Attorney Blog

Toledo, Ohio dog bites injury victims are victims twice | Findlay, Ohio dog bite lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)28158 — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

In light of the recent news coverage on Ohio dog bite injuries and the adoption of pit bull puppies from the Lucas County Dog Warden's office, our office performed research to find out if homeowners' policies would cover a victim in the event of a pit bull dog bite injury.

It is very difficult to find an insurance company that would write a policy to cover a pit bull living in the home. That means that if that pit bull were to bite someone, the insurance policy would not cover his or her injuries.

"In my 26 years of representing dog bite victims, the majority of the injuries come from pit bull bites," Attorney Chuck Boyk said. "And yet there is hardly ever insurance coverage because companies just won't write pit bulls into the policies."

   Our office spoke with three different local insurance agents and found:

   • Almost ALL homeowner's insurance policies will not write the policy if there is a pit bull or pit bull mix living in the household.

   • If the policy is written for a household including pit bulls, any and all injuries resulting from the pit bull's actions will be denied coverage.

If you have suffered serious injury from an Ohio dog bite, call our Bowling Green, Ohio dog bite injury lawyers at 800.637.8170 to order your free copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Ohio work accident causes serious injury | Bowling Green, Ohio work injury lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)28088 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our No Win No Fee Lawyers in Ohio recently filed a case involving an Ohio injured worker in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas.

The Ohio work injury occured when our client was not properly trained to handle a piece of equipment he was instructed to use. The equipment stalled and started to move out of control, forcing our client to jump fromt he machine. He the injuries he suffered to his ankle required surgery and he also suffered bleeding on his brain.

Read more about this tragic Ohio work injury accident handled by our lawyers. Also avialable is our Ohio Work Injury Book.

New rules affect Ohio dog bite injury victims | Bowling Green, Ohio dog bite injury lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)27776 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our Bowling Green, Ohio dog bite injury attorneys were interested to learn that the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled this year that an Ohio dog bite injury victim may pursue claims two ways - under Ohio's specific dog bite statute, R.C. 955.28, and under common law negligence.

So what does this mean to dog bite owners? Now Ohio dog bite injury victims don't have to choose between how they seek compensation.

This rule stemmed from a minor child who suffered serious Ohio dog bite injuries to her head and scalp after being mauled by a dog while visiting the dog owners. According Justice Stratton, of the Supreme Court of Ohio:

"When the plaintiff [Ohio dog bite victim] pursues both a statutory and common law claim for bodily injuries caused by a dog, a judge can easily instruct the jury that if it finds no evidence of the defendant's knowledge of the dog's viciousness, then only compensatory damages under the statutory cause of action are available. In that case, the plaintiff is entitled to compensatory damages to be made whole under the intent of the statute...(A) judge can just as easily instruct the jury that if it finds that the plaintiff proved that the defendant had knowledge of the dog's viciousness and kept the dog in a negigent manner, the jury may award the additional remedy of punitive damages under the common law action. Compensatory damages remain the same under wither theory of recovery, i.e., there there is no double recovery. The remedies are not inconsistent under the law."

If you or someone you know has suffered serious Ohio dog bite injuries, order your free copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book today by calling 800.637.8170.

Johnson & Johnson recall | Ohio products liability lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)27671 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our Findlay, Ohio products liability lawyers are always on the lookout for recalled medications in order to warn the community of their possible dangers.

For the second time in less than one month, Johnson & Johnson Company, the makers of Tylenol, have added another medication to the recall list of over-the-counter medication. The recall now includes select batches of regular and extra-strength Tylenol, children's Tylenol, eight-hour Tylenol, Tylenol arthritis, Tylenol PM, Children's Motrin, Motrin IB, Benadryl, Rolaids, Simply Sleep and St. Joseph's aspirin. Additionally, caplet and geltab products from North and South America, United Arab Emirates, along with Fiji were recalled.

Medication was initially reported because consumers were reporting a moldy smell that had made a few consumers sick. This past November, Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare Products announced a recall on select Tylenol Arthritis Caplets due to the reported smell that was causing diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.

According to the FDA, McNeil Consumer Healthcare did not move fast enough on recalling the defective medication. The company was aware of the issues in early 2008, however they did not conduct a full investigation, according to the FDA. The agency reported that around 70 people were sickened by the smell or at least noticed the odor of the medication. The Director of the FDA's Office of Compliance of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said that the company should have reacted sooner and that, "When something smells bad, literally or figuratively, companies must aggressively investigate and take all necessary action to solve the problem."

A warning was sent the McNeil Consumer Healthcare for violation of manufacturing standards and failing to report and investigate the problem in a timely manner. The FDA is demanding an explanation as to why the problem was not publically announced earlier. To get a complete list of the recalled medications, please check out our Findlay, Ohio lawyers' Tylenol recall list.

Ohio worker injury by carpel tunnel syndrome | Ohio workers' comp lawyer | FELA

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)27370 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Are you an Ohio worker suffering from carpel tunnel syndrome?

Our Ohio workers' compensation lawyers handle cases involving work injuries on a regular basis.

Take for instance the lawsuit we recently filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Western Division against CSX Transportation. Our client was continuously unaware of the dangerous effects of the vibration, excessive exertion, awkward postures and repetitive motions of the equipment he was required to use for his job. That dangerous exposure was the cause of severe and permanent injury to his hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, upper extremities and nervous system, including a severe case of carpel tunnel syndrome.

If you or someone you know has suffered similar injuries, or any other type of Ohio work injury, contact our Ohio work injury lawyers at 800.637.8170 for your free copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

Knee injury from Ohio car accident | Lawyer for Ohio car accident injury

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)27366 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Have you suffered a knee injury in an Ohio car accident? What happens if you have little to no property damage to your car? Are you still entitled to compensation for your medical bills?

Our Ohio car accident lawyers encourage you to check out the story of one of our clients who suffered more than the minor whiplash when she was rear-ended. She sustainted serious injury to her right knee, which resulted in surgery and the need for physical therapy.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident, order your free copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights after an Ohio car accident.

Ohio child accident with lawn mower | Ohio child accident attorneys

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)26883 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our Toledo, Ohio child accident lawyers have recently filed a case in the Wood County Court of Common Pleas after a 3-year-old child sustained injuries while visiting his sister at her elementary school.

Our client and his mother exited the school building and while standing outside of the building, the 3-year-old boy was struck by a metal object that propelled from a lawnmower that was being operated on the school grounds. When the metal object struck him it immediately forced his legs out from underneath him and he fell to the ground landing on his face. He was taken to the Wood County Hospital Emergency Room where he was examined, x-rays were taken and twelve sutures were applied to his right leg and six butterfly stitches on his left leg. Our client was released into his mother's care and advised to follow up with a physician to have the sutures removed in approximately 10 days.

His mother took our client for follow-up visits with his primary care physician, the sutures were removed, and he was treated for an infection in the lacerated areas.

Due to the severity of the lacerations and the potential scarring, the boy was evaluated by a plastic surgeon. At the time of his examination, the plastic surgeon discussed with the boy's mother that the scars will remain raised and red for some time, but that luckily no plastic surgery intervention was necessary at this time.

Not only has our client suffered physical injury to his legs, he now has a fear of lawn mowers and is afraid to go outside when he hears one running.

If you or someone you know has a child who has suffered injury after an Ohio child accident, order your free copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents by calling 800.637.8170.

Fatal prescription errors are common | Ohio medical malpractice lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)26657 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our Toledo, Ohio nursing home abuse lawyers urge caregivers and patients to double check prescriptions, especially those given to the elderly.

The Journal of Hospital Medicine has published a recent nationwide study that showed that nearly half of around 500,000 patients in hospitals that are 65 and older have been prescribed drugs at least once or even more than once, that are known to be unsafe for elderly people to use.

This is a serious issue and problem in our hospitals across the country. Health care professionals should be taking more precautionary steps to ensure that the medication that is being given to not only the elderly people in our society, but to everyone, are the proper prescriptions and are safe for use by the patient consuming the medication. For more information regarding this issue, please visit www.citizen.org.

Our Toledo, Ohio medical malpractice lawyers handle cases involving negligence or malpractice on a regular basis. If you or anyone you know are victims of medical malpractice, please contact our office today at 1.800.637.8170 for your free consultation and case evaluation.

Wrongful death suit filed after fire kills woman | Ohio wrongful death attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)26451 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A lawsuit was filed in federal court after a Wisconsin woman died in a house fire while on a fishing trip, according to the Jere Beasley report. A total of three people who were staying at the Big Horn Trout Shop's adjoining lodge died in the lodge fire. It is unknown how the fire started.

The lawsuit alleges that Big Horn Trout Shop Inc. wasn't equipped with adequate safety equipment, including a working in-room smoke detector. The family of the woman who died in the fire is also claiming that Big Horn failed to keep the premises reasonably safe by maintaining an adequaet fire safety system.

Our Ohio wrongful death lawyers are handling a similar case. We represent the estate of a 45-year-old man who died in a fire at his apartment building. The fire is still under investigation, but it is alleged that there were no smoke detectors where he was sleeping.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, contact our lawyers who handle wrongful death cases in Ohio at 800.637.8170 for your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book.

Child accident at day care | Ohio child accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)26423 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Child accidents in daycares happen every day. Parents depend on daycare providers to treat their children as if they were caring for their own.

But sometimes the negligence of daycare providers can result in serious accident injuries.

Take for instance an incident mentioned in the Jere Beasley Report. According to the Report, a jury in Florida awarded an infant $3 million in damages after the baby boy's leg was broken at a Pinellas County KinderCare. The caregiver at KinderCare was frustrated that the baby wouldn't stay still while on the changing table and proceded to bend his leg back until it broke. The caregiver had a history of mistreating children, and the jury faulted KinderCare for not properly reprimanding her.

Daycare accidents and daycare abuse are serious problems that should not be taken lightly. If you feel that your child has been mistreated while under the watch of a child caregiver, contact our office at 800.637.8170 immediately for a free copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents, or to speak with an Ohio daycare accident lawyer.

Ohio dog bite attorney on statute of limitations

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)26124 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our dog bite lawyers in Toledo, Ohio see cases on a regular basis where a dog bite victim has waited too long after a dog bite injury to seek compensation.

In the State of Ohio, the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim is six years from the date of the dog bite.

If the individual was a minor, someone under the age of 18, under Ohio law, the six years does not begin until their 18^th birthday. So, for example, if a seven-year-old child was bitten by a dog, the six year statute of limitations does not run out until the age of 24, or six years after the 18^th birthday.

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it is very important to remember to seek treatment immediately and follow a set of steps in order to receive proper compensation for your injuries. You can read about these steps by ordering your free copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book by calling 800.637.8170.

Fatal car accident takes life of Sylvania Northview girl

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)25400 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Who: Morgan Duris, Sylvania Northview student

What: Fatal Ohio car accident

When: 7:00am, January 21, 2010

Where: Erie St. and Apple Meadow Dr., Sylvania, Ohio

Morgan Duris, a Sylvania Northview student, lost her life this morning after being struck by an SUV while crossing the street, according to the Toledo Blade. The Sylvania fatal car accident happened at 7:00am as she was attempting to get on the school bus.

While the driver of the SUV has been identified, the Blade reports that the woman driving the SUV has been cooperating with authorities.

Our Sylvania, Ohio wrongful death lawyers want this tragic fatal car accident to be a reminder to all drivers to be extra careful while driving in the morning, afternoon, and any other time that there may be more student pedestrians outside. Here are some tips to stay safe, and to keep pedestrian students safe:

1. Always mind the speed limit.

2. Slow down and be extra cautious at intersections.

3. Never, under any circumstances, text while driving.

4. Be on the lookout for school crossings, including school crossing guards.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one in a tragic Ohio pedestrian car accident, you need information. Order your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book today.

Pit bull dog bites dangerous | Ohio dog bite lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)25216 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Our Toledo, Ohio dog bite lawyers believe that it is a bad idea to have pit bulls in the home, and also not a good idea for the county to allow the pit bulls puppies to be adopted out.

Pit bulls are inherently dangerous, and the statistics that back it up are just as scary. Ohio state law deems pit bulls and pit bull mixes as "vicious" - that is why insurance company denies coverage.

The politicians who are trying to promote the rights of pit bulls are not living in the real world. People bit by pit bulls are victims twice:

1. They suffer serious physical and emotional injuries.

2. They are denied the right to seek compensation due to lack of insurance coverage.

We want people to know what type of impact on the community this policy is going to bring. We are just trying to protect the community and make them aware of the fact that if they are bitten by a pit bull, they are out of luck when it comes to compensation.

If you or someone you know has been injured from an Ohio dog bite, you need information. Visit www.ohiodogbitebook.com or call 800.637.8170 to order your free copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Man dies of fatal pit bull dog bites

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)25215 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Pit bull dog bite injuries can be inherently dangerous, and even fatal.

Our Toledo, Ohio dog bite lawyers have just posted a news article on Johnny Wilson, a Chicago man who was killed after he was fatally bitten by pit bulls in his daughter's home.

It is important to remember the steps to take immediately after a pit bull dog bite injury:

1. Seek treatment immediately.

2. Take photographs to document everything, including a photo of the dog, if possible, the geographic location of where the bite occured, and the location of the injury itself.

3. Report the pit bull dog bite to the authorities, whether it be the local police or County Dog Warden.

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries after suffering an Ohio pit bull dog bite, order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book by calling 800.637.8170.

Owens nursing student lawsuit | Owens nursing students

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)24960 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Owens Community College opened their third location this week, located in Maumee, Ohio.

Some Owens nursing students, however, are worried that the school is still not doing enough to fix the first problem of losing accreditation for their nursing program.

WTOL Channel 11's Joe Stoll addressed this issue in his newscast about the school's new opening. He mentioned this in his newscast:

"The Charles E. Boyk Law Office says they have 51 cases filed against Owens Community College. They have 26 more ready to go and another 10 interested because of the nursing school mishap," Joe Stoll said.

You can view the entire newscast by clicking here, courtesy of WTOL Channel 11.

If you or someone you know was enrolled in the Owens Community College nursing program and needs help with the non-accreditation problem, contact our Owens nursing student lawsuit attorneys at 800.637.8170 for more information.

Insurance won't cover Ohio dog bite injuries | Toledo, Ohio dog bite lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)24657 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Who: Ohio pit bull bite lawyers

What: Does homeowners insurance cover Ohio pit bull dog bites?

Where: Toledo, Ohio

In light of the recent news coverage on Ohio dog bites and the adoption of pit bull puppies from the Lucas County Dog Warden's office, our Toledo, Ohio dog bite lawyers have spoken with different insurance agents to find out if homeowners' policies would cover a victim in the event of an Ohio pit bull dog bite injury.

It is very difficult to find an insurance company that would write a policy to cover a pit bull living in the home. That means that if that pit bull were to bite someone, the insurance policy would not cover their injuries.

That is why our Ohio dog bite lawyers believe that it is a bad idea to have pit bulls in the home, and also not a good idea for the county to allow the pit bulls puppies to be adopted out. Pit bulls are inherently dangerous, and the statistics that back it up are just as scary. Ohio state law deems pit bulls and pit bull mixes as "vicious," and according to the Toledo Lucas County Health Department, out of the 380 dog bites that occurred in 2009 through November 8th, 65 of the bites were from pit bulls - the highest number from one type of breed.

If you or someone you know has been injured from an Ohio dog bite, you need information. Visit www.ohiodogbitebook.com or call 800.637.8170 to order your free copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Ohio dog bite lawyer interviewed by local news | Ohio dog bite lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)24514 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Who: Ohio dog bite lawyer

What: Interviewed about Ohio dog bite injuries

Where: Toledo, Ohio

Car Injury Case is Filed With Lucas County Court of Common Pleas

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)24222 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A case involving a car that ran a red light, causing a serious Ohio auto injury accident, was recently filed with the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas.

Our injured client was diagnosed with a cervical lumbar strain as well as cervical sprain, which can cause severe back pain. Although the medical treatment and physical therapy our client received helped ease immediate discomfort, chronic pain and discomfort will persist because of these injuries.

Remember to start a file for all documents related to your Ohio auto accident, including police reports, medical bills and records, and any correspondence you receive from the insurance company.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Ohio auto accident, you need information. Call 800.637.8170 for your free copy of "The Ohio Accident Book."

Lucas County Car Injury Case | Northwest Ohio car crash lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)24219 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A vehicle was traveling eastbound on Sylvania Ave. when another vehicle attempted to make a left turn without assuring clear distance. Because of this, the second vehicle struck the first vehicle. The front seat passenger of the first vehicle was injured by this Ohio car accident, and taken immediately to the hospital. The passenger was treated for neck, back, left shoulder, and right ankle pain as well as chest pain. The passenger, our client, sought treatment for continued left shoulder and right ankle pain and will continue to treat for continued pain and loss of motion in left shoulder and right ankle.

It is important to remember that seeking proper medical attention immediately is necessary after being injured after an automobile accident.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Ohio auto accident, you need information. Call 800.637.8170 for your free copy of "The Ohio Accident Book."

Car Accident Case Recently Filed In Lucas County Court of Common Pleas | Northwest Ohio auto injury lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)24216 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Toledo, Ohio car accident injury claim has recently been filed with the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas after our client was rear-ended. The Ohio car accident caused injury to our client's knee, with a diagnosis was that he had torn cartilage in his left knee.

He had to undergo surgery on his knee as well as physical therapy.

It is important to remember that if you are injured in an automobile accident that you seek the proper medical treatment.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Ohio auto accident, you need information. Call 800.637.8170 for your free copy of "The Ohio Accident Book."

Auto Accident Case Filed in Lucas County Court of Common Pleas | Toledo Ohio Auto Injury Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)24209 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A case in which driver who had an invalid license failed to stop at the intersection of Monroe and Whiteford Rd. in Sylvania Township was recently filed in the Lucas County Court of Common pleas, after our client suffered serious injuries in the crash.

The Toledo, Ohio car accident accident caused bilateral muscle strain of the shoulders and a meniscus tear in the right knee.

It is important to seek the proper medical attention after being injured in an accident, making sure to document your injuries with photos and copies of the medical bills and records.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Ohio auto accident, you need information. Call 800.637.8170 for your free copy of "The Ohio Accident Book."

Lucas County car accident injury

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)23897 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Who: Wood County resident

What: involved in a car accident injury

Where: Toledo, Ohio

A case involving an Ohio automobile accident has recently been filed in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas.

It is important to remember that if you have been involved in an Ohio car accident, you have rights and need to seek medical treatment immediately.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Ohio car accident, you need information. Call 800.637.8170 for your free copy of "The Ohio Accident Book."

Carol Mason attacked by dog in Maumee, Ohio | Toledo, Ohio dog bite lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)23529 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

71-year-old Carol Mason was attacked by her neighbor's German shepherd yesterday, according to the Toledo Blade. She suffered the Ohio dog bite injury on her arm after taking out her garbage early that morning. She was taken to the University of Toledo Medical Center where her condition was unknown.

Important steps to take if you have suffered injury from an Ohio dog bite:

1. Seek treatment immediately

2. Immediately notify the authorities

3. Take photos of the injuries and where they happened

4. Don't give a statement to the insurance adjuster and DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until speaking with an attorney.

If you or someone you know has suffered from an Ohio dog bite injury, order your free copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book by calling 800.637.8170.

Ohio car accident - Winter car crashes -Ohio auto accident attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)23186 — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers handle cases involving winter car crashes on a regular basis. With the unpredictable snowy weather in northwest Ohio, it is virtually impossible to avois the hazardous winter roads.

Here are a few tips from our Ohio car accident attorneys on how to avoid being injured in an Ohio winter car crash:

1. Slow down! It is a lot harder to stop a car that is traveling at a high rate of speed than one that is not.

2. Get your tires checked. Traction is key when driving in snowy weather. Make sure that your tires have good traction and that you switch to winter snow tires once the temperatures begin to drop, so that you can easilt stop on slick and icy roads.

3. Watch out for black ice. Sometimes ice is not easy to spot on the pavement. Err on the side of caution and assume that black ice in on the road.

4. Be careful on bridges. The roads on bridges freeze faster than roads over land.

5. Remove snow from all windows - not just the ones you think you use. As tempting as it may be to hurry and only clear the snow just enough to see, don't do it! Make sure your windows are completely clear of snow in order to see out of all blind spots.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Ohio winter car crash, you need information. Order your free copy of The Ohio Accident Book by calling 800.637.8170 or by visiting www.ohioaccidentbook.com.

Ohio workers' compensation lawyer Dale Emch on tenant and sublease issues | Ohio workers' compensation attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)22640 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Who: Ohio workers' compensation lawyer Dale Emch

What: "Legal Briefs" column, Toledo Blade

Where: Toledo, Ohio

Dear Dale: When my daughter went to college, she responded to a blind e-mail to sublet an apartment with four women she didn't know. It turned out to be a nightmare. The first two nights, her roommates and their friends partied until 6 a.m. The third night, her roommates hosted a pot party. My daughter left to stay with a girlfriend on campus. When she told me about the situation, I told her to move out immediately. My daughter never signed a lease. Is she - or are we, as her parents - on the hook for the rest of the sublease?

ANSWER: Lease agreements are contracts. Ohio law requires that leases for properties be made in writing and that legal actions based on the lease shall not be brought unless the lease is signed by the party charged with breaching the terms.

If it were that simple, I could end the column here. Oral agreements to rent an apartment can be enforceable, but only to the extent that they form a tenancy for a certain period based on the frequency of the rental payments. Some courts have described these oral arrangements as defective leases.

For example, let's say your daughter agreed to rent the apartment for a year with rental payments of $400 to be paid monthly. Her oral lease agreement becomes a month-to-month tenancy because that's how often she was to pay the rent. Absent a written lease agreement, she is only obligated to pay monthly rather than being on the hook for the entire year.

Under Ohio's Landlord-Tenant Law, a landlord or a tenant can terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving 30 days notice to the other party. The same concept applies to a week-to-week tenancy.

In this case, the women who sublet the apartment to her are landlords for purposes of the law. She could terminate the agreement by giving her roommates 30 days notice. If she failed to do that, she technically could be on the hook for the rent for that period. I think moving out and giving the key back provides constructive notice that she has terminated the agreement.

Even if her former roommates bring a legal action against your daughter, they would have to show that they acted in such a way to limit their damages. If a tenant breaks the lease agreement, a landlord must take action to try to rent the unit.

The landlord can't try to collect for the entirety of the lease agreement without making an effort to rent the apartment to another tenant.

In addition to her defenses under the law, your daughter probably could raise the issues of the all-night parties and the illegal drug use at the apartment. Under this type of equitable defense, she might argue that her roommates did not live up to their end of the bargain. She could even consider a counterclaim to put them on the defensive.

From a practical point of view, it's probably unlikely that your daughter is going to face any legal action from her roommates. If she does, I think any exposure she may have is fairly limited because of the absence of a written lease agreement and the conduct of her roommates.

You also asked whether you, as a parent, would be liable for any unpaid rent. The quick answer is no. You weren't a party to the agreement, and your daughter wasn't acting on your behalf, so I don't think you have any obligation.

Our Ohio workers' compensation lawyers have written numerous books on what to do in different accident situations. Call 800.637.8170 to order any one of our six books, free of charge.

Avoid hunting accident injuries and wrongful death | Ohio hunting accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)22245 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Fall is a time when many people in northwest Ohio take up the pastime of hunting for wild game. While hunting can be challenging and fun, there is also the potential for fatal hunting accidents and hunting accident injuries.

Here are a few tips from the Department of Natural Resources on how to avoid fatal Ohio hunting accidents and Ohio hunting accident injuries:

1. Respect all firearms, regardless if they are loaded or not.

2. Never put your finger on the trigger of a gun unless you are absolutely ready to shoot.

3. Always make sure to have the muzzle of your gun facing down.

4. The safety should be on your gun AT ALL TIMES, unless you are absolutely ready to shoot.

For more tips on how to avoid a fatal Ohio hunting accident or Ohio hunting accident injuries, read our next blog.

If you or someone you know has suffered from an Ohio hunting accident injury, contact our Ohio hunting accident lawyers at 800.637.8170, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Toledo Blade: Owens failed to address shortcomings in nursing | Owens nursing students lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)22056 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Toledo Blade released an article earlier this week discussing the apology released by Owens Community College for failing to notify their nursing students about the loss of national accreditation for the program.

Our Owens nursing student lawyer Chuck Boyk has asked Wood County Common Pleas Judge Reeve Kelsey to certify the case as a class action to include all Owens students enrolled between July 1 and November 6, 2009.

According to the article, the school failed to communicate with their students and the faculty about the possibility of losing the accreditation. One of the stipulations to earn it was to have more of the part-time faculty earn masters' degrees, which was not accomplished.

Another stipulation the Owens nursing program had to meet in order to keep the accreditation was to show that the program used statistics such as passing rates on the national licensure exam, assessment of student learning, and placement of graduates to strengthen the program, which the college failed to do.

If you or someone you know was an Owens nursing student between July 1 and November 6, 2009, you need information. Contact our Owens nursing student lawsuit attorneys at 800.637.8170

WTOL News 11 covers Chuck Boyk and Owens nursing students lawsuit | Owens nursing students lawsuit lawyers

cboyk@charlesboyk-law.com (Blog Author)21407 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Nursing students at Owens Community College may not be able to look forward to the "seamless transfer" that the school was advertising after it was discovered that the Owens nursing program has lost its accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

The attorneys at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC have filed a lawsuit in the Wood County Court of Common Pleas yesterday on behalf of Owens nursing students who feel they have been mislead by the college.

WTOL News 11 covered the story on Friday, when anchor Tanieya Lewis came to our downtown office to interview Attorney Chuck Boyk.

Read an exerpt from her interview below:

Four nursing students filed a lawsuit in Wood County Common Pleas Court Thursday against Owens Community College after they found out in October the school's nursing program had lost national accreditation. The students say their last two years at Owens were wasted in a cover-up and want monetary damages to make up for lost job opportunities and education.

Students were shocked when they found out in mid-October their two year nursing degrees from Owens would come without national accreditation.

Attorney Chuck Boyk says at least four students have asked for his help to reveal what he calls a school cover-up.

"Accepting tuition money through the nursing students' enrollment can be viewed as fraudulent misrepresentation. Had the students known in July that the nursing program has lost its accreditation, they might have had time transfer to another school. With Owens only releasing in October the fact that they lost their accreditation, it was too late for any other school to accept students into their programs," said Boyk.

If you or someone you know is an Owens nursing student who has questions about the recent lawsuit, contact our attorneys 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800.637.8170.

Owens nursing school loses accreditation | Can I get a job if I was an Owens nursing student?

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)20648 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Findlay Courier, Owens Community College's associate degree registered nursing program was denied its continuing accreditation this year from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission's board of commissioners.

The Owens nursing students can still take their Ohio licensing exams, and the school remains accredited with the State of Ohio, but the program lacks the important accredition that allows students to transfer to a four-year university or obtain a job.

The problem remaining is the number of students who would have transferred to another school had they known about the Owens nursing school accreditation problem, as well as how long Owens Community College has known that they were not accredited with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Students are also concerned that they will not be able to transfer to a four-year college or university, and whether or not earning a degree from a non-accredited school will hurt their chances of obtaining a job. Can you still get a good job if you were an Owens nursing student?

Want to know what to do next if you are a nursing student at Owens Community College? Owens Community College nursing students need to know the proper legal steps to take. Contact our office at 800.637.8170, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak to an attorney immediately.

Ohio plane crash report: Pilot warned not to drive | Ohio plane crash accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)20452 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The National Transportation Safety Board just released their factual report on a case our Ohio plane crash lawyers are handling involving the Ohio fatal plane crash that killed six people, including a four-year-old girl.

The report finds that the pilot, Gene Damschroder, was advised on at least two separate occasions by his eye doctor not to drive, according to the Toledo Blade.

Mr. Damschroder had also been involved in four Ohio car accidents from 1998 to 2008, according to the report, and the 86-year-old had also been treated for age-related macular degeneration.

Ohio plane crash lawyer Dale Emch was quoted by the Toledo Blade regarding the fatal Ohio plane crash.

"I think the NTSB factual report makes it absolutely clear that Mr. Damschroder had no business driving a car let alone flying a plane, particularly a plane full of people who were paying to support the Lions Club," Attorney Dale Emch said. "I think it was really outrageous that he was flying around all of those people, all day long, let alone the young people on that plane that died that day, when he had been warned that he shouldn't be driving a car, both in 2007 and 2008, according to the NTSB report."

Our condolences go out to all families who lost a loved one in the plane crash.

YOUR OHIO WORK INJRY LAWYER DOESN'T GET PAID UNLESS YOU DO. | Toledo, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19426 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Hiring a lawyer can cause some stress because for most of us it's an unfamiliar process. People want to make sure the lawyer understands the issues and will work hard to represent their interests. As in any business, it's natural to wonder how much the lawyer's services will cost.

Most attorneys who represent injured workers take what's called a contingent fee, which means that the lawyer's fee depends on his success in resolving the case. The fee comes out of whatever you are awarded for your claims. Usually, the lawyer takes one-third of the gross award or settlement. The arrangement works well for both parties. The lawyer takes a risk that he'll never get paid if the claim goes nowhere. The client gets to pursue his claim without having to come up with thousands of dollars in up front legal fees. Without this arrangement, some people never would be able to bring a claim because they couldn't afford it.

Additionally, you may be charged a fee of a few hundred dollars for each contested hearing your attorney attends. That fee usually can be paid through the recovery of future awards you would receive through your workers' compensation claim.

We all want to keep expenses in our lives down, but sometimes we have to pay for expertise. If water is spraying out of the pipes under your sink and you don't have the tools or knowledge to fix the problem, you call a good plumber. The same concept holds true for a workers' compensation attorney. When you're talking about trying to replace a portion of the income you've lost from being hurt on the job, you really can't afford to handle the case yourself and risk making a crucial mistake.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED OHIO WORKERS' COMPENSATION ATTORNEY | Perrysburg, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19424 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

In all but the most straightforward of workplace injuries, the issues encountered in a workers' compensation case are highly technical. The hearing officers and lawyers who do this work seem to speak a different language to each other, punctuated by awkward statements like "we've filed a C-92," or "this hearing is set for a TTD before a DHO." If you don't know that language and your employer has hired an attorney who not only speaks the lingo, but understands the nuances of the issues, you're probably going to be in trouble. It just makes sense for you to have legal representation as you navigate the work comp world.

A lawyer will be able to spot issues that will help maximize your claim so that you're compensated fairly. An attorney practicing in this field understands when it's time to file certain claims or forms, and has been through enough hearings that he or she knows what to expect. Lawyers who don't handle this type of work likely will be as in the dark as you are about the technical aspects, so find someone who makes workers' compensation a regular part of his practice.

As mentioned above, you really need a lawyer if your claims are going to involve contested hearings. While a work comp hearing probably won't get as heated as a trial, it's still an adversarial process that pits you against your employer.

Before hiring a lawyer, sit down with him or her to make sure you'll be comfortable with the working relationship. You'll also likely be dealing with your lawyer's paralegal, who should have an in-depth understanding of how the process works and will help guide you through it. In fact, you probably will be dealing with the paralegal more often than the attorney on bureaucratic issues.

Once you decide to retain a lawyer, you'll have to sign a contract that provides the specifics of your agreement. Most of these contracts are fairly simple, primarily addressing the fee arrangement and the rights and obligations of both parties. Make sure your lawyer gives you a copy of the contract you sign so you can keep it for your records.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

TIPS THAT COULD HELP YOUR OHIO WORK INJURY CASE Part 3 | Findlay, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19422 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

In Toledo, the Industrial Commission is housed downtown in One Government Center. A large waiting area anchors the office, and a number of small rooms where cases are heard line the periphery.

Rather than having a judge preside over a case, a hearing officer will review the facts of each claim by reviewing medical reports and listening to lawyers or representatives of each party. In some cases, the hearing officer will take sworn testimony by the injured worker or from a representative of the employer. A finding may be issued on the spot, or the officer may take additional time to review all the evidence before coming to a decision.

Here are some more of our suggestions about some issues you may want to consider:

Lost wages: When you seek temporary total disability benefits, you need to make sure your doctor files a C-84 form with the BWC so you can be compensated for your lost wages. Sometimes doctors forget to do this, so you need to request it or have your attorney work with your doctor's office.

Wage differential claims: If your injury causes a reduction in your work hours or your rate of pay, you can file for wage differential benefits to help compensate you for the difference. The same concept holds true if your injury causes you to change employers and you are working for less pay or fewer hours than you were at your previous job.

Contested hearings: If your employer opposes your claim or a portion of your claim, there may be a contested hearing on the issue. In this situation, you really need an attorney that handles a lot of workers' compensation cases. You need someone who knows what arguments to make for a particular situation in order to portray your situation in the best light possible with the hearing officer.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

TIPS THAT COULD HELP YOUR OHIO WORK INJURY CASE Part 2| Bowling Green, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19421 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

In Toledo, the Industrial Commission is housed downtown in One Government Center. A large waiting area anchors the office, and a number of small rooms where cases are heard line the periphery.

Here are some more of our suggestions about some issues you may want to consider:

Get a claim number: You need a claim number issued by the BWC. Once the FROI is filed, contact the BWC so you can get an ID claim card. Everything that happens with your case will be linked to the claim number on the card.

Get medical treatment: Many people don't realize they don't have to get their injuries treated by their employer's doctor. You can treat with any doctor you want as long as the doc is certified by the BWC. If your family doctor isn't BWC certified, consult a lawyer who does a lot of this work to get references for qualified doctors. You can only get compensated for the conditions that the BWC determines were caused by your workplace injury. Your attorney can file a motion that seeks coverage for additional conditions related to the injury. This becomes important if you later have to file a permanent partial disability claim.

Mandatory drug testing: If it's done in a timely fashion, your employer can require you to take a drug test following your workplace injury. If requested, you have to take the test in order to proceed with your claim. If you test positive for drugs, your drug use will be presumed to have caused or contributed to the accident. That presumption, though, is rebuttable and so it doesn't always kill your case.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

TIPS THAT COULD HELP YOUR OHIO WORK INJURY CASE Part 1| Findlay, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19420 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

That's not what you get in a workers' compensation case. The world of workers' compensation is a bureaucrat's dream.

In Toledo, the Industrial Commission is housed downtown in One Government Center. A large waiting area anchors the office, and a number of small rooms where cases are heard line the periphery.

It's not very dramatic, but obviously the outcome is important to the injured worker. Here's a very general description of how the process works and our suggestions about some issues you may want to consider:

Report the injury to your employer: Always make sure you tell your employer when you've been injured at work. Ask your employer to produce a written report about the incident. Whether or not your employer completes a written report, make sure you document the date and time of the injury, how it happened, where it happened, and whether there were witnesses. Do this even if you have to produce the report yourself. Also, keep all receipts and hospital records.

First Report of Injury Form: Complete a First Report of Injury form, which is called a FROI in the work comp world. Your employer is supposed to fill out the form, but if that doesn't happen, an attorney can help you. The form is crucial because it's the only way you can get a claim number on file with the Bureau of Workers' compensation. Without a claim number, your claim will go nowhere. So, complete a FROI as soon as possible. Generally, an injured worker has two years from the date of the injury to file a claim.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INJURED OHIO WORKERS PART 4 | Swanton, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19419 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Workplace Intentional Tort

Sometimes an employer's conduct that results in a workplace injury can be so egregious that an additional claim can be made outside the workers' compensation system. This type of claim is made through a lawsuit filed in court that alleges a workplace intentional tort, which means the conduct was so bad that the courts view it as if the employer acted intentionally to cause the harm.

These cases have always been difficult to win because the standard that must be met in order to prevail is extremely high. In recent years, it's gotten even tougher. The Ohio General Assembly passed legislation that raised the standard of proof so high that an injured worker can only prevail on this type of claim in very limited circumstances. The Ohio Supreme Court has not considered whether this standard is constitutional, so an attorney would need to be consulted to determine whether this type of claim is viable.

In our practice, we handled a major workplace injury case that arose prior to the date the new statute took effect. The injured employee initially approached us about filing a workers' compensation claim for him after he suffered horrific injuries from an electrical shock. After looking at the facts of the situation, we determined that the employer acted with such complete disregard to numerous safety rules and regulations that we filed a lawsuit for workplace intentional tort. Eventually, a confidential settlement was reached for nearly $2 million.

The lesson here is that if your injuries were caused because your employer failed to follow the proper safety rules, you may be able to pursue a remedy that exceeds a workers' compensation claim.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INJURED OHIO WORKERS PART 3 | Toledo, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19418 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Violation of a Specific Safety Requirement

Essentially, this is a claim that both punishes the employer and compensates the employee. The award varies based on the severity of the injury and the extent of the violation.

In our office, we help clients file a report with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, which oversees workplace safety issues. The administration conducts an investigation and cites the company if it finds violations. That report can be used to substantiate a claim alleging violation of a specific safety requirement.

An example of a situation where this type of award might be warranted would be when an injury results from an employer requiring an employee to work at a certain height without proper scaffolding or safety harnesses.

Lump sum settlements

In certain circumstances, the employer and the injured worker may enter into a settlement agreement to compensate the worker for injuries sustained on the job. The settlement, though, must be approved by the BWC, regardless of whether the employer is state-funded or self-insured. The BWC settlement department determines whether the settlement agreement is justified and fair.

An injured worker should be careful before agreeing to a lump sum settlement because it will stop him from seeking additional compensation through the BWC. It closes the door for all payments for future compensation and future medical treatment related to the claim.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INJURED OHIO WORKERS PART 2 | Perrysburg, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19417 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Permanent Partial Disability

In order to determine the percentage of loss, the worker is examined by a BWC doctor, who determines the percentage of impairment of the body part in question based on the American Medical Association's Guides to Evaluations of Permanent Impairment.

If the injured worker thinks the percentage determined is too low, he can object to that finding and opt for examination by his own doctor. The hearing officer then examines the findings by the doctors and determines the percentage of impairment. That percentage is the basis of any compensation the worker would receive.

The percentage of disability determined by the hearing officer is used to calculate the award paid based on a formula employed by the BWC.

An example of an injury that would be the basis of a permanent partial disability claim would be a worker who gets burned on the job and is left with permanent scar tissue. A percentage of disability would be determined to calculate the award paid to the worker.

Permanent Total Disability

Someone who is injured so seriously on the job that he'll never be able to gain sustained employment is eligible for permanent total disability benefits.

If the hearing officer grants the application for permanent total disability, the injured worker can receive compensation for life.

Compensation for this type of award takes into account the statewide weekly wage average and whether the injured worker receives Social Security benefits.

A worker whose workplace injury caused him to become paralyzed would be an extreme example of someone who may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits. The injury, though, does not need to completely incapacitate the worker in order for this type of benefit to be awarded.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO INJURED OHIO WORKERS PART I | Toledo, OH Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19413 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A number of different types of benefits can be sought by an injured worker depending on the type and severity of the injury. To give you an idea of the claims that might be filed in your case, we'll review those we see most often in our practice.

Temporary Total Disability

We probably file more claims based on temporary total disability than any other. Usually, people who are injured only have to stay off the job for a relatively short period of time. Fortunately, people can recover from these injuries and get back to work.

Temporary total disability helps replace wages lost for those who are unable to work for a certain period of time. For example, if a worker had a pallet fall on his foot that prevented him from doing his job until he recovered from his injuries, temporary total would be the proper claim to file.

The injured worker must miss eight consecutive days in order to qualify for temporary total disability. For the first 12 weeks of disability, injured workers receiving temporary total disability are compensated at 72 percent of their full weekly wage. That figure is based on the average of the gross wages earned during the six weeks prior to the injury.

After three months, a claimant receives 66 2/3 his average weekly wage. In this situation, the average weekly wage is calculated based on the worker's average gross wages for one year prior to the injury.

It should be noted that although temporary total disability does not completely replace a worker's lost income, workers' compensation benefits are not taxable.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

HIO WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS DIFFER FROM NEGLIGENCE CASES | Bowling Green, Ohio Work Injury Attorneys.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19411 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Workers' compensation claims are much different than the negligence cases that result from situations like car accidents or dog bites. In a negligence case, you can be compensated for your medical bills, damage to your property, and your pain and suffering. In some cases, you can even seek additional money to punish someone for their bad behavior, such as when you're struck by a drunk driver. If a lawsuit needs to be filed, it's done through the court system and the case is heard by a judge.

The workers' compensation system was set up to eliminate many of the claims that could be brought through a negligence case. The Ohio General Assembly designed a system that helps employers minimize the costs they might have to bear through employee injuries. The theory is that if employers had to pay for things like pain and suffering, or punitive damages, it would be too expensive to do business. Having to defend the cases in court would cost even more money. Whether or not you believe that's fair to employees who are hurt on the job, that's the system we have. Instead of having cases heard by a judge or jury, work comp claims are handled through an administrative hearing officer.

In some situations, if an employer's actions were so outrageous because they ordered an employee to undertake a very dangerous task without the proper safety conditions or if they failed to correct a known safety hazard, the case can be taken out of the workers' compensation system. The legislature, though, has made filing these types of lawsuits extremely difficult so not many people would qualify.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury at the workplace contact our Toledo, Ohio work injury attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book.

Tip #13 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Gather witness statements and dog warden reports.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19360 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

All dog bites should be reported to the county dog warden and local health department. The dog warden will conduct an investigation, prepare a report, and possibly cite the owner or keeper of the dog. Sometimes police officers will conduct their own investigation. Dog-bite victims should collect these reports and file them away in a safe place. If you hire an attorney, the attorney can gather the reports for you and will use them as evidence for your claim.

In addition to colleting reports, try to take statements from everyone who witnessed the bite. Make sure you get the names, addresses, and phone numbers for all potential witnesses in the event the case has to go to trial.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #12 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Take photos to document injuries

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19359 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

It's cliché, but a picture really is worth a thousand words sometimes, especially for dog-bite injuries. Take photographs of all the injuries caused by a dog bite as soon as possible. In our office, we have the client take photos and then we usually hire a professional photographer to take additional shots. Periodically throughout the treatment, we'll have additional photos taken to document the status of the injuries.

In addition to photos of the injuries, it also would be wise to get photos of the scene. Photos often play a key role in any settlement discussions with an insurance adjuster. They also serve as crucial evidence if the case has to go to trial.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #11 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Plastic surgery is sometimes necessary for serious bites

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19358 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Children suffer the majority of dog bites and young children tend to be bitten on their heads, faces, and necks. These types of injuries often require treatment by a plastic surgeon. Sometimes a number of surgeries are required over a period of years as a child grows.

If you or your child has suffered a disfiguring bite, consult a plastic surgeon early in the process so the damage and scarring can be minimized to the extent possible. Ask your attorney or your family practice doctor who the top plastic surgeons are in town. Finding a skilled surgeon obviously is crucial, but it's also important to find a doctor who will be willing to document the injuries and produce a report that can be used in negotiating your claim.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #10 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Hire an attorney who devotes his practice to personal injury cases.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19357 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Earlier, we wrote about insurance adjusters who negotiate settlements every day. They're good at it because it's their profession. That's why you'll need a lawyer to handle your case. Your lawyer not only will deal with the insurance adjuster, but he'll navigate you through the complex world of dog-bite litigation.

Armed with knowledge of the law and the ploys of adjusters, a lawyer can help you obtain a fair settlement for your case. Numerous studies have shown that you're far more likely to end up with more money at the end of a case if you hire a lawyer rather than trying to settle the case on your own. By virtue of handling injury cases every day, lawyers develop a sense of how much a case is worth.

Furthermore, you're not likely to have experience with the types of arguments you're going to hear from insurance adjusters. Hiring a lawyer lessens the amount of hassles you'll face and increases the chance of a better result, even after attorney fees and expenses are subtracted.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #9 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Don't exaggerate the impact of your injury.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19356 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

You're entering a world you likely didn't know existed. As we've said earlier in this book, insurance companies prosper by paying dog-bite victims as little as possible. In an effort to do that, they'll resort to what you may regard as underhanded behavior. They may hire a private investigator to spy on you, they may have someone engage you in conversation about your injuries, or they may videotape you as you go about your day.

We know of one case - fortunately not one of ours - where an insurance company investigator placed a video camera in a gym bag to record a supposedly injured accident victim teaching an aerobics class. Needless to say, the attorney handling that case dumped it immediately - and should have. People like that aerobics instructor give insurance companies reason to be skeptical. The problem is they seem to be skeptical of everyone, even people with legitimate claims.

So, simply be honest. Don't play games when it comes to dealing with your dog-bite case.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #8 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Don't hide information from your lawyer.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19355 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

This tip goes hand-in-hand with our advice about being honest. You'll be making a big mistake if you hide information that is embarrassing or that you think will hurt your claim. You may get away with it, but usually the truth comes out. And if it comes out at the wrong time in a deposition or at trial, your case may be damaged beyond repair. Your lawyer can only help you if she has the complete picture. If there's something awkward to be dealt with, he'll handle it. But don't put your lawyer in a bad situation by hiding something.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio dog bite attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #7 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Honesty is the best policy.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19354 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Be honest when it comes to dealing with your injury claim. Be honest with the insurance adjuster, be honest with your doctor, and be honest with your lawyer. Nothing will kill your claim faster than being caught in a lie. Your credibility will be crucial in resolving your case, particularly if you have to go to trial.

If you're not in pain, don't get unnecessary medical treatment to drive up your bills. That doesn't mean you shouldn't follow your doctor's orders, but don't exaggerate the extent of your injuries. The truth eventually will come out, and when it does your case might become worthless. If your case goes to trial, your credibility with the jury carries tremendous value. If jurors feel you're not being honest, they won't give you the fair compensation you deserve.

You also have to be straight with your lawyer, who won't handle your case if he thinks you're lying. The attorney needs to know what's really happening with your case in order to represent you fairly and aggressively.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #6 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Start a file to document everything connected to your case.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19353 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Make sure you keep every bill, police report, dog warden report, and document connected to your claim. The insurance company has a right to see evidence of medical bills for which you're seeking reimbursement. Keeping track of your bills also ensures that you won't settle your claim without making sure you've been compensated for all of your expenditures. This is true even if you have health insurance because you may have to repay your provider for any bills they've paid on your behalf if there's a settlement.

In addition to documenting your treatment, keep track of any wages you've lost because you've been unable to work. Don't assume you'll automatically get reimbursed for your lost wages. You have to get a note from your doctor if you miss work because of the injuries from the dog bite and you'll have to get documentation from your employer about your rate of pay and how much money you lost because you weren't able to work.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #5 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Don't sign any medical authorization forms at the request of an insurance company.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19352 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Insurance companies often try to get dog-bite victims to sign authorization forms that allow access to their medical records. The forms usually are drafted so the insurer gains access to all of your medical information, not just information relating to the dog bite. It allows an insurance company to go on a fishing expedition for any other medical problems that might explain the pain you're experiencing.

If your injuries are serious, you should consult an attorney to deal with these issues. Your attorney will ask you to sign medical authorization forms that will be used to obtain the information that's related to your dog bite. Only the information relevant to your case will be sent to the insurance company so your claim can be evaluated. This protects you from having personal information winding up in the wrong hands.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #4 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Don't provide a statement to the adjuster.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19351 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If an insurance adjuster contacts you, don't make any statements about the dog bite, your physical condition, and whether you're being treating by a doctor. The adjuster may be recording your conversation and certainly will be taking notes. Any statements you make about your injuries could come back to haunt you. Simply thank the adjuster for calling, tell her that you don't want to make any statements, and that you don't want her to call back. Tell the adjuster you'll initiate a conversation when you're ready. You don't have to be rude, but you need to be firm. The adjuster can't make you talk.

It's a foreign concept to most people, but you have to view your injury case with the idea that it could go to trial. Most cases don't, but you don't want to hinder your negotiating strength by making a statement to an adjuster that can be misconstrued or twisted. The concern about making a statement is that you may not know the extent of your injuries right after you've been bitten. It's not uncommon for people to receive more medical treatment than they initially thought was necessary, especially if the bite becomes infected or if plastic surgery is required.

One way to avoid awkward conversations with an adjuster or making statements that could hurt your case is to contact a lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer will stop the adjuster from having any further contact with you.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip #3 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Don't underestimate the insurance adjusters who contact you.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19350 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

This tip goes back to what we discussed in the introduction. Insurance adjusters handle claims for a living. They're judged by their bosses by how they settle claims and how much money they save for the company. This doesn't make them bad people; they're just doing their jobs and looking out for the best interests of their employers. It's up to you and your lawyer to look out for your interests.

It's no shock that insurance companies often own the tallest skyscrapers in a city. They have powerful lobbies throughout the country and, along with other business interests, have done their best to get legislation passed that makes it hard for dog-bite victims to be fairly compensated. They've gotten rich by collecting as much money as possible from all of us while trying to avoid making fair settlements with people suffering from dog bites.

So, when an adjuster representing the person who owned or kept the dog gives you a call, keep in mind where their loyalties lie. They'll likely be extremely pleasant, but they have one goal: to settle your claim as cheaply as possible. They do this for a living, all day and every day. Because this is probably the first time you've been seriously injured by a dog bite, you are at an obvious disadvantage. Be smart when you're dealing with them - or better yet, hire a lawyer who deals with insurance companies on a daily basis. After all, the insurance companies have professionals working for them, so you should too.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip # 2 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Don't rush to settle your claim quickly.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19349 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you're reading this book because you were recently bitten by a dog, you may already have received a call from an insurance adjuster trying to settle your claim. Typically, an adjuster will wave a small amount of money under your nose to settle the claim quickly. It sounds good until you realize you're hurt more seriously than you initially thought or your medical bills end up eating into that money.

If you're tempted to settle your case below its value just because you need money for your medical bills, hold off. If you hire an attorney, the attorney usually will be able to work out an arrangement with your health-care provider for your provider to be paid out of the proceeds of your settlement. The doctor or physical therapist will continue to treat you without requiring payment after receiving what's called a "letter of protection" from your lawyer. This allows you to continue getting the treatment that you need, while ensuring the doctor is paid at the end of your case.

Settling your case quickly doesn't allow you to be fully compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. It only benefits the insurance company because it won't have to pay out the full value of your case.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Tip # 1 to maximize your recovery after an Ohio dog bite: Seek treatment immediately.

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19348 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The best thing you can do for both your physical and financial health is to get the proper medical treatment for your injuries. This isn't a time to tough it out and hope that you'll miraculously heal. Returning to health should be your top priority. You need to go to your family physician or to the emergency room to make sure that you get the treatment you'll need to recover from the injuries you suffered from the dog bite.

Once you go to the doctor, follow his or her orders so you can make the best recovery possible. If your doctor tells you to go to a physical therapist or a plastic surgeon, do it.

This makes sense not only for your physical health, but for your financial health as well. An insurance adjuster is going to base any settlement offer to you on the medical care you've received because it provides a way to measure your injuries and resulting pain. Getting treatment demonstrates to the insurance company that you're not faking your injury and that you're taking the process seriously. Compensation for the pain and suffering you've endured as a result of the dog bite will be based to some degree on the amount of your medical bills.

Once you've started treatment, see it through to the end. Don't stop the second you start to feel better if your doctor has recommended that you complete a certain amount of rehabilitation. If you stop early, you may not be fully healed. Resuming treatment months after you've stopped sends a message to the insurance company that you may not have been hurt in the first place or that you're trying to take advantage of the process.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Attorney Dale Emch testified against pit bull advocates who feel the dogs have been unfairly targeted. Part 2

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19347 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Dale Emch's testimony continued:

"In the first case, my client is Samantha, a 2-year-old who was being pushed in a stroller by her parents through her neighborhood when a pit bull jumped its fence, ran directly to her, and bit her on the forehead leaving a significant scar. I'd direct you to Exhibit A, to see a picture of Samantha's injuries. As you can see, she's fortunate the dog didn't injure her eye. She'll likely have a scar on her face for the rest of her life and she faces the possibility of at least one scar-revision surgery. Had this pit bull been confined in a pen with a top on it as required by state law, Samantha would not have been bitten.

"In the second case, my client Steve entered a home where he had done some remodeling work. He had been talking to his former supervisor for some time when a pit bull owned by his former boss suddenly attacked him, doing severe damage to his arm. I warn you in advance that Exhibit B is a graphic example of the types of deep wounds pit bulls can cause. The exhibit shows why Steve was in the hospital for three days and why it's almost a certainty that he'll need plastic surgery to repair his arm.

"Finally, in the third case, my client Leonard, 82 at the time of the attack, found himself surrounded by three dogs when he was taking out his garbage. He was alone and terrified that the dogs would knock him to the ground. Of the three dogs, only the pit bull attacked him, leaving puncture wounds in his legs that later became infected. He's fortunate that a neighbor heard his screams and came to his rescue. Leonard's injuries are shown in Exhibit C.

"In each of these cases, my clients would not have been injured had the pit bulls been properly confined as state law mandates. So, obviously, the law can be broken and I'm sure it is routinely. But I'm also convinced that the law has prompted many pit bull owners to buy the proper insurance, confine their dogs appropriately, and walk them on leashes sturdy enough to hold them if they lunge at someone.

"I urge you both as a lawyer and a citizen to keep this bill from passing out of your committee. The General Assembly already has spoken on this issue and there seems to be no compelling reason to change a law that has the potential to keep people from suffering the types of injuries sustained by my clients. Thank you again for the opportunity to address the committee."

End of Dale Emch's testimony

It appears that the proposed bill that would have stripped pit bulls from the vicious dog definition has been killed. Nonetheless, we remain committed to working with Mr. Skeldon and other dog wardens to maintain laws designed to protect people from the devastating consequences that can be caused by pit bull attacks.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Attorney Dale Emch testified against pit bull advocates who feel the dogs have been unfairly targeted. Part 1

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19346 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Attorney Dale Emch, from our office, felt strongly enough about the issue that he teamed up with Mr. Skeldon and dog wardens across the state in resisting a proposed change to state law that would have stopped pit bulls from being labeled as vicious dogs. Here's a copy of the testimony Mr. Emch gave to an Ohio House of Representatives' committee that was considering the change:

Dale Emch's testimony

"Chairman Reinhard, thank you for allowing me to address this committee on this controversial and important issue. I am testifying in opposition to House Bill 366 because I think it would be a mistake not to keep pit bulls labeled as vicious dogs under the state law. The law provides dog wardens like Tom Skeldon in Lucas County and law enforcement officials throughout the state with a powerful tool to regulate ownership of dogs that have the ability, and apparently the propensity, to cause tremendous harm to people.

"I'm here today as an attorney who has dealt with the types of injuries pit bulls can cause in just a matter of seconds. In our Toledo law office, nine of the 23 dog bite cases we're handling involve pit bulls. That's 39 percent, which strikes me as being disproportionately high when you consider how many different breeds of dogs there are in our state. I recognize this is a such a small sampling that it is statistically meaningless in the broader context of this discussion, but it gives you at least a glimpse of what we're seeing. I'll leave it to Mr. Skeldon and his colleagues to provide the statistical information this committee needs to evaluate whether pit bulls should remain labeled as vicious dogs."

"I'd like to provide you with some evidence of just how much damage these dogs can do. In the three cases I'll discuss, it's worth noting that none of the attacks were provoked, nor is there any evidence that these dogs were trained to fight or that they were owned by gang members. Something tripped their switch and they attacked."

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Pit bulls are considered one of the most vicious breeds of dog. | Swanton, OH dog attack lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19345 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Any attacking dog can be dangerous and scary, but pit bulls seem to create a greater risk of serious injuries. The attorneys in our office have found that a disproportionate number of our cases involve pit bulls.

Under Ohio law, pit bulls are presumed to be vicious and are governed by specific rules. Some of the rules include keeping the dog in a locked pen with an enclosed top, keeping the dog behind a locked fence, walking the dog with a chain-linked leash, and carrying special insurance to ensure that there's an adequate amount of money available to compensate the victim of a pit bull bite.

In most large cities in Ohio, pit bulls have become an increasing problem. In Toledo, where our main office is based, Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon has seen the number of seized pit bulls increase from 50 in 1993 to 1,354 in 2007. Mr. Skeldon said those numbers are representative of the increases of seized pit bulls nationwide.

Mr. Skeldon has been a champion of trying to control the pit bull population in Lucas County and across the state. He's witnessed the serious injuries pit bulls can cause because they've been bred to bite and hold, while most dogs simply bite and release.

Pit bull advocates, though, continue to try to strip away the protections built into state law because they feel the dogs have been unfairly targeted. The attorneys in our office remain committed to maintaining the laws regulating pit bull ownership because we've seen the devastating injuries caused by pit bull attacks.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

After an Ohio dog bite, a victim has 6 years to file a lawsuit. | Findlay, OH dog bite lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19344 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

In any injury case, the victim has a limited timeframe in which to file a lawsuit or the claim will be lost forever. Dog-bite cases are no different, but the timeframe is longer. A dog-bite victim has six years from the date of the bite to bring a lawsuit, as opposed to the two-year period people have if they've been injured in a traffic accident. This period is called the statute of limitations.

This extended period to bring a claim allows people a better opportunity to fully recover before they must bring a lawsuit. Dog-bite injuries often take a long time to resolve, particularly if scar-revision surgery becomes necessary.

Children have an even longer period in which to file a lawsuit in a dog-bite case. A child who is bitten by a dog has six years past the age of majority to bring a claim, which means six years past their 18^th birthday. The extended period works to the advantage of a child who was bitten by a dog. Child victims of dog bites often are left with scars on their faces or necks. Because they're still growing, they sometimes have to go through a number of surgeries over a period of years to repair their scars.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Landlords aren't generally liable for Ohio dog bites. | Findlay, OH dog bite attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19343 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Compensation for most dog-bite claims comes from the owner or keeper's homeowner's insurance policy. If the injuries from the bite are serious, most people won't have the money to pay the victim fair compensation. They need to rely on their insurance to cover the victim's claims.

This area becomes somewhat muddled when the owner or keeper of a dog is a renter, rather than the owner of property. If that person has rental insurance, the victim may be compensated from that policy. If the dog's owner doesn't have renter's insurance, the dog-bite victim may try to seek compensation from the landlord. Though there are exceptions, this generally results in a dead end.

In Ohio, landlords generally are not responsible for the actions of a tenant's dog. First of all, to make a landlord liable, it would have to be shown that the landlord harbored the dog. Almost all of the caselaw that we've read says that landlords are not harborers of a dog if the tenant has exclusive possession and control of the property. In most situations, tenants are deemed to have possession and control of the rental property during the lease period.

This equation changes slightly where rental property has a common area such as a shared yard or shared hallway. If the bite happens in a common area, a landlord might be liable as the harborer of the dog.

Some judges have found, however, that if a landlord knew a tenant's dog was vicious and still allowed the dog to remain at the property, the landlord can be held liable for any injuries caused by a dog bite.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

There is strict liability imposed on dog owners. | Bowling Green, OH dog attack lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19342 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The laws and rules governing dog bites in Ohio differ from those applied to other injury claims. To prove negligence in a normal case - a traffic accident, for instance - the injured person has to prove that the other driver had a duty not to injure him; the other driver violated that duty; and that the violation of that duty caused certain injuries for which financial compensation should be awarded.

In a dog-bite case, the victim doesn't need to show that the owner or keeper of the dog had a duty, or responsibility, to see that the dog didn't cause injury. In Ohio, the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is strictly liable for all injures or damages to property caused by the dog. Boiled down, what that means is that the injured person just needs to show that the dog bite caused injuries and that compensation should be awarded for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Holding the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog strictly liable for any injuries works to the advantage of the dog-bite victim. It makes the case much easier to prove and eliminates a lot of barriers to holding the dog's owner responsible. Dog owners have just a few defenses: If the victim was criminally trespassing or attempting to trespass, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog.

These rules are drawn from the most relevant state law for dog-bite cases, namely Ohio Revised Code 955.28(B). That section of the code says: "The owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog, unless the injury, death, or loss was caused to the person or property of an individual who, at the time, was committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner, keeper, or harborer, or was committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against any person, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog on the owner's, keeper's, or harborer's property."

The statute speaks of owners, keepers, and harborers. The definition of an owner is pretty straightforward, but the terms "keeper" and "harborer" are a bit less clear.

A keeper is a person who maintains some type of control over the dog, even if only on a temporary basis. So someone who is caring for a dog or is in charge of a dog can be termed a keeper.

A harborer is a person who controls the place where a dog lives. Someone can be a harborer even if they simply allow a dog to live in the home without protesting its presence. That definition would seem to include landlords, but that's not necessarily the case. Please see the section below on landlord liability.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

Ohio dog bites can be devastating. | Toledo, OH dog bite attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19341 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

The attorneys in our office are all dog lovers. Like most people, we view our dogs as part of the family.

But, unfortunately, we often see the devastating consequences that can result from dog bites. We've seen injuries ranging from scars our clients will bear on their faces for the rest of their lives to wounds so deep that muscle and ligaments were exposed. Obviously the bites and resulting medical treatment are painful. But being attacked by a dog also can be tremendously scary, particularly if the victim is a child or an elderly person.

In the United States, approximately 800,000 people a year suffer injuries from dog bites that are significant enough to require medical treatment, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children are particularly vulnerable. Of the dog-bite victims needing medical attention, half are children, the CDC found. Kids between the ages of 5 and 9 years old experienced the most bites, according to the CDC.

People who go through the traumatic experience of being bitten by a dog deserve to be fairly compensated for their medical bills and the pain they've suffered. The most likely source for that compensation will be the homeowner's insurance policy of the dog owner. And anyone who has dealt an insurance company knows that the company would rather keep the money in its pocket rather than put it into yours.

If you or someone you know has suffered personal injury from a dog bite contact our Toledo, Ohio accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book.

How to safely break up a dog fight | Ohio dog bite lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19182 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A recent dogfight broke out amongst Toledo, Ohio dog bite lawyer Chuck Boyk's new Doberman puppy and another dog while at Swan Creek Metro Park in Toledo, Ohio. While it was not the safest thing to do, Chuck's 11-year-old daughter Sarah jumped in and broke up the fight.

In light of this new experience in the Boyk family, we would like to give tips on the PROPER way to break up a dogfight without getting hurt (Sarah and Jazzy were fine, luckily).

Instead of punching the dog that is not yours, like Sarah did, the safest way to break up a dogfight requires two people. Each person grabs the back feet of one of the dogs. The dog's back feet are then picked up like a wheelbarrow. With the legs up, both dogs are then pulled apart.

Here are some tips if you are by yourself, taken from www.leerburg .com:

· Keep your cool.

· Do not waste time screaming at the dogs. It hardly ever works.

· Go get a leash (allow the fight to continue while you do this).

· Dogs are almost always locked onto one another. Walk up and loop the leash around the back loin of the dog by either threading the leash through the handle or use the clip. I prefer the thread method.

· Now slowly back away and drag the dog to a fence or to an object that you can tie the leash to. By doing this, you effectively create an anchor for one of the dogs.

· Then walk around and grab the back legs of the second dog and drag it away from the dog that is tied up. Remember to turn and circle as they release.

· Drag the dog into a dog pen or another room before you release the back legs.

· Go back and take the dog off the fence and put him or her into a dog kennel.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from an Ohio dog bite, order your free copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book by calling 800.637.8170 to learn your rights after an Ohio dog bite.

15-year-old autistic boy loses his life after negligent prescription | Ohio medical malpractice lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)19179 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A civil suit was filed in Seattle, Washington after a 15-year-old autistic boy suffered wrongful death after a drug overdose caused by a painkiller patch called fentanyl.

The boy had gone to Seattle Children's Hospital for a routine tooth extraction and was prescribed the fentanyl patch for pain, at the highest recommended dosage, and sent home. He was found unresponsive the next morning and pronounced dead at the scene.

Seattle, Washington attorney Chris Davis helped the mother of the boy file a civil suit in the King County Superior Court, hoping to hold the Seattle Children's Hospital accoutable for the boy's death.

"I've already consulted with three experts across the country -- all of them say this is a very egregious case," Chris Davis said. "First, he never should have been given (the fentanyl patch). Second, he was given the highest dose available."

If you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a loved one due to tragic circumstances, you need information. Contact our Ohio wrongful death lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book.

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 10

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18443 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Hire a lawyer experienced in motorcycle and car accident cases.

Furthermore, you're not likely to have experience with the types of arguments you're going to hear from insurance adjusters. Hiring a lawyer lessens the amount of hassles you'll face and you'll almost certainly net more money, even after attorney fees and expenses are subtracted.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Swanton, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 9

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18442 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Don't exaggerate the impact of your injury.

You're entering a world you likely didn't know existed. As we've said earlier in this book, insurance companies prosper by paying accident victims as little as possible. In an effort to do that, they'll resort to what you may regard as underhanded behavior. They may hire a private investigator to spy on you, they may have someone engage you in conversation about your injuries, or they may videotape you as you go about your day.

So, if you exaggerate the extent of your injuries by doing something like hobbling around on crutches when you can walk just fine, and then you're filmed running a marathon, don't be surprised when your case collapses. Don't play games when it comes to dealing with your injury case.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 8

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18441 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Don't hide information from your lawyer.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Findlay, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 7

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18440 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Honesty is the best policy.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Bowling Green, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 6

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18439 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Start a file to document everything connected to your case.

Make sure you keep every bill, police report, and document connected to your motorcycle accident claim. The insurance company has a right to see evidence of medical bills for which you're seeking reimbursement. Keeping track of your bills also ensures that you won't settle your claim without making sure you've been compensated for all of your expenditures. This is true even if you have health insurance because you may have to repay your provider for any bills they've paid on your behalf if there's a settlement.

In addition to documenting your treatment, keep track of any wages you've lost because you've been unable to work. Don't assume you'll automatically get reimbursed for your lost wages. You have to get a note from your doctor if you miss work because of the injuries from the accident and you'll have to get documentation from your employer about your rate of pay and how much money you lost because you weren't able to work.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Perrysburg, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 5

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18438 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Don't sign any medical authorization forms at the request of an insurance company.

Insurance companies often try to get accident victims to sign and return authorization forms that allow them to obtain your medical records. The forms usually are drafted so the insurer gains access to all of your medical information, not just information relating to your accident. It allows an insurance company to go on a fishing expedition for any other medical problems that might explain the pain you're experiencing.

If your injuries are serious, you should consult an attorney to deal with these issues. Your attorney will ask you to sign medical authorization forms that will be used to obtain the information that's related to your accident. Only the information relevant to your accident or injury will be sent to the insurance company so your claim can be evaluated. This protects you from having personal information winding up in the wrong hands.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 4

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18437 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Don't provide a statement to the adjuster.

If an insurance adjuster contacts you, don't make any statements about the accident, your physical condition, and whether you're being treating by a doctor. The adjuster may be recording your conversation and certainly will be taking notes. You can settle any claims dealing with the damage to your motorcycle, but any statements you make about your injuries could come back to haunt you. Simply thank the adjuster for calling, tell her that you don't want to make any statements, and that you don't want her to call back. Tell the adjuster you'll initiate a conversation when you're ready. You don't have to be rude, but you need to be firm. The adjuster can't make you talk.

It's a foreign concept to most people, but you have to view your injury case with the idea that it could go to trial. Most cases don't, but you don't want to hinder your negotiating strength by making a statement to an adjuster that can be misconstrued or twisted. The concern about making a statement is that you may not know the extent of your injuries right after an accident. It's not uncommon for people to feel worse in the weeks or months following the accident than they do in the immediate aftermath.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Findlay, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 3

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18436 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Don't underestimate the insurance adjusters who contact you.

It's no shock that insurance companies often own the tallest skyscrapers in a city. They have powerful lobbies throughout the country and, along with other business interests, have done their best to get legislation passed that makes it hard for accident victims to be fairly compensated. They've gotten rich by collecting as much money as possible from all of us while trying to avoid making fair settlements with people suffering from accidents they didn't cause.

So, when an adjuster representing the person who caused the accident gives you a call, keep in mind where their loyalties lie. They'll likely be extremely pleasant, but they have one goal: to settle your claim as cheaply as possible. They do this for a living, all day and every day. Because this is probably the first time you've been an accident victim, you are at an obvious disadvantage. Be smart when you're dealing with them - or better yet, hire a lawyer who deals with insurance companies on a daily basis. After all, the insurance companies have professionals working for them, so you should too.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Swanton, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Tips to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident Part 2

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18435 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Don't rush to settle your claim quickly.

If you're reading this book because you were recently involved in an accident caused by another driver, you may already have received a call from an insurance adjuster trying to settle your claim. Typically, an adjuster will wave a few thousand dollars under your nose to settle the claim quickly. It sounds good until you realize you're hurt more seriously than you anticipated or your medical bills end up eating into that money.

If you're tempted to settle your case below its value just because you need money for your medical bills, hold off. If you hire an attorney, the attorney usually will be able to work out an arrangement with your health-care provider for your provider to be paid out of the proceeds of your settlement. The doctor or chiropractor will continue to treat you without requiring payment after receiving what's called a "letter of protection" from your lawyer. This allows you to continue getting the treatment that you need, while ensuring the doctor is paid at the end of your case.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Bowling Green, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

First tip to maximize your recovery after an Ohio motorcycle accident

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18434 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Seek treatment immediately.

Once you go to the doctor, follow his or her orders so you can make the best recovery possible. If your doctor tells you to go to a physical therapist, do it. If you visit a chiropractor, complete the recommended treatment plan.

This makes sense not only for your physical health, but for your financial health as well. An insurance adjuster is going to base any settlement offer to you on the medical care you've received because it provides a way to measure your injuries and resulting pain. Getting treatment demonstrates to the insurance company that you're not faking your injury and that you're taking the process seriously. Compensation for the pain and suffering you've endured as a result of your motorcycle accident will be based to some degree on the amount of your medical bills.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Top reasons for hiring an attorney after your Ohio motorcycle accident Part 5

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18432 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Motorcycle injury lawyers know how to protect your rights

Lawyers help level the playing field between you and insurance companies. As we wrote earlier, insurance adjusters handle claims for a living. Naturally they have a tremendous advantage over most people when negotiating a settlement. This is true even if you are very sophisticated in other areas of your life.

Injury cases are far more complicated than they often appear. The number of legal issues that arise even in seemingly straightforward cases can be tricky for even for lawyers who specialize in representing injured people.

For example, we've handled numerous cases where it appears that there isn't enough insurance money to compensate the injured client. Because of our experience, we've been able to find coverage that allowed our client to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We've also been able to help families who have lost a loved one obtain financial stability.

Delaying in hiring a lawyer simply doesn't make sense when considering the complicated nature of most motorcycle injury claims.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Fremont, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Top reasons for hiring an attorney after your Ohio motorcycle accident Part 4

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18431 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Settling claims before consulting an attorney can be a major mistake

Rushing into a settlement with an insurance company could cause serious financial harm to you and family. Insurance companies often try to contact people who have been injured in an accident or the family members of those who have been killed within a few days of the accident in order to settle the claim quickly.

The money may look good at first when you're lying in a hospital bed unable to work. The problem is that once you settle your claim, it's settled forever. Even if you end up being more injured than you initially thought, you won't receive more compensation.

You also likely have no idea what a fair settlement would be. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney understands the many different factors that go into evaluating the value of your claim. Settling the claim too quickly could cause you and your family significant financial harm.

Do not be in a hurry to settle the case. Just inform the insurance adjuster that you're going to consult with an attorney to make sure your rights are protected. They won't like this, but just be firm and polite.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Findlay, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Top reasons for hiring an attorney after your Ohio motorcycle accident Part 3

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18430 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Signing medical authorization forms could damage your claim

Signing documents before consulting a lawyer could sink your motorcycle claim. When representatives of insurance companies ask you to sign certain documents shortly after you've been injured, alarm bells should be going off in your head.

Insurance companies often will ask you to sign authorization forms that allow them to access all of your medical records. They'll pass it off as something that's routine and necessary if you want to make a claim. What they don't tell you is that signing authorization forms allows them to dig through your personal medical history that has nothing to do with your motorcycle accident injuries. This not only violates your privacy but could damage your case.

An experienced injury attorney will stop the insurance company from having any contact with you. Your attorney will gather your medical records and present only the information that has to do with your case to the insurance adjuster. This is another example of why it's a mistake to wait before consulting a lawyer.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Top reasons for hiring an attorney after your Ohio motorcycle accident Part 2

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18429 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Important evidence may be lost or destroyed

After an accident, injured riders must focus on making the best medical recovery possible. The treatment can be long and hard, often involving hospital stays and physical therapy. It's natural that your first thought isn't hiring a lawyer.

But if you're reading this book because you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid the loss of crucial evidence that may be critical to your case.

An attorney understands that the only way to prove a case is through the presentation of evidence. Preserving evidence before it gets lost or destroyed can make or break a case. While certain documents or items may not seem important to you, an attorney may realize that they must be gathered and saved, and sometimes may require immediate legal action.

In some cases, it's important to have your motorcycle inspected before it's repaired or destroyed. In other cases, the attorney may want to preserve evidence from the vehicle that struck you. And witness statements must be gathered while memories are still fresh.

In motorcycle cases, experienced attorneys know the critical importance in documenting the severity of the injuries. In our office, we have a sophisticated digital camera that we use to take photos of the wounds caused by an accident. In some circumstances, we hire professional photographers to take the images. Photos of injuries often are worth a 1,000 words of clinical descriptions in medical records.

Photographing the scene as soon as possible, hiring an accident reconstructionist, and retaining a private investigator to assist with evidence gathering may be critical to the success of your case. An experienced attorney will understand what evidence will be necessary to help you receive fair and just compensation.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Number one reason for hiring an attorney after your Ohio motorcycle accident

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18427 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Missing crucial deadlines can destroy your motorcycle injury case!

In any accident case, the injured person needs to understand that there are important deadlines that cannot be missed. The most crucial deadline is the date by which a lawsuit must be filed, which is called the statute of limitations. If this deadline is missed, you will be forever barred from making a claim.

In a typical motorcycle accident case involving injuries or death, the statute of limitations is two years. If a lawsuit hasn't been filed within that two-year period, no claim can ever be made.

Injury claims involving children under 18 years of age are handled differently. Minors who have been injured have until two years past their 18^th birthday to file a claim.

Please understand that delaying hiring a lawyer could destroy your motorcycle injury case.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Bowling Green, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Four more tips every Ohio motorcycle rider should know | Bowling Green, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18426 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

1.Honesty is the best policy - Be honest about your injuries. Nothing will kill your claim faster than being caught in a lie.

2.Don't hide information from your lawyer - Your lawyer needs to know the good, the bad, and the ugly about your case to properly represent you.

3.Don't exaggerate your injuries - Exaggerating the extent of your injuries could come back to haunt you if the insurance company films you participating in an activity you shouldn't be able to do.

4.Hire a personal injury lawyer - Insurance companies employ professionals who deal with personal injury cases every day. Shouldn't you?

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Bowling Green, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Three more tips every Ohio motorcycle rider should know Part 2 | Sylvania, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18423 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

1.Don't provide a statement to the adjuster - Don't make any statements about your case until you consult with a lawyer.

2.Don't sign medical authorization forms - Don't sign authorization forms that allow an insurance company access to your private medical records. Only sign forms completed by your lawyer.

3.Document everything - Start a file for all police, medical, and insurance documents related to your case.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Sylvania, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Statistics show car accidents are common on Ohio roads | Findlay, Ohio car accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18421 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Accidents happen every day. You're driving down the road, heading to the grocery store or to work, and another driver plows into you. A crash can start a chain of events ranging from minor inconveniences to a complete disruption of your physical and financial health. Accidents can cause devastating injuries that lead to months or years of pain and medical treatment. They also can create tremendous financial hardship if you are unable to work for an extended time.

Statistics show accidents are a common occurrence on Ohio's roads. From 2001 through 2007, there were 367,002 crashes annually, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. During that same period an average of 133,486 people were injured annually and 1,312 people were killed every year on Ohio roads. To crunch the numbers even further, 322 people were injured or killed every day in traffic accidents in 2007, according to the state.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to an Ohio car accident, order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book, written by our Findlay, Ohio car accident lawyers.

Three tips every Ohio motorcycle rider should know Part 1 | Perrysburg, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18419 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

1.Seek treatment immediately - The best thing you can do after an accident is to seek medical treatment immediately and follow your doctor's orders.

2.Don't rush to settle your claim - Don't settle your claim before you complete your medical treatment. A few thousand dollars may sound good until you realize it doesn't come close to compensating you for the injuries you've suffered in your motorcycle accident.

3.Don't underestimate the insurance adjuster - Insurance adjusters have a huge advantage over you because they settle claims every day. You need a lawyer to help deal with them.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Perrysburg, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Every Ohio motorcycle rider is at risk Part 2 | Swanton, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18418 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Regardless of how you feel about the issue, statistics show it's safer to ride with a helmet. In 2007, 63 percent of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. In 2006, 70 percent of riders killed had no helmet. Of those who were injured, roughly 51 percent weren't wearing a helmet.

Statistics don't always tell the whole story and we don't offer them to alarm you, but they do give us all an idea of how dangerous it can be to ride a motorcycle. Many times, motorcyclists aren't responsible for the accidents in which they've been involved. In those situations, they need a lawyer to guide them through the often-complicated personal injury process.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Swanton, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Every Ohio motorcycle rider is at risk Part 1 | Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18414 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

The allure of hitting the open road on a motorcycle isn't just the stuff of Hollywood movies. Riding is fun and exciting. But anyone who has ridden knows it's undeniably dangerous. Bikers know there's a risk every time they roll out of their driveways, often from the actions of car and truck drivers.

In 2007, 190 people were killed, and 4,053 were injured in motorcycle accidents, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Of the riders killed, 13.7 percent were between 21 and 25 years old, the highest percentage for any age group that year. The next highest groups were 36 to 40 year olds and 51 to 55 year olds, both tied at 12.1 percent.

Riders between the ages of 41 and 45 years old sustained the most injures in 2007 at 13 percent. Riders 46 to 50 comprised 12.9 percent of those injured, with 21 to 25 year olds close behind at 12.6 percent.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Mother of 8-year-old sues school system after child is raped | Toledo, Ohio child molester lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18411 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

The mother of an 8-year-old child who was raped by a school security guard has brought suit to recover monetary damages against the perpetrator, his employer REMCO security, and Mahoning County Board of MRDD. Our Toledo, Ohio child molester attorneys are handling the suit.

The incidents occurred during the summer of 2007 when the Mahoning County Board of MRDD hired REMCO Security to provide a security guard at the Leonard Kurtz School. REMCO provided Harry Fraley who was convicted of two separate instances of public indecency in front of a minor child in the late 1990's. Fraley befriended the victim's family and was later convicted of raping the child. He is currently in North Central Correctional Institution serving a 10-year sentence.

To read more about the lawsuit, or to read the viewpoints of our Findlay, Ohio lawyers, follow our next blog. You can also order your free copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio by calling 800.637.8170 or by visiting www.ohiochildaccidentbook.com.

Avoid Ohio child bicycle accidents | Toledo, Ohio child bicycle accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)18258 — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

As all parents know, children also face dangers when riding their bicycles. Of the incidents reported in Ohio, 486 children through the age of 15 were injured in bicycle accidents in 2007, according to the Department of Public Safety. Two of those Ohio child bicycle accidents were fatal.

Injuries attributed to bicycle accidents dropped off in 2007 for children over the age of 16, perhaps because children that age don't ride their bikes as much once they reach driving age.

Across the United States, 15 percent of all bicyclists killed and 29 percent of those injured in 2007 were under the age of 16, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That number actually has fallen pretty dramatically compared to statistics compiled for 1997. That year, 31 percent of all bicyclists killed and 44 percent of those injured were under 16 years old.

Those numbers may have dropped because of the increased emphasis on having children wear bicycle helmets. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent, according to the NHTSA. Brain injuries can be cut by 88 percent through helmet use, the national organization found.

If you or someone you know has a child who was injured in an Ohio child bicycle accident, order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio by calling our office at 800.637.8170.

Car accident involving Miguel Montoya and Jacob Martin takes one life | Ohio car accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)17538 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Toledo Blade, Jacob Martin, 17, lost his life after a car accident involving one other vehicle. The Ohio Highway Patrol reported that Mr. Martin failed to stop at a stop sign, striking Miguel Montoya Sunday night, on State Route 51 and Fostoria Rd. Miguel Montoya was taken to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

Our Ohio car accident lawyers at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC see accidents involving the tragic deaths of drivers on a regular basis, and urge everyone to be careful on the road.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident, order your free copy of The Ohio Accident Book today.

Jury awards $3.5 million after trucking accident | Ohio trucking accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)17378 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Ohio truck accident lawyers just read an interesting article in Lawyers USA regarding trucking accidents.

The article discussed a recent verdict where an Alabama jury awarded $3.5 million to a woman whose husband suffered wrongful death after being rear-ended by a logging truck at an intersection. The impact forced the man's car into another logging truck in front of him, causing the cargo to break the man's windshield, where it is believed that he died instantly.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury from an Ohio trucking accident, you need information. Contact our office today for your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book by calling 800.637.8170.

Home Depot customer is awarded $1.5 million after forklift injury | Ohio work injury lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)17277 — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A recent article from the Jere Beasley Report reported that a Home Depot customer was recently awarded $1.5 million after a pallet of plywood fell on him while he and his wife were shopping in the store.

The Home Depot accident, which happened in a Marietta, Georgia store in 2005, caused 58-year-old Larry Reece to suffer severe neck and spine injuries that required $120,000 in medical treatment and surgeries.

The article also reported that the Home Depot has been involvedin numerous lawsuits, due to their extrememly high shelving system.

Our Ohio work injury lawyers have handled cases invovling injuries occuring at Home Depot and other "big box" stores. If you or someone you know has been injured at a "big box" store, contact our office today for your free consultation and case evaluation.

Texting While Driving in Ohio | Toledo, Ohio Auto Accident Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16935 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Texting while driving may soon be outlawed in Ohio according to 13 ABC's website. Already, 16 other states have outlawed this habit after fatal crashes occurred due to texting while driving. When Nationwide did a study recently, they found that out of 1,500 18% of them text while driving and that number jumps to 39% for drivers under 30.

In order to understand the effects of texting while driving, Beverly Ricciardo, a Toledo driving instructor set up a safe course to test how a person's driving skills are effected if the text. In this scenario even a person who texts hundreds of times a day became distracted and had a difficult time holding onto the wheel while texting and driving. This is found to be a very dangerous habit.

Right now there are a few bills going through the Ohio legislature working to put some sort of a ban on texting while driving. Some of these bill are geared towards teen drivers, while others include all drivers.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

The authors of Little Kids, Big Accidents PART 2 | Findlay, Ohio chid injury attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16724 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

The authors of this book have more than 50 years of combined legal experience.

Chuck Boyk has been in private practice for 25 years and heads the Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC. During his career, he has handled more than 4,000 injury cases to completion. Many of his cases have involved the injury or death of a child, which has given him a special appreciation for how difficult these situations are for parents.
Chuck has conducted numerous seminars for other attorneys to help them understand the world of personal injury law. In addition to his personal injury work, Chuck has represented thousands of criminal defendants, handling everything from routine traffic offenses to murder cases.

Mike Bruno also has been practicing law for 25 years. Mike, who has been named an Ohio Super Lawyer, has a unique background that benefits our clients. As an assistant Lucas County prosecutor, he handled thousands of felony cases, including death penalty murder cases. As an insurance defense attorney, he handled serious personal injury cases representing insurance companies. That experience has provided him with invaluable insight into how insurance companies will view our cases. Mike has handled more than 100 jury trials, is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating an attorney can receive.

Dale Emch focuses his practice on helping adults and children who have been injured in accidents or by dog bites. He writes a column for the Toledo Blade called "Legal Briefs," in which he answers readers' questions about a variety of legal issues. Dale graduated cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law, where he was an associate member of Law Review. He serves on the Lucas County Public Defender Commission, the Lucas County Dog Warden Advisory Committee, and the Media Relations Board for the Toledo Bar Association.

Our Ohio car accident attorneys' varied experience gives us a unique perspective on the cases we handle and benefits
the families of those who have lost a loved one. Understanding the way insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will analyze the case gives us an added advantage we can pass on to our clients.

If your child has been injured in an Ohio accident, you need information. Contact our office today to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

The authors of Little Kids, Big Accidents PART 1 | Bowling Green, Ohio accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16624 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our office has been representing children who have been injured in Ohio accidents for more than 25 years. We’ve also represented parents who have suffered the greatest loss of all – the death of a child. We take a team approach to the cases we handle for families. We believe that our job is to:

1.    Provide family members with all their legal options along with our analysis about how the case should be approached.
2.    Develop strategies to maximize the recovery for grieving family members who may find themselves struggling financially.
3.    Take charge of the situation and solve problems as quickly and easily as possible.
4.    Recommend grief counseling and help connect families with the resources they’ll need to cope with their loss.

Over the years we have represented children and families in injury and wrongful death cases arising from among the following situations:

- Car accidents

- Truck accidents

- Bicycle accidents

- Pedestrian accidents

- Dog bites

- Playground accidents

- Medical malpractice

- Falls from windows

- Failure to install safety glass

- Food poisoning

- Prescription drug reactions

- Shootings

- Assaults

If your child has been injured in an Ohio accident, you need information. Contact our office today to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents to learn your rights. Our Ohio kids accident lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Ohio child accident statistics PART 2 | Ohio kids accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16623 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Bicycle accidents

Injuries attributed to bicycle accidents dropped off in 2007 for children over the age of 16, perhaps because children that age don’t ride their bikes as much once they reach driving age.

Those numbers may have dropped because of the increased emphasis on having children wear bicycle helmets. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent, according to the NHTSA. Brain injuries can be cut by 88 percent through helmet use, the national organization found.

Dog bites

Unfortunately, we often see the devastating consequences that can result from dog bites. We’ve seen injuries ranging from scars our clients will bear on their faces for the rest of their lives to wounds so deep that muscle and ligaments were exposed. Obviously the bites and resulting medical treatment are painful. But being attacked by a dog also can be tremendously scary, particularly if the victim is a child.

Some bites, while painful, require little recovery time. Others, though, cause damage to muscles, broken bones, and serious disfigurement. Victims with serious injuries may face numerous physical therapy sessions and multiple surgeries. Children, particularly those with facial scars, may have to endure a number of scar-revision surgeries as they grow up.

We don’t present these numbers in order to frighten you. Rather, we think they show just how vulnerable our kids are. Again, knowledge is power. If we have a better understanding of how our kids get hurt, maybe we can take steps to prevent those injuries. Of course, none of us can completely insulate our children from harm. If you’re reading this book because your child was injured or killed, we hope you’ll find some answers that might help you during this difficult period.

If your child has been injured in an Ohio accident, you need information. Contact our office today to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents to learn your rights. Our Toledo, Ohio child accident lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Hiring an Experienced Workers' Compensation Attorney: Part 2 | Northwest Ohio Work Injruy Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16436 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

As mentioned above, you really need a lawyer if your claims are going to involve contested hearings. While a work comp hearing probably won't get as heated as a trial, it's still an adversarial process that pits you against your employer.
Before hiring a lawyer, sit down with him or her to make sure you'll be comfortable with the working relationship. You'll also likely be dealing with your lawyer's paralegal, who should have an in-depth understanding of how the process works and will help guide you through it. In fact, you probably will be dealing with the paralegal more often than the attorney on bureaucratic issues.
Once you decide to retain an Ohio work accident lawyer, you'll have to sign a contract that provides the specifics of your agreement. Most of these contracts are fairly simple, primarily addressing the fee arrangement and the rights and obligations of both parties. Make sure your lawyer gives you a copy of the contract you sign so you can keep it for your records.

If you or someone you know has been injured at work, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Hiring an Experienced Workers' Compensation Attorney: Part 1 | Toledo, Ohio Work Accident Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16435 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

In all but the most straightforward of workplace injuries, the issues encountered in an Ohio worker's compensation case are highly technical. The hearing officers and lawyers who do this work seem to speak a different language to each other, punctuated by awkward statements like "we've filed a C-92," or "this hearing is set for a TTD before a DHO." If you don't know that language and your employer has hired an attorney who not only speaks the lingo, but understands the nuances of the issues, you're probably going to be in trouble. It just makes sense for you to have legal representation as you navigate the work comp world.
A lawyer will be able to spot issues that will help maximize your claim so that you're compensated fairly. An attorney practicing in this field understands when it's time to file certain claims or forms, and has been through enough hearings that he or she knows what to expect. Lawyers who don't handle this type of work likely will be as in the dark as you are about the technical aspects, so find someone who makes worker's compensation a regular part of his practice.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Injury Case: Part 9 | Sandusky, Ohio Work Accident Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16434 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Contested hearings: If your employer opposes your claim or a portion of your claim, there may be a contested hearing on the issue. In this situation, you really need an Ohio work injury attorney that handles a lot of worker's compensation cases. You need someone who knows what arguments to make for a particular situation in order to portray your situation in the best light possible with the hearing officer.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Injury Case: Part 8 | Bowling Green, Ohio Work Injury Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16433 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Wage differential claims: If your Ohio work injury causes a reduction in your work hours or your rate of pay, you can file for wage differential benefits to help compensate you for the difference. The same concept holds true if your injury causes you to change employers and you are working for less pay or fewer hours than you were at your previous job.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Injury Case: Part 7 | Findlay, Ohio Work Injury Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16432 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Lost wages: When you seek temporary total disability benefits, you need to make sure your doctor files a C-84 form with the BWC so you can be compensated for your lost wages. Sometimes doctors forget to do this, so you need to request it or have your attorney work with your doctor's office.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Injury Case: Part 6 | Toledo, Ohio Work Accident Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16430 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

-Mandatory drug testing: If it's done in a timely fashion, your employer can require you to take a drug test following your Ohio workplace injury. If requested, you have to take the test in order to proceed with your claim. If you test positive for drugs, your drug use will be presumed to have caused or contributed to the accident. That presumption, though, is rebuttable and so it doesn't always kill your case.

Ohio child accident statistics PART 1 | Toledo, Ohio wrongful death attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16416 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A quick look at statistics involving accidents where we would expect to affect kids – in cars, school buses, on bicycles, on foot, and by dog bites – reveals how common it is for children to be injured.

Motor vehicle accidents

In 2007, motor vehicle accidents in Ohio resulted in injuries to 9,159 children under the age of 15, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Traffic accidents caused the deaths of 39 children under the age of 15, according to statistics compiled by the department.

Using safety seats is the best thing parents can do to safeguard their young children. When the children outgrow safety seats, parents should require their children to wear seatbelts and, preferably, to ride in the back seat.

School bus accidents

Also in 2007, which is the most recent year in which accident statistics from the Department of Public Safety were available at the time this book went to press, 275 passengers of school buses experienced injuries in Ohio.

In many situations, school buses are not equipped with safety belts, which can increase the risk of injury to children.

Pedestrian accidents

Pedestrian accidents in which children are injured or hurt tend to be particularly heart breaking. In many situations, parents or relatives have backed over a child who happens to be playing in a driveway. Young kids can be particularly difficult to see for drivers, particularly when the person is driving a vehicle like a minivan or SUV. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the tragedy families endure in these types of situations.

In 2007, according to the Department of Public Safety, 610 children 15-years-old and younger were injured and 13 were killed as the result of pedestrian accidents in Ohio.

If your child has been injured in an Ohio accident, you need information. Contact our office today to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents to learn your rights. Our Swanton, Ohio child accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Why we wrote Little Kids, Big Accidents PART 2 | Findlay, Ohio child accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16412 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

When an Ohio accident causes a child’s death or injury, parents aren’t thinking about lawyers and litigation. They’re either grieving or trying to make sure their child recovers as fast as possible. But at some point, parents find that they have legal issues they need to address. People who haven’t been in this situation expect that the negligent person’s insurance company will pay for their medical bills, and compensate them for the loss of their child, or for the pain their child experienced. Of course, when a parent loses a child, no amount of money can ever make things right.

Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple or straightforward. Parents may find that their emotional trauma compounded by the unfair treatment some insurance companies seem to incorporate into their business models. Insurance companies often want to close a file for as little money as possible regardless of whether the child and parents are treated fairly. Though this likely is a new experience for you, it’s certainly not for the adjusters and lawyers who defend these claims for insurance companies. Even sophisticated people who are successful in other areas of their lives often find themselves shocked when they seek compensation on behalf of their child.

We hope this book helps level the playing field and gives parents a basic education on the legal issues they’ll face in these unique cases. If you’re reading the book and you find you have some questions, the Toledo, Ohio accident lawyers in our office would be happy to answer them. Just call 419-241-1395 or 800-637-8170. After business hours, our phones are forwarded to an attorney in case you have an urgent situation to address. You can also visit our Web site at www.charlesboyk-law.com.

We have six offices in northwest Ohio where we meet clients: Downtown Toledo, West Toledo, South Toledo, Bowling Green, Findlay, and Swanton.

Why we wrote Little Kids, Big Accidents | Toledo, Ohio child injury attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16410 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

The most difficult cases we handle in our office involve the death or serious injury of a child. It’s heartbreaking to see the emotional devastation parents, grandparents, and siblings experience after a child has been killed or injured in an accident. As we all have children in our lives, we understand how traumatic these experiences can be for families.

When tragedy strikes, the lives of parents are turned upside down. If their child has been seriously injured, parents are left trying to navigate the medical community and health insurance. If someone has lost a child, just trying to get out of bed can seem like a monumental task. Deaths or injuries caused by someone else’s careless conduct adds even more stress because it entails dealing with a legal system with which most people have little familiarity.

That’s why we wrote this book. We’ve found that parents whose kids have been hurt or killed in accidents have so much on their minds that they don’t need more confusion when they’re exploring their legal options. The attorneys in our office believe knowledge is power. Our goal with this book is to help parents understand how they can best protect their rights and their children’s rights. When parents meet with us, they’re often confused and heartbroken. They’re looking for straight forward answers and guidance. We hope this book provides solid information for parents so they feel like they have a grasp on the basics before they consult with an attorney.

If your child has been injured in an Ohio accident, you need information. Contact our office today to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents to learn your rights. Our Ohio kids attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Inury Case: Part 5 | Findlay, Ohio Work Injury Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16372 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

- Get medical treatment: Many people don't realize they don't have to get their injuries treated by their employer's doctor. You can treat with any doctor you want as long as the doc is certified by the BWC. If your family doctor isn't BWC certified, consult an Ohio work injury lawyer who does a lot of this work to get references for qualified doctors. You can only get compensated for the conditions that the BWC determines were caused by your workplace injury. Your attorney can file a motion that seeks coverage for additional conditions related to the injury. This becomes important if you later have to file a permanent partial disability claim.

If you or someone you know have suffered a work related injury, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Inury Case: Part 4 | Ohio Work Accident Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16371 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

- Get a claim number: You need an Ohio work injury claim number issued by the BWC. Once the FROI is filed, contact the BWC so you can get an ID claim card. Everything that happens with your case will be linked to the claim number on the card.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Inury Case: Part 3 | Bowling Green, Ohio Work Accident Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16369 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

- First Report of Injury Form: Complete a First Report of Injury form, which is called a FROI in the work comp world. Your employer is supposed to fill out the form, but if that doesn't happen, an Ohio Work injury attorney can help you. The form is crucial because it's the only way you can get a claim number on file with the Bureau of Worker's Compensation. Without a claim number, your claim will go nowhere. So, complete a FROI as soon as possible. Generally, an injured worker has two years from the date of the injury to file a claim.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Inury Case: Part 3 | Bowling Green, Ohio Work Accident Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16366 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Inury Case: Part 2 | Ohio Workers Compensation Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16365 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

- Report the injury to your employer: Always make sure you tell your employer when you've been injured at work. Ask your employer to produce a written report about the incident. Whether or not your employer completes a written report, make sure you document the date and time of the injury, how it happened, where it happened, and whether there were witnesses. Do this even if you have to produce the report yourself. Also, keep all receipts and hospital records.

If you or someone you know have suffered an Ohio work related injury, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Inury Case: Part 2

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16364 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Tips That Could Help Your Ohio Work Inury Case: Part 1 | Northwest Ohio Work Injury Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16363 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Everyone who has watched a courtroom drama has an idea of what court should be like. The imagined setting is a large, ornate courtroom presided over by a stern judge, with lawyers locked in heated battle in front of an engrossed jury.
That's not what you get in a worker's compensation case. The world of worker's compensation is a bureaucrat's dream.
In Toledo, the Industrial Commission is housed downtown in One Government Center. A large waiting area anchors the office, and a number of small rooms where cases are heard line the periphery.
Rather than having a judge preside over a case, a hearing officer will review the facts of each claim by reviewing medical reports and listening to lawyers or representatives of each party. In some cases, the hearing officer will take sworn testimony by the injured worker or from a representative of the employer. A finding may be issued on the spot, or the officer may take additional time to review all the evidence before coming to a decision.
It's not very dramatic, but obviously the outcome is important to the injured worker. Keep reading for a very general description of how the process works and our suggestions about some issues you may want to consider.

Benefits Available to Ohio Injured Workers: Workplace Intentional Tort | Toledo, Ohio Workers Compensation Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16362 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Sometimes an employer's conduct that results in a workplace injury can be so egregious that an additional claim can be made outside the worker's compensation system. This type of claim is made through a lawsuit filed in court that alleges a workplace intentional tort, which means the conduct was so bad that the courts view it as if the employer acted intentionally to cause the harm.
These cases have always been difficult to win because the standard that must be met in order to prevail is extremely high. In recent years, it's gotten even tougher. The Ohio General Assembly passed legislation that raised the standard of proof so high that an injured worker can only prevail on this type of claim in very limited circumstances. The Ohio Supreme Court has not considered whether this standard is constitutional, so an attorney would need to be consulted to determine whether this type of claim is viable.
In our practice, we handled a major workplace injury case that arose prior to the date the new statute took effect. The injured employee initially approached us about filing a worker's compensation claim for him after he suffered horrific injuries from an electrical shock. After looking at the facts of the situation, we determined that the employer acted with such complete disregard to numerous safety rules and regulations that we filed a lawsuit for workplace intentional tort. Eventually, a confidential settlement was reached for nearly $2 million.
The lesson here is that if your injuries were caused because your employer failed to follow the proper safety rules, you may be able to pursue a remedy that exceeds a worker's compensation claim.

Benefits Available to Ohio Injured Workers: Lump Sum Settlements | Toledo, Ohio Work Injury Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16361 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

In certain circumstances, the employer and the Ohio injured worker may enter into a settlement agreement to compensate the worker for injuries sustained on the job. The settlement, though, must be approved by the BWC, regardless of whether the employer is state-funded or self-insured. The BWC settlement department determines whether the settlement agreement is justified and fair.
An injured worker should be careful before agreeing to a lump sum settlement because it will stop him from seeking additional compensation through the BWC. It closes the door for all payments for future compensation and future medical treatment related to the claim.

Benefits Available to Ohio Injured Workers: Violation of a Specific Safety Requirement | Toledo, Ohio Work Accident Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16360 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

The state legislature and the state Industrial Commission require employers to follow a number of specific rules related to workplace safety. If an employer does not follow a rule designed to safeguard the lives, health, or safety of an employee, and the employee gets hurt as a result, a claim called a violation of a specific safety rule can be filed.
Essentially, this is a claim that both punishes the employer and compensates the employee. The award varies based on the severity of the injury and the extent of the violation.
In our office, we help clients file a report with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, which oversees Ohio workplace safety issues. The administration conducts an investigation and cites the company if it finds violations. That report can be used to substantiate a claim alleging violation of a specific safety requirement.
An example of a situation where this type of award might be warranted would be when an injury results from an employer requiring an employee to work at a certain height without proper scaffolding or safety harnesses.

Benefits Available to Ohio Injured Workers: Permanent Total Disability | Toledo, Ohio Work Accident Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16357 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Someone who is injured so seriously on the job that he'll never be able to gain sustained employment is eligible for Ohio permanent total disability benefits.
If the hearing officer grants the application for permanent total disability, the injured worker can receive compensation for life.
Compensation for this type of award takes into account the statewide weekly wage average and whether the injured worker receives Social Security benefits.
A worker whose workplace injury caused him to become paralyzed would be an extreme example of someone who may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits. The injury, though, does not need to completely incapacitate the worker in order for this type of benefit to be awarded.

Benefits Available to Ohio Injured Workers: Permanent Partial Disability | Northwest Ohio Workers Compensation Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16353 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Sometimes workers sustain physical or psychological injuries that will remain with them forever, but may allow them to continue working. In such a case, the worker would be eligible for an Ohio permanent partial disability award based on the percentage of the impairment. For injuries that occurred prior to June 30, 2006, the injured worker had to wait 40 weeks before filing this type of claim. The waiting period for injuries after that date is 26 weeks.
In order to determine the percentage of loss, the worker is examined by a BWC doctor, who determines the percentage of impairment of the body part in question based on the American Medical Association's Guides to Evaluations of Permanent Impairment.
If the injured worker thinks the percentage determined is too low, he can object to that finding and opt for examination by his own doctor. The hearing officer then examines the findings by the doctors and determines the percentage of impairment. That percentage is the basis of any compensation the worker would receive.
The percentage of disability determined by the hearing officer is used to calculate the award paid based on a formula employed by the BWC.
An example of an injury that would be the basis of a permanent partial disability claim would be a worker who gets burned on the job and is left with permanent scar tissue. A percentage of disability would be determined to calculate the award paid to the worker.

Benefits Available to Ohio Injured Workers:Temporary Total Disability | Toledo, Ohio Work Accident Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16351 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

We probably file more claims based on Ohio temporary total disability than any other. Usually, people who are injured only have to stay off the job for a relatively short period of time. Fortunately, people can recover from these injuries and get back to work.
Temporary total disability helps replace wages lost for those who are unable to work for a certain period of time. For example, if a worker had a pallet fall on his foot that prevented him from doing his job until he recovered from his injuries, temporary total would be the proper claim to file.
The injured worker must miss eight consecutive days in order to qualify for temporary total disability. For the first 12 weeks of disability, injured workers receiving temporary total disability are compensated at 72 percent of their full weekly wage. That figure is based on the average of the gross wages earned during the six weeks prior to the injury.
After three months, a claimant receives 66 2/3 his average weekly wage. In this situation, the average weekly wage is calculated based on the worker's average gross wages for one year prior to the injury.
It should be noted that although temporary total disability does not completely replace a worker's lost income, worker's compensation benefits are not taxable.

If you or someone you know have suffered a work related injury, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

First time riding your Ohio motorcycle PART 2 | Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16311 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Getting ready to ride a motorcycle for the first time can be overwhelming. That’s why www.msgroup.org has offered tips on what to do the first time you get out on the road. Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC and the Motorcycle Safety Site recommend that you successfully complete the beginner’s MSF class before getting on your first motorcycle:

After you are familiar with how your motorcycle works, start the engine. Remember that as long as you are squeezing both levers, you are in control.

Now do the beginners MSF exercise - ease the clutch lever out until it just enters that friction zone and the bike tries to move forward. Allow the bike to move forward slightly, then squeeze that clutch lever and then use your legs to pull the bike back to where it started. Keep in mind that you are only able to steer at slow speeds.

Slow speed control is almost entirely in the left hand. While riding in a straight line the clutch lever belongs fully released.

Remember to check traffic with your eyes NOT your mirrors. Keep your eyes up while riding. Danger is primarily in front of you.

Most importantly, make sure to pay attention to traffic, signals, how the bike ’sounds’, and how it reacts to throttle and brake usage.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Sandusky, Ohio accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Benefits Available to Injured Workers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16294 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A number of different types of benefits can be sought by an Ohio injured worker depending on the type and severity of the injury. To give you an idea of the claims that might be filed in your case, we'll review those we see most often in our practice. These types include: temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, permanent total disability, violation of a specific safety requirement, lump sum settlements, and workplace intentional tort. Keep reading for explanations about these benefits.

A number of different types of benefits can be sought by an injured worker depending on the type and severity of the injury. To give you an idea of the claims that might be filed in your case, we'll review those we see most often in our practice.

Ohio Worker's Comp Claims Differ from Negligence Claims Part 2 | Ohio Work Injury Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16292 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

The state requires employers to be self-insured or to pay into a fund that is used to compensate injured workers for things like the wages they lost due to the injury and for their medical bills. It's a no-fault system, which means that it doesn't matter whether you were injured because of your own actions or as the result of a co-worker or supervisor's actions. If you were injured on the job in Ohio, you're generally allowed to file a claim and get some type of compensation.
In some situations, if an employer's actions were so outrageous because they ordered an employee to undertake a very dangerous task without the proper safety conditions or if they failed to correct a known safety hazard, the case can be taken out of the worker's compensation system. The legislature, though, has made filing these types of lawsuits extremely difficult so not many people would qualify.

If you or someone you know has suffered a work injury, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Worker's Compensation Claims Differ from Negligence Claims Part 1 | Ohio Worker's Compensation Attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16291 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Ohio Worker's compensation claims are much different than the negligence cases that result from situations like car accidents or dog bites. In a negligence case, you can be compensated for your medical bills, damage to your property, and your pain and suffering. In some cases, you can even seek additional money to punish someone for their bad behavior, such as when you're struck by a drunk driver. If a lawsuit needs to be filed, it's done through the court system and the case is heard by a judge.
The worker's compensation system was set up to eliminate many of the claims that could be brought through a negligence case. The Ohio General Assembly designed a system that helps employers minimize the costs they might have to bear through employee injuries. The theory is that if employers had to pay for things like pain and suffering, or punitive damages, it would be too expensive to do business. Having to defend the cases in court would cost even more money. Whether or not you believe that's fair to employees who are hurt on the job, that's the system we have. Instead of having cases heard by a judge or jury, work comp claims are handled through an administrative hearing officer.

If you or someone you know has suffered a work injury, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Work Injuries Can Destroy Lives | Toledo, Ohio Work Injury Lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16290 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Accidents suffered at work can devastate your life. One second you're working hard on the job, the next you've got an injury that prevents you from working for days or months. In some cases, injured workers never get back on the job.
Just being injured is bad enough. You're in pain and you'd rather be working instead of sitting around the house. Trying to navigate the complicated bureaucracy of the Ohio Worker's Compensation system can make life that much more difficult for people trying to regain their health and get back to work.
That's why we've written this book. In our office, we believe knowledge is power. We hope to provide people with information so they can understand the worker's compensation process. Having that knowledge may help you learn how you can be compensated for the injury you've suffered at work, and also will give you a better understanding of your rights.

If you or someone you know has been injured at work, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

First time riding your Ohio motorcycle PART 1 | Bowling Green, Ohio motorcycle crash lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16141 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Before riding your motorcycle, make sure that you get familiar with the instruments and controls. Sit on the saddle and practice lifting the bike off the side-stand, kicking it back out of the way, balancing (get a feel for heft) and then ‘find’ the side-stand and push it into place and locked. Use your eyes to confirm that it is properly in place and locked there before you let the weight of the bike rest on it. Practice squeezing both levers and ‘work them’ to get a feel for how much pressure your hands have to use.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Findlay, Ohio auto accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Banning texting while driving PART 2 | Perrysburg, Ohio car accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16087 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many studies have been conducted about the dangers of using handheld electronics while driving, according to FOX news and the Associated Press.

In a recent study, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that when drivers of heavy trucks texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when not texting.

Dialing a cell phone and using or reaching for an electronic device increased risk of collision about six times in cars and trucks. Virginia Tech researchers found that the risks of texting applied to all drivers.

Texting has grown tremendously, with over 110 billion messages a month in December 2008, according to CTIA, the cellular phone industry's trade group.

A report by Car and Driver magazine found that texting and driving is more dangerous than drunken driving.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio semi-truck accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Sandusky, Ohio truck accident lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Banning texting while driving PART 1 | Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)16081 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Lawmakers have called for states to ban texting while driving or face cuts in highway funds, according to FOX news and the Associated Press. This ban is an attempt to reduce driver distraction and highway deaths and injuries.

"When drivers have their eyes on their cell phones instead of the road, the results can be dangerous and even deadly," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have passed laws making texting while driving illegal.

However, many people are unsure if the law will be able to be enforced. The Governors Highway Safety Association stated it understands the dangers of texting and driving but does not support a ban because it would be difficult to enforce.

Steve Largent, who leads CTIA -- The Wireless Association, said, "...But simply passing a law will not change behavior. We also need to educate new and experienced drivers on the dangers of taking their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel."

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Bowling Green, Ohio wrongful death attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Helping your teen avoid the major crash risk factors PART 2 | Swanton, Ohio accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15852 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to www.progressive.com, teen drivers have the highest fatal crash risk. Teen drivers have the highest involvement rates in all types of crashes, from property damage to fatal accidents. The problem is the worst with 16 year-olds, who have limited driving experience.

Progressive, an auto insurance company, has made a list of the major crash risk factors for teen drivers:

Passengers
Fatal crashes among teens are more likely to occur when other teenagers are in the car. The risk increases with every additional passenger. In 2003, 59 percent of teenage passenger deaths happened in vehicles driven by another teenager.
Alcohol
Although this is a problem among drivers of all ages, it's actually less of a problem for drivers ages 16 and 17. In 2003, the estimated percent of fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers of this age who had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08 percent was 16 percent — down 60 percent since 1982.
Night driving
This is a high-risk activity for beginners. Per mile driven, the crash rate for teenagers driving at night with passengers is 4 to 5 times more likely than teenagers who drive alone during the day.
Low seat belt use
Teenagers generally are less likely to use safety belts than adults. In 2003, 57 percent of 16- to 20-year-old passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing safety belts.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio truck accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Ohio car crash lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Helping your teen avoid the major crash risk factors PART 1 | Ohio teen accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15851 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Driver error
Compared with crashes of older drivers, those of teenagers more often involve driver error.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a factor in higher crash rates among 16-year-old drivers.
Single-vehicle crashes
More fatal crashes of teenage drivers involve only the teen's vehicle. Typically, these involve high speed and/or driver error.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio auto accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Toledo, Ohio teen car accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Cell phone dangers | Swanton, Ohio car crash attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15704 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gathered hundreds of pages of research and warnings about the hazards of drivers using cell phones, according to FOX news.

The Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen were both able to obtain the findings of the research.

The findings included:

-Cell phone usage by drivers increased 50 percent, from 4 percent in 2000 to 6 percent in 2002
-Driver distraction contributes to about 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes.
-Cell phone use is growing as a distraction while driving.

The NHTSA warns that "drivers not use these devices when driving except in an emergency."

The studies showed that cell phone conversations take drivers' focus off of the road, which can lead to crashes.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident, you need information. Contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book written by the Toledo, Ohio car crash lawyers at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC.

Cell phones are a distraction while driving in Ohio PART 3 | Toledo, Ohio child accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15614 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Using a hands-free phone does not necessarily eliminate the distraction of talking on the phone while driving. Hands-free phones usually use headphones or an earphone. These hearing devices often have volume problems, which can be a huge distraction when driving.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that a driver's likelihood of getting in an accident increases fourfold when talking on a wireless phone, whether handheld or hands-free. The NHTSA researched whether using phones hands-free makes a difference. The study found that drivers typically favored hands-free and voice-dialing options over holding the phone, and typically found these setups easier to use.

According to edmunds.com, as reported by Joanne Helperin, there are several hands-free options that can eliminate the need for headphones by running voice calls through your car's speakers.

Edmunds.com reports that an increasing number of cell phones and vehicles are equipped with Bluetooth technology. This allows you to have your phone anywhere in your car and still make and receive calls. You'll hear the calls through the speakers, and your voice will be transmitted through the car's built-in microphone. Bluetooth-enabled cars are equipped with voice recognition technology, such that you can make and receive phone calls without having to touch any buttons on the phone.

However, even if a cell phone is being used completely hands-free, the risk of having an accident doesn't seem to be reduced, according to edmunds.com. The act of conversing on the phone — not holding the phone to your ear — is the more dangerous distraction. Emotional conversations in particular seem to elevate risk.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Sandusky, Ohio truck accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in Northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Cell phones are a distraction while driving in Ohio PART 2 | Bowling Green, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15611 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Cell phones have many benefits. We can conduct business and stay in touch with family and friends. We can let people know when we're running late. If there's a problem on the road, cell phones allow us to call for roadside assistance or medical help. We can report problems: a drunk driver, a stranded motorist, an obstacle in the road. Drivers can even call in traffic reports to radio stations, allowing the rest of the community to benefit from their knowledge.

However, cell phones do pose a serious risk by distracting us when we are driving.

Edmunds.com has offered the following suggestions for using a cell phone safely in your car:

Get to know your phone and its features — if you can dial a number with one key instead of seven or 10, you're better off.

Position your phone within easy reach — bending over to reach for it takes your eyes of the road and can cause you to swerve.

Suspend calls in heavy traffic or in bad weather — you need to focus even more under hazardous conditions.

Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving — enough said.

Keep conversations short. Inform the person you're calling that you are in a car, and hang up as soon as possible.

If possible, place calls when you are not moving. Pull over where possible.

Ask a passenger to help. Have someone else make or take the call.

Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations — leave the child support conversations for the home phone.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Our Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in Northwest Ohio where we can meet with you – for free – to discuss your case.

Cell phones are a distraction while driving in Ohio PART 1 | Swanton, Ohio accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15610 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 1 million U.S. drivers talking on handheld cell phones right now.

Cell phones are a known driving distraction, which has created concern about safety. According to edmunds.com, as reported by Joanne Helperin, dozens of countries have banned the use of cell phones while driving. In the United States, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, and Washington, D.C. have banned in-vehicle cell phone use. Dozens of other states have banned use of cell phones by minors and bus drivers.

A 2005 controlled study of Australian drivers found that people who were talking on cell phones were four times as likely to get into a serious accident. In 1997, a study of Canadian drivers linked cell phone usage with increased property damage. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that phone conversation tasks typically decreased reaction times, travel speeds, and increased lane deviations and steering wheel movements.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident, contact the Toledo, Ohio car accident attorneys at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book today to learn your rights.

Child safety tips help prevent injury in Ohio car accidents | Swanton, Ohio car accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15408 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to AAA, more families will be taking road trips this year. As more families begin to travel in cars, it is important that parents understand vehicle safety. Evenflo has some simple tips to ensure your family's safety this summer:

It is important that you have a good car seat for your child. Make sure that the car seat fits the child, fits the car, and can be installed correctly every time.

If your child is too big for a car seat, but not big enough for regular seat-belts alone, then they should ride in a booster seat. Any child weighing 40 to 80 lbs and under 57 inches needs a booster seat. To get the best result, adjust the lap belt so that it fits low and snug across the child's hips, with the shoulder belt across the mid-chest and shoulder. Standard safety belts are designed for adults, not children. A booster seat raises kids up so that the safety belt fits properly. Using a booster seat can reduce a child's risk of injury in the event of a Toledo, Ohio car accident by almost 75 percent.

Make it a rule that any child under 12 years old must ride in the back seat. Many cars have frontal airbags, which are too forceful for small children and pose a serious safety hazard if activated.

Set a good example for your kids by waiting until everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt. Research shows that children are more likely to not wear a seatbelt if their parents do the same.

Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers handle cases involving the injury of a child on a regular basis. If your child has been injured in an Ohio car accident, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents.

Children 8 to 12 years old should be in back seat | Ohio car accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15301 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent article by the Ohio Kids are Riding Safe website, it is imperative that children between the ages of 8 and 12 ride in the backseat of a vehicle.

While they are too big for a booster seat, the front seat still leaves little protection in the event of an Ohio car accident. Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers encourage parents to always have their kids ride in the back, even if they enjoy riding in the front.

The results of front seat or unrestrained car accidents are devastating. Read these statistics from the article:

Tweens, children eight to twelve years old, are dying in car crashes at a rate of more than one a day. Nearly half of the tweens killed in car crashes in this country each year were riding unrestrained and one third were riding in a front seat. The older children get, the less likely they are to use safety belts or to sit in the back seat.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, or has a child who has been injured in a car accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book, or our new book on child accidents, Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Accident Cases in Ohio.

Survey: Toledo rated 68th for best drivers | Ohio car accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15224 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A recent survey published in the Toledo Blade found that Toledoans are rated as good drivers.

According to the survey done by a national insurance company, Toledo was ranked as the 68^th city with the best drivers, out of 200 cities across the United States. Drivers in Toledo have a 2.6 percent chance of an Ohio car accident above the national average. The survey also found collisions only happen every 9.7 years among Toledo drivers.

Good driving records can be attributed to strong drivers training, and the idea that drivers in northwest Ohio are courteous, according to Mike Moscinski, the vice president of Trainco Truck Driving School.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio car accident contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book, written by the Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC.

Ohio child dog bite statistics | Swanton, Ohio child injury attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15158 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Unfortunately, we often see the devastating consequences that can result from Ohio dog bite injuries. We’ve seen injuries ranging from scars our clients will bear on their faces for the rest of their lives to wounds so deep that muscle and ligaments were exposed. Obviously the bites and resulting medical treatment are painful. But being attacked by a dog also can be tremendously scary, particularly if the victim is a child.

In the United States, approximately 800,000 people a year suffer injuries from dog bites that are significant enough to require medical treatment, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children are particularly vulnerable. Of the Ohio dog-bite victims needing medical attention, half are children, the CDC found. Kids between the ages of 5 and 9 years old experienced the most bites, according to the CDC.

Landlords generally not liable for Ohio dog bites | Sandusky, Ohio dog bite attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15098 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Compensation for most Ohio dog-bite claims comes from the owner or keeper’s homeowner’s insurance policy. If the injuries from the Toledo, Ohio dog bite are serious, most people won’t have the money to pay the victim fair compensation. They need to rely on their insurance to cover the victim’s claims.

This area becomes somewhat muddled when the owner or keeper of a dog is a renter, rather than the owner of property. If that person has rental insurance, the victim may be compensated from that policy. If the dog’s owner doesn’t have renter’s insurance, the dog-bite victim may try to seek compensation from the landlord. Though there are exceptions, this generally results in a dead end.

In Ohio, landlords generally are not responsible for the actions of a tenant’s dog. First of all, to make a landlord liable, it would have to be shown that the landlord harbored the dog. Almost all of the caselaw that we’ve read says that landlords are not harborers of a dog if the tenant has exclusive possession and control of the property. In most situations, tenants are deemed to have possession and control of the rental property during the lease period.

Some judges have found, however, that if a landlord knew a tenant’s dog was vicious and still allowed the dog to remain at the property, the landlord can be held liable for any injuries caused by a dog bite.

Ohio child bicycle accidents | Toledo, Ohio child accident attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)15030 — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

As all parents know, children face dangers when riding their bicycles. Of the incidents reported in Ohio, 486 children through the age of 15 were injured in Ohio bicycle accidents in 2007, according to the Department of Public Safety. Two of those accidents were fatal.

Injuries attributed to bicycle accidents dropped off in 2007 for children over the age of 16, perhaps because children that age don’t ride their bikes as much once they reach driving age.

Across the United States, 15 percent of all bicyclists killed and 29 percent of those injured in 2007 were under the age of 16, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That number actually has fallen pretty dramatically compared to statistics compiled for 1997. That year, 31 percent of all bicyclists killed and 44 percent of those injured were under 16 years old.

Those numbers may have dropped because of the increased emphasis on having children wear bicycle helmets. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent, according to the NHTSA. Brain injuries can be cut by 88 percent through helmet use, the national organization found.

Jackie Bartrom of Oak Harbor injured while riding motorcycle | Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14840 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Toledo Blade, Jackie Bartrom of Oak Harbor was seriously injured last Friday after he was struck by an SUV while riding his motorcycle.

The SUV alledgedly ran a stop sign, causing the Ohio motorcycle accident that resulted in Jackie Bartrom being life-flighted to the University of Toledo Medical Center.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.

Ohio personal injury case standards | Northwood, Ohio construction accident injuries

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14824 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Not everyone who has been injured can win an Ohio personal injury case. The person who causes the injury has to be deemed negligent, or at fault, under the law. Someone is at fault when it is his responsibility to act or behave in a certain way, but fails to and causes some type of damage or injury. There’s a lot of complexity built into that seemingly simple concept, but that’s the rough idea.

A routine traffic accident is a good example. Motorists have a responsibility to drive in a way that doesn’t hurt others. When a driver speeds, fails to yield, or rear-ends another driver and causes an injury, then that driver is negligent.

Filing a negligence claim doesn’t mean that you’re accusing the other driver of being a bad person, and it doesn’t mean you’re being greedy. It’s simply a claim that the other person’s conduct has caused you some type of harm for which you deserve to be compensated. No one is going to go to jail as a result of your civil lawsuit. The civil system offers a way for you to be made whole for the damages you’ve suffered as the result of another’s wrongful conduct.

The insurance industry, along with state and national chamber of commerce organizations, have done a great job of casting doubt on legitimately injured people and the lawyers who represent them. While there certainly are unethical lawyers and people who make fake claims, the vast majority of claimants and attorneys seek only fair compensation for the injury suffered. You shouldn’t feel guilty for pursuing a legitimate claim for injuries caused by someone else.

When you seek a settlement from an insurance company, you’re just trying to be made whole for the medical bills you’ve incurred and the pain you’ve endured. You have nothing to be ashamed of when you look out for your best interests.

Relatives are beneficiaries in an Ohio wrongful death case | Swanton, Ohio truck accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14823 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Under state law, wrongful death suits are brought in the name of the executor of the decedent’s estate in the name of various beneficiaries. A beneficiary is someone who is entitled to financial compensation should the case be proven.

In Ohio, the beneficiaries are relatives of the decedents, such as the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings. A parent who a court determines had abandoned a minor child may not be a beneficiary in a wrongful death claim should the child die.

The probate court judge determines how a settlement or award is to be distributed among the potential beneficiaries based on the relationship to the decedent and the degree of loss to the beneficiary. For instance, if the decedent was the breadwinner in the family, the surviving spouse and children would be given more money than a sibling of the decedent.

If all the beneficiaries are at the same level in the law’s eyes – for instance a group of siblings – they can decide among themselves how to divide up the money and ask the court for approval.

Beneficiaries under 25 years old can be treated differently by the Court in order to protect their interests. The Court can create a trust for beneficiaries under 25 and order that the money be held in trust until the beneficiary turns 25 or that it be distributed in accordance with the terms of the trust.

Dog Bites can be devastating | Toledo, Ohio dog bite attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14776 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

The attorneys in our office are all dog lovers. Like most people, we view our dogs as part of the family.

But, unfortunately, we often see the devastating consequences that can result from dog bites. We’ve seen injuries ranging from scars our clients will bear on their faces for the rest of their lives to wounds so deep that muscle and ligaments were exposed. Obviously the bites and resulting medical treatment are painful. But being attacked by a dog also can be tremendously scary, particularly if the victim is a child or an elderly person.

In the United States, approximately 800,000 people a year suffer injuries from dog bites that are significant enough to require medical treatment, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children are particularly vulnerable. Of the Ohio dog-bite victims needing medical attention, half are children, the CDC found. Kids between the ages of 5 and 9 years old experienced the most bites, according to the CDC.

Hire an experienced worker's compensation attorney | Ottawa Hills, Ohio worker's compensation lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14750 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

In all but the most straightforward of workplace injuries, the issues encountered in an Ohio worker’s compensation case are highly technical. The hearing officers and lawyers who do this work seem to speak a different language to each other, punctuated by awkward statements like “we’ve filed a C-92,” or “this hearing is set for a TTD before a DHO.” If you don’t know that language and your employer has hired an attorney who not only speaks the lingo, but understands the nuances of the issues, you’re probably going to be in trouble. It just makes sense for you to have legal representation as you navigate the work comp world.

A lawyer will be able to spot issues that will help maximize your claim so that you’re compensated fairly. An attorney practicing in this field understands when it’s time to file certain claims or forms, and has been through enough hearings that he or she knows what to expect. Lawyers who don’t handle this type of work likely will be as in the dark as you are about the technic al aspects, so find someone who makes worker’s compensation a regular part of his practice.

As mentioned above, you really need a lawyer if your claims are going to involve contested hearings. While a work comp hearing probably won’t get as heated as a trial, it’s still an adversarial process that pits you against your employer.

Before hiring a lawyer, sit down with him or her to make sure you’ll be comfortable with the working relationship. You’ll also likely be dealing with your lawyer’s paralegal, who should have an in-depth understanding of how the process works and will help guide you through it. In fact, you probably will be dealing with the paralegal more often than the attorney on bureaucratic issues.

Once you decide to retain a lawyer, you’ll have to sign a contract that provides the specifics of your agreement. Most of these contracts are fairly simple, primarily addressing the fee arrangement and the rights and obligations of both parties. Make sure your lawyer gives you a copy of the contract you sign so you can keep it for your records.

Why helmets are important | Perrysburg, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14585 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

The issue of helmet use is controversial in Ohio and throughout the country. Some riders feel they can hear and see better without a helmet, while others simply like letting their hair blow in the breeze. Many motorcyclists, though, don’t feel as safe or secure without a helmet. It’s an issue of personal preference.

Regardless of how you feel about the issue, statistics show it’s safer to ride with a helmet. In 2007, 63 percent of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. In 2006, 70 percent of riders killed had no helmet. Of those who were injured, roughly 51 percent weren’t wearing a helmet.

Statistics don’t always tell the whole story and we don’t offer them to alarm you, but they do give us all an idea of how dangerous it can be to ride a motorcycle. Many times, motorcyclists aren’t responsible for the accidents in which they’ve been involved. In those situations, they need a lawyer to guide them through the often-complicated personal injury process.

ACCIDENT STATISTICS SHOW THE DANGERS MOTORCYCLISTS FACE | Fremont, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14583 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

The allure of hitting the open road on a motorcycle isn’t just the stuff of Hollywood movies. Riding is fun and exciting. But anyone who has ridden knows it’s undeniably dangerous. Bikers know there’s a risk every time they roll out of their driveways, often from the actions of car and truck drivers.

In 2007, 190 people were killed, and 4,053 were injured in motorcycle accidents, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Of the riders killed, 13.7 percent were between 21 and 25 years old, the highest percentage for any age group that year. The next highest groups were 36 to 40 year olds and 51 to 55 year olds, both tied at 12.1 percent.

Riders between the ages of 41 and 45 years old sustained the most injures in 2007 at 13 percent. Riders 46 to 50 comprised 12.9 percent of those injured, with 21 to 25 year olds close behind at 12.6 percent.

Very young children are not negligent for causing injuries | Sylvania, Ohio child accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)14541 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

In many cases, children injure other children whether through play or some careless act.

Children under the age of 7 are not liable for their conduct as a matter of law. For example, if a child less than 7 years old injures someone by running into them with a bicycle, the injured person will not be able to succeed on a negligence claim against the child, no matter how severe the injuries.

The idea behind the rule is that children who less than 7 years old are simply incapable of fully appreciating how their acts may impact others. Therefore, the reasoning goes, it would be unfair to hold them responsible for injuries caused by accidental or even reckless behavior.

This can be an important issue if you a child under the age of 7 gets injured in an accident caused partially by the child’s actions. Under Ohio law, juries can weigh the negligence of the person who caused the accident and the injured person. The concept is called comparative negligence. So, let’s say that the driver of a car runs a stop sign at a 4-way stop intersection, and a 6-year-old child on a bicycle also fails to stop at the intersection and is struck while crossing the car’s path. In that situation, the 6-year-old cannot ,as a matter of law, be found to be contributorily negligent. Therefore, the driver of the vehicle would be solely responsible for causing the child’s injuries.

Children 7 or older - and adults, for that matter – also cannot be held liable for causing injuries that occur during recreational activities such as games of tag or baseball, unless their conduct was somehow reckless. In other words, a child who injures someone during some type of play activity won’t be held liable for a run-of-the-mill accident. And, the recreational activity doesn’t have to be confined to sports. For example if a child accidentally wacked someone with a hammer while building a tree fort, they likely couldn’t be found negligent. That may not seem fair to the injured person, but that’s the law in Ohio.

In some situations, a parent can be liable for a child’s negligent conduct. If the parent entrusts the child with something like a gun or a car that is potentially dangerous to others because of the child’s age or inexperience, a claim can be made against the parent.

Parents also can be liable if they don’t exercise the proper control over a child despite knowing that the child’s conduct could cause an injury, or if the parent somehow consents or directs a child’s wrongdoing.

Pregnant Ohio woman suffers wrongful death at hospital | Ohio wrongful death lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13973 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two Bellefontaine women contracted meningitis from an anesthesiologist this past May while delivering babies at Mary Rutan Hospital, according to Fox News. One of the women suffered wrongful death at the Ohio hospital after contracting the disease.

The hospital reported that the anesthesiologist who allegedly caused the death was not wearing a face mask while treating the women, and passed meningitis to them either through speaking or breathing.

The Ohio wrongful death attorneys at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC have both the women and their families in their thoughts and prayers.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, contact our office immediately for your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book. You can also reach our attorneys 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800.637.8170 for a free consultation.

Why You Need to Seek Legal Help Part 3 | Fremont, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13851 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Lawsuits are time-consuming, expensive, and unpredictable. The benefit of settling a Sylvania, Ohio fatal accident claim with the adjuster is that the client gets compensated sooner and has a certain outcome. We only file suits quickly if the adjuster makes an unfair offer that we know isn't going to get any better or if the two-year statute of limitations discussed above is about to expire.

Sometimes going to trial becomes the only option. When you're looking for an Ohio wrongful death lawyer, make sure you hire someone who is willing to try cases if necessary. It can take a long time to get to trial, but it may offer your best chance of getting fair compensation for your wrongful death claim. If you have to go to trial, be prepared for a long wait. It's not unusual for a trial date to be set anywhere from six months to a year after the complaint is filed, and trial dates often get postponed.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Why You Need to Seek Legal Help Part 2 | Perrysburg, Ohio tragic accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13850 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Seek a Toledo, Ohio tragic death accident lawyer who focuses his or her practice on personal injury claims and who has experience working on Ohio wrongful death cases. Findlay, Ohio fatal accident lawyers in this field understand the issues the insurance industry and defense attorneys will raise to defeat your claim, and will have the knowledge and experience to fight for your rights.

Your Swanton, Ohio wrongful death lawyer will have a few options when trying to resolve your case. Some lawyers file a lawsuit immediately, which has the benefit of putting you quickly on a trial track. The other path the attorney might take is negotiating with the insurance adjuster to resolve the case without having to file a lawsuit. Most Ohio fatal accident attorneys, including those in our office, prefer the second approach.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Why You Need to Seek Legal Help Part 1 | Bowling Green, Ohio wrongful death lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13845 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a routine personal injury claim, sometimes it's possible to proceed without a lawyer, even though it's usually unwise. People shouldn't even think about trying to handle an Ohio wrongful death claim on their own. These cases generally are far too complicated and technical for most people to tackle by themselves.

For instance, wrongful death claims need to be made through the administrator or executor of an estate. That means an estate has to be opened through the probate court, which requires an understanding of that legal process. The Toledo, Ohio tragic accident lawyer handling your wrongful death claim will do that for you or will consult with a probate attorney to get it done. The estate will remain open until the claim resolves.

Sometimes these already complicated cases get trickier because the person who caused the decedent's death also dies in the incident. In that case, the claim is made against the wrongdoer's estate. If no one opens that estate, your Ohio wrongful death lawyer will have to open it if you plan to go after estate assets. Again, that's a technical process that a layperson shouldn't try to handle.

As we discussed earlier, your Bowling Green, Ohio fatal accident lawyer has to show the decedent's death was caused by negligent or wrongful conduct. On top of that, the lawyer must prove the various elements of the beneficiaries' claims for damages. The issues involved are complicated even for attorneys who operate in this world every day.

Ohio Wrongful Death Standards Part 2 | Sylvania, Ohio fatal accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13844 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

So, one basis for a Perrysburg, Ohio wrongful death claim is to prove negligence. The other way is to prove wrongful conduct such as an intentional act that resulted in a death. For example, if Steve punched Tony without provocation, causing Tony to fall down, hit his head, and die, Steve could be sued for causing Tony's death. In that case, Tony's estate would have to prove that Steve's intentional and wrongful conduct caused Tony's death.

Bringing a civil suit for wrongful death would be appropriate in both of the above examples. Winning a lawsuit probably would seem like a hollow victory compared to the loss suffered, but the court system is purposely set up to allow us to work out our differences with other parties in a civil, organized way.

The insurance industry, acting in concert with state and national chamber of commerce organizations, have worked their propaganda machines overtime to paint everyone who files a lawsuit as a money grubber. That's ridiculous and it's shameful. People shouldn't be made to feel guilty for pursuing legitimate claims, especially when a person was killed as the result of negligent conduct. Family members deserve to be compensated for the mental anguish and loss of financial support they experience due to the wrongful death of a loved one. You have nothing to be ashamed of when you look out for the best interests of yourself and your family.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Ohio Wrongful Death Standards Part I | Swanton, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13841 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

As mentioned earlier in the book, Ohio wrongful death cases are brought because of another party's negligence or wrongful conduct. It might be helpful to understand a little bit about those concepts.

Just because someone dies doesn't mean a Fremont, Ohio wrongful death case can be justified. For example, if Bill trips in a grocery store over cans stacked in an aisle, causing him to hit his head and die, there won't be a case. Under Ohio law, those cans would be deemed an open and obvious hazard that Bill should have seen, so the store wouldn't be negligent.

If, however, a grocery store employee spilled some clear, liquid soap on an aisle and left it there for hours without cleaning it up or posting a warning sign, and Bill took the same fateful tumble, the store would be negligent.

The point is that a person or entity who causes the death has to be deemed negligent, or at fault, under the law. Someone is at fault when it is his responsibility to act or behave in a certain way, but fails to, which causes injury or death. There's a lot of nuance to negligence law, but that's a boiled down version of the concept.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Damages Available to Beneficiaries:Mental Anguish | Findlay, Ohio wrongful death accident lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13838 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Family members can be awarded compensation for the mental anguish they endured as a result of the loss of their loved one . Like loss of society, this may be a hard figure to quantify because there's no formula for setting a dollar value on one's pain. Nonetheless, it can account for a significant amount in a damages award because most people can relate to the grief experienced as the result of the death of a family member.

Making a case for mental anguish is similar to asking for pain and suffering damages in a routine personal injury case. Your Ohio tragic death accident attorney could ask the jurors to award money based on the anguish endured over a set time period such as months or years. Your Swanton, Ohio fatal accident lawyer may take a different approach by not suggesting a formula and simply asking the jurors to determine a fair figure to compensate family members for the mental anguish they've suffered.

Damages Available to Beneficiaries:Loss of Prospective inheritance | Bowling Green, Ohio wrongful death lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13837 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Loss of prospective inheritance - Under this category, beneficiaries of Toledo, Ohio tragic accident cases can seek financial compensation for the inheritance they might have received from the decedent had the decedent lived a normal lifespan.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Damages Available to Beneficiaries:Loss of Society | Sylvania, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13835 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Loss of society - Under this category, beneficiaries of Ohio wrongful death accidents can seek financial compensation for such things as the loss of companionship, care, assistance, protection, advice, guidance, and education provided by the decedent. Obviously, it is difficult to put a dollar figure on these types of damages because they're not easily quantifiable. For instance, you can't look in a book to find a figure that would fairly compensate a wife deprived of decades of a future with her deceased husband. That's the job of your Perrysburg, Ohio tragic accident attorney - to place a dollar amount on the loss of a decedent's society and to justify that amount with a reasoned argument to a jury. Though it's not readily quantifiable, it's certainly a huge and legitimate loss to the beneficiaries - a loss for which they deserve to be compensated.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Damages Available to Beneficiary:Loss of Services | Swanton, Ohio fatal accident lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13834 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Loss of services - Damages for loss of services are available to beneficiaries of Fremont, Ohio wrongful death cases. It's a sort of vague Ohio tragic accident claim, but essentially the law allows beneficiaries to collect compensation for services the decedent provided the beneficiaries. For example, assume Betty was killed as the result of someone's negligence. If Betty provided daycare for her daughter Leslie's children, Leslie could seek compensation for the money it cost her to secure daycare. That's not to say that the estate must show all the claimed lost services are attached to a specific dollar amount. The jury can determine a dollar figure for each lost service.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Damages Available: Loss os Support | Toledo, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13833 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Loss of support - This refers to the lost earning capacity of the decedent had he or she not died in a Findlay, Ohio tragic death accident. The factors taken into consideration for loss of support would be the salary at the time of the decedent's death as well as the amount of money the decedent reasonably could have been expected to earn in the future had the death not occurred. Charts called "life tables" are used to calculate how long the decedent would have been expected to live based on such factors as age at the time of death, gender, and race.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Damages Available to Beneficiaries of Ohio Tragic Death Accident | Toledo, Ohio fatal accident lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13832 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Though it is little consolation to people who have lost a loved one, the way our court system compensates the beneficiaries of a decedent is by awarding money. Damages - the term used to refer to the various reasons for which financial compensation can be awarded - are available for the estate for the damages of the decedent and to the beneficiaries

The estate of the decedent can be compensated for the medical bills incurred to treat the decedent prior to the Ohio tragic accident death and for the pain and suffering the decedent experienced as a result of the accident or wrongdoing.

Under state law, the following damages are available to the beneficiaries: loss of suppert, loss of services, loss of society, loss of prospective inheritance, and mental anguish.

Read more to learn about each damage available to the beneficiaries.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Relatives Are Beneficiaries in Ohio Tragic Accident Case | Sylvania, Ohio fatal accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13829 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Under state law, Ohio wrongful death suits are brought in the name of the executor of the decedent's estate in the name of various beneficiaries. A beneficiary is someone who is entitled to financial compensation should the case be proven.

In Ohio, the beneficiaries are relatives of the decedents, such as the decedent's surviving spouse, children, parents, and siblings. A parent who a court determines had abandoned a minor child may not be a beneficiary in a wrongful death claim should the child die.

The probate court judge determines how a settlement or award is to be distributed among the potential beneficiaries based on the relationship to the decedent and the degree of loss to the beneficiary. For instance, if the decedent was the breadwinner in the family, the surviving spouse and children would be given more money than a sibling of the decedent.

If all the beneficiaries are at the same level in the law's eyes - for instance a group of siblings - they can decide among themselves how to divide up the money and ask the court for approval.

Beneficiaries under 25 years old can be treated differently by the Court in order to protect their interests. The Court can create a trust for beneficiaries under 25 and order that the money be held in trust until the beneficiary turns 25 or that it be distributed in accordance with the terms of the trust.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

The Time to File an Ohio Wrongful Death Lawsuit Is Limited | Swanton, Ohio wrongful death accident lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13823 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Generally, the statute of limitations on a Toledo, Ohio wrongful death claim is two years, which means if a lawsuit has to be filed, it must be filed within two years of the decedent's death. It's extremely important to keep track of this date. If the two-year period lapses, a claim will be barred forever. The idea behind a statute of limitations is that crucial evidence that someone needs to defend such a lawsuit could be lost or destroyed if too much time passes.

If the decedent's death was caused by a defective product, generally the product can't have been delivered to the first purchaser more than 10 years prior to the death.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

The Ohio Wrongful Death Claims Controlled By Statute | Sylvania, Ohio fatal accident lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13822 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Toledo, Ohio Wrongful death claims are mostly controlled by Ohio Revised Code §§ 2125.01, 2125.02, and 2125.03. Those code sections come from the state's probate laws.

The law allows the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate to bring a claim against the person or entity whose negligent conduct or wrongful act caused the decedent's death.A Bowling Green, Ohio wrongful death accident case can be brought if the decedent could have maintained a claim for negligence or wrongful conduct had the death not occurred. That means the executor would need to show that the other party acted in a negligent or wrongful way and that conduct caused the death. Wrongful death cases can be brought for negligent acts such as car accidents and medical malpractice or criminal acts like murder and manslaughter.

To prove the Findlay, Ohio tragic death case in a negligence context, the executor must show that the defendant owed a duty of care to the decedent; that duty of care was breached; the breach caused the decedent's injuries and death; and that the decedent's estate and beneficiaries suffered damages.

The Perrysburg, Ohio tragic accident case must be proven by a standard called "preponderance of the evidence," which roughly means that the evidence must tilt more in the favor of the executor than the defendant. Attorneys often explain the standard by telling jurors they just need to prove their case by 51 percent, which is well short of the reasonable doubt standard that we've all seen in television dramas depicting criminal trials.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Eleventh Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13820 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Ohio Wrongful Death Statute is designed to benefit the survivors of the person who died as a result of the conduct of a negligent party. The more survivors who depended on the loved one for companionship, guidance, and income, the greater the value of the Toledo, Ohio tragic accident case.

For example, several years ago we represented a truck driver killed in a truck accident. He was single, had no children, no living parents, and two adult siblings with whom he had a distant relationship. Unfortunately, we settled the case for less than it would normally have been worth because there were few damages to claim as a result of the limited number of relationships.

In a more recent Ohio tragic death case, we represented the surviving parents in the tragic death of a small child. When a child dies, generally there are no significant economic damages. However, we were able to prove the intense personal loss felt by the parents and the child's siblings. The parents wrote heart-wrenching letters that spelled out the devastating impact the loss of their child had caused. Psychologists also wrote reports that discussed the grief everyone in the family had experienced. Photos of family celebrations, holidays, sporting events, and school concerts helped tell the story of a close-knit family that would never be the same again.

Your Bowling Green, Ohio wrongful death attorney should work with you as a team to develop the best strategy for your family's case.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

The Tenth Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13819 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Toledo, Ohio wrongful death case is brought on behalf of the estate of the deceased individual for the benefit of their heirs. Often, the decedent will have accumulated debts that are outstanding at the time of the death. The Perrysburg, Ohio fatal accident attorney's job is to minimize the debts for which the estate would be responsible.

In one situation, a family's loved one died with large outstanding credit card bills as well as other debt. As part of the wrongful death settlement, we allocated all of the proceeds of the settlement to the heirs of the estate, which allowed the estate to escape all of the debt.

In another situation, the decedent's health insurance had paid for the hospital bills that were accumulated prior to death and the insurer sought reimbursement for the payments. We allocated the Ohio wrongful death proceeds to the surviving heirs which allowed the family to avoid the substantial health insurance reimbursement.

Creative and strategic planning by the Fremont, Ohio tragic accident attorney can help provide favorable results for the heirs of the estate.

The Ninth Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case | Toledo, Ohio tragic accident lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13818 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The grief counselor can document loss and help the survivors deal with the tragic situation. The grieving process is an expected part of the wrongful death of a loved one with various stages the family needs to work through with the help of the counselor. The Toledo, Ohio wrongful death attorney can help the family locate trained professionals who can best deal with these issues.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

The Eighth Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case | Bowling Green, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13817 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The death of a loved one due to an Ohio wrongful death accident is usually devastating, especially when the cause is someone else's negligence. The loss typically causes psychological injury to the survivors. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety are the most common results. The report of a highly qualified clinical psychologist can help document these very really psychological injuries, which can be presented to the defendant and the jury.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Seventh Way a lawyer Can Help Your Case | Fremont, Ohio tragic death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13815 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Families can suffer a huge economic loss when a loved one dies. In order to prove the amount of that loss, our office hires an economist. Most economists are university professors who look at the decedent's income level, the income they would have earned had they lived, prior tax returns, and other economic data to determine the value of the economic loss caused by the Ohio fatal accident death.

In addition to having excellent academic credentials and real-world experience, an economist also must be a superb communicator with the jury.

Sixth Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case | Findlay, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13814 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Insurance coverage is essential to getting the best recovery possible in most Ohio tragic accident cases. Most defendants do not have enough money or assets to adequately compensate the family members of someone killed as the result of negligence.

In one Perrysburg, Ohio fatal accident case, we represented three seriously injured people and the insurance company told us there was only $500,000 in coverage. After we threatened to file suit against the large corporate defendant, we were finally told that a "mistake" had been made and there actually was $2 million in coverage. Our attorneys demand to see certified copies of insurance policies and signed affidavits that the defendant does not have an "umbrella policy," which covers claims that exceed a basic insurance policy.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Fifth Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case | Toledo, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13812 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A lawsuit can be filed either where the defendant resides or where the incident causing the death occurred. For instance, if a car accident happened in Lucas County and the defendant lived in Wood County, the lawsuit could be filed in either county.

Certain jurisdictions are more friendly to plaintiffs than other jurisdictions. Sometimes that's because certain judges have previously ruled on a particular issue that might be highly relevant to a Sylvania, Ohio wrongful death case. Your Toledo, Ohio tragic death attorney's experience and insight will be helpful in picking the best court for your Swanton, Ohio fatal accident case.

For example, in one catastrophic car injury case, we filed suit in Detroit because the company of one defendant was based there. The realization that the case would be tried in front of a plaintiff-friendly Detroit jury forced the defendants to own up to their responsibilities. That resulted in a huge settlement for our client.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Fourth Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case | Toledo, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13810 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Experts can make or break your Perrysburg, Ohio wrongful death case. Experts are witnesses with a specialized knowledge base whose testimony is necessary to prove a case. Examples include economists, grief counselors, psychologists, accident reconstructionsts, coroners, doctors, scientists, and engineers.

In our office, we have many ways to find the right experts. We belong to state and national plaintiff attorney organizations that have databases of various experts. Those organizations also have scouting reports on the experts who tend to testify mostly for defense attorneys. We also have a network of fellow plaintiff Ohio fatal accident lawyers that we consult with on a regular basis to find the best experts.

In one Toledo, Ohio tragic death case, we hired an expert on a complicated liability issue. As the Ohio tragic accident case progressed, a different issue emerged as the central theme of the Fremont, Ohio fatal accident case. The original expert referred us to the preeminent expert in the United States on the key issue. The second expert's testimony essentially forced the defendants to pay our client a large settlement to resolve the Toledo, Ohio wrongful death accident case.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

Third Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case | Toledo, Ohio Wrongful Death Lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13808 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

One of the jobs of the Toledo, Ohio wrongful death attorney is to maximize recovery for the client. In order to do that, the Bowling Green, Ohio fatal accident attorney needs to find all the potential individuals or businesses responsible for causing the death. Sometimes this is easy and obvious. If a defendant ran a red light and caused the death, it's pretty clear who will be the target of the lawsuit. But if the driver was on the job at the time, it may be difficult to determine the business for whom the driver worked. That's crucial information because under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the employer also may be liable for the Ohio tragic death accident.

Sometimes it's tough to figure out who may be responsible. In a complicated and serious electrical injury case involving a construction job, we sued the employer, an electric company, the general contractor, and 10 different subcontractors to determine the responsible parties. After two years of litigation and lots of depositions we were able to get an extremely good settlement.

Second Way a Lawyer Can Help Your Case | Tragic Death Lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13805 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Accident Reconstruction

An accident reconstructionist uses math and physics to determine the cause of an accident. In a disputed liability situation, both sides often use a reconstructionist to try to prove their Swanton, Ohio wrongful death cases. The qualifications of these experts vary from individuals with high school degrees and continuing education classes to professors who teach at universities.

As private investigators, the Ohio tragic accident attorney's experience and connections can find the right expert for your Toledo, Ohio wrongful death case. In one Ohio wrongful death case, the defense team turned the tables on us and hired an expert who usually testified for the plaintiff. We used our connections to find a defense-oriented expert to add credibility to our Toledo, Ohio fatal accident case.

First way an attorney can help your case | Toledo, Ohio wrongful death lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13801 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The earlier you find a Toledo, Ohio tragic death attorney, the better. The investigation into the facts of the Ohio wrongful death case could be crucial to your Toledo, Ohio tragic accident claim. Witnesses need to be found and sworn statements may need to be taken. Police officers need to be interviewed, photos of the scene need to be made, and crucial evidence needs to be preserved.

Sometimes the Ohio wrongful death attorney can conduct the investigation. In many Findlay, Ohio tragic accident cases, however, a qualified private investigator must be hired for a proper investigation. Not all investigators possess the same skills. An Ohio fatal accident attorney who handles these types of cases will know the most qualified investigators for each circumstance. We tend to use investigators with whom we have a long-term relationship and will provide priority to our individual Sylvania, Ohio tragic accident case.

Using the right investigator can be crucial. For example, one of our cases involved a disputed liability Ohio fatal car accident. Witnesses gave differing accounts and police officers refused to cooperate with either side. We hired a private investigator who previously had worked for the same police department. Suddenly, the police became more cooperative, additional witnesses were found, and our client received a good settlement short of trial. As the old saying goes, it's not always what you know, but who you know.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to tragic circumstances, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have six locations in northwest Ohio where we can meet with you - for free - to discuss your case.

New book on child accidents in Ohio featured on CBS's Channel 11 News | Toledo, Ohio child accident lawyer Chuck Boyk

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13362 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Toledo, Ohio child injury accident lawyer Chuck Boyk and his new book, Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio were featured on CBS's Channel 11 News Your Morning.

Bowling Green, Ohio kid injury accident attorney Chuck Boyk discussed different elements of the book, including the fact that if children are hurt in an Ohio accident, they have rights under Ohio law. After a child injury accident in Ohio, parents need to seek treatment immediately for their child, follow up with pediatrician, and follow the pediatrician's recommendations.

Parents also need to document everything after a child injury accident in Ohio. They need to take photos of the injuries and the accident, and contact an attorney to get witness statements and the use of a private investigator.

In the CBS Channel 11 interview, Chuck Boyk also went on to discuss the most tragic of Ohio child injury accidents - the loss of a child.

"Children are our hopes and dreams," Ohio child accident attorney Chuck Boyk said. "The loss of a child is probably the worst thing that could ever happen to a family. When something like that happens, there's the grieving process, the process of recovery, and then there's the legal process. Parents need to know their Legal options of what they can do if, God forbid, something like that were to happen."

Every parent needs a copy of this book. Order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio by clicking here or by calling our office at 800.637.8170.

OSHA investigates possible wrongful death of Bruce Bartos afer Ohio work injury | Ohio work injury lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13222 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Bruce Bartos, an employee of Toledo Edison, suffered an Ohio work injury on May 12th, after falling and breaking his leg. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family after we learned that he passed away Monday while having surgery on the injured leg, according to the Toledo Blade.

The United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration is investigating the Ohio work injury that caused Bruce Bartos' broken leg, as well as the possible Ohio wrongful death he suffered on the operating table.

If you or someone you know has been injured on the job in Ohio, you need information. Order your free copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book, written by our Toledo, Ohio workers' compensation lawyers, which answers questions like: Will I get fired if I am injured at work?, and, Who is going to pay my medical bills if I am injured at work?

Our Findlay, Ohio tragic accident attorneys have also written a book on what to do if you lose a loved one to tragic circumstances. The Ohio Wrongful Death Book is also available free of charge, and will teach readers what an Ohio wrongful death means, what a beneficiary is, and how to handle the grieving process.

Mistake #3 - Riding without hands can cause serious bicycle accident injuries | Bowling Green, Ohio bicycle accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13122 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

It can be tempting for kids to show off for their friends while riding their bikes. One of the most common mistakes that kids make while bicycling is riding "no-hands," or riding without their hands on the handle bars. This can be very dangerous and can cause a serious bicycle accident injury.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety agrees. See what they have to say about this dangerous mistake that can cause an Ohio bicycle accident injury:

Some bicyclist think this [riding "no-hands"] shows how skillful they are. Actually, all it really shows is that they can balance on their bikes - something almost everyone can do.

It also shows that they aren't in control of their bikes and all other road users should watch out for them. Such a childish attitude tells the motorist that the bicyclist hasn't grown up yet.

Ride with both hands on the handle bars; you'll be ready for emergencies. '

If you or someone you know needs help after a Sylvania, Ohio bicycle accident injury caused by the negligence of another person, contact our office for your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Avoiding Bicycle Mistake #2 could prevent serious bicycle accident injuries | Fremont, Ohio bicycle accident injury lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13118 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Ohio Department of Public Safety recommends avoiding common bicycling mistakes that have the potential to cause serious bicycle accidents and injury to the rider.

Parents should teach these common mistakes to their children, in order to help them prevent Ohio bicycle accidents and remain injury free.

Read Bicycling Mistake #2 that can cause a Swanton, Ohio bicycle accident injury, pushing a high gear, courtesy of the Ohio Department of Public Safety:

Riding around in tenth gear is another sign of a novice bicyclist. They struggle and strain and wobble down down the road.
Use a middle gear for casual riding and try to get your pedal cadence up to 60-80 revolutions per minute. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find this is a lot easier on your knees, too.

Wobbling down the road leaves the rider with the risk of wobbling right into traffic and being struck by a car. Avoid serious Fremont, Ohio bicycle accident injuries by always practicing safe riding techniques.

If you or someone you know has suffered a Fostoria, Ohio bicycle accident injury due to the negligence of another person, contact our office today for one of our free books. We have The Ohio Accident Book, as well as Little Kids, Big Accident: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio.

Making a bicycling mistake can cause Ohio bicycle accident injuries - Mistake #1 | Findlay, Ohio bicycle accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)13117 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Every parent wants their child to be careful while riding their bicycle, in order to prevent an Ohio bicycle accident injury. But every parent should also be aware of the eight most common bicycling mistakes that can cause a serious bicycle accident injury.

According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, one of the most common bicycling mistakes is riding on busy sidewalks. Read what they have to say about the mistake that can cause an Toledo, Ohio bicycle accident injury:

It's inconsiderate...not to mention dangerous. In every city that has analyzed bicycle crash rates of sidewalks and roadways, the sidewalks were found much more dangerous. Ride in the street with the rest of traffic.

If you or your child has suffered a bicycle accident injury due to the negligence of another person, you need information. Contact our office today to receive your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio.

California boy seriously burned by propane heater | Defective product attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)12313 — Thu, 21 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

In December of 2005, seven-year-old Trevor Dennis was severely burned by a Coleman propane heater inside the trailer where he was camping with his family. Trevor had burns covering most of his body after the propane heater caused the trailer to catch fire while he was still inside.

The case was heard in the California Court of Appeals earlier this week. On the packaging of the Coleman heater was a photo of a woman holding a child inside of a home, making the consumer believe that the heater was appropriate for indoor use. However, California Health and Safety Code Section 19881 mandates that non-vented propane heaters may not be sold for indoor use.

John Bisnar, an aggressive personal injury attorney from California, is representing the Dennis family against the makers of the propane heater, and hopes to bring justice to a family who must live with their son's injury for the rest of their lives.

If you or someone you know has suffered burns or other serious injuries from a defective or mislabeled product, you need information. Contact our office 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ohio Yaz injury lawyer launches new TV commercial | Ohio Yaz injury attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)11585 — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you or someone you know has suffered any of the following health problems after taking Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella birth control, you may have a claim. According the manufacturer's warning label, problems arising from Yaz may include:

Blood clots

Stroke

Heart Attack

Benign liver tumors

Bleeding inside the brain

High blood pressure

Our Swanton, Ohio Yaz injury lawyers have just launched a new TV commercial that addresses this important issue. Contact our office immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you have any question on the serious health issues that may arise from taking Yaz birth control.

Ohio Yaz injury lawyer launches new TV commercial | Ohio Yaz injury attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)11584 — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

New Little Kids, Big Accidents book to help parents | Findlay, Ohio child accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)11497 — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Swanton, Ohio child accident lawyers are pleased to announce the launch of their new book, Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio.

The attorneys in our office believe that knowledge is power. Our goal with Little Kids, Big Accidents is to help parents understand how they can best protect their rights and their children's rights after an Ohio dog bite, an Ohio car accident, an Ohio pedestrian or bus accident, or an Ohio wrongful death.

If you or someone you know has a child who has been injured in an Ohio children's accident, click here to order your FREE copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents: The Ultimate Guide to Child Injury Cases in Ohio.

Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How can you prevent an Ohio motorcycle accident fatality? | Tiffin, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)11050 — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Findlay, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers handle cases involving injuries from Ohio motorcycle accidents on a regular basis.

New impact jackets act like airbags for the body when a motorcyclist is ejected from their bike during a motorcycle accident. Just as helmet use is imperative in protecting a rider from injury during an Ohio motorcycle accident, impact jackets are imperative in protecting the body.

During a motorcycle accident, ribs can break and puncture the heart. Impact jackets inflate the moment a rider leaves the bike in a motorcycle accident, proving cushion and a buffer between the rider and the road.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Yaz birth control pills cause blood clots and other serious injury Part II | Ohio Yaz blood clot lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)10479 — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a previous blog, our Findlay, Ohio Yaz blood clot attorneys alerted readers to the health problems caused by Yaz birth control.

Some of these health issues include:

Yaz causing pulmonary embolism, commonly known as blood clots in the lung

Yaz causing myocardial infarction or heart attacks

Yaz causing cerebral hemorrhage or bleeding inside the brain

Yaz causing cerebral thrombosis or blood clots in the brain, leading to strokes

Yaz causing thrombophlebitis or blood clots in one or more of your veins

Yaz causing hypertension or high blood pressure

Yaz causing gallbladder disease

Yaz causing hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors

While every birth control pill has its side effects and risk factors, the problem with Yaz is that the false advertisements masked Yaz’s potentially fatal health problems.

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injury due to Yaz, contact our Ohio Yaz injury lawyers immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800.637.8170, or click here.

Yaz birth control pills can cause major health issues Part I | Ohio Yaz blood clot lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)10478 — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Swanton, Ohio products liability lawyers handle cases involving misleading prescription drugs on a regular basis.

There has been recent controversy surrounding the birth control pill Yaz, as the Food and Drug Administration warns Bayer, the maker of Yaz, that their commercials are misleading.

In two separate Yaz commercials, the consumer could think that Yaz birth control treats a common problem affecting women, premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. In reality, the pill only treats a separate and totally different problem, PMDD.

The commercials also state that Yaz can clear up adult acne, which is also not true, according to the FDA.

More importantly, Yaz has been found to cause a number of serious health problems for women taking the once-daily birth control pill.

Click here to learn of potentially fatal health issues that can arise after taking Yaz.

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injury due to Yaz, contact our office immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800.637.8170, or click here.

Bluffton fatal bus accident victims to share $3 million | Findlay, Ohio bus accident attorneys

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)10172 — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

The State of Georgia will pay $3 million to the victims in the 2007 Bluffton baseball team fatal bus accident, which is the maximum legal settlement that the state is allowed to pay.

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution quotes:

"But state tort law limits the state’s liability to $3 million per occurrence, no matter how many people were hurt, said DOT spokesman David Spear."

The fatal bus accident took the lives of seven passengers, including five baseball players, the bus driver, and his wife. Twenty eight passengers suffered personal injury as a result of the fatal bus accident.

According to the Associated Press, it is believed that the bus driver thought that he was continuing onto a HOV, or High Occupancy Vehicle, lane, but drove onto a mismarked exit ramp. The parents of the fatal bus accident victims are asking the government to enforce stricter rules for bus safety, including stronger window glass and roofs, mandatory seatbelts, better driver training, and clearly marked exit signs.

Our Findlay, Ohio fatal bus accident attorneys have seen the devastation that Ohio bus accidents can cause. If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio bus accident, contact our office immediately to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation releases guidelines for safe motorcycle riding | Swanton, Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)10112 — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recently released a guide to safe motorcycle riding that can help prevent a Swanton, Ohio motorcycle accident.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid a Findlay, Ohio motorcycle accident, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

1. Be visible. Stay out of other vehicle's blind spots, and avoid driving directly behind cars and trucks. Always use your headlights, even during daylight hours.

2. Dress for safety. Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to avoid a motorcycle head injury due to a Tiffin, Ohio motorcycle accident. Use leather or thick clothing, as well as gloves, protective eyewear, and reflective clothing.

3. Apply effective mental strategies. Always ride your motorcycle defensively. Change lanes using your directional indicator, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.

4. Know your bike and how to use it. Motorcycle classes are offered frequently around northwest Ohio, and should be taken by anyone who wants to ride. Practicing safe riding in all types of weather can help you avoid Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accidents.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights.

Fatal car accidents can happen even in the driveway | Findlay, Ohio car accident lawyers

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)9928 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

How many fatal car accidents occur each year that don't happen in traffic?

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 33 people die and 16,000 are injured each week in the United States in non-traffic car accidents. Non-traffic fatal car accidents include accidents such as vehicular backovers, children being strangled when a motorized window goes up, kids passing away after being left in a hot automobile and suffering from hyperthermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and car fires.

KidsandCars.org, a non-profit organization that advocates for kids and automobile safety, was happy to see the statistics finally gathered and released, since they have been rallying to have the government gather info on fatal car accidents and injuries that do not happen on the roads.

Our Findlay, Ohio car accident lawyers urge parents to be extra careful with their kids around cars, regardless if you are on the road or in your driveway. If you or someone you know has been injured in or around a car, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Toledo car accident writes on Intra Family Exclusion, gets blasted by insurance adjuster | Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyer

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)9853 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

When Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyer Dale Emch wrote a Toledo Blade article on Intra Family Exclusions, he didn't expect to receive such a harsh response from a local insurance agent in a Letter to the Editor. Read the response to Toledo, Ohio car accident attorney Dale Emch and see for yourself.

Attorney Emch went on to write a rebuttal, defending his stance that he is only trying to look out for the little guy in the event of an Ohio car accident. Here is an excerpt of his response:

My view is that passengers who are injured in a car accident should be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering even if the accident was caused by a driver who was an insured family member.

While not all auto insurance policies contain an Intra Family Exclusion, it is still a good idea to check with your agent to see if yours does. A ten-minute phone call could save you years of suffering if you are ever involved in an Ohio car accident. If you or someone you love is injured in an Ohio car accident, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Intra family exclusions in auto policies discussed by Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyer Dale Emch | Toledo, Ohio car accident attorney

emilypa@aol.com (Blog Author)9765 — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyer Dale Emch wrote a very interesting article in the Toledo Blade on intra family exclusions in auto insurance policies. He has posted it on his Toledo, Ohio car accident blog.

If your auto policy has an intra family exclusion, it could mean that your family would not be protected in the event that you cause an Ohio car accident. The exclusion allows for the insurance carrier to deny the claim if you cause the accident, which also means that the insurance company would refuse to pay for your passengers’ medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from a Toledo, Ohio car accident, you need information. Contact our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers today to receive your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book, or to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation and consultation.

Hidden clause in policy could be costly after Ohio car accident | Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers

cboyk@charlesboyk-law.com (Blog Author)9659 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Even though you buy full coverage auto insurance to protect you and your family in an Ohio car accident doesn't mean that you will be fully covered.

Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers see cases where an Intrafamily Exclusion is deeply written in an auto policy, which denies coverage if the Ohio car accident is caused by a family member. Many families do not know that their full coverage policy contains this exclusion - even though they pay extra money for what they think is full coverage.

Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers urge drivers to double check with their insurance agents to see if this clause is present in their policy. If it is, make arrangements to change coverages. An Ohio car accident is jut that - an accident. Everyone should be entitled to compensation after an Ohio car accident, regardless of who causes it.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Toledo, Ohio car accident, contact our office to receive your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Ohio workers' compensation lawyer Dale Emch discusses Ohio work injuries | Toledo, Ohio workers' compensation attorneys

cboyk@charlesboyk-law.com (Blog Author)9476 — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Ohio workers' compensation attorney Dale Emch discusses Ohio work injuries in his most recent Toledo Blade column, "Legal Briefs." If you or someone you know has been injured on the job, contact our office today for your FREE copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book. General legal questions to be considered in "Legal Briefs" can be sent to Ohio car accident lawyer Dale Emch at demch@charlesboyk-law.com or to 405 Madison Avenue, Suite 1200, Toledo, Ohio 43604.

Dear Dale: Assume someone has a worker's compensation claim with an allowable diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy along with a psychiatric diagnosis. Can the worker be declared to have reached maximum medical improvement for the back injury and still keep open the psychiatric claim?

Answer: The quick answer is yes.

The worker's compensation system in Ohio is designed to pay for injured workers' medical bills and replace a portion of their wages if the injury renders them unable to work. Sometimes a worker sustains more than one injury and those injuries can resolve at different times.

You referred to maximum medical improvement, which indicates a familiarity with the worker's compensation system. Those folks speak a language that leaves the uninitiated scratching their heads and wondering what was just said. Maximum medical improvement means that the worker's injury is about as good as it's going to get. That doesn't mean the person has completely recovered, just that the doctors believe the person has healed to the extent possible.

Before workers reach maximum medical improvement, they can receive compensation called temporary total disability. (See, it's more lingo. People who spend a lot of time in the worker's compensation world speak in abbreviations like TTD and MMI.) Temporary total disability pays injured workers a portion of their wages while they're recovering. Once they reach maximum medical improvement, workers who haven't fully recovered may be eligible to receive compensation for any permanent injuries.

So, in your scenario, the worker you're speaking about has a back injury and a psychiatric issue related to the workplace accident. If the worker's back has improved to the extent possible - even if recovery isn't 100 percent - that portion of the claim can be resolved. If the accident led to a permanent back problem, the worker would be eligible for a payout based on the percentage of impairment or, if the injury renders the worker unable to gain sustained employment, the worker could receive compensation to replace his or her wages.

A resolution can be reached on the back injury while keeping the psychiatric claim open. If the workplace accident caused psychiatric problems that render the worker unable to work for a period of time, the person could receive temporary total disability. Or, the worker may be able to work, but needs to have any mental health treatment covered.

The worker's compensation system can be confusing at times, but there are resources that provide good information. The state's Web site can get you started. The address is www.ohiobwc.com.

Most dangerous time to drive is not in the winter | Ohio fatal car accident lawyers

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)9301 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

It turns out that the snowy winter months are not the most dangerous time to drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of NHTSA, reports that August is the most dangerous month to be on the road, and Saturday is the most dangerous day to drive.

The number of car accidents in August 2008 totaled 3,612 and the number of car accidents in January of the same year were 2,818, according to the NHTSA. The change in the number of car accidents could be due to the time of day, simple distractions, or unsafe behavior, according to Forbes.com, who reported the findings.

The NHTSA also reported that speeding is a factor in 30% of all fatal car accidents, 18% of daylight car accidents were alcohol-related, and 54% of nighttime car accidents were alcohol-related.

Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers handle Ohio car accidents on a regular basis. If you or someone you love has been injured in an Ohio car accident, contact our office today for your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book. You can also contact our attorneys 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss your Ohio car accident case.

Injured in Michigan? We work with Michigan's best car accident attorneys, Buckfire and Buckfire. They handle all types of Michigan car accidents, and have also written The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook. To order your FREE copy today, contact their office 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

New technology can help prevent pedestrian car accidents | Ohio fatal pedestrian car accidents

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)9239 — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

What can you do to prevent pedestrian car accidents? Check out the video below to see what General Motors is doing to create technology that could save lives.

New technology, called V2P, or Vehicle to Pedestrian, is designed to help drivers spot pedestrians and bicyclists nearby. Small devices the size of a cell phone release signals to cars with the built-in receivers.

Our fatal car accident lawyers handle on a regular basis car accidents that involve pedestrians or auto accidents involving bicyclists. We can help you if you have been struck by a car while walking or on your bike. Contact our office to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Bus safety Part II | Ohio bus accident lawyers | Ohio fatal bus accident attorneys

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)9084 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

The recent Toledo, Ohio bus accident involving a van and a bus carrying Toledo high school students has brought the issue of bus safety to light in the northwest Ohio area.

February's issue of Trial magazine also featured an article on bus safety, entitled, "A dangerous ride on America's buses." The article highlighted some of the major problems that surround bus accidents in the United States.

Some of these problems include:

Lack of seatbelts. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that passenger seat belts could have saved some of the lives that were lost during the Bluffton baseball team bus crash in 2007.

The need for stronger roofs. As bus manufacturers enlarge the windows on buses, the support structures have gotten smaller, making the roofs weaker and more likely to collapse in a rollover accident.

Lax enforcement of existing regulations. Bus operators are often not concerned if they are not following the rules - as long as their passengers are happy.

Poor oversight of bus operators. The only thing needed to start a bus company is a motor coach. Bus companies do not have to follow any federal regulators the way that airlines must obey the the FAA.

Unqualified bus drivers. As bus travel becomes more and more in demand, so does the need of drivers. This need causes the driver qualifications to relax. According to the article, too many bus company owners simply look the other way and hope that nothing happens.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Ohio bus accident, you need information. Contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Toledo school bus accident injures 13 | Ohio bus accident lawyers

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)8980 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Bowser high school student Josh Sonora, Jr. speaks on the Ohio bus accident he was recently involved in.

The Toledo Public School bus, carrying 10 high school students from different area schools, was headed to Toledo Express Airport for a lesson on airplane mechanics when a minivan swerved across the road and collided with the bus.

Everyone involved in the Toledo Public School bus accident was taken to the hospital.

Our Toledo, Ohio bus accident lawyers handle Ohio bus accident cases on a regular basis. The Ohio bus accident attorneys handle TARTA bus accidents, Ohio school bus accidents, Greyhound bus accidents, and other types of Ohio bus accidents for both passengers and drivers.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from a bus accident, contact our office today to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book.

Parents file $100 million lawsuit against Days Inn Corp. after daughter is killed by employee at hotel | Ohio wrongful death lawyers | Toledo tragic death attorneys

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)8752 — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

An Alabama woman suffered wrongful death after she was killed in a Tennessee hotel this past September. The parents of the 21-year-old former homecoming queen filed a $100 million lawsuit against the hotel, Days Inn Corp., for the wrongful death of their daughter, citing that the hotel failed to preform employment background checks after hiring illegal immigrants.
A Days Inn employee used a master key to let himself into the room where the woman was staying during her business trip, then sexually assaulted and killed her. Her body was found a week later in a nearby lake.

Tragic deaths like this one are so sad, but they are also common, and our Ohio wrongful death attorneys see the devastation these types of horrible crimes can cause.

If you need help dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one, contact our office today to order your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book to learn your rights.

Ohio amusement park injury lawyers | Kentucky teen settles lawsuit after she loses feet in roller coaster accident

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)8519 — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Roller coaster injuries, falls from thrill rides, or injuries caused by workers' unsafe practices can all have devastating consequences. Our Ohio amusement park injury attorneys handle cases where people are injured at amusement parks, and they see how serious these injuries can be.

Kaitlyn Lasitter, a teenager from Kentucky, received a settlement from a Six Flags Amusement Park after her feet were severed during a thrill ride in June 2007. The ride malfunctioned, causing a cable to snap, swing down, and cut off the 13-year-old's feet.

Her parents later sued the Kentucky amusement park for negligence and failure to properly test, inspect, maintain, and operate the ride. The lawsuit states that if the machine operator had pressed the emergency stop button right away, Kaitlyn probably would have only suffered cuts and scrapes.

Doctors were able to reattach her right foot, but part of her left leg had to amputated. The settlement, which is to be kept confidential, will provide lifetime care for the girl.

If you or someone you know has been injured while at an amusement park, contact our office today for your free consultation and case evaluation.

Ohio fatal accident lawyers | Book recommendations for grieving families Part II

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)8396 — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Ohio fatal accident lawyers in our office see the devastation that Ohio wrongful deaths can cause, and they understand how much grief a death can bring to a family.

They encourage anyone who is grieving from the tragic loss of a loved one to seek help in this time of need, whether it be from other family members, or professionals.

In response to our previous blog on book recommendations for those suffering from the death of a loved one, we are providing a more titles that can help you while you grieve.

The titles include The Bereaved Parent, by Harriet Sarnoff Schiff; Who Dies? by Stephen and Ondrea Levine; On Death and Dying, by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross; and Awakening from Grief: Finding the Road Back to Joy, by John E. Wishons.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one due to a fatal accident, The Ohio Wrongful Death Book, written by the attorneys in our office, could also help. Contact our office for your complimentary copy.

Ohio car accident lawyer | Toledo, Ohio dog bite attorney Dale Emch on will execution

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)8354 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyer Dale Emch discusses will execution in his most recent Legal Briefs column in the Toledo Blade. If you have a general legal question you would like to see considered for publication in Legal Briefs, including those involving Ohio car accidents, Ohio workers' compensation claim s, Ohio dog bites, or Ohio ATV and motorcylcle accidents, contact Attorney Emch at demch@charlesboyk-law.com or by contacting our office.

Dear Dale: I have some questions about being an executor of a will. When an attorney is appointed to be the executor of a family member’s will, how is the attorney paid for his services? How is the attorney held accountable for his honesty and integrity in handling the execution of the will? And, does the attorney have an obligation to make a financial accounting to the beneficiaries of his fees?

ANSWER: Ohio and local rules specify how executors and attorneys can be compensated. Executors and attorneys serve different functions in how estates are handled through the Probate Court.

Let’s start with the role of the executor. The executor administers the estate of a decendent who had a will.

This person can be a family member, a trusted third party, a lawyer, a bank, or a trust company. This can be a big job that includes responsibilities such as receiving payments owed to the estate, paying debts owed by the estate, determining the estate’s beneficiaries, and following the Probate Court’s orders concerning the estate.

An executor has a duty to act in the best interest of the estate and to carry out all state-law- mandated responsibilities. Acting in the capacity of an executor can be a time-consuming job for which state law allows compensation.

Under state law, an executor of an estate involving a will can receive a commission of 4 percent of the first $100,000 of the estate; 3 percent above $100,000 and below $400,000, and 2 percent above $400,000. So, for example, if you were the executor of an estate valued at $200,000, you could receive $4,000 for the first $100,000 and $3,000 for the next $100,000 for a total of $7,000. An executor also can receive commissions for other activities, but my space is too limited to include a laundry list here.

Whether or not the attorney acts as the executor doesn’t matter in terms of the legal obligations imposed.

The executor must carry out the obligations mandated by law, must act in good-faith, and must account to the Probate Court for expenditures made on behalf of the estate and for the fees received for those services.

If an executor does not meet the obligations imposed by law, the Probate Court can remove the executor.

You also asked about whether an executor has to make an accounting to the beneficiaries. At a time specified by state law, the executor has to make an accounting to the Probate Court and the beneficiaries.

But that doesn’t mean that a beneficiary has the right to demand an accounting of the executor whenever he or she wants that information.

Because you intertwined the roles of attorneys and executors in your question, I want to address compensation for attorneys. It’s not hard to imagine that the duties of an executor can become pretty overwhelming, especially if an estate contains a lot of assets or debts. Executors often hire an attorney to help sort out the estate and to handle the legal work with the Probate Court.

Attorneys can set their own hourly fees for estate work. They also can elect to be compensated in an amount set by the Probate Court. In Lucas County, the schedule for attorney fees on probate assets is 4.5 percent of the first $100,000; 3.5 percent of the next $300,000, and 2.5 percent of the remaining balance.

Ohio fatal accident attorneys | Ohio tragic accident lawyers recommend books that help cope with loss

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)8202 — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Losing a loved one to tragic circumstances is devastating. Dealing with the emotions of loss, confusion, and grief can be hard even when the death is natural.

Our Ohio wrongful death lawyers see the devastation that Ohio fatal accidents can have on a family. Our attorneys encourage the surviving family and friends to talk about their feelings, and avoid bottling up any emotions.

We realize that sometimes it can be hard to talk to someone, especially if there are few surviving family members. Our Toledo, Ohio fatal accident lawyers recommend these books to help survivors cope with a loss, and learn how to talk to others about the pain they are suffering. Titles that can help you deal with the loss of a loved one include: This Thing Called Grief: New Understandings of Loss by Thomas Ellis, When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kusner, Spousal Bereavement in Late Life by Camille Wortman, and Lessons of Loss: A Guide to Coping by Robert A. Neimeyer.

The attorneys in our office have also written a book called The Ohio Wrongful Death Book that helps surviving family members navigate the complicated world of an Ohio wrongful death claim. If you or someone you know if suffering a loss due to a fatal Ohio accident, contact our office today for your free copy.

Ohio fire fatality lawyers | Lawsuit filed after man dies in Ohio apartment fire

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)8114 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Ohio wrongful death lawyers filed suit in Wood County Court of Common Pleas this week in a case involving the Ohio accidental death of Ronald Perez, 45.

Mr. Perez died in an Ohio apartment fire in Weston last July, as did his friend and neighbor, Jimmy White, 69. Onlookers believe that it was Mr. Perez who could be seen in the second story window, hair and body on fire, screaming for help, before going back into the burning building to save his friend.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Ronald Perez's father, Abel Perez, Sr., claims that the apartment where Ronald lived was not equipped with working smoke detectors. The suit states that apartment owner Daniel Van Vorhis "owed a duty of care" to supply the building with working smoke detectors, and comply with all applicable building, housing, health, and safety codes.

According to a Toledo Blade article from July, many of the neighbors did not awaken until they heard firefighters trying to fight the blaze, which was producing flames 80 feet high.

Our Ohio fire fatality lawyers know how important the role smoke detectors play in saving lives during a fire, and urge everyone, renters and homeowners alike, to regularly test their smoke detectors. Notify your landlord if you feel that you are not properly protected from potential fires - you have a right to be safe where you live.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one due to tragic circumstances, contact our office to order your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book.

Ohio fatal accident lawyers | Sylvania, Ohio native passes away after tragic accident during Christmas play

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)7952 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Ohio fatal accident lawyers see the devastation that tragic accidents can cause to a family and a community.

Keri Shryock of Sylvania, Ohio tragically died shortly after a fatal accident during a Christmas pageant on December 18, 2008, according to the Toledo Blade.

Keri was playing the part of a wiseman in the play, and was suspended by a cable over 20 feet in the air when the cable snapped, causing her to fall to the ground. She passed away the next morning.

“Ms. Shryock should have never been up that high without proper safety devices and training,” Attorney Chuck Boyk said. “She should have been protected better in order to prevent this tragic fatal accident.”

If you or someone you know needs help dealing with a wrongful death caused by tragic circumstances, order your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book. Our fatal accident attorneys can help you navigate the complicated world of an Ohio wrongful death claim.

Ohio prescription error lawyers | Elderly patients at risk for prescription errors

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)7749 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Our Ohio medical malpractice lawyers see the devastating effects that prescription errors can have on a family. Often times these fatal prescription errors are made during the care of an elderly or disabled person.

The Journal of Hospital Medicine reported that 49 percent of almost 500,000 hospital patients 65 and older have been prescribed one or more drugs known to be unsafe to older patients.

The Institute of Medicine reported that at least 1.5 million Americans are sickened, injured or killed each year by errors in prescribing, dispensing and taking medications.

Prescription errors can be characterized as any of the following:

• Prescribing the wrong medication
• Dispensing the wrong medication
• Prescribing the right medication in the wrong dosage
• Prescribing a medication that may have severe interactions with other medications the patient is currently taking
• Filling the wrong prescription or dosage
• Giving patients the wrong instructions for taking the medications
• Neglecting to monitor the patient's response to drugs
• Mislabeling the drug placed in a bottle and misuse of generic drugs

Our Ohio prescription error attorneys urge patients and caretakers to be extra cautious before taking any type of medication, whether it is over-the-counter or prescription, in order to prevent potentially fatal prescription errors. Talk to you doctor and your pharmacist about your medications, and make sure that the paperwork matches what you discussed.

Read all labels and make sure that the bottles have your name and contact information on it. Also make sure that your pharmacy is aware of all drugs that you are taking, in order to prevent adverse side effects or overdose.

Ohio truck accident lawyers | Prevent Ohio truck accidents this winter, use extra caution in ice and snow

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)7682 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Our Toledo, Ohio truck accident lawyers want to urge drivers to be extra careful this winter as the snow and ice make it difficult for semi-trucks to maneuver on roadways.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in eight fatal car accidents in 2004 resulted from a collision involving a large truck.

The heavy weight of the vehicle makes it harder for semi-trucks to stop, especially when there is snow and ice on the ground. Since the trailer is only connected to the truck’s cab in one place, it is easy for the trailer to jack-knife, or sway on icy roads. Help truck drivers avoid an Ohio truck accident by never cutting off a driver, and by maintaining proper speed around them.

Stay out of a trucker’s blind spot. If you cannot see their rear-view mirrors, the truck drivers cannot see you. Avoid Ohio truck accidents by keeping extra distance between you and trucks this winter. But if you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio truck accident, contact our Ohio truck accident attorneys to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book today.

Ohio Workers' Compensation Lawyer | Ohio car accidents on the job can be confusing

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)7580 — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Ohio workers’ compensation attorney Dale Emch addresses the issue of Ohio car accident work injuries in his Toledo Blade column “Legal Briefs.” Attorney Emch answers general legal questions every other Sunday on topics ranging from Ohio dog bites and wrongful death, to medical malpractice and Ohio ATV accidents. Read his column below.

Dear Dale: If one of our employees is injured in a car accident in a company vehicle while on the job, what can we recoup from the person who caused the accident? If our workers' compensation payments increase, can the person who caused the accident be forced to pay the difference?

You've raised a few points about the degree to which someone who causes a traffic accident might be held financially responsible. To provide answers to your specific questions, it might be helpful to have a more general understanding of how much money the victim of an injury accident can recover.

Generally, the victim in a personal injury accident can recover for all of his financial loss. The injured person can recoup losses for medical bills incurred, lost wages, pain and suffering experienced, and the cost of vehicle repair. In some limited situations, such as when the person who caused the accident was intoxicated, punitive damages may be awarded as a way to punish the driver and set an example to others.

The idea is to make the injured person whole for actual expenses incurred and provide compensation for the pain experienced. The person who caused the accident is responsible for the financial damage caused to the extent the injured person can provide evidence of his injuries. Obviously, these expenses can mount quickly, which is why we're all required under Ohio law to carry liability insurance.

The same concept applies to anyone who experienced a loss as the result of another's negligence. So, if you're an employer and your employee is injured in a company vehicle, the person who caused the injury is financially responsible for the damage to your vehicle. Usually, this is the easy part of an accident claim. If it's clear that one person is responsible for causing the accident, that person's insurance company generally will settle the property damage. You may not always think the compensation offered is fair, but usually you'll get it worked out.

Applying these ideas to your situation, you should be able to recoup any losses caused by damage to your company vehicle. The workers' compensation issue is a lot trickier. In Ohio, employers either pay into a state fund or qualify for self-insured status. It's a no-fault system, which means that generally, regardless of whether the employee causes the injury or if it's somehow caused by the employer's conduct, workers' compensation will provide benefits to the injured worker.

It seems that you're concerned that if one of your employees is injured as the result of a third party's negligence, you'll be stuck paying higher premiums. This may not be the case at all. Your premiums may not budge as a result of the claim, especially if the injury was caused by a third party not related to your company.

If your injured worker brings a personal injury claim against the person who caused the accident, workers' compensation has a right to recoup any money it paid for the workers' comp claim. That recovery is based on a formula that includes such things as the amount recovered, the expenses incurred to secure that recovery, and the attorney's fees. You might get credit for the amount the system recovers on the claim, but I don't think you'd be able to sue the third party for any increase in your premiums.

I don't have enough space in the column to provide a lot of details about the impact to your workers' compensation premiums, but if you think your company may be affected by this type of situation, I'd recommend that you contact the Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Ohio ATV accident lawyers | ATV accident settles for $6.1 million

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)7443 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

A case involving an ATV accident that caused blindness to a little boy was recently settled in Pennsylvania for $6.01 million.

A nine-year-old boy was riding his grandfather’s ATV unsupervised, when a hunting dog escaped from his kennel and startled the boy. He then lost control of the ATV, flipped it, and the handlebar punctured the boy’s eye. The ATV accident caused permanent blindness.

Our Toledo, Ohio ATV accident attorneys want to remind riders to be careful while riding on ATVs, and also want to discourage parents from allowing their children under 16 from riding them at all.

In order to prevent an ATV accident, riders should not use the vehicles on a road – they are built to be off-road. Always travel at a safe speed, and never ride with a passenger. One of the most important factors in preventing a wrongful death from an ATV accident is using a helmet.

Ohio dog bite attorneys | Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon named "Dog Warden of the Year"

boykadvertising@gmail.com (Blog Author)7389 — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Our Toledo, Ohio dog bite attorneys would like to extend our congratulations to Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon.

Mr. Skeldon was just named Dog Warden of the year by the nation's only dog bite advocacy group, DogsBite.org. DogsBite.org was founded by a person who was a victim of a pit-bull attack in Seattle. We work closely with Mr. Skeldon, and appreciate the work he has done to keep children and adults safe from vicious dogs and dog bites.

DogsBite.org agrees with Mr. Skeldon's hard work. They write, "Tom Skeldon has vigorously worked to prevent horrendous pit bull maulings resulting in serious injuries or death of human beings, their domesticated pets and livestock."

If you or someone you love has been injured by an Ohio dog bite, contact our office to order your FREE copy of The Ohio Dog Bite Book. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.