Mitchell J. Alter, is a dedicated, experienced litigation attorney. Since 1981, he primarily represent clients throughout Ohio in cases involving personal injury and medical malpractice. He personally handles all aspects of a lawsuit — including investigation, settlement negotiations, trial and appeals.
With a focus on applying the most efficient means of achieving the best results, he will guide you through litigation.
Negotiating a just settlement
Trial is not always the best means of obtaining the highest compensation. We typically negotiate for the damages to which you are entitled so that you receive payments for your injuries sooner than if you go to trial. We can often reach higher settlement agreements because the defendants and their insurance companies know we are willing to advocate for your rights in the courtroom.
Advocating for your rights in the courtroom
We prepare every case as though going to trial so that we can immediately move forward with litigation if negotiations fail. Because we appear in court regularly, our attorneys are skilled at presenting powerful arguments to juries and judges and have won numerous high verdicts at trial.
Our firm handles your case on contingency
Retaining an attorney should not add to the financial burden caused by an injury. Our law firm seeks to bring you peace of mind during your recovery by handling your case on contingency. A contingency arrangement means we base our fees on the condition that you obtain an award for damages. We do not charge you attorney fees until we win a judgment or settlement in your case. During your initial consultation, we explain the contingency fee agreement and our billing process so that you know exactly what to expect.
Ohio statute of limitations
Ohio law imposes strict statutory deadlines for fling personal injury lawsuits — in most cases two years from the date of injury. You may permanently lose your rights to pursue compensation if you miss the filing deadline. If you have any questions about whether you have a valid personal injury claim, contact us immediately. At our no-obligation, free consultation, we review the facts of your case and advise you about your rights.
Personal Injuries
We help individuals recover compensation for their injuries. We have the aggressive determination and polished skills to obtain the highest possible awards in personal injury lawsuits. We help clients with serious injuries — such as burns and coma — sustained in auto collisions, commercial truck wrecks, workplace accidents, animal attacks and implantation of defective surgical products.
Wrongful Death
Helping the families of wrongful death victims
The heartbreak of losing a loved one is compounded if your family member was killed because of another person’s or corporation’s negligence. The culpable parties should pay for their actions that caused the unnecessary accident and resulting death.
The Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC was founded to assist injured victims in recovering compensation and compassionately guide families through the legal process and assertively protect their rights during settlement negotiations and trials. They can help you if your family member has died because of an accident, including:
- Commercial truck accidents
- Passenger injuries
- Severe injuries
- Burn injuries, explosions and fires
- Workplace injuries
- OSHA violations
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Defective surgical implants
Demanding that insurance companies pay compensation
The death of your family member may cause substantial financial burden because of medical bills, funeral expenses and lost income. The harassing calls from creditors while you mourn the loss of your spouse, child or parent places unfair stress on you during a difficult time. Yet, insurance companies often delay disbursement or try to avoid paying you altogether. We will fight insurance companies to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. If the insurance companies and defendants are unwilling to agree to an equitable settlement, we advocate for your rights at trial.
COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Helping victims of Ohio tractor-trailer wrecks
The many trucks that dot Ohio highways can create dangerous conditions for drivers who share the road. During a commercial truck collision, the heavy weight and large size of a tractor-trailer often causes serious injuries to the passengers in much lighter, smaller cars.
Attorney Mitchell J. Alter, aggressively represents Ohio plaintiffs in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death lawsuits and will pursue the highest possible compensation available for injuries sustained as a result of a big-rig tractor-trailer wreck accident.
Fighting big corporations and insurance companies
Big corporations have the resources to pay you the compensation you deserve. They also have the means to strategically build a defense. With their insurance carriers at their side, large companies typically deny liability, to the detriment of injured victims.
Our team thoroughly investigates the causes of your accident — often relying on experts, such as accident re-constructionists, engineers and mechanics — and reviews police reports, photographs and doctors’ records to develop a firm case theory. We then aggressively pursue all parties responsible for the 18-wheeler accident that caused your injuries — including owners and lessees of the tractor-trailer, vehicle and motor parts manufacturers, mechanics and drivers.
Based on the facts of your case, our skilled litigation attorneys may seek compensation for the negligent actions that resulted in:
- Brake failure
- Driver’s carelessness
- Driver’s fatigue or exhaustion
- Driver’s intoxication
- Unsecured or unbalanced load
- Tire blowout
- Vehicle or parts defect
Passenger Injury
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Rights of vehicle passengers and drivers in Ohio
Whether you are the driver or passenger in a motor vehicle, you have the right to recover for injuries resulting from an accident, and you are covered by the insurance of the drivers involved. The automobile accident Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC was established to advocate for injured motor vehicle drivers and passengers.
Many passengers do not know what steps to take after an accident. We instruct you on obtaining coverage for immediate medical care and advise you on your legal rights. We can help you recover compensation if you were a passenger injured in a motor vehicle accident, including:
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents
- Boat accidents
- Bus crashes
- Car collisions
- Commercial truck wrecks
- Motorcycle accidents
- Plane crashes
- Railroad accidents
- Tractor accidents
- Truck wrecks
Obligations of the insurance companies to passengers
Drivers know to immediately contact their insurance companies after an accident, but passengers often are uncertain about which insurance plan covers their injuries or how to submit their claims. We help you get the immediate coverage you need from:
- Your own insurance plan
- Insurance of the person driving the vehicle in which you were a passenger
- Insurance of the negligent driver
We demand that insurance companies abide by their contracts and the law governing their obligations to the driver and the passengers involved in an accident.
Recovering damages from negligent parties
Passengers have the same rights to recover from negligent parties as injured drivers. We pursue compensation from the negligent parties, including:
- Driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger
- Other reckless drivers
- Negligent vehicle and parts manufacturers
- Municipalities that failed to maintain the roads
- Construction crews who left road debris
SEVERE INJURIES
Columbus personal injury law firm helping you recover
Severe injuries can leave a victim with a lifetime disability that requires ongoing, costly medical treatment. In many cases, the families of injured victims face financial crises and uncertainty about affording the best medical treatment for their loved ones.
Ohio personal injury Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC provides injured victims and their families with compassionate, effective counsel. We pursue damages against negligent parties if you or your family member has suffered serious injuries, such as:
- Amputations
- Crushed or broken limbs
- Birth defects
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Coma
- Paralysis
- Loss of sight, hearing, smell or taste
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Severe lacerations
- Disfigurement
- Rare cancers or other illnesses
Holding the negligent party responsible
We will hold the negligent people and corporations responsible for the devastating consequences of your catastrophic injuries resulting from:
- Auto wrecks
- Passenger accidents
- Commercial truck crashes
- Workplace accidents
- Grain elevator explosions
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Medical mistakes
- Defective surgical implants
- Slip-and-falls
- Gunshot wounds
- Hunting accidents
We investigate the facts of your case to determine the culpable parties and build a strong claim. If in your best interest, we negotiate an equitable settlement with the insurance companies and defendants. If they are not willing to agree to the amount you are entitled to, we bring your case to trial and let the jury decide.
Pursuing the maximum compensation
Working with medical professionals, financial experts and economists, we can calculate the cost of serious injuries over a lifetime and demand that defendants and insurance companies provide you with the compensation you need, including for:
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Vocational training
- Loss of enjoyment of life
RECOVERY FOR BURNS CAUSED BY EXPLOSIONS, FIRES AND ELECTROCUTION
Ohio lawyers helping you after a serious injury
Burn injuries are disabling and painful injuries that often require a lifetime of medical care. In one moment, your life, health, family and career can change because of an explosion, fire or electrocution. Personal injury Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC has helped burn victims recover compensation for their injuries since 1981. If you or your family member has suffered severe burns, we can assist you in obtaining the medical care you need and the damages to which you are entitled.
Burn injuries from home, roadway and workplace accidents
The accidents that cause serious burns are usually preventable and often caused by a person’s or corporation’s recklessness. You face the risk of burns through accidents involving:
- Grain elevators
- Refineries
- Construction sites
- Industrial plants and factories
- Tanker trucks
- Automobile accidents
- Natural gas and propane explosions
- Utility company accidents
- Chemical exposure
- Building and house fires
- Fireworks
- Military training and combat
- Exposed wiring
- Defective products
Obtaining treatment for your injuries
Victims of burn accidents typically suffer from multiple injuries that affect internal organs, soft tissue, bone and skin. These extensive injuries often require numerous surgeries and treatments, including reconstructive, cosmetic, heart, lung and soft tissue surgeries and skin grafts for:
- Internal bleeding
- Kidney failure
- Tissue, nerve or muscle damage
- Severe muscle contraction
- Respiratory and cardiac arrest
- Loss of sight, taste, hearing or smell
- Disfigurement
- Infection
We assertively pursue the maximum compensation so that you can get the best care available to treat your serious injuries.
INJURIES RESULTING IN COMA
Ohio personal injury lawyers helping seriously injured victims and their families
A coma is a state of unconsciousness characterized by a patient’s lack of responsiveness to the surrounding environment. This serious condition requires around-the-clock treatment and can lead to permanent disability or death. When your loved one’s coma was caused by another’s negligence, you have the right to compensation so that you can provide the best medical care available and increase the likelihood of full recovery.
Personal injury Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC was founded on the principle that severely injured victims need a voice to advocate for their rights. We can help you recover damages from the parties responsible for your family member’s devastating injury.
Experts to interpret the Glasgow Coma Scale
The severity of a coma is evaluated by the Glasgow Coma Scale, in which doctors assess the level of the patient’s responsiveness to stimuli. The score reflects an individual’s level of consciousness. We will consult with medical professionals who understand the implications of a low Glasgow Coma Scale score and can clearly articulate the person’s prognosis, chances of recovery and likelihood of disabilities, as well as the extent and costs of treatments.
Negligence that results in coma injuries
Many illnesses and injuries can result in coma, including these common causes:
- Anesthesia errors
- Birth injuries
- Medication dosing mistakes
- Motorcycle and car accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Falls
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Blunt trauma to the head
- Oxygen deprivation
- Blood sugar or potassium imbalance
- Infection
- Exposure to toxins
- Stroke
- Brain swelling or bleeding
If your loved one has suffered coma-inducing injuries because of a workplace accident, medical mistake, product defect, automobile accident or other negligence, you are entitled to recover for your loss.
Workplace Injuries
OHIO WORKPLACE INJURY LAW FIRM
Advocating for workers’ rights to on-the-job safety
Your employer has a duty to provide a safe and healthy work environment. The standards of workplace safety are set by Ohio law, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Labor. You may have a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. But before you agree to accept benefits through the government insurance program, speak to a workplace injury lawyer about how the settlement affects your right to sue your negligent employer.
Columbus on-the-job injury attorney Mitchell J. Alter will advise you on the best plan to obtain full compensation. Our law firm has the experience and determination to assist clients who have suffered serious injuries.
Common accidents in dangerous occupations
Some occupations are inherently dangerous and require a high level of protections, such as special training, safety equipment, supervision and regular inspection of machinery and tools. Farmers, miners, drillers, construction workers, first responders, machinists and factory workers face challenging jobs that expose them to constant hazards, such as:
- Breathing airborne particles
- Exposure to toxins
- Falls
- Farming accidents
- Heavy lifting
- Industrial fires and explosions
- Machinery crush injuries
- Repetitive motions
We hold negligent corporations, employers and coworkers responsible for their recklessness and the injuries you sustained because of their actions.
Hazards in an office
Office workers are not immune to crippling injuries that result from an unhealthy workplace. Poor indoor air quality can create sick building syndrome, and uncovered insulation may expose asbestos that can cause severe long-term medical conditions. The resulting serious illnesses may take years to manifest and make the workplace link more difficult to determine.
Likewise, repetitive stress injuries occur when you perform the same awkward motion repeatedly over long periods of time. Constantly typing, lifting and bending can cause painful, debilitating damage to the soft tissues in joints, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff impingement’s and meniscus tears.
OSHA INVESTIGATIONS IN OHIO WORKPLACE INJURIES
Columbus lawyers representing victims of on-the-job accidents
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) sets guidelines for workplace safety. OSHA is also tasked with inspecting workplaces for violations, investigating accidents and enforcing safety rules. Workplace accident Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC was established to provide solid legal advice to injured workers and pursue maximum compensation from negligent employers. We apply our in-depth knowledge about OSHA regulations and procedures to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Filing a complaint with OSHA
You have the right to a safe job environment. If you believe your workplace is unsafe, you have access to OSHA’s investigatory unit. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gives you the right to anonymously file a complaint and request an OSHA inspection. Although OSHA is required to keep your name confidential, you are further protected from retaliation by your employer by laws that forbid firing, demoting, transferring or otherwise discriminating against you for exercising your OSHA rights.
By taking action, you can prevent accidents and ensure your safety and the safety of your colleagues. Our workplace injury lawyers can help you take a stand for healthy working conditions.
OSHA investigations of workplace accidents
Our on-the-job accident attorneys represent workplace injury victims to ensure their voices are heard during OSHA investigations. We demand that you be treated with respect and dignity during the process and that your interests remain a top priority.
Insurance Disputes
Protecting your rights during Ohio insurance disputes
You pay your insurance premiums every month and expect your carrier to abide by its obligations when you submit a claim. Too often, insurance companies delay processing claims or unfairly haggle over the amount they owe. Columbus personal injury Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC was established to advocate for the rights of injured plaintiffs. We demand insurance companies pay the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Why you should hire a lawyer
Insurance companies are businesses that focus on lowering their expenses and increasing profits. Your insurance carrier puts its own interests before yours and will pursue the lowest damage award it can get away with. We will zealously represent you and pursue the highest possible settlement. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, we assertively fight for the compensation you deserve at trial.
What to do if your insurance company makes a settlement offer
A common defense tactic is to present you with a low-ball offer and persuade you to agree. You are under no obligation to accept the first offer made by your insurance company. Once you sign a release, you cannot later pursue additional damages.
Do not sign away your rights. Discuss the insurance company’s offer with a qualified personal injury lawyer before you accept. The Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter, LLC can review the settlement offer and advise you about your rights during a no-obligation free consultation.
DOG BITES AND ANIMAL ATTACKS
Ohio attorneys protecting victims of vicious attacks
Vicious dog and animal attacks can result in severe — and sometimes fatal — injuries. You may require years or a lifetime to overcome the physical and emotional scars arising from the traumatic experience. Mitchell J. Alter, LLC was founded to help injured victims recover just compensation from negligent people. We assertively pursue dog and exotic animal owners when their pet attacks and you suffer:
- Wrongful death of a loved one
- Disabilities
- Head injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Disfigurement
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Scars
- Abrasions
- Infections
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Animal phobias
- Emotional distress and anxiety
Ohio dog bite statutes
Dogs rightfully carry the reputation of being a person’s best friend. However, dogs are capable of inflicting severe harm if they attack. Owners are held to a certain standard regarding caring for and securing their dogs and can be held liable when they negligently fail to properly do so. Ohio does not subscribe to a one-bite rule, however, and so an owner can be held liable even if a dog did not previously exhibit vicious or aggressive tendencies.
Dangerous exotic animals as pets
Ohio statutes govern the ownership of exotic species. An owner must obtain special permitting and maintain strict standards for the animals’ upkeep and safe confinement. These laws are designed to protect the environment, wild animals and people from harm. An attack by a wild animal often causes serious injuries.
Our animal attack lawyers assist you in filing your claim against the owners of illegally-kept wild animals that are not meant to be household pets, such as:
- Reptiles
- Primates
- Big cats
- Exotic canine species
Defective Surgical Implants
COLUMBUS ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING PATIENTS INJURED BY DEFECTIVE SURGICAL IMPLANTS
Medical product liability claims in Ohio
Advances in medical technology give patients more opportunities to regain their health and feel and look better. However, a defective surgical implant can cause substantial pain, discomfort, disability, disfigurement and, potentially, chronic and fatal illnesses.
Columbus personal injury Law Offices of Mitchell J. Alter was founded to protect the rights of patients to safe medical procedures and products. We pursue the maximum possible compensation for injuries caused by defective surgical implants, prosthetic and medical devices.
FDA recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is charged with the review, approval and recall of medical devices. Just because a device is on the market, that does not mean it is safe. Unfortunately, recalls are often triggered by a patient’s serious injury or death. An otherwise safe product can cause serious harm if defects occur during the device’s manufacturing, distribution or surgical implantation.
If your device has been recalled or if you are experiencing adverse symptoms after surgery, we will you toward the medical care you need while pursuing the compensation to which you are entitled.
Negligent manufacturers, distributors and sellers
We will fully investigate all aspects of a defective product to determine who is responsible for your injuries. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, we may file a claim against the manufacturer, distributor or seller of your defective medical device or implant, including:
- Breast implants
- Cardiac pacemakers
- Heart defibrillators
- Hip implants
- Intrauterine devices
- Knee implants
- Stents and shunts
- Trans-vaginal surgical mesh
In addition, we seek damages against the medical facility and doctors if you were injured by mistakes made during surgical implantation.
PERSONAL INJURY NEWS
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES CONSPIRE
According to a lawsuit brought by the Attorneys General of 36 states across the country, three pharmaceutical companies – Reckitt Benkiser, Indivior, and MonoSol RX – have been engaging in a conspiracy to change the form of Suboxone from a tablet to a type of film...
ANOTHER DEFECTIVE HIP RECALL FROM STRYKER MEDICAL
First, it was Stryker Medical’s Accolade TMZF Plus Hip Stem, which was recalled in 2011 because of a problem due to employee error. This was followed in 2012 by the Rejuvenate and ABG II Femoral Stems, which were prone to failure and were responsible for metal...
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS
Manufacturers of defective products that have injured or killed others that have settled claims often require that a confidentiality agreement be a term of settlement. These agreements forbid disclosure of the settlement and also prevent consumers from learning about...
CONTACT US
Law Offices of Mitchell Alter LLC
500 S. Front Street - Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43215
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