them today for a free consultation.