Understanding Personal Injury Claims

Get the Legal Help You Need After a Personal Injury

 

A Personal injury can be a difficult and stressful experience for anyone. It can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving you uncertain about what to do. In Ohio and Michigan alone, millions of people experience personal injuries each year, from car accidents to slips and falls. The legal process for a personal injury case can be complex and confusing. However, having a basic understanding of what to expect can help make the process smoother and less stressful.

 

Discover the Facts: Personal Injury Statistics in Ohio and Michigan

 

Unfortunately, incidents resulting in personal injuries are not uncommon in Ohio and Michigan. Moreover, a recent 2022 study uncovered some eye-opening statistics. In both states combined, approximately 130,000 personal injury cases were reported. The leading cause of these injuries was slip and fall accidents, accounting for over 30% of all cases. Furthermore, motor vehicle accidents, including car and motorcycle incidents, accounted for about 25% of the cases. Moreover, other causes of personal injuries included medical malpractice (20%), dog bites (10%), product liability (8%), wrongful death (3%), and truck accidents (2%).

 

Here are some important facts to keep in mind:

 

1. The Ohio Health Department reports that falls account for one in every four emergency room visits in the state, making slips and falls a major cause for concern.

2. Reports from Michigan have revealed a disconcerting three percent increase in fall-related deaths between 2009 and 2018.

3. Ohio and Michigan together account for 4.5% of the over 12,000 medical malpractice payouts documented by the National Practitioner Data Bank in 2020.

4. In Ohio alone, the Ohio Department of Public Safety reported over 1,000 tragic car accident-related deaths in 2020, while Michigan experienced nearly the same figure.

5. Ohio experiences over 1,300 annual emergency visits due to dog bites, while Michigan experiences more than 4,000 incidents yearly.

6. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that large trucks are involved in 11% of fatal accidents, with nearly 700 individuals losing their lives every year due to truck accidents in Ohio and Michigan combined.

By staying informed about these alarming statistics, individuals can gain valuable knowledge to protect themselves better. Additionally, seeking legal guidance from one of our experienced personal injury attorneys can provide the necessary support in personal injury cases.

 

What is Personal Injury?

 

Personal injury is a broad legal term that refers to any damage to a person’s mind, body, or emotions caused by someone else. Personal injury cases can result from numerous situations, such as car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice, and defective products. When an individual suffers a personal injury, they may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering, failed medical treatments, lost wages, and other damages. The compensation is often paid by the party who caused the injury or their insurance company.

 

Personal Injury Lawyers

 

Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault personal injury lawyers specialize in representing individuals injured in accidents caused by someone else. Our attorneys actively handle all aspects of the case, from investigating the cause of the injury to negotiating a settlement or taking the case to trial. In most cases, personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive payment if the case is won. This arrangement allows individuals who cannot afford upfront legal services to access quality representation. Personal injury lawyers are critical in helping victims attain fair and just compensation for their losses.

 

Common Causes of Personal Injury Claims

 

Personal injury claims can arise from various circumstances. Car accidents, for example, are a leading cause, often resulting from drunk driving, reckless behavior, or other forms of negligence while operating a vehicle. Slip and fall accidents, or premises liability claims, occur when an individual sustains injuries due to hazardous conditions or activities on someone else’s property. Medical malpractice cases occur when healthcare professionals fail to provide the expected standard of care to their patients. Other prevalent causes of personal injury claims include:

  • Dog bites
  • Medical malpractice
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Product liability
  • Truck accidents
  • Wrongful death

 

How to Know if You Have a Personal Injury Case

 

You may have a personal injury case if you have been injured due to someone else’s fault. You must meet three basic criteria to determine if you have a valid case. First, there must be a breach of duty. This breach may be a violation of traffic laws, failing to maintain safe premises, or any other negligent act that caused your injuries. Second, the breach must directly contribute to your injury. Lastly, you must have suffered damages resulting from the injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

 

Take These Steps to Protect Your Rights Now!

 

Knowing what to do after an accident or injury is important, particularly if someone else’s negligence caused it. Accidents or injuries can be frightening, stressful, and confusing, especially when you don’t know what to do next. Following these steps can help you protect your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated for any damages you have incurred. Remember, seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, notifying your insurer, and consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney are all essential steps in protecting your rights and building a strong personal injury case.

 

1. Seek Medical Attention

 

The first and most important thing to do after an accident or injury is to seek medical attention immediately. It’s always best to get checked by a medical professional to ensure no underlying injuries. Delays in medical attention are often used by insurance companies against injured parties. Therefore, it’s important to record all injuries.

 

2. Gather Information

 

After getting medical attention, gather as much information as possible about the accident or injury. This includes taking photos of the scene, getting contact information from any witnesses, and documenting any damages (to people or property) caused by the accident. This information can be used to build a strong case if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.

 

3. Notify the Insurer

 

It’s important to notify your own insurance company about the accident or injury, even if you’re not at fault. This will help speed up the claims process and protect your rights. Be honest when providing information and give only verifiable facts. If the insurance company determines that the other party was responsible for the accident, they may seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance company through a process called Subrogation, and this process can be time-sensitive.

 

4. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

 

If someone else’s negligence caused the accident or injury, you have the right to seek compensation for any damages incurred. Additionally, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in navigating the often complicated claim filing process. Moreover, they can provide advice on your rights and entitled compensation and negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court if required.

 

5. Preserve Evidence

 

Finally, preserving evidence is essential in building a strong case. This includes keeping any documentation related to the accident or injury, such as medical bills, police reports, and other personal injury evidence supporting your claim. It’s also important to avoid discussing the incident on social media and prevent anyone else from altering or destroying any related evidence.

 

Gain Peace of Mind with a Professional Personal Injury Attorney

 

Seeking legal assistance is essential when it comes to personal injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of personal injury law can empower you to protect your rights and successfully navigate the legal process. By collaborating with a reputable personal injury lawyer, you can secure the compensation you deserve for the suffering you have endured. If you or a loved one is dealing with a personal injury matter, contact our trusted team of personal injury attorneys today at 419-843-6663 or visit us online.