Damn Right, We Fight! Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorneys
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Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Accidents can happen in several settings, and a personal injury claim can arise for several reasons – they are not just limited to traffic collisions. Basically, any time a person owes another a duty of care, and they breach that duty, the injured party can take legal action to hold them liable.

Our personal injury lawyers provide sound legal guidance for a variety of matters in Cleveland, including:

  • Auto accidents: A person involved in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence or recklessness may be able to pursue a personal injury claim and seek compensation for damages.
  • Motor vehicle accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles. If another driver was at fault, the injured party may have rights to pursue a claim.
  • Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle accidents can result in substantial injuries, as the biker is not protected the same way a person in a passenger vehicle is. It’s essential to seek compensation to help cover accident-related damages.
  • Nursing home liability: Negligence on the part of nursing home staff and administrators can result in residents suffering injury or death. A personal injury claim can help hold the facility liable for its reckless actions or inactions.
  • Slip and fall accidents: Property owners have a duty to provide safe environments for visitors. Neglecting that duty by failing to maintain walkways or areas with high foot traffic can lead to injury-causing accidents.
  • Truck accidents: When a commercial truck driver fails to exercise reasonable care while on the road, they can cause accidents that result in a significant amount of damage. In some cases, many people or entities could be liable for the collision.
  • Wrongful death: If a loved one dies because of the negligent or reckless actions of another, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a claim and seek compensation for expenses and losses arising from the accident.
  • Rideshare accidents: Successfully filing a claim against a rideshare driver who caused an accident requires a thorough investigation of the incident. Depending on the stage of the drive, either the driver’s or the rideshare company’s insurance kicks in.
  • Bicycle accidents: Cyclists injured in collisions may be entitled to pursue a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party and seek compensation for losses or expenses they incurred.
  • Dog bites: Dog bites can cause serious injury, including diseases, needing medical treatment that may result in steep bills. Victims can take legal action against the owner to seek financial recovery for damages.
  • Pedestrian accidents: Accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles can result in serious injury or even death. Those harmed may have the right to file a claim or a civil lawsuit to hold the at-fault party responsible and seek compensation for the harm they suffered.

What to Do After an Accident or Injury

To bring a convincing personal injury claim, you sometimes need to have strong evidence of what happened and why. In the moments after an accident happens, you can often find the best available evidence of liability. For this reason, what you do after an accident matters, whether you were hit by a reckless driver, slipped on someone’s staircase, or got hurt in another way.

Five steps to remember after an accident or injury are:

  1. Call emergency responders if the injury is serious or if the accident scene could result in further injuries, like after a car accident.
  2. Get contact and insurance information from all involved parties, which can vary depending on the type of accident.
  3. Take photographs and video footage of the accident scene, including anything that looks relevant.
  4. Don’t apologize or say that you’re “sorry,” which can be misconstrued by an opposing insurance company as an admission of guilt or liability.
  5. See a medical doctor for a checkup as soon as possible if you didn’t get emergency treatments.

Reach out to Henderson & Weatherly to discuss the details of your situation.

Who Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Do you need to hire a personal injury attorney after you’re injured in an accident? You aren’t legally required to hire a lawyer to pursue a claim, but it is highly recommended. Even defense attorneys will tell probably tell you that you should bring your case to a professional, so you can know that it is being handled correctly.

In brief, almost anyone who has been seriously injured in an accident should hire a personal injury attorney. At the least, you can arrange a FREE case evaluation with our Cleveland personal injury lawyers. During this confidential, no-cost, and no-obligation discussion, you can learn more about your rights and legal options, including whether it is the right idea to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit.

Damages in Personal Injury Claims

A personal injury claim can secure justice and monetary compensation for you after a negligent third party caused you to suffer a serious injury or loss. At Henderson & Weatherly in Cleveland, we don’t think it’s right for people to have to drain their finances to make ends meet after they are left in a tough spot after an accident. That’s why we are so dedicated to fighting for every last penny owed to our clients, no matter how much work it takes or what opposition stands against us.

Damages in a personal injury claim will usually be sorted into three categories:

  • Special: Special damages refer to measurable monetary losses caused by an accident and the resulting injuries. Medical treatment costs and lost wages are two of the most common types of special damages.
  • General: General damages refer to losses that can’t be measured so easily but are just as important to the plaintiff or claimant. Pain, suffering, and traumatization are common examples of general damage.
  • Punitive: Punitive damages are a unique and rare type of damage that is used to punish the defendant/liable party for egregious negligence or criminal wrongdoing. For example, a court might approve punitive damages against a Big Pharma company that sold unsafe drugs that were inadequately tested. Again, punitive damages are very rare, so they might not apply to your case.

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Cleveland

Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims that begins when the accident or injury occurred, in most cases. This statute of limitations can be much shorter or longer for specific case types, though, so it is safer to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Once the statute of limitations ends, you lose the right to demand compensation and damages from the liable party.

Cleveland Personal Injury FAQ

Will my personal injury claim settle?

If a personal injury claim goes in the plaintiff’s favor, then it might be wrapped up with a settlement agreement, rather than going to court for litigation. Settlements tend to be preferred by both sides because they are quicker and less expensive to reach. However, there’s never a guarantee that even the most straightforward and convincing of claims will settle. Working with an experienced legal team that can negotiate settlements and represent you in court will help cover all the possible outcomes.

How long does a personal injury claim take?

Personal injury claims can take a few months to conclude or a few years. It all depends on the details of the case. We can’t promise that your case will take a specific amount of time, but we can say that our attorneys know how to navigate claims efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.

How do I pay my personal injury attorney?

At Henderson & Weatherly, we offer contingency fee agreements for personal injury claims. This type of agreement states that you won’t owe us any attorney fees – not even a dime – if your case doesn’t end in your favor, like a settlement or award. It also states that we will be paid equal to a non-majority percentage of any compensation you do receive, so you can always afford the attorney fees if you are required to pay them. Contingency fee percentages can vary depending on how much work is needed to handle the claim.

Helpful Resources

The Team HMW Difference

What Sets Our Team Apart?
  • Unmatched Work Ethic

    Team HMW works harder than the competition. Period. You will not find another firm who works harder for you, your case, and your family.

  • Efficient Communication with Our Clients

    At our firm, you will never feel like just a case number. Team HMW is committed to keeping you informed through every step of the legal process.

  • Passion for Our Work & Clients

    Team HMW's number one priority is YOU. Our clients and their families are what drive us to push towards the best possible outcome. Your goals are our goals.

  • Team-Oriented Approach

    Team HMW approaches each case we take on as a team. This provides our clients with the benefit of not just one attorney, but an entire team who can help strategize on their case.

  • Decades of Combined Experience

    There really is no substitute for experience and Team HMW brings a vast array of experience to each case they handle.

Contact Team HMW Today

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