Statman Harris, LLC handles personal injury claims in both federal and state courts. The firm represents plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving wrongful death, products liability, motor vehicle liability, medical malpractice, insurance and general commercial tort liability. S&H attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating settlements, when appropriate, as well as litigating cases to conclusion.
Personal Injury Law
Have You Been Injured And Deserve Compensation?
For thousands of years, laws have been written concerning the right of an injured person to get compensation for an injury. Courts in many lands have held that people should be held responsible for their actions. The personal injury laws in the United States are intended to ensure that someone who has suffered an injury because of another’s negligence receives financial restitution for their loss.
What is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law is civil, not criminal, although, on occasion, criminal charges may also be filed by the state. However, a criminal conviction will not compensate the victim. In most personal injury cases, no criminal charges are filed. The injured person is seeking financial compensation for damages. If settlement negotiations fail, a civil lawsuit is filed, claiming that a person or other entity was negligent or caused intentional harm and is legally responsible for their injuries. The case may be settled before a lawsuit is filed or the case may proceed through the court system until a verdict is rendered by the Court.
Some of the Issues in Personal Injury Cases
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes are the most common type of personal injury case. In some cases, such as when a drunken driver hits another car, criminal charges may also be filed. There may be multiple defendants. For example, in a truck or car accident, a mechanical defect or poor maintenance could contribute to the accident.
Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall accidents are normally based on complicated premises liability laws. They concern the legal obligation of a property owner to keep the property reasonably safe. The legal responsibilities of the property owner differ depending on state and local laws and the circumstances of the fall.
Dog Bites
Some states give a dog a “free bite,” but many do not. Children are particularly liable to be the victims in dog bite cases.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice cases are often the most complex personal injury cases and require an attorney with experience with both the medical and legal issues. Medical malpractice claims arise when a healthcare professional (doctor, dentist, anesthetist, etc.) fails to provide the level of care that could be expected from a competent practitioner, injuring the patient.
Product Liability
Defective products that cause injuries have resulted in significant awards to injured parties and protection for future consumers. Automotive recalls, defective medical products, and asbestos cases are familiar examples. Most product liability cases are equally important, but not this well-known.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations, and a personal injury case must be filed within this time period. Illinois and Ohio have a two year limit for filing cases, while Florida allows four years.
How the Process Works
- The plaintiff (victim) is injured by the defendant.
- The plaintiff holds that the defendant did not behave as a reasonable person would have and is, thus, legally responsible for the injuries.
- Settlement talks are held with the defendant or the defendant’s insurance company. If the case appears strong, a settlement offer may be made. Negotiations may continue for some time.
- If the victim agrees to the settlement, the case is over. If not, the case will continue to court. Settlement can be reached at any time until the case is given to the jury.
How We Can Help
Statman Harris, LLC was founded in 2001 by the merger of two well-known law firms, Statman, Harris & Bardach LLC and Kepley LLC. This wealth of skilled attorneys and resources allows the firm offers a full range of legal services to both individuals and businesses. Their goal is always to provide viable solutions for their clients. This firm has been honored with various awards for both their legal and community services.
These attorneys have years of experience with personal injury cases, particularly valuable for cases involving wrongful death, motor vehicles, defective products and medical malpractice. These hard-working personal injury attorneys spend considerable time negotiating with insurance companies, and this experience proves invaluable when the insurance company is denying liability. Contact the firm to discuss your case and your legal options.
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