West Virginia and Ohio Personal Injury Legal Topics by Jan Dils & Jim Leach
November 14th, 2011
Car accidents often involve some degree of human error, although the driver’s behavior may be combined with other factors in leading to an accident.
The factors contributing to car accidents include:
- The driver
- Mechanical failures
- Road design
- Road conditions
Mechanical failures of your car include problems with the brakes, steering components or tires. When these things fail, it can cause a car accident.
Negligent drivers often blame the road for accidents. Sometimes, the condition and design of the road can contribute to the situation. For example, inclement weather can make a poorly designed road even more dangerous.
More often, a driver is the cause of a car accident. After a car crash, you could be left facing serious injuries and expenses. A negligent driver puts you and your family at risk when he or she engages in any of the following:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inattentiveness or distraction
- Fatigue
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield
- Improper lane change
These and other behaviors can lead to a negligent driver injuring you and your passengers, and damaging your vehicle.
If you have been in a car accident in Parkersburg, West Virginia, or the surrounding areas, please contact the experienced accident attorneys Jan Dils and Jim Leach, Attorneys at Law PLLC, to schedule a consultation.
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November 9th, 2011
Do not pay for bodily injury and property damage caused by someone else’s negligence. If another driver caused you to be involved in a car accident, you can receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
To receive compensation, the at-fault driver must have acted negligently and caused your injury and property damage. Neck injuries like whiplash are common car accident injuries, and property damage stemming from a car accident is usually any damage to the vehicle.
After a car accident, some people choose to simply pay the costs regardless of fault of the other driver, but as a responsible driver, you should not have to pay for another motorist’s irresponsibility and inattention.
You could be faced with many damages after a car accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Repairs for your vehicle
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Car accident attorneys Jim Leach and Jan Dils aggressively pursue compensation from the insurance companies of at-fault drivers. Even though the accident was the other driver’s fault, insurance companies protect their policyholders. Attorneys Leach and Dil have the experience necessary to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.
If you have been in a car accident in Parkersburg or the surrounding West Virginia areas, get the compensation you deserve. Please contact Jan Dils and Jim Leach, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, to schedule a consultation.
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October 27th, 2011
Your ability to file a personal injury claim is governed by each state’s “statute of limitations,” which dictates the amount of time you have to file a claim after the event that caused your injuries. If you do not file a valid claim within the proper amount of time, you will lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
In both West Virginia and Ohio, you generally have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. However, both states also operate by the Discovery Rule, which takes into account the fact that some accident victims do not become aware of their injuries until long after the accident took place.
For example, a traumatic brain injury often does not show symptoms immediately after an accident, and diseases like mesothelioma can be latent for years before causing serious damage to a person’s respiratory system. The Discovery Rule states that the day your injuries were discovered – or should have reasonably been discovered – is the date the 2 year time limit counts from. It is always in your best interest to file a personal injury claim as soon as possible once the nature of your injury is clear.
If you live in West Virginia or Ohio and have further questions about personal injury claims, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with experienced personal injury attorneys Jan Dils & Jim Leach.
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October 19th, 2011
When you are injured in an accident, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury is a complex area of law, and only an attorney with a deep understanding of the ins and outs of personal injury law can successfully handle your case.
There are numerous choices for personal injury attorneys in Ohio and West Virginia. Many of these attorneys are good, but you need to find one that you can work with comfortably when it comes to handling your case. What should you look for when selecting a personal injury attorney that can assist in ensuring justice is served?
Experience is Key
When selecting a personal injury attorney, experience is key. With over fifteen years of experience, our West Virginia lawyers have a detailed knowledge of personal injury laws. We have successfully handled thousands of cases, yet pay individual attention to each of our clients. To us, you are a unique individual, and not just another number. It is this devotion to your wellbeing that helps set us apart from many law firms in our area.
With the experience necessary to successfully handle your case, and our tireless devotion to helping you and your family recover, choosing Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC for your personal injury lawsuit is the first step in getting the full compensation you are due.
If you live in Ohio or West Virginia and have been injured in an accident, please contact the personal injury attorneys at our convenient Parkersburg, West Virginia office to schedule an initial consultation today.
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October 14th, 2011
There are several types of lawsuits that are handled by courts in Ohio and West Virginia every year. Knowing what type of lawsuit you are involved in can help you determine what compensation you may receive and what consequences the negligent party can face.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits occur when a victim holds a responsible party accountable for financial and emotional losses that resulted from a personal injury. Civil lawsuits seek financial compensation only, and do not involve criminal prosecution for negligence. A civil lawsuit can be filed even if the negligent party is found innocent of criminal wrongdoing.
Class-Action Lawsuits
A class-action lawsuit is a civil lawsuit in which charges against a company or individual are filed by several plaintiffs. In a class-action lawsuit, evidence must be provided that indicates a party’s negligence resulted in damages to a large number of people. As a civil lawsuit, class-action lawsuits focus on financial compensation for victims. However, these lawsuits often result in important precedents and policy changes that may increase product safety.
Criminal Lawsuits
A criminal lawsuit focuses on criminal acts, and seeks to impose legal penalties for criminal behavior. A criminal lawsuit focuses on prosecution for illegal acts, with the punishment being things such as jail time and public service rather than compensation for victims. In some criminal cases, restitution for victims is ordered by the court, but financial compensation often requires a civil lawsuit.
If you have been injured in an accident in Ohio or West Virginia and are interested in learning more about your legal rights, please contact Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC to schedule an initial consultation today.
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October 10th, 2011
If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of another, choosing a personal injury lawyer is an important decision. You want someone who can effectively represent you and who will fight for the full compensation you are due. It is important to ask questions of your personal injury attorney during your initial consultation to ensure you are hiring someone who you feel confident can serve your needs and help ensure justice is done.
What to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney
There are a number of personal injury attorneys throughout Ohio and West Virginia. Finding the attorney that is right for you should depend on your level of comfort, and their level of experience. Take time during your initial consultation to ask questions and carefully consider the responses before you make your decision.
Questions to ask your personal injury attorney include:
- How many personal injury trials have you handled and what results have you achieved?
- Do you foresee any difficulties with my case?
- How long will this process take?
- How much will this cost?
- Will you personally handle my case?
These are important questions, and will give you a better idea of how devoted your personal injury attorney is to helping you receive the full compensation you are due.
Jan Dils and Jim Leach have years of experience in handling personal injury lawsuits. They personally handle each case, and have a proven win record. They will devote as much time as necessary to ensure you are compensated for your damages, and your physical, financial, and emotional injuries are taken into full account.
If you live in Ohio or West Virginia and have been injured in an accident, please contact Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC to schedule an initial consultation today.
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September 30th, 2011
It is important to choose the right lawyer for your personal injury case. But finding a qualified personal injury attorney in Ohio or West Virginia can be difficult. You want to make sure the attorney you hire will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served and you are fully compensated for your damages. How can you know what you are getting with a simple internet search or by browsing through the phone book?
Why Choose Our Office for Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
Since 1994, Jan Dils has been dedicated to assisting people injured in accidents. Jim Leach has years of experience both in personal injury and as a former prosecuting attorney. Combined, our attorneys have the extensive knowledge and hands-on experience required to successfully handle personal injury lawsuits. Personal injury cases are seldom as simple as they appear. You need someone on your side with a proven win record in order to ensure you are effectively represented, and fully compensated for your damages.
Our attorneys are devoted to assisting victims of personal injury. We offer strong support to families who have suffered from the negligence of others, and aggressively pursue the responsible party to help make sure your every concern is addressed.
If you live in Ohio or West Virginia and have been injured in an accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC to see how we can help you recover from your damages today.
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September 26th, 2011
There are several types of personal injury that can be sustained in an accident. Personal injury can be caused by accidents such as:
- Automobile accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Medical negligence
While it is true that personal injury can result from these and other circumstances, the extent of personal injuries can vary wildly.
Examples of Personal Injury
A personal injury is any injury that you sustain due to someone else’s negligence. This can be something as simple as a broken bone, but all too often personal injury is catastrophic. Examples of personal injury include:
Serious injuries sometimes lead to death. In these cases, the immediate family may be able to file a wrongful death suit.
When someone else’s negligence results in serious injury, you have a right to seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Huntington personal injury attorneys at Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC are here to help make sure you are fully compensated for all of your damages.
If you have been injured in an accident in Ohio or West Virginia, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC to schedule an initial consultation today.
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September 22nd, 2011
Personal injury law is a branch of civil law that focuses on injuries sustained due to the negligence of others. Personal injury can be mental or physical suffering resulting from a number of accidents including:
Anytime you sustain an injury due to someone else’s intentional or unintentional negligence, you have cause to file a personal injury lawsuit.
How Personal Injury Law Works
Personal injury law has been established to ensure victims of accidents receive full compensation for all of the damages related to their accident. To determine proper compensation, the cause and consequences of an accident must be established.
To determine this, a personal injury attorney is required. Trying to establish fault and seek compensation on your own can be extremely difficult. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is the only way to make sure your every expense is considered, and you are given the full amount you are due.
If you have been injured in any type of accident in Ohio or West Virginia, please contact the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC to schedule an initial consultation today.
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September 19th, 2011
How much your insurance rates go up after an auto accident will depend on a number of factors. Factors determining rate increases include:
- Who was at fault for your accident
- How many accidents you have been involved in
- Who you are insured through
Some companies offer accident forgiveness. Others look at your overall driving history, but all insurance companies will raise your rates if you are found liable in an accident. Sadly, some will also raise your rates even if you are not found to be at fault.
Rate Increases
When you file a claim with your insurance company that exceeds your liability, they may consider it to be a “chargeable” accident. This means that even if you were not at fault, your premium may increase when you renew. At fault drivers may see increases of 30 to 50 percent, with victims seeing increases of only ten to 20 percent. Still, when you are charged more for an accident that you did not cause, the financial consequences can make insurance much more financially draining.
When you are involved in an accident, you need an experienced auto accident attorney on your side. In this way, you can help ensure fault is appropriately assessed, and you are compensated for damages including potential insurance rate increases. With over a decade of experience, Morgantown attorneys Jan Dils & Jim Leach can help make sure you are fully compensated after your accident.
If you live in Ohio or West Virginia and have been involved in an auto accident, please contact Jan Dils & Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, PLLC to schedule an initial consultation today.
Posted in Auto Accidents | No Comments »
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