When you least expect it, you could suffer an injury anywhere in Columbus, Nebraska. Even if you take all the necessary precautions, an accident can occur without warning. A motor vehicle accident can happen in a flash, without even giving you enough time to react. Or, perhaps while running errands, you may stumble and fall on a recently mopped floor or on uneven pavement in the parking lot.

Far too often, it is discovered that the cause of the accident that resulted in someone being hurt was due to negligence on the part of the responsible party. As such, the innocent victim should not have to pay for his or her recovery. The law in Nebraska states that he or she has a right to pursue compensation from the responsible party.

If you or your loved one has recently been injured due to someone’s negligence, remember that you have rights. Our Columbus personal injury attorneys can help you get fair compensation for damages suffered. Contact the Columbus personal injury lawyers at Hauptman O’Brien, P.C., at (402) 241-5020 to schedule a free consultation.

Our Practice Areas of Personal Injury Law in Columbus, NE

When someone’s negligent actions cause someone else to be hurt, it is legally considered a personal injury. The purpose of this law is twofold. That is, to restore what the injured party has lost as much as possible and also to discourage other people from imitating the same negligent behavior.

There are a variety of cases that come under personal injury law. Some of the specific types of cases that our experienced lawyers handle in Nebraska include the following:

  • Car accidents: Most motor vehicle accidents that occur across the nation, and in our state in particular, are the result of a negligent driver. The most common type of driver negligence is distracted driving, which includes texting, eating and drinking, and talking to passengers. Other forms of negligence are driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, and failing to stop or yield.
  • Motorcycle accidents: Far too often, motorcyclists are at risk on the road. In fact, most motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle, often because the driver did not see the motorcyclist.
  • Commercial truck accidents: Due to their immense size and force of impact, accidents that involve a truck often leave victims with life-threatening, catastrophic injuries. Big-rig accidents frequently involve multiple potentially liable companies and insurance companies. Typically, this results in a complicated process of determining who is liable for compensation.
  • Pedestrian accidents: An innocent pedestrian may be hit by a car or truck more often than most people realize. Sadly, when such an accident occurs, the pedestrian is frequently left suffering serious, life-changing injuries. During 2022 alone, 1 pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes. The most common causes of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle are drunk driving, left-hand turns, and backing up.
  • Slip-and-fall accidents: Nebraska law specifically states that all property owners have a responsibility to keep their properties in a relatively safe condition for all visitors. If a visitor is hurt in a fall accident that resulted due to neglect of the premises, then the property owner could be liable for damages. This is known as premises liability. This law applies to residential and commercial properties.
  • Animal bites: Almost 1000 people receive emergency treatment for dog bites every day. Being attacked by a dog, or any animal, can be very frightening and often leaves victims with physical and emotional scars. Nebraska law states that the owner of the dog could be liable for damages.
  • Defective products: When someone is injured from a defective or dangerous product, it is considered a product liability case. Manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure that their products are safe. This includes all types of products, such as toys, car parts, electronics, cleaning supplies, and even prescription drugs.
  • Medical malpractice: Every patient is legally entitled to receive what is commonly known as “the standard of care.” If a doctor or a facility fails to provide quality care, such as by making surgical errors or misdiagnosing a patient, a malpractice suit can be pursued. In Nebraska, in just 2024, there were 246 adverse action reports filed against medical professionals.
  • Workplace injuries: Employers are obligated to provide a safe environment for their employees. If a worker is injured on the job, the company’s workers’ compensation may cover the cost, but the adjuster may try to lessen the amount. Also, in some cases, another party may be at fault, such as on construction sites.
  • Wrongful death: In some cases, the negligent actions of someone result in the death of another. When a family loses a loved one due to the recklessness of someone else, it can be crushing emotionally. This type of case is encompassing, including such incidents as car crashes, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, product liability, medical malpractice, and even aggressive violent acts.

This list, of course, is not comprehensive. Our team of lawyers has many years of experience with all types of personal injury claims, and we can fight to get you fair compensation for damages suffered.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

It only makes sense for the person who carelessly caused you to be injured to pay for your recovery. In some cases, fair compensation for damages suffered may exceed an insurance company’s limits. This is why it is very important to have the assistance of an attorney who would know how to argue your case in court if necessary.

In civil litigation cases, the damages sought are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic. 

The following are some of the common types of economic damages:

  • Present and long-term medical expenses
  • Present and long-term lost wages
  • Household renovation for disability
  • Funeral and burial costs

While economic damages refer to a fixed dollar amount, non-tangible damages can also be sought and are referred to as non-economic damages.

Non-economic damages you could get may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Compensation for the loss of a loved one
  • Possible punitive damages

Don’t Delay! Contact a Columbus, NE Personal Injury Lawyer Today!

If you or your loved one has recently been unexpectedly injured in Columbus due to someone’s negligence, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the change in your circumstances. Not only may you be dealing with increasing pain, but also mounting medical bills. All of this may be causing you great distress, along with the possibility of being unable to return to work.

You have a legal right to receive fair compensation from the at-fault party. However, do not make the mistake of speaking with an insurance company before consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are very skillful at using tactics to lessen the amount of your claim.

If fair compensation for your damages exceeds insurance company limits, you would need to file a lawsuit. Additionally, there may be another party that shares liability for your damages. In that case, you may be entitled to receive additional compensation.

All of this underscores the need for you to hire an experienced law firm, such as Hauptman O’Brien, P.C., Our team of attorneys has more than 233 years of combined experience in handling all types of personal injury cases. Along with Columbus, we also serve neighboring cities, including Lincoln, Fremont, Beatrice, and Norfolk. Let us fight for you while you heal. Call us today at (402) 241-5020 to schedule a free consultation.