Accomplished Ohio Attorneys Pursue Justice for Those Wrongfully Injured
Seasoned Canfield lawyers handle personal injury claims
When an accident results in serious injury or death, you are faced not only with physical and emotional loss but also with the daunting legal process for recovering money damages. Wellman, Jeren, Hackett & Skoufatos, Co., LPA in Canfield, Ohio represents victims of car, truck and pedestrian accidents and other mishaps caused by the negligence of others. We have been helping injured Ohioans navigate the personal injury claims process and obtain fair compensation for their losses.
Trusted legal advocates offer support in difficult times
In the aftermath of an injury-causing accident, the at-fault party’s insurer will typically seek to limit its exposure to damages, bringing a formidable team of lawyers to its defense. For this reason alone, it’s vital to have qualified counsel at your side to advocate for your best interests.
We have a track record of success at proving the essential elements of a personal injury claim based on negligence, which include showing that the other party breached its duty to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. Examples are a driver’s failure to yield the right of way to another vehicle or pedestrian, a landowner’s lapse in keeping his premises safe from hazards to visitors and a worksite contractor’s failure to take adequate precautions for protecting passersby from harm.
It is also necessary to prove that the breach of duty of care was the principal cause of the accident that injured the plaintiff. Under Ohio law, a plaintiff whose own negligence was more than 50 percent responsible for the accident is barred from recovery. In other cases, damages are reduced by the percentage of the plaintiff’s fault.
Finally, the damages resulting from the injury must be established and quantified, including economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and diminished quality of life. In most cases, noneconomic damages in Ohio are limited to $250,000 or three times the amount of economic damages, with an overall cap of $350,000. Punitive damages, which may be available when a defendant’s actions were malicious or egregious, cannot be more than twice the amount of economic damages proved.
Our firm knows how to build a well-founded personal injury claim designed to obtain the maximum recovery available in your case.
Caring attorneys assist families with wrongful death claims
If a family member died because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct, nothing can make up for your personal loss, but a wrongful death lawsuit can recover some of the resulting damages. These include medical bills, loss of financial support, burial and funeral expenses and the deceased’s pain and suffering. Under Ohio law, the executor or personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the wrongful death action. However, any damages recovered are distributed to eligible survivors, including the spouse, children and in some cases parents. Our firm handles wrongful death suits stemming from fatal head-on collisions, rollovers and multi-vehicle accidents, among other cases.
Contact an Ohio personal injury attorney for a free consultation
Wellman, Jeren, Hackett & Skoufatos, Co., LPA in Canfield, Ohio is prepared to protect your rights in any personal injury or wrongful death matter. Please call 330-333-8847 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
