Representing The Injured Victims Of Strongsville, Ohio
A serious accident of any kind can be a life-altering experience. From expensive medical bills to lost time at work and missing out on important family moments, a personal injury caused by someone else's negligence can take more away from you than you might think. At Godinsky Law, LLC, we believe that you're entitled to justice and fair compensation for the personal injury you’ve experienced due to someone else's carelessness. Our experienced, skilled, and focused Strongsville personal injury attorney has assisted countless injured victims of Cuyahoga County. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, call Godinsky Law, LLC today for a free consultation.
What Is Personal Injury?
Personal injury refers to the harm caused by the negligent act of another party. Common personal injury cases involve car accidents and medical malpractice claims. In a typical personal injury case, the injured person and their attorney will pursue compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company. It's also worth noting that companies and other entities can be responsible for serious injuries it causes. If you were injured in an accident, contact a Strongsville personal injury attorney at Godinsky Law, LLC right away. Chris Godinsky fights for the people of Cuyahoga County and can help answer all of your questions regarding personal injury claims. Below are some of the more common accident cases we represent.
Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents
Many types of accidents can give rise to a valid personal injury claim. However, not all injuries automatically result in legal liability. The circumstances leading up to an injury are critical to proving a personal injury claim in Ohio. Below are some of the most common types of personal injury accidents that often lead to further litigation by a Strongsville personal injury lawyer.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims In Ohio
The Ohio personal injury statute of limitations is spelled out at Ohio Revised Code section 2305.10, which says any lawsuit seeking a legal remedy for "injury to the person" must be filed within two years of the incident. Meaning, if after accident caused by another party you want to seek damages for your losses, you have two years to get the initial documentation filed in court. When does the two-year "clock" start ticking? Section 2305.10 says it's "when the injury or loss to person or property occurs," which means the date of the underlying accident. Ohio's two-year deadline applies to almost all conceivable types of personal injury lawsuits, whether the case is driven by the liability principle of "negligence" (which applies to most accidents) or intentional tort (which applies to civil assault and battery and other purposeful conduct).
When Does The Clock Start Ticking?
The main question most people involved in a personal injury case ask is, when does the two-year clock start ticking? According to section 2305.10 of Ohio law, the clock starts ticking "when the injury or loss to person or property occurs," which means the date of the underlying accident. Ohio's two-year deadline applies to almost all conceivable types of personal injury lawsuits, whether the case is driven by the liability principle of "negligence" (which applies to most accidents) or intentional harm, which applies to civil assault and battery.
Exceptions To Ohio's Statute Of Limitations
However, there are a few scenarios that the state of Ohio has identified and takes into consideration when accepting the possibility of a delay to the standard statute of limitations time frame. If it was found that there was an exception to the standard 2-year time frame, the time to file a personal injury claim could be extended. Below are some examples of circumstances that are likely to modify the standard timeline:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ohio courts and insurance companies will award compensation to injury victims according to each case’s unique circumstances. Although every personal injury case is different, a handful of common factors can determine the amount of compensation you may receive after an accident. A Strongsville personal injury lawyer at Godinsky Law, LLC can assess your unique case and explain whether we believe you have grounds for a lawsuit. Once you've met and discussed your case with Chris Godinsky, together you can discuss your legal options and how to best proceed with the personal injury claim. Common personal injury accident factors that determine suffering in a claim or case include:
- Pain and suffering
- Exemplary or punitive damages
- Medical expenses
- Property damage repairs
- Lost wages
Like most people, this may be your first personal injury claim. Even if this is not your first personal injury claim, you may be unsure how the process works. The timeframe of any given claim will differ depending on the circumstances. That’s why it’s recommended to speak with a personal injury lawyer to understand your claim better and the legal steps needed to obtain compensation. Although all personal injury claims are different, there is a shared roadmap that most claims follow to successfully receive compensation. Common elements of a personal injury case include:
- Medical treatment.
- Hiring an attorney, investigation, negotiation.
- Filing a lawsuit, discovery, mediation, and trial.
It is very important to get necessary medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident to make sure that your injuries can later be validated. You should document any initial treatment received whether at the Emergency Room, an urgent care facility, or at your doctor’s office. If you have doubt about whether the injury is too minor, have it checked out by medical professionals anyway. Let them determine if there are any injuries that you sustained in the accident. Then it's critical that you speak with a Strongsville personal injury attorney as close to the time of injury as possible. Personal injury claims must be filed within a certain amount of time in Ohio or the claim will be barred under the applicable statute of limitations.
Contact A Strongsville Personal Injury Attorney Today
After an accident, the first step toward compensation is recognizing you have a right to recovery. The circumstances surrounding an accident can be complicated. Because of this, it may be challenging to determine when your right to recovery exists. Speaking with a qualified Strongsville personal injury attorney soon after your accident gives you the best chance to hold the at-fault party accountable and receive maximum compensation for your injuries.