Frequently Asked Questions
What is a personal injury?
A personal injury is a serious harmful act to a person or persons as a result of someone else’s negligence. Personal injury law can involve many types of accidents including truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability, workplace injuries and accidents, spinal cord and brain injuries, pharmaceutical negligence, amputations, wrongful death, failure to diagnose cancer, birth and neonatal injuries, toxic torts, and child abuse.
How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or you have been injured at work and wish to speak with an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney, George Mineff, Jr. will evaluate your case at no cost to you or your family and help you to determine whether you have a personal injury case.
Who will pay my medical bills?
After an injury or an accident, most victims worry about how they will pay their medical bills. Depending on your case, there are different answers to this question. Your auto or health insurance may cover your medical costs, or you may have to rely on the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. In any case, the best course of action is to speak with an attorney at our firm to discuss your options. Our initial consultations are free, so you can feel comfortable coming to speak with an Ohio personal injury lawyer at our firm about your concerns.
If I think I may have a personal injury case, can I speak to an attorney at George Mineff, Jr.?
The personal injury lawyers at George Mineff, Jr. would be happy to talk to you about your potential case. You can reach the attorneys at George Mineff, Jr. by calling 216-621-3930 or by completing the contact us form. We will evaluate your case free of charge. We do not collect a fee unless we win your case.
When is the right time to contact a Cleveland personal injury lawyer?
George Mineff, Jr. represents injured persons and their families in personal injury. If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or involved in an accident at work, you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The statute of limitations, which refers to the time period that legal action is allowed, may begin at the time of the injury in personal injury cases. An experienced Cleveland personal injury lawyer at George Mineff, Jr. can help you decide if your claim is valid.
What questions will be asked in a deposition?
A deposition is basically a question and answer session between you and the defense attorney. Your lawyer will also be present, as well as a court reporter to document everything that is said.
Some of the topics you will be asked can include:
- General background information, like your work history, education, family, etc.
- Your health condition before the incident
- Details of the accident
- The medical treatment you received for the injuries
- How the accident has impacted your life
What should I bring with me for my first meeting with a lawyer?
You will want to bring any and all medical documents that report on your injuries to be used as evidence. This will include diagnosis paperwork, discharge instructions, bills, receipts and anything else from where you received treatment. You should also bring a copy of any police reports.
If there were witnesses to your accident, you will also want to provide their names and contact information. For auto accidents, bring your insurance information and any documents you received from either party’s insurance company.
If your injury required you to purchase otherwise unnecessary items, like wheelchair ramps or crutches, bring the receipts for those as well.
Should I sign a release?
Before signing anything, be sure to contact a Cleveland personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected. If you sign a release, you may be unable to recover future damages. In some instances, the insurer may offer an early settlement, which may not fully compensate the victim, as he or she may still be unaware of the extent and future costs of their injuries.
How long do personal injury cases take?
The length of time needed to reach a personal injury settlement varies with each situation. The facts of how your injury occurred, the recovery period for your injury, and the insurance company’s willingness — or lack thereof — to negotiate in good faith are all variables that affect the time needed to resolve your case.
Doesn’t the insurance company want to close this as soon as possible?
Insurance companies like to play the waiting game, hoping a claimant eventually makes a decision that isn’t in their own best interest. While agreeing to a smaller settlement will bring a quicker resolution and may help alleviate your immediate needs, you could end up regretting your decision.
What happens if I settle ahead of time?
Once you settle your claim, your rights in the case are gone forever, as the insurance company will require you to sign a contract known as a release before you receive your settlement check. However, agreeing to a settlement is ultimately your choice, one you should make in close consultation with an attorney who will help you weigh the costs and benefits of your decision.