The attorneys at Baker, Dublikar handle a wide range of personal injury claims, including cases involving motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-falls, defective products, and wrongful death. We help individuals to maximize their recovery following an injury, while providing legal services that are responsive, efficient, and compassionate. We also have extensive experience representing individuals and entities accused of causing injury. Our defense clients benefit from the unique insight our work representing plaintiffs provides, which allows us to anticipate potential claims, theories, and strategies.

For the injured, the first step in a personal injury claim is to ensure that the applicable statute of limitations (generally, two years from the injury, with some important exceptions) has not yet expired and to satisfy any initial procedural requirements. It is important to get representation as soon as possible. We work closely with our clients to build a strong case, always taking an individualized approach tailored to the client’s specific circumstances and needs. We thoroughly investigate every claim we file, interviewing witnesses, visiting the scene of the accident, meeting with expert witnesses, and collecting evidence.

We understand that experiencing an injury due to the actions of another can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when you are still dealing with the physical and mental injuries caused by the accident, as well as the resulting challenges (returning to work, caring for your family while still trying to heal). You may have lots of questions along the way. We strive to keep you well-informed through every step of the process.

Experienced and aggressive trial attorneys, we are also successful in obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients through negotiations with insurance companies and/or opposing counsel, or through an alternative dispute resolution option such as mediation. Well-known in the Ohio legal community for our integrity and professionalism, we rely on our problem-solving skills, as well as our ability to present a compelling case, when we advocate on behalf of our clients at the negotiating table or in the courtroom

Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by the negligence of another, you may be able to bring a personal injury action against the at-fault driver. Under Ohio law, you may file an insurance claim on your own policy, or file a claim against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company. If you decide to file a claim, it is important to understand that, despite their reassurance, insurance companies are not on your side. Getting the help of an experienced attorney is essential to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the highest compensation you are entitled to under Ohio law.

Experienced negotiators and skilled trial lawyers, we help our clients maximize the compensation they receive, including recovery for:

• Medical expenses (doctor visits, rehabilitation, physical therapy sessions, and prescription drug costs, in connection with your visits)
• Lost wages, due to your inability to earn a paycheck as a result of your injury
• Property damages, including damage to your vehicle from the collision
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life due to your injury
• In rare cases, punitive damages, for egregious conduct

Even if you are partially at fault, Ohio is a comparative negligence state, which allows individuals who are somewhat responsible for their injury to still be compensated in part for their injuries and damages. For example, if you are found to be 40% at fault and the other party is 60% at fault, then you will be awarded 60% of the total judgment or settlement reached. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for your injury, then you will not be allowed to recover damages from the other at-fault party or parties.

Slip and Fall Accidents/Premises Liability

We represent individuals injured in slip- or trip-and-fall cases, which require proving that the business or property owner had a duty to keep their premises safe for you; breached that duty; that you were injured as a result; and that you suffered damages. You must also be able to establish that the defendant had notice of the dangerous condition that caused the accident.

Product Liability

We represent injured individuals in product liability claims alleging defective manufacture, defective design, defective warnings, or failure to conform to representations and warranties. Because they often involve some form of catastrophic injury and can be highly technical, we work closely with expert witnesses, including engineers, economists, and medical specialists to prepare a comprehensive and compelling case on behalf of our clients and their loved ones.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death actions are brought on behalf of an individual who has died as a result of the negligence of another. Ohio’s wrongful death statute allows certain family members (surviving spouse, children, parents) to recover compensation for:

• loss of support, based on what the deceased person would have earned had he or she lived
• loss of the services of the deceased person, including things like housework, yard work, and child care
• loss of the care, companionship, or guidance of the deceased person
• loss of the prospective inheritance the deceased person's heirs might have received had he or she lived
• mental anguish suffered by the surviving family members as a result of the untimely death

Contact our Personal Injury Team

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the fault of another, reach out to us before speaking to any insurance company representative or agreeing to any type of settlement. We know the law and can make sure that you are not being taken advantage of and that you will receive the maximum compensation under the law.

We welcome you to contact us at (330) 499-6000 or via email to schedule a consultation. Flexible appointments, including evening and weekend appointments, are available.