Champaign, OH Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers

Doug Mann

Last updated on August 14th, 2024

When you’ve been seriously injured in Champaign due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden. Ohio Personal Injury Law provides an avenue for securing compensation for your expenses and losses. A Champaign, OH personal injury lawyer at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz is committed to representing you in these challenging times.

Our attorneys are recognized for their commitment to client success. With over 3 billion dollars recovered for our clients, we take pride in our positive impact on their lives. As Ohio Tiger, we received the People’s Choice Award in 2020 for being the best law firm in the Miami Valley. This and other accolades reflect our dedication to achieving exceptional results for our clients.

If you’ve been injured and need a personal injury lawyer in Champaign, OH, let us discuss how we can assist you in your journey toward recovery and justice.

Common Personal Injury Lawsuits in Champaign, OH

Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz law firm is a full-service law firm that handles various common personal injury lawsuits in Champaign, OH. Here are some types of cases in Champaign:

• Auto accidents. Auto accidents are a common cause of personal injury cases. We have represented individuals who have been injured in vehicular accidents of all types. These include:
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents 
• Car accidents 
• Hit-and-run accidents 
• Slip & fall accidents. These accidents occur when individuals slip, trip, or fall on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions. We assist clients in pursuing claims against property owners or managers to seek compensation for injuries sustained in slips and falls.
• Dog bite injuries. Dog bite cases involve injuries caused by dog attacks. Our law firm helps victims of dog bites in seeking compensation from the dog owner for scarring, emotional distress, and other damages.
• Premises liability. Premises liability cases arise when individuals are injured on someone else’s property due to dangerous conditions. Our legal team represents clients in premises liability cases in holding property owners accountable for injuries sustained on their premises.
• Amusement park accidents. These cases are relatively low, but when they happen, they can result in significant settlements.
• Defective products. Cases involving defective products refer to instances where individuals suffer harm due to the use of defective products. We can assist clients in seeking compensation from the manufacturers of such products to seek damages.
• Boating accidents. These cases are particularly complex due to shortcomings in insurance coverage. However, we can handle boating accident cases by effectively identifying legal avenues to seek compensation.
• Social security disability. Social security cases involve individuals seeking disability benefits due to a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working. We do help clients prove their disability and navigate the complex process of applying for and obtaining social security disability benefits in Champaign, OH.

As seen, we handle a wide range of cases to help individuals in Champaign, OH. Therefore, you can trust us to help you seek justice and recover compensation for your personal injury cases.

Ohio Personal Injury Statistics

In Ohio, people have suffered injuries caused by numerous forms of accidents. The state relies a lot on cars for people to get around, with 91% of workers using cars to go to work. The state ranks as the 24th most car-dependent state in the US.

However, this reliance on cars contributes to a high number of personal injuries. According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), there were over 265,432 recorded crash incidents in 2022, where approximately 1,180 of these crashes led to fatalities. These incidents often result from speeding, running stop signs, failure to yield, and distracted driving.

In Ohio, people who are injured in diverse accidents have the right to sue for damages. Some personal injury lawsuits in Ohio have resulted in significant settlements.

According to a Jury Verdict Research study, the average verdict in personal injury lawsuits in Ohio is $303,955. Also, about three percent of Ohio personal injury verdicts surpass the $1,000,000 mark.

For example, an Ohio man who had been admitted to a local hospital for treatment was prescribed seven new medications that significantly increased his risk of falling. Despite this known risk, the hospital staff failed to implement the necessary precautions.

As a result, the man suffered a fall while using the restroom, leading to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that caused him permanent disability. The jury awarded him a $6.19 million verdict in his lawsuit against the hospital.

What To Do if You Are Injured?

Your steps after an accident can greatly help safeguard your legal rights. These actions lay the foundation of your case and can greatly influence the outcome of personal injury claims or lawsuits. Personal injury lawsuits generally involve a similar process for handling claims.

Here are the key steps to follow:

File an Accident Report

In Ohio, if you’re involved in an incident that results in injury, death, or over $1,000 worth of property damages, you are supposed to file a police report. This report serves several purposes:

This report is an official record of the incident, which can be key in establishing the facts of the case.  A police accident report is often necessary for processing insurance claims, as it verifies that the incident occurred and in which circumstances.

Gather Evidence

Collecting evidence is a vital part of building a winning personal injury case. This includes:

• Capturing photos and videos of the scene and damages/injuries.
• Getting the details of the witnesses and recording their statements.
• Ensure you get a copy of the police report, which can provide an objective account of the incident.

Continue Medical Care

Be sure to obtain a quick medical evaluation after your injury. Don’t downplay any injuries, even if they seem minor. This helps link your injuries to the incident and strengthens your claim.

Also, ensure that you continue with the prescribed medical treatment. This includes attending all follow-up appointments, taking medications as directed, and following your doctor’s recommendations. If you skip your appointments, it may be used against you.

For example, if you are prescribed a physical therapy session for a back injury but skip sessions because you feel better, the defendant could argue that your injuries were not serious. This might end up reducing your potential compensation.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

You don’t want to deal with legal battles and physical injuries at the same time. This can be overwhelming. An Ohio personal injury lawyer will do the following for you:

• Informing you of your rights and legal options.
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters to obtain just compensation.
• If necessary, represent you in court to seek adequate restitution for your losses.

In addition, a lawyer will advise on how to deal with insurance companies. This is key because the defendants may use various tricks to deny your claim.

For instance, be cautious about what you say when dealing with adjusters:

• Don’t admit fault, even if you think you might be partially responsible.
• Even if you’re feeling better, avoid statements like “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad.” These comments can be used to minimize your claim.
• Stick to the facts and don’t speculate about what happened or the extent of your injuries.

In this situation, it is advisable to politely decline engagement with the insurance companies and request them to communicate with your lawyer. A personal injury attorney knows about their strategies and will use their experience to protect your legal rights and potentially increase your legal recovery.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to take legal steps to seek restitution for your injuries and losses. Recoverable damages in a personal injury case can be economic or non-economic.

Economic Damages

These are the tangible financial losses that a person incurs as a result of an injury or harm. Think of economic damages as the monetary expenses that can be calculated and proven with receipts or bills. These include the following:

• Medical expenses related to the injury
• Lost earnings
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation costs for therapy, assistive devices, and modifications to your home due to the injury

Non-Economic Damages

Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are more subjective and not easily quantifiable in terms of money. These damages refer to the emotional and psychological harm suffered by an individual due to an incident, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional distress

In some cases, the law allows victims of personal injuries to pursue punitive damages. However, these must meet the threshold of “egregious actions” on the part of the defendant.

Your personal injury lawyer will consider both forms of damages when calculating what to claim as compensation. This ensures that the claim can recover the physical, emotional, and financial aspects of your injury.

Why Do You Need To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

In most personal injury cases, plaintiffs who retain the services of an attorney are more likely to win their cases and get a higher settlement. Therefore, you don’t want to risk losing your claim, as a lawyer can bring in the following:

• Legal experience. Personal injury law is complex due to many regulations and principles that need consideration. Your lawyer understands these issues well and can ensure that your case is handled according to the law, hence giving you a better chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.
• Negotiation ability. Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for the least amount possible. A lawyer knows the tactics used by these companies and can negotiate relentlessly for you to secure a just outcome.
• Case evaluation. Determining the true worth of your claim involves more than just adding up medical bills. A Champaign, OH personal injury attorney can assess your situation comprehensively, considering factors like future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and emotional toll.
• Representation. Although most personal injury claims are resolved outside the court, sometimes the lawyer can pursue litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Having a litigator on your side will likely improve your chances of convincing a judge to award better compensation.

As you know, legal disputes involve numerous moving parts to win a favorable outcome. If you engage a lawyer in Champaign, you can dedicate your time to recovery while your personal injury lawyer takes care of the legal process.

Why Choose Ohio Tiger?

If you’re considering hiring a Champaign, OH, personal injury lawyer from Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz (DGMS) is the ideal choice. Choosing the right attorney is really important for winning your case. We’re confident that we’re the right choice for handling your personal injury case, and here’s why:

Unparalleled Experience

Our team of attorneys and staff has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases. We have several decades of experience and this helps us effectively tackle the unique challenges of your case.

Importantly, our skills have been recognized through accolades such as Super Lawyers, a distinction achieved by only a select few lawyers in Ohio annually.

Client-Centered Approach

At Ohio Tiger, we don’t take your case as just another statistic. We take quality time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and align our approach to meet your specific circumstances. We therefore encourage open communication throughout the case to keep abreast with the development of your case.

Solid History of Success

We have a history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, whether through negotiated settlements or court verdicts. Over the last three decades, we have worked with over 100,000 clients, winning over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements. Every year, we handle a significant number of cases where we are focused on securing fair compensation.

Positive Client Feedback

Our firm boasts a large number of 5-star Google reviews, which is a sign of client satisfaction with our legal representation services. Our client testimonials mostly appreciate the professionalism, communication, and favorable results achieved by the attorneys at DGMS.

Contingency Fee Basis

Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz works on a contingent fee basis for personal injury cases. This means that you don’t have to pay upfront legal fees and only pay if we win the case. This is quite affordable, given that physical injuries can drain finances due to medical bills.

Consult Our Champaign, Oh Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Sustaining injuries due to someone else’s negligence can throw your life off balance. To reclaim your life, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, our Champaign personal injury attorneys are ready to help you with your claim. We will assess your situation to determine the full impact of the accident on your life and file a winning claim to recover damages. Contact us today online or by calling 937-222-2222 for a free consultation.

-> Check one of our most recent settlements for an auto accident case.