Personal injury claims arise when an individual sustains an injury or harm due to the negligent actions or intentional misconduct of another party. When you sustain a personal injury, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, before you can recover compensation for your damages, you need to determine who can be held liable for your injuries.
In Ohio, several parties can be held liable for personal injury claims, depending on the circumstances of the case. Let’s take a closer look at who can be held responsible for your injuries.
- Individuals
If an individual causes an accident or injury due to their negligent or intentional actions, they can be held responsible for your damages. For example, if a driver causes a car accident due to reckless driving, they can be held liable for any injuries or damages sustained by the other drivers or passengers of the vehicles involved.
- Businesses
Businesses can also be held responsible for personal injury claims if they fail to uphold their duty of care to their customers or clients. For example, if a grocery store fails to clean up a spilled liquid on the floor and a customer slips and falls, the store can be held liable for the injuries sustained by the customer.
- Government Entities
Government entities can also be held liable for personal injury claims in Ohio. However, there are different rules that apply to claims against government entities compared to claims against individuals or businesses. If you are injured due to the negligence of a government employee or agency, you need to follow specific notice requirements and time limitations to file a claim.
- Manufacturers
Manufacturers can also be held liable for personal injury claims if their products are defective or cause harm to consumers. For example, if a person sustains an injury due to a defective product, they can hold the manufacturer responsible for their damages.
- Property Owners
Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition to prevent injuries to visitors. If a property owner fails to uphold their duty of care and a visitor is injured, they can be held liable for the injuries sustained by the visitor.
- Employers
Employers can also be held liable for injuries sustained by their employees while on the job. Ohio has a workers’ compensation system that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. However, there are certain circumstances where an employer can be held liable for an employee’s injuries, such as when the injury was caused by the employer’s intentional or willful misconduct.
Conclusion
When you sustain a personal injury in Ohio, you need to determine who can be held liable for your injuries to recover compensation for your damages. Depending on the circumstances of the case, individuals, businesses, government entities, manufacturers, property owners, and employers can all be held responsible for personal injury claims. If you sustain a personal injury in Ohio, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your legal rights and options.