Were you injured due to someone’s negligence or wrongdoing in Columbus, Ohio? If so, they should be held accountable for your medical bills and other losses. Unfortunately, your case will likely involve a large insurance company or corporation that prioritizes profits over your well-being.
The best way to level the playing field and obtain a fair outcome is to hire an attorney from Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC. Our Columbus personal injury lawyers have 71 years of combined experience. We have a demonstrated track record of success, with hundreds of millions of dollars secured since our founding in 2007.
With us by your side, you’ll have a fierce advocate to fight for you and recover the compensation you deserve under Ohio law. Contact us today or call (614) 587-8423 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Columbus, OH.
Why Should I Hire Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC To Handle My Columbus Personal Injury Case?
Regardless of how you or a loved one were injured, it’s always wise to consult an attorney to discuss your situation. However, if you decide you need legal representation, the lawyer you select will be a significant factor in the success of your case.
With Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, you’ll get a team of award-winning, compassionate attorneys who will prioritize your best interests. We approach every case as if it’s our own, which has led to an exceedingly high success rate.
Our dedication to the legal profession and our clients has earned us recognition from the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell (AV Preeminent rating).
If you hire our skilled Columbus personal injury attorneys to handle your claim, we’ll:
- Provide transparent communication and keep you fully informed throughout your case
- Thoroughly investigate how you were injured and determine who’s liable for your damages
- Consult experts as needed to strengthen your case
- Calculate the full range of your losses
- Negotiate with aggressive insurance adjusters, defense counsel, and other parties
- Explain any settlement offers received so you can decide how to proceed
- Represent you in the courtroom and at trial if we fail to settle for a fair amount
Defense attorneys know who we are, and they know our reputation. With us in your corner, the opposing party will be more willing to negotiate in good faith. If they don’t, our trial lawyers will be ready to stand up for you in court.
Call our Columbus personal injury law firm today to set up a free case evaluation.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
You might have a valid personal injury case if you sustained harm due to another party’s actions (or inaction). By filing a claim, you’re attempting to hold the at-fault individual or entity financially responsible for your damages.
The following situations could give rise to a valid case:
- A distracted driver veers into your traffic lane, causing a collision that injures you
- Your physician fails to diagnose your medical condition, causing it to worsen
- Your loved one was neglected by nursing home staff
- You slip and fall on a freshly waxed floor in the grocery store
- You unexpectedly lost a family member in a fatal Uber accident caused by the rideshare driver
- Your child was injured by a defective toy
These and numerous other scenarios can lead to a legal cause of action. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers to determine whether you have a valid claim.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Many people struggle with the decision of whether to hire an attorney after suffering an injury. One of the biggest advantages of legal representation is that you’ll probably receive more money at the conclusion of your case than if you go it alone. That’s even factoring in attorney’s fees.
Here’s why you should consider hiring an attorney to handle your personal injury claim:
- They’ll level the playing field. Your case will most likely involve an insurance company or corporation. These entities have extensive resources to fight and undervalue legal claims. You’ll want a seasoned attorney by your side to stand up to them and get results.
- You might be blamed. Under Ohio law, your financial recovery can be reduced or entirely barred if you share fault for your accident or injury. Your attorney will protect you from groundless comparative negligence claims to ensure you receive what’s fair.
- Your case may require experts. For example, you may need a financial expert to assist with calculating your future damages. You might require a medical specialist to explain your injuries and prognosis. A skilled injury lawyer will know who to contact for assistance.
- You deserve time to heal. Handling a legal matter is tough enough as it is. It’s even more challenging if you’re struggling with an injury. Let an experienced attorney take the stress off your shoulders and handle all aspects of your case.
Learn more about the benefits of an attorney-client relationship by contacting our Columbus injury lawyers for a free case review.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases in Columbus, OH
The legal team at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC is dedicated to helping personal injury victims after various incidents. Below, we discuss some of our primary practice areas.
Car Accidents
Columbus is the most populous city in Ohio, and it’s home to numerous roads, highways, and major interstates. That’s a dangerous combination when it comes to driving in the area. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, our Columbus car accident lawyers can identify your legal options and help you pursue them.
Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are a common sight on I-70, I-71, and other highways across Columbus. Unfortunately, rollovers, lost loads, jackknife accidents, and tire blowouts can all lead to devastating injuries. Our Columbus truck accident lawyers can help you hold a negligent trucker, trucking company, or other liable party accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
There are many advantages to riding a motorcycle, but there are also several drawbacks. One of the biggest issues is the danger motorcyclists face if they’re involved in a crash. Our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers will fight for fair compensation for your losses to get your life back on track.
Workplace Accidents
If you were injured on the job in Columbus, you’re likely covered by Ohio workers’ compensation insurance. You may also have a third-party claim against another individual or company. Our Columbus workplace accident lawyers will pursue every avenue of compensation and represent you throughout the process.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse can be physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, or financial in nature. Additionally, weight loss, bed sores, and unsanitary conditions can all be indicative of neglect. Our Columbus nursing home abuse lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s mistreatment and hold the facility or other liable party accountable.
Medical Malpractice
Medical providers are held to a certain standard of care when it comes to treating patients. However, sometimes they fall below this standard, such as if they make a medication error or a mistake during surgery. Our Columbus medical malpractice lawyers will stand up to the hospital, facility, or insurer to get justice.
Wrongful Death
You may be entitled to damages under Ohio law if you lost a loved one due to another party’s actions. Our Columbus wrongful death lawyers will help you and your family during this devastating time. You deserve compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other losses you’ve suffered.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys in Columbus and throughout Ohio represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any money out of pocket for legal services. You will only owe attorney’s fees if your lawyer wins your case.
The fees will be deducted directly from your settlement or court award. They are an agreed-upon percentage – typically around 33% – of your financial recovery.
With this arrangement, you won’t need to worry about paying an upfront retainer or being billed by the hour. This is particularly beneficial for personal injury victims who may be struggling financially in the aftermath of an accident.
What Damages Are Available to Columbus Accident Victims?
Accident victims in Ohio are typically entitled to compensation for the full extent of their losses, including economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are monetary costs and losses arising from the accident and injury, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses if you require ongoing care
- Lost wages and job benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical therapy
- Property damage
Non-economic damages won’t have a billing statement or financial amount. They’re your intangible, difficult-to-value losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- PTSD
In some cases, an Ohio court may award a plaintiff punitive damages (exemplary damages). Their purpose is to punish defendants for egregious or malicious acts.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of your Columbus personal injury claim will depend on various factors. A victim who sustains life-altering, catastrophic injuries will typically recover more compensation than someone who makes a full, speedy recovery. However, that’s not the complete picture.
The following factors could impact what your case is worth:
- The severity of your injuries and how they’ve affected your life
- The cost of your medical treatment now and in the future
- Your lost income and whether you can continue earning the same amount of money
- The extent of your pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- The parties involved in your case
- Whether you share responsibility for your injuries or accident
- The insurance coverage (if any) and policy limits involved
Of course, the strength of your evidence will also play a crucial role in the outcome of your case. An experienced Columbus injury attorney will build a solid case, giving you the best chance at a full financial recovery.
What If I’m Partially At Fault For the Accident?
Ohio’s modified comparative fault law will come into play if you’re partially to blame for the accident. Under this statute, you will receive a reduced payout if your share of responsibility is 50% or less. If you’re found to be over 50% at fault, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
For example, suppose a court deems you 40% responsible for a motor vehicle collision because you were distracted. The defendant would only be liable for 60% of your damages.
Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys know this law well, and they use it frequently. They’re trying to limit their (or their client’s) financial obligations. Don’t take someone’s word for it or assume you’re at fault before your attorney launches an in-depth investigation. You may be surprised at what the evidence shows.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Ohio?
Every state implements a deadline – known as the statute of limitations – for filing a personal injury lawsuit. For most Ohio cases, you’ll have two years from the injury date to take legal action. For wrongful death claims, you’ll have two years from the decedent’s date of death (which may differ from the accident date).
However, exceptions to this general deadline could provide more or less time to file. For example, a medical malpractice lawsuit typically has a one-year statute of limitations in Ohio.
If you fail to file your civil case on time, you’ll lose your right to compensation through the courts. It’s best to consult an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney as soon as possible to prevent that from happening.
What is Negligence, and How Do I Prove It?
Negligence is the legal concept behind most personal injury matters. A person is negligent if they fail to act with reasonable care under the circumstances, leading to harm to another.
If you’re filing a case involving negligence, you’ll need to prove:
- The defendant’s duty of care to you (e.g., a doctor-patient relationship)
- How the defendant breached that duty of care (e.g., your physician prescribed you the wrong pain medication)
- The defendant’s breach of duty caused you harm (e.g., the medication error caused dangerous side effects and long-term damage)
- You sustained damages (e.g., medical intervention, lost wages, disability, etc.)
The kinds of evidence needed will depend on the type of case you’re filing and your unique circumstances but could include:
- Medical records and charts
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness opinions
- Photographs and videos of the incident or your injuries
- Accident reports
- Physical evidence
Our Ohio personal injury lawyers will collect evidence to prove the elements of negligence in your case.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go To Trial?
It’s unlikely that your Ohio personal injury case will make it to trial. Around 95% of these legal matters are resolved through negotiations when the parties reach an agreeable settlement. Many parties prefer settling their case because it is often faster, cheaper, and provides a more certain outcome.
With that said, the team at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC includes zealous trial attorneys who aren’t afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. We prep every case as if it will end up in court so that we’re always ready. We know how to litigate and succeed at trial.
We pride ourselves on consistent, transparent communication with our clients. We’ll ensure that you fully understand the pros and cons of settlement versus trial in your case. That way, you can make an educated decision on how you wish to proceed.
How Long Will My Injury Case Take?
While many injury claims follow the same general steps, there isn’t a standard timeline associated with them. A straightforward case may be resolved within a month or two, whereas a complex matter could take over a year to conclude.
The following factors could affect your case’s timeline:
- The amount of time it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- The complexity of your case, including issues surrounding liability or damages
- The parties’ willingness to negotiate
- The strength of your evidence
- Whether you need to file a formal lawsuit
- The duration of the discovery phase
- Whether your case goes to trial
Anything could cause a delay in your case, from a lengthy investigation period to an unexpected setback. We’ll be there to keep you updated so you always know where you stand.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
The steps taken after an accident can impact your health and legal rights.
Consider doing the following to protect yourself:
- Report the incident to the proper party. That might mean calling 911 after a traffic accident or notifying a store manager of a trip and fall.
- Exchange relevant information with any involved parties or eyewitnesses.
- Collect evidence at the accident scene (if possible). Take videos and photos of relevant details and conditions that led to the incident. Write down your recollection of events while they’re fresh in your mind.
- Don’t discuss fault with anyone or apologize. You can’t be sure what all contributed to the incident until a full investigation is conducted. Your statements could be used against you later.
- Seek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t think you need to. During your evaluation, your provider may discover hidden injuries that haven’t manifested symptoms. Diagnosing and treating them early on protects your well-being and shows that the accident caused the injuries.
You should also consider consulting an attorney soon after your accident. You can learn more about your legal rights and ensure that you’ve done everything possible to safeguard yourself.
Contact Our Experienced Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers For Legal Help
If you were injured by another party’s negligence in Columbus, OH, Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC is here for you. We understand the physical, financial, and psychological effects you may be dealing with. We’ll be your fiercest allies as you navigate this challenging period.
We have over seven decades of combined experience, and our case results speak for themselves.
Contact our Columbus personal injury lawyers for a free initial consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. We’ll review what happened, answer your questions, and explain the best path forward.
