Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting the right attorney is crucial for your case’s success. Consider these factors:

• Experience with similar cases: Look for attorneys who regularly handle your type of injury case
• Track record: Review past settlements and verdicts, like our firm’s $100+ million recovered for clients
• Communication style: Choose someone who explains complex legal concepts clearly
• Fee structure: Understand how and when you’ll be charged
• Local knowledge: Ohio laws and local court procedures matter significantly

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, we’ve been serving Toledo-area injury victims since 1973, combining decades of experience with personalized attention to each case.

Come prepared with documentation that helps tell your story:

• Medical records related to your injuries
• Police reports from any accidents
• Insurance correspondence you’ve received
• Photos of the accident, vehicles, or injuries
• Witness contact information if available
• Documentation of lost wages or other financial impacts

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can help you gather missing pieces. The most important thing is to schedule your consultation promptly while the evidence is fresh.

Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• No upfront costs: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case
• Percentage-based fees: Our fee comes from any settlement or verdict we secure
• Risk-free consultation: Initial case evaluations are typically free

This arrangement allows injured parties to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation, while motivating attorneys to secure the best possible outcomes.

Most personal injury cases settle before reaching trial, but preparation for trial often leads to better settlements. Insurance companies take cases more seriously when they know your attorney is prepared to go to court.

Factors influencing whether a case settles include:

• Clarity of liability: How obvious it is that the other party was at fault
• Severity of injuries: More serious injuries often require more negotiation
• Insurance policy limits: Available coverage affects settlement ranges
• Willingness to negotiate: Some insurance companies are more cooperative than others

Our approach involves thorough trial preparation regardless of whether we ultimately go to court.

Insurance claim denials are unfortunately common, but they’re not the final word. Common reasons for denial include:

• Policy coverage disputes: Claims that the incident isn’t covered
• Liability questions: Arguing their insured wasn’t at fault
• Medical necessity challenges: Questioning whether treatment was required

We can analyze the denial reason, gather additional evidence, and appeal the decision. Sometimes, involving an attorney immediately changes the insurance company’s approach.

Early settlement offers are often significantly below what your claim is actually worth. Risks of accepting too quickly include:

• Unknown future medical needs: Injuries may require ongoing treatment
• Lost earning capacity: Long-term impacts on your ability to work
• Pain and suffering: The full extent may not be immediately apparent
• Legal finality: Once you settle, you typically can’t seek additional compensation

Take time to understand your injuries’ full scope and future implications before accepting any settlement offer.

Key indicators include:

• Clear negligence: Another party failed to act reasonably, such as a driver running a red light
• Documented injuries: Medical records showing harm directly related to the incident
• Financial losses: Medical bills, lost wages, or property damage stemming from the accident
• Witness accounts: People who saw what happened and can verify the other party’s fault

Strong cases require comprehensive evidence:

• Medical documentation: Records showing your injuries and treatment
• Accident reconstruction: Professional analysis of how the incident occurred
• Financial records: Documentation of lost wages and expenses
• Photographs: Visual evidence of the scene, vehicles, or injuries
• Witness statements: Accounts from people who saw the incident

We work with professionals to build compelling cases for our clients.

Ohio’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the day you were injured. However, some exceptions may apply:

• Discovery rule: In cases where injuries aren’t immediately apparent
• Minor victims: Different rules apply for children
• Government entities: Special notice requirements and shorter deadlines

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, making prompt legal consultation critical.