How Will a Personal Injury Claim Help Me?
A personal injury claim aims to recover monetary compensation to repay you for your troubles as well as the medical expenses you incurred due to your injuries.
The person responsible for the accident is liable for damages caused by their actions, including:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Property repair
- Emotional damage
Beyond seeking financial compensation for what happened to you, a personal injury claim will afford you some peace of mind that you might not have been able to find otherwise. Knowing that you are taking the first steps toward your own recovery is a powerful and relieving feeling that becomes even more beneficial when you take those first steps with a trusted Columbus personal injury lawyer from our firm. Our goal is to make the entire process of filing a claim as easy as possible for you.
We would be happy to help you with all phases of your injury claim or lawsuit, such as:
- Assessing and evaluating your damages.
- Reviewing your insurance policy.
- Filing your injury claim with the appropriate parties.
- Taking matters to court if necessary.
What You Should Do After Being in an Accident in Columbus
Although your personal injury claim may seem like a matter reserved for the courtroom, it actually begins the moment you are in an accident. In every claim—including motorcycle, truck, and vehicle accident claims, as well as complex medical negligence claims—there are always a few steps you should take to ensure that you are doing all you can to strengthen your chances of securing maximum compensation later on.
Always do the following if you were hurt in a preventable accident due to someone else's negligence:
- Contact Emergency Responders, including the police, if you think anyone has been hurt. Check on all passengers in a vehicle collision.
- Photograph the Scene. In a premises liability claim where there were no witnesses, your pictures might be your best evidence.
- Collect Identifying & Insurance Information from everyone involved, including the manufacturer name in product liability claims.
- Seek Medical Attention as soon as possible if you did not require emergency aid. You may have an underlying injury and not know it.
- Call an Injury Attorney in Columbus. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your claim. You should also assume that the liable party has done the same.
Contact us today at (614) 321-3212 to schedule your free consultation and learn how our award-winning personal injury attorneys in Columbus can help you.
Unique Forms of Personal Injury Cases
Not every personal injury claim is going to be as straightforward as it appears on the surface. Sometimes, matters become more complicated due to unforeseen consequences or the sheer scale of the problem that caused your injuries. If you should find yourself confronted with one of the following unique forms of claims, know that we are capable of providing the advanced and compassionate legal representation you require, expect, and deserve.
We can handle the following types of claims:
- Wrongful Death
In the event that an accident or incident has caused the death of your loved one, you can still file a personal injury claim, known as a wrongful death lawsuit. You will be suing the liable party for monies to cover funeral and burial expenses, wages that the decedent should have earned had the accident never occurred, and for your own loss of companionship and emotional trauma. - Class Action
When a large group of people have been hurt by one source, a class action may be filed to expedite the legal and litigation process. In a class action, the plaintiffs are represented as one group by one team of attorneys in just one trial. The verdict reached by the end of the claim is accepted and applied to all plaintiffs at once. Catastrophic events, such as a plane or train crash, are examples of when a class action would be filed. - Mass Tort
A mass tort is similar to a class action in that it seeks to move many plaintiffs through the legal system quickly. It is unique, however, in the way that once the initial mass tort is approved by a federal court, each plaintiff will have their claim sent back to their respective local courts for further review. Additional evidence specific to each plaintiff may be required to win their unique claim. If many consumers were harmed by a defect in a dangerous product, for example, a mass tort would be necessary. - Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents are responsible for some of the most serious injuries a person can suffer. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, our team is standing by to help you. Learn more on our aviation accidents page today. - Bicycle Accidents
While motorists are required to follow laws put in place to protect cyclists, they often fail to do so. If you have been injured by a negligent motorist, you have rights! Learn more today on our bicycle accident page. - Car Accidents
Car accidents are becoming all too common in today's fast-paced society. If you have been injured in a car accident, learn more about car accident law and how our attorneys can help you today. - Catastrophic Injuries
An injury is defined as catastrophic when it is especially severe or results in a permanent injury. Our firm understands that serious injuries require more to fully recover from. Learn more about your options today and how our team will fight for the compensation you deserve. - Medical Negligence
When we put our trust in medical professionals, we expect them to do their absolute best to ensure our safety. If they fail to do this, they can be held responsible for their careless behavior. Learn more today! - Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are a fun and convenient way to get around. However, all too often, motorists are not careful around motorcyclists. If you have been injured by a negligent driver, learn how our team can help you today! - Nursing Home Negligence
When we trust our loved ones to the care of a nursing home, we expect them to be taken care of properly. If you have discovered your loved one has not been treated properly, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Learn more about your options and how our firm can help you today. - Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrians have the right of way, many motorists do not look out for them. If you have been injured in an accident at the hands of a negligent driver, learn how our firm can help you today. - Premises Liability
Landowners are responsible for ensuring their property is safe for others. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the injuries that follow. If you have been injured on someone's property, including grocery and retail stores, read our premises liability page to learn about your options today. - Product Liability
When you buy a product, you expect it to be safe for you and your family to use. All too often, however, unsafe products are distributed either due to negligence or to help a company's bottom line. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, read our page to learn more about how our firm can help you. - Riding Lawnmower & Tractor Rollover Accidents
Most riding lawnmower and tractor rollover accidents could have been prevented if proper protective equipment had been included with the machinery. If you have been injured or if a loved one has suffered a fatal accident, find out how our firm can help you today. - Truck Accidents
Because of their size and weight, trucks are capable of causing terrible damage in the event of a truck accident. If you or a loved one has been injured, learn how our firm can help you today. Our firm is experienced in handling these types of cases and is ready to fight for you! - Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is never easy. Losing a loved one in a preventable accident can be devastating. If you have lost a loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Learn more about your rights and options by reading our wrongful death page and contact our office for a free consultation. Our firm is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Injury in Columbus
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury?
A personal injury encompasses any harm caused to an individual due to someone else's negligence or intentional misconduct. This harm can manifest physically, emotionally, or financially. Common types include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and medical negligence, among others. In legal terms, personal injury claims are a way for the injured party to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's important to consult with a knowledgeable injury lawyer in Columbus to understand if your situation qualifies as a personal injury under Ohio law.
How Do Ohio's Statute of Limitations Impact My Claim?
Ohio's statute of limitations sets a two-year time frame within which a personal injury claim must be filed. This period typically starts from the date the injury occurred. However, there are nuances depending on the nature of the injury, which is why seeking legal advice as soon as possible from an injury attorney in Columbus is crucial. If a claim is not filed within this time frame, the right to pursue compensation is usually forfeited. Our attorneys can provide a comprehensive assessment to ensure that your claim is timely and properly filed, mitigating the risk of losing your legal right to compensation.
What Should I Avoid Doing After an Accident?
After an accident, it’s crucial to avoid several common pitfalls that might jeopardize your claim. First, never admit fault at the scene or when discussing the accident, even with insurance companies. Avoid discussing the details on social media, as posts can be used against you. Ensure you keep records and evidence organized, but do not try to manage the claim without professional assistance. Contact a reputable personal injury attorney in Columbus promptly, who can guide you through what to do—and what not to do—after an accident.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
In a personal injury claim, the compensation you may receive—often referred to as damages—can cover a range of areas. These include compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, and mental anguish. In cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be sought to penalize the responsible party. Understanding and accurately calculating these damages is essential, and our experienced team will diligently work to ensure all potential areas of compensation are pursued on your behalf.
Get Started on Your Case Today!
At Rourke & Blumenthal, we examine each claim carefully to understand your unique needs and concerns. Our lawyers fight to obtain the maximum recovery that you deserve so that you might have every opportunity for a full and speedy recovery. When you are looking for legal assistance in recovering compensation for injuries, turn to a legal team with more than 150 years of combined experience and numerous achievements—including many successful verdicts and settlements—demonstrating our skills.
If you have suffered injuries because of another person's negligence, we want to help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us online or by calling (614) 321-3212 today!
