When someone else’s carelessness causes you serious harm, the consequences can reshape your entire life — mounting medical bills, lost income, chronic pain, and uncertainty about the future. The personal injury attorneys at Steuer, Escovar & Coleman Co. LPA are headquartered right here in Lakewood, OH at 14701 Detroit Avenue. Since 1918, we have helped accident victims across Northeast Ohio recover full and fair compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of others. We offer free consultations and handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Call (216) 771-8121 to discuss your case today.
What to Do After an Accident in Lakewood
The steps you take immediately following an accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in Lakewood, take the following steps:
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, some conditions — such as concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage — may not show symptoms right away. A medical record created shortly after the accident also serves as critical evidence in your claim.
- Document everything. Write down everything you remember about how the injury occurred. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses, police officers, and insurance representatives.
- Preserve evidence. Keep your damaged vehicle, clothing, personal belongings, medical reports, and any other physical evidence related to the accident. Do not repair or discard anything until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Do not give statements to insurance adjusters. The other party’s insurance company may contact you quickly. Do not provide a recorded statement or sign anything before consulting with a personal injury attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. As soon as possible, and before you make any statements to insurance company representatives, talk to a personal injury attorney at Steuer, Escovar & Coleman Co. LPA. Call (216) 771-8121 for a free consultation.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Lakewood
Car Accidents & Motor Vehicle Collisions
Motor vehicle collisions remain one of the most common causes of serious injury in the Lakewood area. Whether you were hurt in a crash on I-90, Detroit Avenue, Clifton Boulevard, or a neighborhood street, our attorneys help you evaluate liability, document your injuries, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Truck Accidents & Commercial Vehicle Injuries
Collisions involving commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, and tractor-trailers often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity. These cases frequently involve complex liability issues, including driver fatigue, improper loading, and corporate negligence. Our attorneys have experience pursuing claims against trucking companies and their insurers.
Slip and Fall & Premises Liability
Unsafe property conditions can cause major injuries in stores, parking lots, apartment buildings, offices, sidewalks, and other public or private spaces. If you were injured because a property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions, our premises liability attorneys can investigate whether the dangerous condition supports a personal injury claim.
Medical Malpractice & Medical Negligence
When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, patients can suffer serious, life-altering harm. Our attorneys handle medical malpractice claims involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and other forms of medical negligence that result in significant injury or lasting impairment.
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Ohio law holds dog owners liable when their animal causes injury. Dog bite injuries can result in scarring, infection, nerve damage, and emotional trauma — particularly for children. Our attorneys help Lakewood victims pursue compensation from the animal’s owner or their homeowner’s insurance.
Catastrophic & Life-Altering Injuries
Some injuries change your life permanently — traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe burns, and other catastrophic harm. These cases require detailed case development, expert testimony, and aggressive advocacy to secure compensation that accounts for a lifetime of medical care, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To Under Ohio Law
Under Ohio law, the person who caused your injury is liable for damages that directly resulted from their negligence. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses — emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, prescriptions, physical therapy, and future treatment
- Lost wages — income lost while recovering, and compensation for reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering — physical pain, discomfort, and the impact the injury has on your daily life
- Emotional distress — anxiety, depression, and interference with personal and family relationships
- Property damage — vehicle repairs or replacement, damaged personal belongings
- Punitive damages — in cases involving malicious, intentional, reckless, wanton, willful, or grossly negligent conduct
The value of your claim depends on the extent of your injury and its impact on your earning capacity and quality of life. The quality of your evidence and the strength of your legal representation are also critical factors. Contact us for a free, honest evaluation of your case.
Serving Lakewood Neighborhoods & Surrounding Communities
Our office is located right in the heart of Lakewood and serves accident victims throughout the area, including Downtown Lakewood, Clifton Park, Birdtown, West End, Gold Coast, Rocky River, Westlake, Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Parma, Brook Park, Ohio City (Cleveland), Detroit Shoreway (Cleveland), and Downtown Cleveland. Click any location for driving directions to our office at 14701 Detroit Ave., Suite 455, Lakewood, OH 44107. We serve clients across Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Medina, Geauga & Summit Counties.
Related Practice Areas
Personal injury often intersects with other areas of law. Our Lakewood attorneys also represent clients in:
Why Lakewood Residents Choose Our Firm
- Headquartered in Lakewood at 14701 Detroit Ave. — we are your local personal injury attorneys
- Founded in 1918 — over a century of legal service to Northeast Ohio
- 120+ combined years of legal experience among our attorneys
- AV-rated attorney Thomas Escovar — recognized by Martindale-Hubbell for the highest ethical standards and professional expertise
- We strive to recover the best compensation through negotiated settlements and arbitration
- When necessary, we aggressively fight for our clients’ rights in court
- Free consultations and contingency fee representation — you pay nothing unless we win
- We give personal attention to every client, promptly return phone calls, and keep you updated on your case
Lakewood Personal Injury FAQs
1. How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Ohio?
Ohio’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years from the date of death. Because evidence can disappear and memories fade quickly, we recommend contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
2. What should I do immediately after an accident in Lakewood?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Call the police if applicable and obtain a copy of the accident report. Document the scene with photographs, collect contact information from witnesses, and preserve any physical evidence. Do not give recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then contact Steuer, Escovar & Coleman Co. LPA at (216) 771-8121 for a free consultation.
3. How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, your lost wages and future earning capacity, the extent of your pain and suffering, and the strength of your evidence. No two cases are alike, and anyone who gives you a number without reviewing the facts of your case is guessing. Our attorneys provide a thorough, honest evaluation during your free consultation.
4. Do I have to go to court for a personal injury claim?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through negotiated settlements without going to trial. Our attorneys strive to recover the best compensation possible through settlement and arbitration. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights in court.
5. What if the accident was partially my fault?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. Our attorneys will help you understand how fault may affect your claim.
6. Will the insurance company offer me a fair settlement?
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing what they pay. Initial settlement offers are almost always lower than what your claim is worth. An experienced personal injury attorney knows the true value of your case, can negotiate effectively on your behalf, and will advise you on whether an offer is fair. Never accept a settlement without first consulting an attorney.
7. What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury case in Ohio?
Under Ohio law, you may recover compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, interference with family relationships, and other costs directly resulting from your injury. In cases involving malicious or intentionally reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
8. How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Lakewood?
Steuer, Escovar & Coleman Co. LPA offers free initial consultations and handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Call (216) 771-8121 to discuss your case at no cost.
9. Can I still file a claim if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?
Yes. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto policy, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurance company. Ohio law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage. Our attorneys can review your policy and advise you on all available options for recovery.
10. How do I schedule a free consultation at your Lakewood office?
Call (216) 771-8121, toll-free at (800) 369-8121, email ccoleman@steuerlaw.com, or contact us online. Our office at 14701 Detroit Ave., Suite 455, Lakewood, OH 44107 is right in the heart of Lakewood.
Injured in Lakewood? Get the Compensation You Deserve.
Do not let the insurance company decide what your injury is worth. The personal injury attorneys at Steuer, Escovar & Coleman Co. LPA will fight to recover the full compensation you are owed. Call (216) 771-8121 or toll-free at (800) 369-8121. Contact us online or email ccoleman@steuerlaw.com. Visit us at 14701 Detroit Ave., Suite 455, Lakewood, OH 44107. Your first consultation is always free, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.