It is important to understand that personal injury cases can be complicated, but if with the aid of a Bowling Green personal injury lawyer, you can prove your point in court and get the justice you deserve.
Negligence is a major concept that governs the vast majority of personal injury cases, and your injury attorney will be charged with proving that it exists in the context of your case.
Simply put, when a person, organization, or company engages in an act that disregards the safety of others, it is behaving negligently. Contrary to what many people think, you may still be able to obtain compensation for your injuries in civil court, even if a criminal court found the responsible party not guilty.
Evidence in a Personal Injury Case
It is not enough to demand payment from another person after they injured you. For your personal injury case to be successful, you will need evidence that can convince a jury another person was at fault.
When it comes to proof at trial, few pieces of evidence are as strong as video of the incident. Whether it is a car accident or a fall in a grocery store parking lot, giving a jury a chance to see how the accident played out can be incredibly valuable.
When video is not an option, the testimony of neutral witnesses is often the next best thing. Judges and juries place more weight on their accounts compared to the stories told by either party. Other possible evidence includes expert witness testimony, accident scene photographs, and medical records.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
If you are injured in a car accident or some other situation where the responsible party is covered by insurance, you can expect a phone call from an adjuster in short order. While they might seem helpful on the surface, speaking with these individuals is never in your best interests.
These individuals have one job—save the insurance company as much money as possible. To do so, they often take statements out of context to deny claims or offer lowball settlements.
The best way to avoid this pitfall is to not speak with them at all. You are under no obligation to talk directly with the other party’s insurance company. Instead, let the Bowling Green personal injury attorneys at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices deal with them on your behalf.
How the Statute of Limitations Impacts Your Case
If you have been hurt due to another person’s careless actions, a civil lawsuit may be an option. That said, it is important to keep in mind that the window of time to pursue legal action will not be open forever. This is because every personal injury claim in Bowling Green is governed by the statute of limitations.
In most cases, plaintiffs (the party seeking damages) have two years to file their lawsuit. The two-year period usually begins on the date the injury occurs. However, the clock might not begin to count down immediately if the injury or illness is not detected right away.
If the statute of limitations expires, any lawsuit filed after the deadline is likely to be dismissed with prejudice. This means you will never have the opportunity to bring the case again, no matter how strong the facts of the case are.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are common, but when they are the result of negligence, you may want to consider taking legal action. Property owners have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that their properties are clear of all hazards, and if they do not, they can be held accountable if an accident occurs. Slips and falls may not seem serious, but for the elderly and infirm, they can be extremely harmful if they occur on hard surfaces.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents can be life-changing, in when they are severe enough, a victim can walk away from the scene injured. When the negligent behavior or attitude of another person causes an accident, it is only right that he or she be held liable for the accident. The following behaviors can be deemed negligent if they are engaged in while operating a motor vehicle:
- Texting
- Driving under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving (ex: tampering with radio, eating, reading, etc.)
Many negligent motorists do not consider that lives of others to be in danger when they engage in these actions, but accident statistics show the contrary. If you have been injured in a car accident, your Bowling Green, OH personal injury lawyer may be able to get you compensation.
Animal Attacks
Animal attacks, especially when they involve canines, can be deadly. For this reason, the owners of pets have an obligation to ensure that their pet refrains from harming others. Animal attack cases can be particularly complex, and your Bowling Green personal injury lawyer may be able to hold the following parties liable as well:
- Kennel owner
- Landlord
- Parents (if the pet is owned by an individual under 18)
- Temporary guardian or sitter
Most states have laws that explicitly hold the owner of the pet responsible in the event of an attack. Penalties can be even harsher if the owner was aware that his or her pet posed a threat to others.
Seeking Compensation in Ohio
Recovering from an injury is difficult enough, but without the necessary funds, your entire life can turn into a struggle. If you win your personal injury case, you may be able to receive funds for physical suffering, emotional trauma, lost wages, medical bills, and property damage. The amount of your award will be determined by the court, not your Bowling Green personal injury lawyer or the defendant.
We Take Our “No Fee Promise” Seriously
No one should ever have to give up on pursuing a personal injury lawsuit because of financial limitations. We understand the strain that can come with an unexpected injury, from medical bills to missing work. That is why we take on personal injury cases with no upfront cost to you.
Our firm has a “No Fee Promise,” which means we only get paid when you do. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts, you will walk away without owing us anything for the work we performed.
Instead of charging by the hour or demanding a lump-sum payment, we earn our fee by retaining a percentage of what we recover in your case. This means you will never be stuck paying out of your own pocket or walking away with only a bill from your attorney.
Hire a Bowling Green Personal Injury Attorney Today
Hiring a Bowling Green, OH personal injury lawyer can be extremely beneficial for an injured individual.
The law is complex, but our firm is dedicated to helping you understand your legal options and make the right decisions regarding your case. We know how to handle all types of personal injury claims, and we will do our best to represent you in court. From medical malpractice to premises liability cases, our personal injury attorneys can help you get the appropriate compensation you and your loved ones deserve. Get in touch with our firm today to discuss your case.
