Know Your Rights In A Personal Injury Lawsuit

Personal injury law is one of the most common legal areas that cause people to seek advice from a personal injury attorney to receive financial compensation.

Defined as a civil action brought by an injured person against the person or entity responsible for their harm, personal injury law covers a range of situations. Typical reasons why people file personal injury claims or lawsuits may include the following:

Personal injury lawsuits are different from personal injury claims. If an individual has been hurt and is wondering about their legal rights and options, it’s important to distinguish between a claim and a lawsuit.

According to our experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Slater & Zurz, the process begins with a claim.

“The claim always comes first,” said Personal Injury Attorney John Lynett. “After the client’s medical care is complete, if their claim can be resolved through negotiation with an insurance adjuster, the client receives compensation, signs a release, and the process is over. If their claim cannot be resolved by negotiation or the insurance company denies it, they’re in a situation where a lawsuit would be necessary.”

Steps to Take After an Injury or Accident Occurs

For those facing an injury or accident, Lynett and the expert team at Slater & Zurz recommend several key steps, including taking as many pictures as possible for evidence.

“If it’s an auto accident, take pictures of the roadway, vehicles, the other person’s license plate, and the other person’s driver’s license and insurance card,” recommends Lynett. “There are countless stories of the other person driving off while waiting for the police to arrive. If it’s a fall, take pictures of the hazard that caused the injury. Always take pictures of visible injuries because once they heal, there is no way to show someone how significant the injuries were.”

There is no better evidence of how an accident occurred than taking pictures and, if possible, video footage of the aftermath. After this evidence is secured, the following steps to take include the following:

Gather information – Make sure all names, contact, and insurance information is collected at the accident scene for the at-fault party and any witnesses.
Seek medical attention – Even if the injuries seem minor, seeking a doctor’s care and proper evaluation is essential. If the injuries are more serious, you will likely be treated at the scene or taken to a hospital.
Get all the treatment needed – This treatment will benefit you physically and document your injuries and progress for the insurance company.
Keep a journal – While not always necessary, it may be beneficial to keep a journal describing how the injuries affect you in your own words. Describe how the injuries impact your activities, pain levels, and mental state.

Offering Our Guidance: Personal Injury Expertise

Once these steps are complete, a client may contact an attorney for advice on what comes next. At Slater & Zurz, as soon as clients reach out, we ensure they have information regarding their rights, Ohio law, compensation details, and the process.

With the first contact, every client has different concerns,” said Lynett. “I generally give a client an overview of the process, how they can be legally compensated, why a lawyer can be helpful to them, and why our firm is better than most other injury attorneys in the state.”

According to Lynett, if a prospective client has been involved in an accident previously or had an attorney represent them for an injury, they may not need as much information as someone facing this process for the first time.

“I try to discuss the issues chronologically, so the client knows what to expect first and how to prepare for it,” added Lynett. “And, of course, I answer any questions they may have about the process so they have total clarity about how the claim will unfold.”

What Sets Slater & Zurz Apart: Our Differentiators

At Slater & Zurz, our attorneys have diligently protected Ohio residents’ rights and best interests for several decades.

For all of our clients, the fee agreement includes a written guarantee that the legal fee will never be more than the client receives for pain and suffering. Typically, the legal fee is one-third of the gross recovery and does not increase if a lawsuit has to be filed. “The client hires us to get the best result possible, and if it takes a lawsuit to do that, there’s no reason to charge the client more of a fee percentage,” said Lynett.

Additionally, Slater & Zurz will advance all costs necessary to pursue an injury claim, so we won’t ask a client for money, so we can request records or bills or file a lawsuit. Our attorneys are always available to speak to clients or respond to questions, as we consider open communication and accessibility paramount to the process.

Notably, our team of attorneys is set up to aggressively push claims forward, from gathering records and bills to following up with the insurance adjuster regarding the initial offer and negotiations. “We know that when a client’s medical treatment is complete, they just want to resolve things and move on with their life,” said Lynett. In recognition, Slater & Zurz is committed to advancing the process and seeking fast results.

Have you or someone you care about been hurt because of someone else’s careless behavior? Don’t suffer in silence. You have the right to seek complete compensation for your damages.

But if you’re wondering how to file a personal injury lawsuit or where to start, don’t worry. Slater & Zurz is here to help you get the justice you deserve.

We offer a FREE, no-obligation consultation to answer all your questions and guide you through the legal process. So whether you prefer to reach out to our Columbus personal injury attorneys online or call us at (888) 534-4850, take the first step today toward securing your rightful compensation. Don’t let negligence go unpunished. Contact us now.