Legal Question in Insurance Law in Ohio

My gramma 84 yrs old.... as a pedestrian was hit by a backing vehicle. She had gotten out of her vehicle and was walking into a business with the assistance of her cane and a truck backed right into her. She has no serious injuries, but was knocked to the ground and banged & bruised up quite a bit, still sore after a month and can't resume her normal lifestyle, she has been a shut in due to her pain and weakness since the accident. She used to drive, attended church weekly, had weekly luncheons with her friends and gathered for her folk group. She struggles to even stand up. I now have to shop, bank, clean her home, take her to doc's, etc. I had to call off work to get her to the doctor. She was taken by ambulance when it occured then 4 days later because she was so bruised up, it was hard for her to breathe. The other person's insurance wants me to sign a medical release form. I feel uneasy about this, and don't think that her medical records, it least 2 months before the accident are any of their business. Should I hire an attorney or wait to see what they want to offer? Should I sign a medical release? I am her POA, her next of kin and her advocate, I need to stand up for her because she is unable to do it for herself. She was just going to pay her medical bills and call it a day. The man who hit her never even filed a claim with his insurance, I had to get the ball rolling 2 weeks after the fact ... sheister. The police rept does state that his vision was obstructed by a tool box in the back of his truck. We are so fortunate he didn't completely run her over. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.


Asked on 6/10/13, 5:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Sauter Cloppert, Latanick, Sauter & Washburn

You should hire an attorney in your area that focuses his or her practice on personal injury. Generally, personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, meaning they get paid only upon reaching a settlement or getting a judgment. Contact your local bar association or visit justice.org to search for qualified attorneys in your area.

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Answered on 6/12/13, 8:06 am


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