Warren Law Firm

Personal Injury Attorney in Chillicothe Ohio - contact for free consultation

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Injury Cases

FAQ

Personal injury claims are claims against an at-fault party that are not related to loss of property. Most commonly, these include claims for medical bills, as well as rehabilitation, but also may include claims for lost wages, pain and suffering and short- or long-term disability. 

Do I need an attorney? 

Yes. While an insurance company might (and might not) offer you a settlement, it will not likely include all of the compensation to which you are entitled. Additionally, an experienced personal injury law firm may have a better understanding of the likelihood of long-term medical complications or consequences resulting from your injury, as well as the likelihood of future disability. 

Does filing a claim mean a delay in getting compensation? 
Not necessarily. In many cases, an at-fault driver and his or her insurance carrier will agree to the cost of vehicle repair or replacement, and other obvious damages, without added delay. 

Must the at-fault driver have auto insurance? 

Not necessarily. While claims are most collectible when an at-fault party is insured, it is also possible to make a claim against your own insurance company in cases where you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and/or against the personal assets of a liable party. 

Is there a time limit to file a claim? 

Under Ohio Revised Code §2305.10 (A), you must bring your personal injury claim within two years after “the cause of action accrues,” with some exceptions. Keep in mind, the best time to contact an experienced law firm is immediately after a serious collision. This will allow your attorney the best opportunity to gather evidence on your behalf, as well as time to build a case and file a comprehensive claim for damages. 

What if the accident was partly my fault? 

Under  Ohio Revised Code §2315.19, claimants may still collect damages if they were less than half at fault, although damages will be reduced by a proportional amount. Those more than half at fault cannot collect damages, however their attorney may successfully argue to get their fault below the legal threshold.

What if I was working when the crash occurred? 

Those at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. While they may be barred from seeking additional damages from their employer, they may still pursue a personal injury claim against other responsible parties, such as an at-fault driver.

What if more than one party is to blame? 

Part of your attorneys’ job is to identify all responsible parties, as well as their associated insurance companies. Third-party liability claims may be filed against other parties partially responsible for your accident or injuries. 

Will I have to go to court? 

The vast majority of personal injury claims settle out of court. This does not mean your attorney settles for less than you deserve. It means your attorney has built a strong enough case to get you the damages you deserve without the stress, expense or delay of a trial.  How do I know for sure if I have a case? 

Contact our office at 740-774-4357 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
Injury cases are generally entitled to several areas of damages.
  1. Past medical bills
  2. Future medical bills
  3. Permanency of injury and/or scarring
  4. Past lost wage
  5. Projected future loss of earnings
  6. Pain and suffering


The value of your case varies by the extent of your damages.
Filing a lawsuit is done only with the client's permission after all efforts have been made to settle the case.

When a lawsuit is actually filed, that does not mean that it will end up in a trial. However, there is that possibility that once your lawsuit is filed it can go to trial. Oftentimes, when the other side knows you are prepared for trial, they will settle the claim before trial.
You do. We will discuss your options with you. Our job is to evaluate the offer so that YOU can make an informed choice.
You must file your case within a fixed period of time set by the law. In Ohio, that time period is usually two years from the date of the accident. Some limitations periods are shorter.

Statutes of limitations may be extended in certain situations, such as when an injured person is under the age of 18. You should never try to figure this out on your own.
Looking for a lawyer is not easy. For starters, lawyers get a bad rap. Most people think that a lawyer is just out to get the most money or that they just can’t be trusted.

Sure, we know that some lawyers are not really the best at their craft but that doesn’t mean you should delay the search for a great attorney in Chillicothe.

Moreover, you may find a great lawyer who fits your needs and budget, but then they might turn your case down. There are several reasons as why an attorney may reject your case. But, don’t lose hope!

Did you know that other attorneys also hire us when they need to represented? That’s right, just because a lawyer has a personal injury claim does not mean that they will be handling their case on their own.

Insurance companies want to save money and they are most likely low balling you. Once you hire an attorney, they will take your claim more seriously.

If you are looking for a work accident lawyer, look no further. We are committed to the needs of our clients and have a high success rate for Chillicothe workers compensation claims.

Call us today to see if we are the perfect fit for your case in Chillicothe, Ohio!
Most personal injury claims are handled by insurance companies, so the responsible person will not have to pay any of their money.
Under the collateral source rule in Ohio, you are entitled to be compensated for your medical bills and lost wages regardless of whether or not they have been paid by insurance.
In Ohio, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies in two general situations:

(1) Uninsured: the responsible driver has no insurance; and (2) Underinsured: where the responsible driver has insufficient insurance to fully compensate you.

Uninsured/ underinsured coverage covers your accident just as your liability insurance provides compensation for the people that you might injure.

This coverage typically extends to family members or anyone who is injured in your vehicle.
Your auto insurance company will pay some of your medical bills. The amount it pays depends on the coverage you have under your policy.

If you have health insurance, it serves as a backup insurer. It will pay after you have run out of coverage on your car insurance.
Yes! The insurance company will have a team of investigators and attorneys working against you. Insurance companies do not work for you. The insurance company's goal is to pay you as little as possible.

A good lawyer will seek every category of damages to fully compensate you. Insurance companies know that it is impossible for an individual to take a serious injury case to trial without an attorney.
Now! While you are dealing with your injuries and money problems, the insurance company begins to work against you.

We may arrange for an investigator to take pictures of the accident scene, take statements from witnesses and preserve any physical evidence. You want to make sure that all relevant evidence is preserved and not inadvertently destroyed or lost.
No. Warren Law Firm is a contingency fee personal injury law firm. We are compensated only if we recover money for you. We front expenses and costs.
Yes. Prolonged contact with asbestos can have long term effects on the body, and it may be time to contact your Chillicothe mesothelioma lawyer.

An attorney can assess your claim to best advise you as to whether you have a case, and if there is a possibility of seeking compensation for your exposure. A diagnosis can be stressful followed by more doctor visits, medications, procedures, and insurance companies.

With the proper counsel, the burden of this hardship of a difficult diagnosis can be eased on the patient as well as their family. Strive to find the best advice and ease the worry. Have you developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure while working?

Asbestos litigation is the longest, most expensive mass claims in U.S. history, involving more than 6,000 defendants and 600,000 claimants. Currently, the rate at which people are diagnosed with the disease will likely increase though the next decade.

Our firm also handles these types of cases, and Michael Warren (a Chillicothe mesothelioma lawyer) can help you in regards to getting the care you and your family deserve. Don't hesitate to call us, we are here to help.
You've done it. Your legal team has won the defense in court! Congratulations! Now, what happens with the settlement check from your Ohio Workers Comp lawsuit, car accident settlement, or other issues requiring a Personal Injury Attorney?

This is yet another process but one that is worth the wait. When you hire us as your defense team, the settlement check goes to our law firm. Specifically, it will go to the Warren Law Firm Trust Account. Once the check clears, our clients get paid within 10 days. Remember, part of the settlement money also goes out to lawyer fees and outstanding medical bills.

Another frequently asked question is in regard to taxes. Yes, most settlements are taxable. Although, it really depends on your case. Was the majority of the claim due to physical injuries or emotional, such as stress? You can learn more about these types of scenarios on the IRS website by clicking here. Either way, some tax planning before the big settlement day can come a long way to help you coordinate your personal finances. It's best to prepare than to have a surprise document in the mail the following year.

Dealing with a personal injury or workers' compensation is stressful enough. Hiring a lawyer might seem daunting, and most people don't know where to start. At Warren Law Firm in Ohio, our experts will guide you through each step of the way. We don't get paid unless you win!
ABSOLUTELY. NO HOURLY FEES FOR PERSONAL INJURY WORK. WE CHARGE A CONTINGENCY FEE WHICH OUR FEE IS CONTINGENT UPON RECOVERING MONEY. IF YOU DON’T GET PAID, WE DON’T GET PAID.

When it comes down to it, most people don’t deal with lawyers on a day to day basis. The very thought of talking to a lawyer might seem like a stressful situation for most. We understand that part of this is due to the legal jargon and paperwork that comes with it.

But for many of our potential clients, it also comes down to finances. Most of us cannot afford a lawyer on the spot; thus, most people do not seek legal help and end up owing thousands of dollars in medical bills, car repairs, etc. We are here to assure you that you do not need to have thousands of dollars in savings or give any money down when you sign up for our legal services in Ohio.

We do not charge fees on personal injury work. We charge a ‘contingency fee.’ This means that our legal fee is contingent upon recovering money. We don’t get paid unless you win. And how will you win the case in court?

By hiring our expert attorneys in Ohio for representation in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and more. If you or a loved one needs legal help immediately, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call the Warren Law Firm in Ohio today for a free consultation, and we can help you navigate the claim in court during such a difficult time.
Currently, no law in the state of Ohio requires a dog to be euthanized or be "put down" after its first attack/bite. Although, there is a requirement for the dog to be held in quarantine for ten days to check for any possible rabies exposed to the dog bite victim. Even though dogs are considered to be "man's best friend," they can be unpredictable.

The best way to find out how the law applies to your dog bite case is to book a free consultation call or visit with our Dog Bite Lawyer, Mike Warren, in Ohio.
Hiring a lawyer through Zoom is now considered common practice. As courts began to embrace video conferencing during the start of the pandemic, lawyers had to adapt.

Don’t know how to use zoom? No problem! At Warren Law Firm in Chillicothe, Ohio, we make it easy for you to connect with our attorney through Facetime, WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom.

Our administrative staff will accommodate your needs from the start. This makes it easy for both parties to start the consultation process over a video call.

After the consultation has been completed and you decide we are a great fit for your legal needs, we can schedule another video call until we can safely meet in person.

If you’re new to the video conferencing world, here are a few tips from our law firm for you to prepare at home:

– Make sure your audio and video settings are working properly prior to the call. Make a test call with a close friend or a relative you can trust.

– Sure, you may be at home, but you can still dress properly and semi-professionally so that you feel ready and confident to be in front of a camera.

– On your test run, practice your mute button as this could be necessary in case there is a distraction or a random incoming call from another party during your consultation.
Depending on the type of case, whether it’s a personal injury or worker’s comp, the litigation phase starts when you and your lawyer submit the lawsuit in court.

Once this lawsuit has been processed, it can take about a year or two for a personal injury case to go to trial.

Of course, we need to keep in mind that each state is different and there is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases.

Soon after, there is the “discovery phase” which gives each party time to investigate what the legal claims and defenses are. This phase can last from a few months to a year.

After the discovery phase, there is a window of opportunity for mediation and negotiation. This means that a third party will mediate with both sides to see if there is an opportunity to settle out of court. If a settlement is not reached, then the case goes to trial.

Going to trial is even trickier on time, as dates are often pushed back or rescheduled according to the judge. Once the case goes to court, it can last one day, a week, a few months, or longer.

The same can be said for a worker’s compensation trial. It can vary depending on negotiating out of court or whether the case goes to trial.
Being the victim of personal injury is not fun. Not only is this type of situation super stressful, but you're left wondering what comes next. "Should I get a lawyer?" "What type of lawyer should I get?" "Where do I even begin to look for a lawyer in Chillicothe?" "What will be the costs?" We have good news for you. Whether you've had a dog bite injury, suffered injuries from a car, motorcycle or truck accident, or need legal advice from a workers compensation attorney, Chillicothe lawyer Mike Warren, offers a free consultation. That's correct. You don't need any down payment or monetary deposit to sit down and talk to our personal injury lawyer. We want you to know your options and what our Chillicothe legal team can do for you. After our meeting, if you chose to use Mike and his team, they will be with you from beginning to end. You are the boss and no decisions will be made without your consent. Keep in mind that we work on a contingency basis. Our law firm in Chillicothe can explain what a contingency basis means and how we guarantee that you won't pay a dime if we don't win your case. As Mike always tells his new clients, “If you don’t get paid, I don’t get paid!”
Attorney Mike Warren is passionate about helping his clients through a difficult situation, whether it's related to medical malpractice, dog bites, a slip and fall injury, a motorcycle accident, a back injury, or regarding workers compensation  in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Mike might seem like a teddy bear in person, but he is a pitbull in the courtroom. He is experienced and not afraid to fight for his client's rights and help them get the monetary compensation they deserve. Our law firm is aware that the idea of going to court may be nerve-wracking. For some, anxiety alone will keep them from filing charges when they were clearly victims of a crime.

If you are embarrassed or nervous about speaking to an attorney in Chillicothe, Ohio, our personal injury lawyer can make a house call or if you feel more comfortable, remotely. You read that right. Our local Ohio attorney can meet with you in person in the comfort of your own home.

Remember, we also work on a contingency basis. This means that you are not expected to pay us any fees until we win your case in court. Our house call lawyer consultation will be absolutely free, even if you still choose not to work with us. Although, we hope that you do! We also serve the surrounding counties and cities of Pickaway, Fayette, Clinton, Warren, Highland, Pike, and Fairfield, Ohio. Call us today to make an appointment for a free consultation: 740-774-4357.
Depending on your case, a lawsuit may take a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years to get to court. Especially with the pandemic-related government shutdowns nationally and in Ohio, the courts have been a bit behind since Spring 2020.

But there are a few other factors as to why your lawsuit may take months to reach the courthouse. From the complexity of the suit to the injuries the victim sustained to finding the right attorney and conducting a proper investigation.

This is why you need Attorney Mike Warren from Chillicothe to represent you or your loved one in a lawsuit. From workers' compensation to social security disability, Mike is involved in the entire process. He meets with every client personally.

Plus, did you know that our law firm won't charge you a penny unless we win the case? Yup. We have a proven track record in Southern Ohio of getting the most significant settlements our clients deserve.

If you have recently been handed a lawsuit or you're interested in pursuing legal justice, you'll want a professional attorney by your side. The legal process is long and can be somewhat confusing for those who have no idea how to navigate it.

Even after an initial investigation has started, there may be a fair settlement offer on the table before the case even gets to court. Weigh your options with us and give attorney Mike Warren a call today for a free consultation!
When it comes to truck accident lawsuits, federal laws and state laws cover the industry. State laws usually set speed limits and sleep requirements for drivers. Moreover, the state department of transportation in Ohio has its own set of trucking regulations.

Meanwhile, federal trucking laws often determine who's responsible for a trucking accident. Proving liability after a truck accident has occurred can be more complex than a car-to-car crash, and this is due to the high probability that many parties will be legally involved. This may include the truck driver, owner of the semi-truck, the manufacturer, any contractor, or local government engaged in highway maintenance or design.

If the truck driver caused the accident due to negligent behavior, like distracted driving, speeding, or being under the influence of a controlled substance, the victim could sue the driver. The truck driver could be partially liable if the accident was caused by a maintenance or cargo problem. The trucking company may take the blame as well.

If you've recently been involved in an accident with a semi-truck in Ohio, make sure you have the truck driver's contact information and insurance information. Ask them if they're an employee of a trucking company or an independent contractor. It would be best if you also took note of the road conditions, weather, and any other details that may have contributed to the crash.
Claiming long-term disability benefits from the Social Security Administration is a complex process best handled by an experienced Chillicothe SSDI attorney with a proven track record of success.

Who can collect long-term SSDI benefits?

You must have worked in jobs covered by SSDI benefits long enough to qualify, be unable to work for at least a year or longer, and you must meet the agency’s strict definition of disabled. Most conditions are considered permanent, and/or are expected to result in death.

What conditions allow me to apply for long-term disability?

The Social Security Administration has a long list of qualifying conditions known as the list of impairments. Generally, these conditions are permanent and/or expected to result in death. These include musculoskeletal disorders, blood disorders, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, digestive disorders, neurological disorders, certain cancers, immune system disorders, mental disorders, and other serious chronic or fatal conditions.

What injuries qualify for SSDI?

Some serious injuries can result in long-term disability benefits, including musculoskeletal injuries like back and neck injuries, amputation injuries, burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries and loss of senses, including sight and hearing.

How long does coverage last?

There is no expiration of benefits for those suffering from permanent, long-term disability. As long as you are unable to work, you will continue to receive benefits until retirement age.

What are the steps to an SSDI award?

Seeking the help of a social security disability attorney in Chillicothe at the earliest stage of your case is the best bet for securing a timely benefit award, and/or avoiding a denial of benefits. The Social Security Administration typically takes 3-6 months to determine eligibility and does not pay an award for the first five months of disability. The process may involve one or more medical exams, as well as a lengthy application process as the SSA attempts to answer 5 key questions: Are you currently able to earn a significant income, do you have significant impairment, is your condition on the official impairment list, does it interfere with the work you did previously, and are you able to do another type of work?

How long does the process take?

An initial SSDI determination typically takes 3-6 months. However, a significant portion of initial applications are denied, and must then enter the appeals process, which can result in significant delays. Making a complete and accurate claim for long-term disability benefits in Chillicothe will improve your chances of initial acceptance, and is another reason to consult with an experienced SSDI lawyer.

Can I lose SSDI benefits?

You may lose benefits for a number of reasons. The SSA will conduct periodic Continuing Disability Reviews; if you are determined to be no longer significantly disabled, you may lose benefits. If you return to “Substantial Gainful Activity,” and earn more than a certain amount, you may lose benefits. You will lose benefits at retirement age, although they will switch to retirement benefits, which are also administered through the SSA. You may also lose benefits if you are convicted of certain crimes.

Can I work while on SSDI?

You can work while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, within strict limits. Payments will stop if you are engaged in what Social Security calls “substantial gainful activity.” In 2022 the limit is defined as earning more than $1,350 a month (or $2,260 if you are blind).

If you are seeking SSDI benefits, contact Mike Warren at Buckeye Legal at 740-774-4357 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.