Monday, June 30, 2014

How Much is a Personal Injury Case Worth?



When a personal injury lawsuit has to be filed due to a slip or fall, car accidents, or any kind of injury, one might wonder what their case is really worth. The answer to this is the “extend of damages” – what the injuries have cost a person financially, physically, and mentally.

In a personal injury lawsuit, the injured person (plaintiff) will receive money by the person or business found responsible for the accident (defendant). After a negotiated settlement, the two parties, their insurance companies, and their Akron personal injury attorneys, can agree upon a damage award.
Given below is an explanation of the various kinds of damages which may occur is personal injury cases:

Compensatory Damages in Personal Injury Cases

 

Most personal injury damages are classified as "compensatory", which means that they are aimed to compensate the injured for the loss that occurred due to the accident. A compensatory damages award is supposed to compensate the plaintiff financially by assigning a dollar figure on the consequences of the accident. Compensatory damages like medical bills or reimbursement for property damage are easy to quantify, but it is difficult to assign a monetary value on the physical suffering of an individual.
Here's a list of the types of compensatory damages common in many personal injury cases:

Medical Treatment

 

This includes reimbursing the cost of medical treatment that the injured has received and compensating for the projected cost of treatment needed in future.

Income

 

This is the compensation received for the impact on the injured person’s salary due to the accident. It not only includes the income that he/she may have already lost but also the potential salary that they could’ve earned in future if it wasn’t for the accident.

Property Loss

 

If a personal belonging like a car, clothing, or any other item was damaged due to the accident, reimbursements have to be made for compensation or repairs as per fair market value.

Pain and Suffering

 

The plaintiff might be entitled to receive compensation for the pain or discomfort that he/she suffers from as the aftermath of the accident.

Emotional Distress

 

Emotional distress damages compensate a plaintiff for the psychological impact of an accident or injury, such as fear, anxiety, or loss of sleep. 

Loss of Enjoyment

 

If the result of the accident keeps the plaintiff from enjoying daily life activities like hobbies, exercise or other recreational activities, he/she may be reimbursed for "loss of enjoyment" damages.

Loss of Consortium

 

This is a compensation for the plaintiff’s inability to maintain a healthy relationship with their spouse and is usually reimbursed to the injured person’s husband/wife.

Punitive Damages in Personal Injury Cases

 

In a case where the defendant’s actions are deemed as outrageously careless, he/she might have to pay punitive damages apart from compensatory damages award, as a means to punish the defendant for their careless behavior.

Understanding each damage award and determining how much reimbursement you are entitled to after an accident can be challenging. It is always advisable to seek professional help from an Ohio personal injuryattorney to ensure that you receive the damage award that you deserve.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Approach to Finding the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyer



If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, or there has been a death in the family because of medical negligence, you need a wrongful death or medical malpractice lawyer. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you sue the medical professional responsible for your distress. He will work to get you the justice and compensation that you deserve.

Approach to Finding the Right Lawyer


The approach to finding the right medical malpractice lawyer has to be meticulous. Medical negligence is a sensitive matter, and thus filing a lawsuit against a medical professional requires considerable experience in such matters and expertise in the medical malpractice law.

Choosing a Lawyer


You can find many medical malpractice lawyers in your phone directory but you don’t have to randomly pick one. You should rely on reputation and word of mouth when picking a lawyer to represent you. Ask for an initial consultation, which is usually free, and discuss your case in detail with the attorney. Gauge the attorney’s expertise and ask about his previous experiences handling medical malpractice cases.
If your case is strong, a good lawyer will take you on without asking for any fees upfront. He will negotiate with you about receiving a certain percentage of the settlement that he will receive as his fee.

Lawyer’s Opinion


When choosing a lawyer, you have to ask for the lawyer to provide you with his opinion about the case. He will analyze the case, and in accordance with his knowledge of the law, he will give you advice on which step to take next, whether you should try to settle the case with negotiations, or take the case to court right away.

Medical Law Specialization


Ask in detail about the lawyer’s or his law firm’s experience in handling medical malpractice lawsuits. Ask if his speciality is handling medical negligence cases. If possible, talk to people whom the attorney has previously represented; this will give you a better idea about the lawyer’s experience and his methodology of handling a case.


Experience in handling the medical malpractice lawsuits is the most important factor in hiring an attorney because a lawyer needs to know medical terminologies and procedures along with the relevant rules and regulations. So make sure that you hire an attorney with extensive experience in medical malpractice cases and up-to-date medical knowledge.

Company Introduction


Barry M. Ward Co., LPA is an experienced, professional and compassionate Akron law firm which has been serving the community for 3 decades. They have a very successful track record in cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, criminal defense and probate. They adhere to the highest standards of professional and legal ethics and strive to achieve the best possible results for their clients.

For more information regarding  akron law firm visit us: BarryMward.com

Monday, February 24, 2014

Email Fraud: Crimes of the IT Age

These days if you do not have a personal e-mail account you simply do not exist in this world. E-mail is an effective form of communication that saves cost, time, and resources. Setting aside the merits of e-mail communication, you should bear in mind that it is not free from the potential of abuse and exploitation.

We humans have a trustful nature and we tend to trust others who offer something beneficial to us or ask for our assistance. You should contact New York, Texas or Ohio law firms as per your state of residence in case you are victim of any one of the e-mail frauds discussed in the following paragraphs.

Different Kind of E-mail Scams

1.    Phishing: Phishing is an email fraud whereby the criminals obtain your personal information through email to commit identity theft.

2.    African E-mail fraud: In this fraud scheme, person pretending to be of African or Nigerian nationals ask for assistance to deposit huge amount money to your account. Once you give your account to them, they empty your bank account.

3.    Lottery, Prize and Sweepstakes Scams:  In sweepstake e-mail fraud, you are made to believe that you have won a lottery prize. The criminals ask you to pay fee for obtaining prize that is fictional in itself.

4.    Pyramid schemes: This email scam consists of a pyramid or hierarchy of people who join a set of already joined people. Those who have joined earlier receive payment as more people join the pyramid. Pyramid scheme is illegal in most states of U.S. Contact Michigan, Texas, or Ohio law firms who specialize in defending cases relating to this e-mail fraud scheme.

5.    MLM schemes: In MLM or Multilevel marketing, you offered to sign as a distributor of some goods. Not all MLM are illegal. Only those MLM are illegal where you have to recruit new distributors for commission. In case you are the victim of this e-mail scheme, you should immediately contact Texas, Michigan, or Ohio law firms to get compensation for your loss.



Compensation for Email Scam Victims

In the unfortunate event you are the victim of e-mail fraud scheme, it is advisable that you take action and consult an attorney near you. You should contact reputable law firms of your state of residence whether residing in California, New York, Texas, or Michigan. Ohio law firms are also very reputable for dealing with fraud cases. They will legally represent you to get compensation in case of e-mail frauds. In U.S.A., you should also report the email crime to IRS, Internet Crime Reporting Center (IR3), and National Check Fraud Service among others. The New York, Texas, or Ohio law firms will help you in filing compensations with these firms.

For more visit us: BarryMward.com

Friday, January 24, 2014

Key Differences between Federal and State Courts

In the U.S, each area is governed by the state laws and the federal laws as per the legal system being pursued. For instance, if you are a resident of Akron, Ohio, you are subjected to the Ohio state laws as well as the U.S laws. Owing to this distinction between the laws, there is an existence of both federal and state courts. The need to distinguish between the two is crucial to understanding their jurisdictions and implications.

Federal Courts


Established by the U.S constitution, the federal courts are run to safeguard federal laws i.e. laws present in the constitution and passed by the Congress, giving it limited jurisdiction. High level cases like disputes between states and bankruptcy cases are some of the cases heard in these courts. Federal courts generally deal with two types of cases, namely diversity of citizenship and the federal question. The U.S Supreme Court is the final authority and has the U.S Court of Appeals and the U.S Judicial courts under it.

State Courts


State courts are local courts which are established by the state itself. As state laws vary, each state court is following the law of its state. The Supreme Court is also the final authority in state courts. With general jurisdiction being followed, all type of cases heard in state courts including criminal cases, family law cases and state law cases among others. State courts interpret state laws to maintain control and power within the state and safeguard the rights of its citizens. For instance, the case of a motorcycle accident in Ohio will be dealt by a motorcycle accident lawyer in Ohio in the Ohio state courts. Only certain cases of the state court can go to the U.S Supreme court though, if they are regarding a highly important matter and the person did not get a satisfactory decision at the state court.

The distinction between the courts maintains a decorum and state order. Each citizen needs to understand the distinction and know the concerned laws to acquire his/her due rights. Depending on the state you are residing in, local attorney can help you through the litigation services and aid you in getting you due rights. Adequate research and consultation with a reputable and experienced attorney is a must to know the right way to go about things and depending on the seriousness of the case, approach the right court accordingly.

If you have any queries, we would love to help you out. Leave a comment below or visit our website: BarryMward

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Hiring a Reliable Medical Malpractice Attorney in Akron


It is a fact that everyone learns from their mistakes. However, you need to be extra careful if you are in a business like medicine, where a single mistake can risk someone’s life. A number of people have a perception that a doctor can never make a mistake. Although the latest technology has reduced the probability of risks but the fact remains that doctors are human, and medical malpractice does happen.

When to hire a Medical Malpractice Attorney?


People might face grave consequences due to medical malpractice. Here is a list of situations in which you should consult a law firm in Akron to hire a medical malpractice attorney.

  • Wrongful death due to medical malpractice.
  • Permanent damage to internal organ.
  • Unmatched blood transfusion.
  • Infection due to unsterilized surgical instruments.
  • Loss of limb or any other body part due to wrong amputation.
  • Incorrect diagnosis.

Benefits of hiring a Medical Malpractice Attorney


Here are some of the many benefits of hiring a medical malpractice attorney:

1. Emotional Support


People find post-trauma period difficult to face. There are high chances that might feel emotional and make a decision based on intuition which they would regret later. A lawyer cannot only encourage them to fight for their right but also give them a wise advice based on their knowledge and experience.

2. Compensation Claim


A medical malpractice lawyer can estimate your losses and claim for a fair compensation.

3. Out of Court Settlement


In case you agree for out of court settlement, your lawyer will make sure that you are receiving an amount which you rightfully deserve.

4. Legal Representation


Court trails can be frustrating and requires adequate legal knowledge for understanding court agreements. A good attorney can help you comprehend and execute court settlements. A lawyer can also advice you to include favorable clauses.

How to Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Akron?


There are a number of law firm in Akron, Ohio which provide legal services. But to find a reliable attorney, you must keep following considerations in mind:

  • Don’t rely solely on internet for searching a law firm.
  • Visit the law firm first and make sure that the attorney is knowledgeable.
  • Ask questions to see if your attorney takes your concerns seriously.
  • Prefer the law forms which do not follow contingency fees structure.
  • Make sure that the law firm is registered and has professional associations.

For Choosing a reputed law firms like BarryMward.com Keep the above considerations in mind.



Monday, November 11, 2013

What Can Akron Personal Injury Lawyers Do For You?

Whether you have been a victim of automobile accidents or you have faced some serious problems at the hands of medical malpractice, the Akron personal injury lawyers can play a pivotal role in ensuring you receive the correct compensation that you are legally entitled to.

When you proceed to negotiate your claims without legal counsel, it is highly likely for you to settle for something much lesser than your case is worth. This is because the insurance agent or individual you are negotiating with will try to wrap up this case with minimum compensation. While you are stressed between medical problems and property damage, you are least likely to be able to evaluate your case properly.

Here is where Akron personal injury lawyers come in. What can an Akron personal injury lawyer do for you? Keep reading to find out!

Case Evaluation

It is uncommon in the field of law to have a jack of all. An Akron personal injury attorney is likely to specialize in a specific type of personal injury and hence be able to evaluate your case more appropriately. This includes all instances including medical costs, damages and long-lasting concerns. This leaves you with a little less to worry about as your Akron personal injury attorney takes care of legal proceedings.

Gathering Evidence

All cases are incomplete without evidence. In the court, emotions and hypothesis are less likely to be given much consideration. While you are busy with tending to your injuries and/or those of your loved ones, your Akron personal injury lawyer will be out in the field, collecting evidence that substantiate your case and claim.

Law Research

There is often a previous case in legal history that can be inferred on to the current scenario. But to find such an inferable case requires in-depth research. It is therefore helpful to have a specialized Akron personal injury attorney who can pinpoint the relevant cases with some accuracy. This helps in building the case for getting the relevant claims.

Trial

From drafting pledging to filing motions and from trial preparation to representing the case on trial – your Akron personal injury attorney is responsible to take care of it all. In most cases, your lawyer is not liable to receive anything in consultation fees until and unless the case is settled. It gives you less to worry about while your case is being evaluated and an adequate compromise is reached.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Common Auto Accident Injuries

The National Highway Traffic Administration in the United States has announced that 3,335,800 people are injured in auto accidents every year. This annual figure is disturbing for a place where road infrastructure ranking improved from D to a D+, the highest ranking the United States has achieved in history. However, the injuries caused often lead to distress for the parties involved.

Anyone involved in an accident is most likely to require time to heal and to get back to their daily lives. While healing from the physical and mental trauma, the victim usually misses work and has to spend a lot on healthcare. An automobile injury lawyer will ensure that the rights of the injured party are protected while they recuperate.

The Top 5 Injuries As A Result Of Accidents

1. Head Trauma

This is one of the most dangerous injuries one can attain in an accident. Head trauma is often associated with brain trauma. Fortunately enough, one does lead to the other but such an injury requires immediate medical attention.

2. Psychological Trauma

This is often a result of the psychological after-effects of an accident and usually includes the effect of distress on the mind. Identifying this may be difficult so it is usually preferred that one who has gone through an accident recently should go through a routine test.

3. Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury may prevent a person’s from performing their simple daily tasks such as sitting, sleeping or walking. If an auto accident damages the spinal cord, it is best to call 911 emergencies and stay still until help arrives.

4. Connective Tissue Injury

In most car accident cases, the patient is identified having an injury relative to connective tissues. The seriousness of the injury depends upon the severity of the accident and the amount of damage sustained. This injury causes stiffness in the back and/or the neck.

5. Internal Organ Injury

Due to blunt force trauma, the internal organs might get injured. Broken ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding may be caused by internal organ injury. Internal organ injury may be difficult to identify in some cases, and the effected party may feel the injury later on.

If you find yourself in an accident, it is best to call 911 and wait for help. Even after a minor accident, the best course of action is to go to a hospital and get a complete physical under the supervision of a qualified doctor.