Experienced Mansfield Personal Injury Attorney

Our team at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys dedicates themselves to fighting for personal injury cases across Richland County, Mansfield Metro Area, Ashland, Bellville, and other areas in Northeast Ohio. Specializing in personal injury, our lawyers have a complete understanding of the complex claim-filing process and how taxing it can be for victims and their loved ones. Therefore, when you choose our team, we will work diligently to help you get the compensation you deserve. 

The Rinehardt Difference

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury is an act of harm inflicted on one’s body, mind, or emotions. In Ohio, if you sustain a personal injury due to another’s reckless actions, you can file a claim and potentially be eligible for compensation. The physical and mental hardships you face during and after recovering from your injuries are traumatic and unjust. Winning a personal injury claim allows victims to stress a little less as they try to go back to living their life.

The Different Types of Compensation 

Individuals who have suffered from personal injuries due to an accident at the hands of another party can seek compensation for General damages or Special damages. 

Special damages are measurable things and can be easily calculated. Some of the damages that fall under this type include:

• Medical bills
• Therapy bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced income
• Funeral expenses

General damages are open to interpretation and usually cannot be measured. However, these damages can be just as life-altering and include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium with a spouse

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

What You Should Do After an Accident

Your number one priority after being involved in an accident should be recovery. The healing process is a long road, and trying to find new normalcy requires all of your attention. While you focus on your well-being, here are a few things you can do after an accident that will help when filing a personal injury claim down the line: 

• Focus on your safety first. Avoid making your injuries worse by ensuring you are in a secure location as quickly as possible.
• Seek medical attention. If your injuries are severe, call 911 to the scene immediately. If not, it is wise to have a healthcare professional examine you, even if you are in no pain. 
• Collect visual documentation. Your claim will be stronger if you have more visual evidence. So take as many pictures as possible of the scene and your injuries. 
• Save all tangible evidence. While physical reminders of a traumatic accident are painful, you must keep all physical evidence from the accident. 
• File a report. Obtain a copy of the filed police report right after the accident, and file one if you have not already. Companies typically have a reporting protocol for workplace accidents, so try to get a copy if possible.
• Keep every document. You should store any paperwork about the accident in a safe place, including reports, medical bills, repair receipts, insurance documents, and more.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer in Mansfield. Consulting with a legal professional you can trust is the best way to ensure you have a fighting chance for your case. The associates of the Rinehardt team are knowledgeable and compassionate legal advocates.

How Long Do I Have to File My Claim in Ohio?

According to the Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 (A), you must file a personal injury claim within two years after the accident in which you sustained injuries occurred. Therefore, filing as soon as possible is wise because your claim will take a while to process. Outside of the general law, there are a few exceptions to the duration of time an individual must file a claim.

Exposure to Chemicals (Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 (B)(1): For victims exposed to toxic materials, the 2-year time period does not start until they feel symptoms. For example, someone’s time limit can start ten years after their accident if that is when they begin to feel sick.

Missing Defendant (Ohio Revised Code §2305.15): The injured party’s 2-year period will not start if the defendant cannot be held accountable for reasons such as being incarcerated or not being found after fleeing the accident scene. Once the defendant can be held liable, the plaintiff’s 2-year period will begin.

Minors & Mental Health (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.16): If someone is medically diagnosed with a mental ailment after the accident, their 2-year window will not start until they overcome the injury. If a minor is injured, the 2-year rule does not apply until they are of legal age.

Classification of Personal Injury Cases We Work On

You could have a potential personal injury case if you have been in a wreck on Interstate 71 or Lincoln Highway. Beyond vehicles, there are various accidents in which you can experience an accident and file a claim. 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Many victims walk away from motor vehicle accidents with costly property damages and irreversible and life-changing injuries. Different types of auto accidents that we work on at Rinehardt include

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Electric scooter accidents

Workplace Accidents

Unfortunately, many people in Mansfield, Ohio, go through an accident while on the job. While Ohio’s Compensation laws cover medical bills and lost wages, if a third party was involved, you could be eligible for extra compensation for accidents like

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

Premises Liability

A property owner could be held liable for any accident on their property if they fail to upkeep their premises or inform the injured party about the potential risks. Examples of  accidents you can sustain due are

• Dog Bites
• Slip-and-Fall

Medical Malpractice

A personal injury claim can be filed against a medical professional if they neglect, misdiagnose, or mistreat their patient. Common types of medical malpractice include

• 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

Caretakers who fail to provide the standard care for a resident in a nursing home can be held accountable for nursing home neglect. An individual can file a claim against a caretaker for the following:

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

Defective Products

Sometimes, companies will sell products that fail to meet sanitization standards or were poorly monitored during manufacturing. As a result, individuals can file a claim against the company if they suffer injuries from the defective product. 

Wrongful Death 

Losing a loved one because of somebody’s mistake and careless action is devastating and a harrowing experience to endure. Strong support from a skilled lawyer is the best way to pursue legal action and hopefully help ease your stress during this difficult time.

Get Representation from an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney

If you are healing from a personal injury in Mansfield, Ohio, our team of personal injury attorneys wants to ensure you get the compensation and justice you deserve. We will guide you through filing your claim and provide legal advice every step of the way. Our team at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys will use their years of experience and knowledge to help you win your case, so call us today for a free evaluation.