Common Causes of Personal Injury Accidents in Ohio

Personal injury accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. They could be a result of negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts of another individual. When you experience a personal injury accident, it can be a painful and stressful time that can put you out of work, ruin your financial stability and compromise your quality of life. In Ohio, there are some common causes of personal injury accidents that you should be aware of to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury accidents in Ohio. In 2019, there were over 146,000 car accidents, with 1,137 fatalities, and over 70,000 injuries. Most of these accidents were caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, and vehicle malfunctions. It is important to note that Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you were at fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced according to your percentage of negligence.

Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents occur when someone falls on a property due to dangerous conditions like ice, water, uneven surfaces, and debris. These accidents can happen anywhere, such as in supermarkets, shopping malls, sidewalks, parks, and private residences. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for their visitors and customers. Therefore, they could be held liable for slip and falls caused by their negligence.

Medical Malpractice

Medical professionals have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide competent and safe care to their patients. However, sometimes they fall short of their duties, leading to medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is defined as any act or omission by a healthcare professional that deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death. Medical malpractice could include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, and more.

Dog Bites

Despite the popular saying that dogs are a man’s best friend, dog bites can cause serious injuries and emotional trauma to their victims. In Ohio, if a dog bites someone, the owner could be held strictly liable for the damages, regardless of whether the owner knew that the dog was dangerous or not. Dog bites can cause severe injuries such as lacerations, puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.

Product Liability

Manufacturers and sellers of products have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe for use. However, sometimes defective products are released into the market, leading to injuries and even deaths. Product defects can occur during the design, manufacturing, or marketing stages of a product. Product liability claims can include defective vehicles, toys, medical devices, household appliances, and more.

Conclusion

Personal injury accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. It is essential to understand the common causes of personal injury accidents in Ohio and take appropriate action to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another individual or party, you could be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and learn about your legal rights and options.

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