Negligence is the failure to exercise the degree of care that another sensible person would under similar circumstances. For instance, all motorists have a duty of care to drive safely. Property owners have an obligation to keep their premises in good shape. Anything that deviates from what a reasonable person would do could constitute negligence. …
12 Ways to Get Home Safe on New Year’s Eve in Columbus
In the two days of the 2015/2016 New Year’s holiday, there were 1,086 motor vehicle crashes in Ohio, reports the Ohio Department for Public Safety. Half of the deaths in those crashes were alcohol-related. Going out is great fun, but while you are planning, make sure that you read these 12 tips to get home …
Account for Your Chronic Pain in a Personal Injury Claim
Because pain is an obvious part of being in a serious accident, many people do not realize that long-lasting pain is a separate medical condition called chronic pain. Chronic pain is often overlooked as a type of injury from an accident because it can be difficult to diagnose and prove. If you were in an …
How chronic pain affects your ability to work
Chronic pain could affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. You may need to spend time in a specialized care facility, make in-home accommodations, or delegate your household obligations elsewhere. Perhaps more importantly, it could affect your ability to work. When this happens, you could work with a personal injury lawyer from our firm. We can …
Did you know about these safety innovations coming to the “smarter” Columbus?
Columbus recently received the first installment of a $50 million grant through the Smart City Challenge. This challenge centers around improving pedestrian and traffic safety using the latest technological safety innovations. The grant, sponsored by the federal government and Vulcan Inc., funds the four-year project. Columbus will plan and implement the majority of upgrades over …
Proposed Law Would Require Doctors Report Problems with Medical Devices
Every day, patients in Ohio put their lives in the hands of doctors and hospitals. Legislators now want to make things safer for these patients by making doctors alert the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the potential risks of medical devices. Medical Device Guardians Act Lawmakers have proposed a bill, entitled “Medical Device …
Respondeat Superior in Ohio: Employer Liability for Employee Actions
When you are injured by the negligence of an employee, you have two options. You can sue the employee for her actions, or you can sue the employer. The law allows you to hold an employer or company responsible for the actions of its employees under a legal principle called respondeat superior, which essentially means …
Columbus Wins $50 Million U.S. DOT Smart City Grant
In May 2016, the City of Columbus submitted a final application in a bid to become the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) first “Smart City.” Columbus was one of seven cities vying for the title. On June 21, DOT officials named Columbus the winning city. Columbus will receive a $50 million grant from the DOT …
Columbus Hoping to Win USDOT Smart City Challenge Grant
Columbus is one of just seven cities in the United States in the running for a $40 million grant to improve transportation. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) calls this initiative the “Smart City Challenge.” Now, each finalist city must submit a proposal regarding its plans to utilize the grant to improve transportation technology and …
Rules for punitive damages in Ohio negligence cases
At the conclusion of a lawsuit, after awarding compensatory damages, a judge or jury has the option of awarding punitive damages in Ohio. Punitive damages are different from other types of damages because a jury awards them to punish the defendant for intentional acts against the plaintiff—rather than to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. …
Jury Rules Against Johnson & Johnson in Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit
On May 3, 2016, a Missouri jury said the Johnson & Johnson Company must pay a $55 million settlement – $5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages – in a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims that the company’s talcum powder is to blame for her ovarian cancer. The suit …
The Lifetime Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are devastating and often require extended hospitalization and rehabilitation. Many victims, even after rehab, cannot go back to same life they lived before; they cannot participate in certain hobbies or even hold a job. Many people do consider these costs, focusing instead on their medical bills. This is understandable as these medical …
What are the dangers of posting on social media after an accident?
As the popularity of social media networks grows, so does their role in personal injury cases. Many people do not recognize how damaging a single Tweet, status update, or other social media post could be during a pending lawsuit. The attorney representing the at-fault party in your accident will be monitoring your networking sites, so …
How do I get my medical records?
When you seek compensation in a personal injury case, your medical records play a key role as the primary evidence to back your claim. The information in your medical records proves your injuries and outlines the treatment required. This means knowing how to get your medical records from your doctor is necessary in any personal …
How to Get an Accident Report in Columbus, Ohio
The reports filed by police after a traffic accident play an important role in proving civil liability for injuries and property damage. Find out below how to get an accident report for an insurance claim in Columbus, Ohio. How can I obtain a copy of the report? Columbus Division of Police officers must submit all …
How Insurance Adjusters May Try to Devalue Your Personal Injury Claim
When you have been involved in a car accident, consulting with insurance adjusters is a key part of the recovery process. Unfortunately, while you may believe that the insurance adjuster is on your side, chances are that she will use these tactics to try to devalue your claim in order to save the insurance company …
Attorney David Bressman Answered Your Legal Questions Live on ABC 6’s “Ask the Attorney” Segment
Columbus attorney David Bressman was recently a featured attorney on ABC 6’s “Ask the Attorney” program. On December 30, 2015, David joined the On Your Side team to answer legal questions live on the air. Every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the program lets you ask your legal questions to attorneys like David. …
The Importance of Thorough Medical Evidence for a Personal Injury Claim
When you are involved in an accident—regardless of the accident type—it is incredibly important that you seek medical care immediately. This is true even if you think that your injuries may not be serious; you may not feel the effects of many injuries, such as a concussion or whiplash, for days or even weeks after …
Permanent Disability Expenses
Catastrophic injuries from an auto accident or defective product may result in the development of a permanently disabling condition. Injuries where a person loses a limb or sustains a serious brain or spinal cord injury can result in mobility loss, cognitive impairment, and cause emotional distress. These factors impair more than just the person’s health; …
Hit and Run Insurance Options in Ohio
Hit and run accidents create a unique situation when it comes time to seek compensation for your damages. Because there is no other driver to hold liable for your damages and there is no “hit and run insurance,” you will have to rely on your own insurance policies for coverage of your injuries. Several types …
How are criminal and civil DUI accident cases different?
When a drunk driver causes an accident, two different types of legal DUI accident cases may result: a criminal case and a civil case. The state brings the criminal case and charges the defendant (the drunk driver) with driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. The plaintiff (the injured party or her representative) brings the …
Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Lawyer
You or someone you love just suffered a serious personal injury. Now you are considering hiring an Ohio injury attorney to ensure your damages are covered in the insurance settlement. Before you make this important decision, it is important to realize that not all attorneys are equal when it comes to handling your injury claim. Some attorneys …
David Bressman Represents Family of DUI Accident Victim Pro Bono
Kim Harriman had spoken to eight attorneys in person and countless law firms through email, each time hearing the same sentiment. We are sorry for your loss but the other driver does not have insurance; there is no way you are going to recover any money. Therefore, we will not help you. Kim’s 24 year …
Do I have to use the repair shop my car insurance company sends me to?
Your insurance company might ask you to use their preferred shop after a car accident and if they do then the insurance company must guarantee their work and assess no extra cost to you but in general, no, it is your property and you can have it fixed wherever you like. However, if there is …
If I switch attorneys in the middle of my personal injury case what files do I need to bring them?
When you switch attorneys in the middle of a personal injury case, it’s important that your new attorney have access to your records. Fortunately, you should be able to retain most of your information and transfer it to your new lawyer. Your Rights to Your Files If you are unhappy with your current lawyer, you …