Jon Mani | January 8, 2026 | Personal Injury
Personal injury settlements in Ohio are often misunderstood. Some people hear about million-dollar cases on the news and assume their own accident will lead to a life-changing payout. But the truth is far more complex. If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim in Ohio, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
Keep reading to learn about some common myths associated with personal injury settlements in Ohio so that you know what to expect in your case.
Myth 1: Every Case Is Worth Millions
Many people expect a massive payday after an injury, especially in car accident cases. But settlement amounts vary widely.
The actual value of your case depends on specific factors, including:
- Severity of injuries
- Duration and cost of medical treatment
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Long-term effects or permanent disability
- Who was at fault and how fault is allocated
- How your injuries affect your daily life
- Whether you are being blamed for your accident
- Available insurance coverage
Some cases settle for thousands; others reach six or seven figures. The outcome depends on evidence, insurance coverage, and the skill of your legal team, among other factors.
Myth 2: The Insurance Company Will Offer a Fair Amount
Insurance adjusters may appear friendly, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts. In most cases, the initial offer is far below what your claim is actually worth. Without legal representation, it’s easy to accept a low settlement and sign away your rights to more compensation.
An experienced attorney can accurately calculate damages and effectively negotiate against unfair offers.
Myth 3: You Can File Anytime
Ohio law gives you a limited window to take legal action. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is usually two years from the date of injury. Miss that deadline, and your right to compensation can disappear, no matter how strong your case is.
Exceptions can change the deadline or impose additional requirements. For example, cases involving minors may have more time on the clock, while cases involving government entities may add extra notice requirements before you can file a lawsuit. The best way to determine your case’s deadlines is to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
Myth 4: You Can’t Recover if You Were Partly at Fault
Ohio uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you were less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can generally still recover damages, though your compensation will typically be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you’d likely be eligible to recover up to $80,000.
Myth 5: Pain and Suffering Damages Are Easy to Calculate
Non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress are real, but hard to quantify.
Ohio law does not allow unlimited compensation for these losses in all cases. For most non-catastrophic injuries, there’s typically a cap on noneconomic damages of $250,000 or three times your economic damages, up to a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff or $500,000 per occurrence. However, catastrophic injuries may not be subject to these limits.
Myth 6: You’ll Always Get a Settlement Without Going to Court
Not every case settles out of court. While most personal injury claims do resolve through negotiation, some require litigation. This may happen when the insurance company denies liability, disputes damages, or refuses to negotiate in good faith. A trial may extend the process, but it can be necessary to secure full compensation.
Myth 7: You Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Small Claim
Even smaller claims benefit from legal advice. A lawyer can review your case, protect your rights, and identify coverage you might not know exists, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or MedPay. An attorney can also help you avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your claim.
Myth 8: Filing a Claim Means Suing Someone Personally
Many people hesitate to pursue a claim because they don’t want to sue a friend, neighbor, or family member. In reality, most personal injury claims are paid by insurance companies, not individuals. Whether the claim involves an auto policy, homeowners insurance, or a business liability policy, the insurance coverage typically pays the settlement or judgment rather than the individual’s personal assets.
Myth 9: You Should Accept a Settlement Right Away
Quick settlements usually favor the insurance company. Accepting early often means settling before you know the full extent of your injuries or future costs. Once you sign a release, you can’t go back and ask for more money even if new complications arise.
Having your attorney gather all necessary documentation and medical records before negotiating can lead to a significantly better outcome.
Myth 10: Personal Injury Settlements Are Quick and Easy
While some claims resolve relatively fast, others take months or longer. Investigating the accident, documenting injuries, negotiating with insurers, and waiting for medical treatment to stabilize can all affect timing. Many of the factors that affect your case’s value can also affect how long it might take to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact Our Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Every personal injury case is unique. While myths and rumors abound, the reality is that results depend on many factors, including the strength of your evidence, the value of your damages, and the legal strategies involved. An experienced Columbus personal injury lawyer can help you assess your situation.
Don’t rely on viral headlines or hearsay. Call Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation about your case today. Our team also works on a contingency fee basis, so you’ll owe us nothing up front to get started.
We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.96270905583009, -82.99956356191063
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 720-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.348382927211865, -81.635109451865