Experienced Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer

According to the State Highway Patrol, in 2021, car crashes resulted in 117 fatalities and 8,046 people injured in Columbus (Franklin County). Unfortunately, our citizens are no strangers to suffering from personal injuries, and car wrecks are only a fraction of the type of accidents that occur.

During recovery, victims also have to take on an onslaught of stressful matters like dealing with insurance companies and paying costly hospital bills. Rinehardt Personal Injury Attorneys offer experienced and well-informed legal support for people in Downtown Columbus, South Side, North Side, East Side, West Side, Clintonville, Glenbrook, and other Columbus communities, who are healing from personal injuries.

The Rinehardt Difference

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

In Columbus, Ohio, if you experience an injury to your mind, body, or emotions at the hand of another, you could be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Beyond physical injuries, you can get compensation for any negative impact or hardship that the damage has caused. From emotional distress to lost wages, your claim could help ease the burdens that come during your recovery process.

What to Do After Being in an Accident in Columbus, Ohio

Recovering from an accident can be challenging, but taking the right steps can help ease the process and support your claim. Whether you were in a serious crash on The Outerbelt or sustained minor injuries at Cleveland Avenue and Morse Road, you deserve fair compensation. Follow these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your case:

• Ensure Safety: Prioritize your safety immediately by moving to a secure area to prevent further harm.
• Seek Medical Attention: For severe injuries, call 911. Even if you feel fine, a medical exam can reveal hidden issues.
• Document the Scene: Take detailed photos of the accident and your injuries to support your claim.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or personal items involved in the accident, as they can serve as critical evidence.
• File a Report: Access police or workplace incident reports and obtain a copy for your records.
• Organize Documents: Save all paperwork related to the accident, including medical bills, reports, and insurance documents.
• Consult a Lawyer: For legal guidance, contact a personal injury lawyer in Columbus. Call Rinehardt Injury Attorneys at 614-686-2020 for help.

No matter the accident, our team can help Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Columbus

Eligibility for Personal Injury Compensation Claims 

You could be eligible for various compensation claims after experiencing a personal injury. For example, a victim can seek compensation for Special Damages, which are easily calculated things like medical and therapy bills, lost wages, reduced income, and funeral expenses. 

You could also file for General Damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of consortium with a spouse. While these damages are intangible, they are still life-changing and deserve compensation. 

How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?

The Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 (A) states that you must file a personal injury claim within two years after the accident in which you sustained injuries. A claim takes time to process, so it is pertinent to file it promptly and not wait until the last second. However, there are a few exceptions to the standard timeframe, which include:

Hazardous Materials (Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 (B)(1): Whenever you come into contact with toxic materials, the adverse side effects often do not appear until later. For instance, your 2-year time limit can start ten years after exposure if that is when you start to feel symptoms.

Mental Health & Minors (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.16): If someone has been diagnosed with a mental disability and suffers a personal injury, they can start their 2-year time window after overcoming the injury. Similarly, minors have the allowance to hold off on filing their claim, which means an individual can be injured at 16, and their two-year time limit will not start until they turn 18. 

Absence of Defendant (Ohio Revised Code §2305.15): If the guilty party cannot be held accountable for their crimes, the prosecutor will not be penalized. For example, if you suffered injuries at the hand of someone in prison or are absent, your 2-year time period will not start until they can be held liable for their crimes. This pause on your time limitations also applies to hit-and-run accidents when the party at fault cannot be located.

The Types of Personal Injury Cases We Work On

Our experienced Columbus personal injury attorneys represent citizens in cases of injury from accidents on the Jack Nicklaus Freeway and across Ohio. Here are the personal injury cases we specialize in:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

We help victims of car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents recover from life-altering injuries or seek justice after a tragic loss.

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents

Workplace Accidents

Ohio’s compensation laws cover medical bills and lost wages for on-the-job injuries. Additional claims may apply for third-party negligence, including:

• Chemical exposure
• Slip and falls
• Construction site accidents
• Equipment failure
• Burn Injuries

Premises Liability

Property owners can be held accountable for unsafe conditions leading to accidents such as:

• Dog Bites
• Slip-and-Fall

Medical Malpractice

When healthcare professionals fail in their duty of care, it can result in medical malpractice, such as:

• Failure to recognize symptoms
• Not ordering appropriate tests
• Misdiagnosis or no diagnosis
• Surgery errors or unnecessary surgery
• Premature release from the hospital
• Issues with laboratory results
• Incorrect medication or dosage
• Inadequate follow-up or aftercare

Nursing Home Neglect

Neglect in nursing homes includes hygiene failures, medical neglect, unmet basic needs, emotional neglect, or elder abuse.

• Hygiene neglect
• Medical neglect
• Failure to meet basic needs
• Ignoring social or emotional needs
• Elder abuse

Defective Products

We assist individuals injured by unsafe products that fail standard safety requirements.

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to negligence is devastating. We help families seek compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, emotional distress, and loss of financial support.

Consult with an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney

Healing from a personal injury is a long and mentally taxing process for anyone, and no one should do it alone. After a traumatic accident, you deserve the peace of mind that you are being well taken care of by a team of Columbus personal injury lawyers who care.

The Rinehardt Law Firm team wants to minimize stress and ensure you get the proper justice during recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Columbus.