AuthorCharles V. Contrada

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Injured on Defective Exercise Equipment

People are known to suffer injuries at the gym, but these are generally sports-related injuries that are caused by overuse of an area of the body, or even improper form. No one expects to be injured by a piece of exercise equipment, but unfortunately this is known to happen.

When visiting a gym or fitness facility, a member should not have to worry about whether or not the equipment is kept up-to-code or safe to use. Attorney Charlie Contrada has first-hand experience with defective exercise equipment product liability cases and can help those who have suffered injury while at their gym to seek compensation.

Defective Workout Equipment

If a piece of workout equipment is defective and an individual becomes injured on it, they may pursue legal action against the manufacturer of the defective exercise equipment. There have been reports of certain models of equipment being recalled due to product defects, putting those who use the equipment at the gym at risk. 

If the injured individual chooses to do so, they may also file a legal claim against the gym or fitness facility. A products liability attorney can help the individual decide if they should pursue legal action against the facility or not, as oftentimes the gym or fitness facility does not have prior knowledge of the defective equipment.

Filing a Claim for Faulty Equipment

There are numerous recalls every year for different types of exercise equipment, some of which are purchased by gyms and others that are purchased by individuals for their home.

There are different reasons for product defects so it is advised for those injured on such equipment to seek the guidance of a products liability attorney. The attorneys at Contrada & Associates have experience with product liability, including defective exercise equipment and can provide the necessary steps to take in order to receive the deserved compensation for injuries.

To speak to attorney Charlie Contrada about the experience that you have had with faulty exercise equipment, call 419.841.4400. Attorney Contrada will review the situation with you and offer his advice regarding the proper legal steps to take.  

What are Ohio’s Helmet Laws?

Helmet laws differ by state for motorcyclists. Some states require a helmet for all riders, while others do not. In Ohio, helmets are required for novice riders, as well as those under the age of 18.

Ohio Novice Riders

A novice rider is someone who has had their license for less than one year. Their motorcycle license would have a “novice” designation on it, requiring that they operate their motorcycle with a helmet.

Ohio Revised Code 4501-17-01 Protective helmet, chin strap, and eye device describes the laws surrounding novice riders and helmet use. This area of the law states that no person who is under the age of eighteen or has a novice license shall operate a motorcycle unless they are wearing a protective helmet with a chin strap properly fastened.

Motorcyclists Under 18 Years Old

As explained above, motorcyclists under the age of 18 are also required to wear helmets while on their bike. This would mean that even if an individual had their license for over one year, yet are under 18-years-old, they would still be required to wear a helmet.

The helmets that must be worn, for both those under the age of 18 and novice riders must meet the specifications found in Ohio Revised Code 4501-17-02 Test standards – protective helmet. This area of the law states that all helmets must meet the federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) 218. These specifications can be found here.

Passenger’s Helmet Requirements

The passenger on a motorcycle is required to follow the same helmet specifications as the operator. Therefore, if an individual is the passenger of a motorcyclist under the age of 18 or has a novice license, they are required to wear a helmet as well. If the operator is over 18 and does not have a novice license, the passenger would not be required to wear a helmet.

Motorcycle Helmets in Ohio

Contrada & Associates has helped numerous motorcycle accident victims after they have been injured while on their bike. From the extensive experience representing these victims, attorney Charlie Contrada believes that no matter the helmet law, it is imperative for motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets.

There are some motorcyclists who believe that helmets reduce visibility as it prevents them from seeing with their peripheral vision. Motorcyclists also believe that they can hear better without wearing a helmet, so they can react better to their surroundings while operating their motorcycles. The claim that helmets reduce both vision and hearing contributes to motorcyclists believing that they are safer without helmets because they can better avoid accidents.

However, attorney Charlie Contrada reminds readers that motorcyclists do get into accidents and that helmets do help to prevent injuries.

The best piece of advice given by attorney Contrada to Ohio motorcycle operators is to always wear a helmet. Helmets and other protective gear can help to save the lives of motorcyclists and their passengers. We have listed additional information on the subject in our blog post, Ohio Motorcycle Accidents: Facts & Prevention. If you have any questions regarding the legal options of a motorcycle accident victim, call the Contrada & Associates office at 419.841.4400.

Michigan Car Insurance Laws Every Ohio Driver Should Know

Residents of Northwest Ohio should know certain facts regarding Michigan’s “no-fault” insurance laws. Since Northwest Ohio provides many opportunities for people to travel to or work in Michigan, it is imperative to be aware of the insurance laws that can significantly affect their car accident claims.

Michigan is a “No-Fault” State

Michigan has one of the most inclusive no-fault systems in the country. This means that a driver in a Michigan accident must use their own insurance company to pay the claims and settle any disputes related to their accident. This differs from Ohio in that an accident that occurs within Ohio results in the injured individual filing a claim or lawsuit against the other driver if they are at-fault.

If an Ohio driver is involved in a car accident in Michigan, they may have the opportunity to make a Michigan no-fault insurance claim and receive no-fault insurance benefits. Some of these benefits include those that an Ohio driver might claim against an at-fault driver if the accident had occurred in Ohio, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident. But, to do so it is essential to have an experienced car accident attorney working on your behalf.

Car Accident Lawyer for Ohio Driver in Michigan Accident

As if being involved in a vehicle accident isn’t confusing enough, this type of situation makes it even more overwhelming. Attorney Charlie Contrada advises any Ohio driver that finds themselves in an accident in the state of Michigan to contact an experienced car accident attorney to help them.

The likelihood of an accident occurring under the above circumstances is higher for those in the Toledo area due to the geographic region in which we live. There are many residents of this area who travel to Michigan on a daily basis for their jobs alone, increasing the chances of being involved in an accident in the no-fault state of Michigan.

Ohio Car Insurance Policy Includes Michigan Rider

If you are an Ohio resident who travels to Michigan daily for a job, family, or recreational reasons, our car accident attorneys recommend asking your agent whether your car insurance policy will cover you in full for Michigan no-fault benefits if involved in a Michigan car accident. Explain your situation to your car insurance agent and they will be able to guide you in making the best choice regarding your policy coverage. If your car insurance agent is aware that you travel to Michigan on a regular basis and does not recommend providing coverage, you may later suffer financial consequences for not having this coverage, so know your options. If you were involved in a Michigan accident and are denied coverage, you could possibly take legal action against your car insurance agent.

To speak to attorney Charlie Contrada about a car accident in Michigan as an Ohio-insured driver, call 419.841.4400. Charlie has helped thousands of individuals with car accident claims and will explain the legal options that are available to you. Call Contrada & Associates for comprehensive legal guidance that will help you to receive the most favorable outcome.

What is the difference between Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Attorney Charlie Contrada has more than 35 years of experience handling car accident lawsuits. He has handled nearly every type of accident you could imagine and has helped thousands of car accident victims receive the justice and compensation that they deserve.

As an experienced car accident lawyer, attorney Contrada knows a great deal of information regarding car insurance coverage and how it comes into play after an accident. With this extensive knowledge, his biggest piece of advice to motorists when it comes to buying car insurance policies is to make sure that they have Uninsured and Underinsured coverage as this is the most important coverage to protect you and your family. It is usually the least expensive part of the policy, yet it gives you and your family the most protection.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), even though it is required by law in many states, one in seven drivers do not have car insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you and your family in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. This coverage helps to pay your bills after a vehicle accident if the person at-fault does not have insurance to cover the damages.

As the Department of Motor Vehicles explains, the expenses that this coverage includes are as follows:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

It is important that your Uninsured motorist coverage is as high as your liability coverage. Most policies only allow you to buy as much as your liability. Because this coverage is offered at a low cost, attorney Charlie Contrada recommends buying as much Uninsured motorist coverage as you can get.

If you have an umbrella policy above and beyond your underlying coverage, make sure your umbrella policy includes Uninsured and Underinsured coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is important because it protects you, your passengers, and authorized drivers on the policy. However, this does not protect you against someone who is underinsured with minimum state liability insurance, which still puts you and your family at a financial risk.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage protects you and your family in the event that you are in an accident and the at-fault driver has low liability limits. This type of insurance includes bodily injury and sometimes includes property damages.

If the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is too low to cover the injuries that you have sustained in the accident, Underinsured motorist coverage helps you. A situation in which this coverage would be utilized is if you were injured in an accident caused by a driver with insufficient insurance. If their policy limit is $25,000, yet your claim is worth $65,000, your Underinsured motorist coverage would cover the difference of $40,000.

Purchasing Underinsured & Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Many motorists are not fully informed when it comes to this portion of their car insurance policy. Attorney Charlie Contrada believes that if people knew all of the facts surrounding this type of car insurance, a great majority would purchase it for protection.

Before tort reform, the old Ohio law required insurance companies to have motorists sign a waiver explaining that Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage was explained to them in full, but they did not want to purchase it. This is not the case anymore, resulting in motorists carrying policies that do not fully protect them.

It is extremely important for motorists to review their car insurance policy with their agent to ensure that they have both Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage. If you do not purchase this type of car insurance, there is a possibility that you could potentially find yourself and your passengers in a financially troubling position.

Attorney Charlie Contrada reminds you to not shop car insurance solely based on price or catchy television advertisements. Sit down with your insurance agent and review your entire policy so you know your options and choose the coverage that suits you and your family’s needs. 

Ohio Motorcycle Accidents: Facts & Prevention

Usually when you hear about a motorcycle accident in the news, it is one that has caused very serious damage or fatality. When a motorcyclist is on the roadway even at a low speed and they get into an accident, they have nothing protecting them from the damage that the crash will cause (i.e. airbags, seat belt, etc.), resulting in injuries and fatalities.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at our law firm have helped countless victims of motorcycle accidents and we have found that a common denominator of the cause of the accident. Oftentimes the other driver on the roadway does not see the motorcycle. This finding has led us to share not only accident facts in our blog, but also tips for motorcycle accident prevention.

Motorcycle Accident Ohio

Ohio Motorcycle Accidents Facts

The Ohio Department of Public Safety has broken down motorcycle crash statistics on a yearly basis, with the most recent results published from the year 2012.This breakdown includes the age group of individuals involved in a motorcycle accident and the number of people who were either killed or injured as a result. The table, available on the Ohio Department of Public Safety website, shows that the number of motorcycle accidents and related fatalities and injuries is significant.

Surprisingly, the age group defined in the report that has the highest number of fatalities is 51-55 and 46-50 coming in second.

The age group with the most motorcyclists injured in a motorcycle accident is 46-50 and 51-55 coming in second.

As you can see by the number of fatalities and injuries, this is a serious issue. With such a high rate of injury and fatalities, it is imperative for motorcyclists to be aware of the tips that can help to prevent their involvement in an accident, as well as protect them while they are on their bikes.

What many people do not realize is that a significant number of motorcycle accidents are caused by other motorists who are at-fault in causing the accident. Accidents that involve a motorcycle and a vehicle amount to 56-percent of motorcycle fatalities, with a great majority of those being head-on collisions. 

There are many contributing factors to the high number of motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities, including the following:

  • Motorcycles are not as visible to vehicles – motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss, especially at intersections.
  • Wet pavement – wet pavement affects motorcycles more than vehicles
  • Lack of barrier/protection – there is nothing holding a motorcyclist in, such as the car itself, seatbelts, or airbags.
  • Uneven roads – uneven road surfaces cause a higher risk of accident to a motorcycle than a vehicle.
  • Debris/objects on roadway – while a small piece of debris or other object on the road doesn’t affect a large vehicle, it can put a motorcyclist at risk for an accident.

Due to the above factors that can cause a motorcycle accident and the high rate of crashes that do occur, attorney Charlie Contrada believes that it is very important to wear the proper safety gear, especially a helmet. Below is a list of protective gear that every motorcyclist should wear on a regular basis:

  • Helmet
  • Protective pants (to prevent road rash)
  • Protective jacket (to prevent road rash)
  • Motorcycle boots
  • Motorcycle riding gloves
  • Raingear
  • Protective glasses

In Ohio, a helmet is not required for all motorcyclists. Those under the age of 18, and motorcyclists who have had their license for less than one year are required to wear a helmet in Ohio. There is some controversy among drivers who claim to feel safer if they do not have a helmet on. Attorney Contrada stresses the importance of helmet safety to all motorcyclists as it can mean the difference between life and death in a motorcycle accident.  

Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorney

As explained above, there are many motorcycle accidents that are caused by an individual other than the motorcyclist. In this case, it is very important for the motorcycle victim and their families to make a claim for injury. Doing so will allow them to collect the compensation that is deserved for the injuries and damages caused by the accident.

Attorney Charlie Contrada has helped countless motorcycle accident victims and their families through the legal process. While these accidents can be very serious and life-altering, attorney Contrada helps to make the process easier by offering the personal attention that the victims and their families need. To speak to attorney Contrada about a motorcycle accident that you or your loved one has been involved in, or to ask questions about the legal process of filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, call 419.841.4400. 

Posting on Social Media after a Car Accident

Social media is an integral part of many people’s lives with daily posts to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Plus, and other social media sites. While posting the latest happenings in our lives has become second nature to some, sharing these details can often affect the outcome of select situations.

Attorney Charlie Contrada reminds car accident victims to be careful when they post to social media after a car accident. Sometimes statuses can be misinterpreted and presented in a different light than what the individual intended. Or, certain individuals may compromise their case by sharing details regarding their health that the insurance company can later use against them in defense of their claim.

Social Media Affects Your Car Accident Claim

If you have been involved in a car accident, the best thing to do is to not post about it online. Posting details regarding the cause of the accident, what you were doing at the time, or how you are feeling afterward can be used by the insurance company to fight your injury claims.

Some people do not realize that a simple post like, “Today is not going right. First I was late to work, then my junk car caused an accident,” is admitting to fault when in fact they were not at fault. One of the first things that insurance companies do today is check the social media profiles of a car accident victim. A post like this would be the equivalent to someone admitting fault in the accident, jeopardizing any claim the individual might make.

Insurance Companies Monitor Social Media

Let’s say you were in a car accident and you suffered injury to your back and neck. You have gone to your car accident lawyer and will be seeking compensation for these injuries and the effect that they’ve had on your life, whether that is pain and suffering, time off work, or medical expenses. But, as you are filing a personal injury claim for your car accident, you have posted a picture and status on Facebook of you standing in front of a newly planted garden that your grandchildren planted, failing to mention that detail in the post. The insurance companies may see this social media post and claim that you are exaggerating your injuries because someone who is injured would not be able to plant a garden. The insurance company could then attempt to not pay the full amount of compensation that you would have received otherwise.

Another example of a social media post that could hurt a personal injury claim would be a young individual who has been injured in a car accident, but has attended a house party. They may post a picture of people dancing at the party, giving the perception that they too are dancing, while they are in fact sitting on a couch with their crutches beside them.

Refrain from Social Media during a Car Accident Claim

The best advice that attorney Charlie Contrada can give when it comes to posting on social media following a car accident is simply, “Don’t do it.” If you have have any doubts that what you are sharing will potentially hurt your claim, the best thing to do is to not say anything at all.

Sharing insight into your health or emotional condition through social media is similar to sending the insurance company an insider’s update on your condition. Your car accident lawyer can give you further guidance. As a precautionary measure, Contrada & Associates advises car accident victims to take a step back from the social world until their car accident lawsuit is settled. Some of the things that an individual should not post include:

  • Updates on health conditions or injuries
  • Details about their accident
  • Details about communication with their lawyer
  • What the insurance company is offering
  • Frustration with the insurance company/other driver

Ohio Car Accident Lawyer

Attorney Charlie Contrada hopes that accident victims take the advice above and refrain from sharing details of their lives during their car accident lawsuit. The purpose of this is to avoid the chances of jeopardizing your claim. You do not want to give the insurance company the opportunity to “spin” one of your personal posts into something that significantly affects your settlement.

If you would like to speak to attorney Charlie Contrada about your accident or receive advice on what to avoid when posting to social media, call 800.841.4400. Attorney Contrada cares about the well-being of his clients and gives his clients the guidance and support that they need throughout the course of their car accident lawsuit. Having served thousands of clients in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, Contrada & Associates can help you receive the best possible outcome after your car accident. 

Exposed to Asbestos at Work

Asbestos is a dangerous group of minerals that, when airborne can cause great risks to individuals exposed to asbestos dust.

Attorney Charlie Contrada is the only mesothelioma lawyer in Northwest Ohio who has handled cases for over 25 years for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos. When someone is exposed to this dangerous group of minerals, there is a chance that they may develop cancer as a result.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is only caused by asbestos exposure. This rare cancer affects the membranes that line the organs in the chest and abdomen, resulting in symptoms that include the following:

  • Chest pain
  • Painful breathing
  • Ongoing Cough
  • Fluid build-up
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite

 How are you exposed to asbestos?

The exposure to asbestos occurs when the minerals are disturbed and released into the air. Those who work in certain industries are at an increased risk for asbestos exposure due to the duties performed at work and the processes in place. Exposure to asbestos can also occur while making products containing asbestos, when working with insulation that contains asbestos, or during construction projects that include demolition or renovation.

Individuals are exposed to asbestos in essentially two ways. The first occurs in the installation of products. This normally happened years ago. The other situation in which people are exposed to asbestos is when materials containing it are taken out or disturbed (i.e. renovation projects). People who changed brakes on their cars could be exposed both putting them on and taking them off.

How does asbestos get into your system?

When asbestos is disturbed, it is released into the air as dust. The inhalation of these minerals puts the individual at risk, as some of the tiny particles can remain within the lungs. According to the American Cancer Society, when the asbestos particles accumulate within the lungs, they can cause scarring and inflammation. The build-up of this scarring and inflammation can then lead to a number of different diseases including the development of mesothelioma.

Latency Period

One of the distinguishing factors of asbestos disease is the long latency period between exposure to the dust and the appearance of symptoms, with the normal range being 25-40 years. The advice that attorney Charlie Contrada gives to individuals who believe that they have developed asbestos disease is that “you are your best witness.” Your personal memory is very important to help find the answers related to your case, including where you may have been exposed to asbestos. Specifics such as where you worked in the past or where you lived can help your case.

Once you begin to have symptoms of asbestos disease, it is critical to contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Doing so will allow them to work with you on your case and increase the chances of you and your family receiving a settlement.

Can I file a mesothelioma claim?

There are two components to a mesothelioma case:

  1. You have been diagnosed with mesothelioma by a pulmonologist, pathologist, or other specialist.
  2. You can prove the particular manufacturer of asbestos to which you were exposed. 

Attorney Charlie Contrada is the only local mesothelioma lawyer in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan who has handled hundreds of cases the past 25 years. Our law firm has access to a database involving Ohio and Michigan job sites, allowing us to identify whether or not you have been exposed to this dangerous group of minerals. The experience within this area of law has also allowed attorney Contrada and counsel to form relationships with national resources and experts that can provide the necessary evidence to support your mesothelioma claim.

To speak with attorney Charlie Contrada about the asbestos exposure that you experienced at work, call 419.841.4400. You will have the opportunity to have a conversation with attorney Contrada, explain your personal experience, and learn the legal options that you have. 

Can A Lawyer Contact Me after an Accident?

After being involved in a car accident, injured victims are often urged to contact a lawyer. Seeking legal guidance after suffering injury due to the fault of another individual is advice that our law firm gives to victims on a regular basis. When it comes to a car accident claim, every detail matters, so it is imperative to have a professional guiding you through the process.

Car Accident Lawyer: Direct Contact with Prospective Clients

While we recommend that victims contact a car accident lawyer following an accident, it is a violation of professional conduct for a lawyer to contact an individual in need of legal services via phone, in-person, or in real-time electronic communication after their accident.  The below information has been paraphrased from Rule 7.3: Direct Contact with Prospective Clients from the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct

(a) A lawyer shall not meeting someone in person, call them on the phone, or contact them through electronic media if the lawyer’s motive is to make money on that person unless the person contacted:

(1) is a lawyer; or

(2) has family, close personal, or prior professional relationship with the lawyer.

If the individual has made it known that they do not wish to be solicited, and the communication is not prohibited by the points made in the above paragraph (i.e. if the individual has had a previous relationship with the lawyer, but they have made it known that they do not wish to communicate further with them), the lawyer is not able to solicit professional employment. This is explained by the below components of Rule 7.3: Direct Contact with Prospective Clients:

(b)  A Lawyer shall not solicit professional employment by written, recorded or electronic communication or by in-person, telephone or real-time electronic contact even when not otherwise prohibited by paragraph (a), if:

(1) the target of the solicitation has made known to the lawyer a desire not to be solicited by the lawyer; or

(2) the solicitation involves coercion, duress or harassment.

Advertising Materials from Car Accident Lawyer

While a lawyer may not contact an injured car accident victim by phone, in-person, or real-time electronic contact, they are able to send letters to the victim, as well as recorded or written electronic communication. An example of this would be in the form of a pamphlet sent to your home with information regarding car accident claims, or an email that explains the legal options available to you. However, if a form of communication such as this is received by a car accident victim, it must clearly state the words “Advertising Material” on the envelope, or at the beginning and ending of electronic communication. This is explained in paragraph (c) of Rule 7.3: Direct Contact with Prospective Clients.

Receiving Calls from Unknown Numbers

Attorney Charlie Contrada has heard from various clients that have received multiple calls from “Unknown” sources soon after their car accident. One injured car accident victim said she received upwards of 50 phone calls. It is likely that these calls were made on behalf of a personal injury attorney as some utilize secondary services to contact perspective clients on their behalf.

Our law firm does not operate on the basis of soliciting business in a manner that is unethical and intruding on the privacy of car accident victims. Attorney Charlie Contrada believes that by posting helpful information through our blog, we are able to offer useful legal advice to retain clients. Contrada & Associates does not send letters (i.e. Advertising Material) because we feel it is a burden. In our opinion, the only reason that this type of communication following an accident is allowed is because the insurance companies can contact you and no one trusts the insurance companies to be fair to injured individuals.

To speak to a lawyer regarding the injuries sustained in a car accident, call 419.841.4400. Attorney Charlie Contrada is happy to speak with you directly to review your car accident and explain the steps that you should take toward filing a car accident claim.

Why Gap Insurance is so Important to Have

Imagine this – you have finally reached the point where you are able to purchase a new car. After spending hours at the credit union looking over papers and getting your financial information in order, and signing on numerous dotted lines, you are approved for the amount you need. You go to the dealership, get the keys, and drive away in the car you’ve been dreaming of for the past few years. Then, just days later, you’re involved in an accident that ends up totaling your new car.

If the accident was caused by another driver and you were insured, you will of course expect to get compensation from your insurance company for the cost of your new vehicle. That’s what insurance is for, right? Having insurance coverage is meant to save your bank account when a series of unfortunate events happen.

If you think that as a motorist you will receive a check to cover the cost of your totaled vehicle, you’re right and you’re wrong at the same time.

Paying off a Car after an Accident

If the cost of your car is $20,000, but you have it financed through a loan, you will end up paying more than that amount in the end. The cost of your loan could be, for example, $26,000 including interest.

If you were involved in a car accident soon after you purchase your car, the insurance company would pay you the fair market value of your vehicle. This means that there is a very high probability that you would receive less than the purchase price for the totaled vehicle and the interest on your loan, leaving a gap of money that you’re expected to pay.

Gap Insurance Protects You

The purpose of gap insurance is to make up the difference between the cost of your loan and the fair market value of the vehicle. It protects you from finding yourself in a very difficult situation and ultimately gives you peace of mind.

Gap insurance also protects you in the event that your car is stolen and unrecovered. Instead of the insurance company giving you the actual value of the vehicle, they would cover the difference of the loan as well, so you’re not stuck with a substantial bill to pay and no car to drive.

It is always advised to thoroughly read through your insurance company’s gap insurance coverage so you are fully aware of the protection that you have.

Questions about Gap Insurance

Attorney Charlie Contrada believes that Gap insurance is very important to have if you have a newer vehicle, or if you have interest payments on your car loan. If you do not add this optional insurance coverage to your policy, you could potentially find yourself in a very troubling financial situation.

After helping numerous clients through car accident claims and seeing the problems they face with their insurance coverage, attorney Contrada’s goal is to inform motorists of the options they have when it comes to car insurance coverage. For more information on the different types of car insurance, read this article highlighting the options. If you have a specific question about car insurance coverage after being involved in a car accident, call our office at 419.841.4400 and attorney Contrada will help you understand your options.  

What is considered Personal Injury?

When an individual suffers a personal injury, it is one caused by someone else’s failure to act responsible. Oftentimes you will hear the word negligence associated with personal injury, which is not the reasonable or expected behavior outlined by the law. Negligence is the legal word for fault.

The life of an individual can be disrupted after suffering a personal injury. Injuries can result in ongoing sessions of physical therapy and may require time off from work to recover. Personal injury prevents many people from going about their daily lives as they have before and can at times cause emotional damages in addition to the physical injuries.

Types of Personal Injury

While many people attribute car accident injuries to the bulk of personal injury claims, there are a variety of situations that are involved in this area of the law. Below we have listed the types of accidents that would fall within the personal injury category.

  • Vehicle accidents – If you are in a car, truck, or riding on a motorcycle, an accident can result in serious or fatal injuries. Our law office has extensive experience with vehicle accident claims, having helped countless victims seek compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Dog bites – Many people do not realize how serious a dog bite can be, causing permanent emotional and physical damage to those who have been attacked or bitten. A dog bite has the potential to cause scarring and disfigurement that remains with the victim, resulting in an emotional trauma that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
  • Slip and fall injuries – If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, there is a potential to suffer injury. Our law office handles these cases by investigating the scene of the accident and helping the individual to receive compensation for their injuries, whether the claim is against a single party or entity.
  • Workplace accident – Many workers have been injured while on the job due to defective equipment or machinery. Our attorneys help these individuals to receive compensation from the third party responsible for the accident.
  • Medical negligence claims – If you are injured through the fault of a medical provider or medical device, it would be considered a form of medical negligence. Our law office helps victims of medical negligence to file claims against the appropriate individual or entity.
  • Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer who’s only known cause is asbestos exposure. Contrada & Associates is the only law office in Northwest Ohio to process mesothelioma claims, helping victims and their families with the legal process.

Northwest Ohio Personal Injury Attorney

If you have suffered an injury from any of the above accidents, it is important for you to contact a personal injury attorney. There are several factors that affect personal injury claims, making it imperative for you to have a professional working on your behalf to ensure that you are following the right steps toward a settlement.

To find a personal injury attorney in northwest Ohio, call Charlie Contrada at 419.841.4000. With over 35 years of experience handling personal injury cases, he can help you to file a claim after your accident, allowing you to ultimately receive compensation for your injuries. You can also fill out the contact form on the Contrada & Associates website explaining your accident and injury, and attorney Contrada will contact you to review the legal options that you have.