Injured in an Accident? Find Out What Your Claim Is Worth Before Time Runs Out.
We handle personal injury cases for Toledo-area residents who were hurt through no fault of their own — and who aren't sure what to do next.
If you've been in a car accident on I-475, slipped and fallen at a business on Central Avenue, or suffered an injury someone else caused, the question isn't whether your injuries feel serious enough to call a lawyer. The question is whether you understand what you're entitled to recover — and how long you have to act.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We represent clients in a range of personal injury matters across the Toledo metro, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and rideshare collisions
- Slip and fall accidents on commercial or residential property
- Injuries caused by another party's negligence or recklessness
- Cases where an insurance company has already made a settlement offer
If you're not sure whether your situation qualifies, that's exactly what the free consultation is for.
Ohio's Two-Year Deadline Is Not Flexible
Under Ohio law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Miss that window, and the right to recover — regardless of how clear the liability or how significant the injury — is gone.
Many people wait because they're still assessing how their injuries will develop, or because they're hoping the insurance company will handle it fairly. Both are understandable. Neither is a safe approach.
A free consultation with our team costs nothing and locks in nothing. It simply tells you where you stand.
The First Settlement Offer Is Rarely the Right One
Insurance companies move quickly after an accident. Their initial offer is a business decision — calculated before the full picture of your medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact is known.
Before you sign anything, have an attorney review what you're actually owed. We look at the full scope of your damages, including future medical expenses and income loss, and tell you honestly whether the offer reflects what happened to you.
No Upfront Costs — We Work on Contingency
For qualifying personal injury cases, we handle representation on a contingency fee basis. That means no retainer, no hourly billing, and no payment unless there is a recovery on your behalf.
If you're recovering from an injury and worried about the cost of legal help, that concern should not keep you from getting the advice you need.
Justice that’s accessible
We don’t charge upfront. You shouldn’t have to pay to be heard.
Step 1:
Document Preparation and Filing
The Meeting of Creditors
We prepare your petition and all required schedules, walk you through the mandatory credit counseling requirement, and file your case with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio in Toledo.
Step 2:
We review your income, debts, and assets to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is the right fit — and whether bankruptcy is even the most appropriate option given your circumstances.
Step 3:
Most clients attend a short meeting — typically 10 to 15 minutes — with a bankruptcy trustee. We prepare you for this in advance so there are no surprises.
A Free Initial Consultation
Step 4:
Discharge or Plan Confirmation
In a Chapter 7 case, eligible debts are discharged and the case closes. In a Chapter 13 case, the court confirms your repayment plan and you begin making structured payments. We remain available throughout.
Why Clients in the Toledo Area Trust Mahaffey & Associates
We're a full-service firm based in Sylvania with over two decades of experience practicing law in northwest Ohio. Personal injury is one part of what we do — which means clients who come to us for family law, criminal defense, or estate planning know they can return when an accident changes their situation.
We offer free initial consultations, and our team is available by appointment in the evenings and on weekends when that's what works for you.
A free consultation costs you nothing and gives you a clearer picture of where you stand. Call us at 419-829-2255, use our online contact form, or stop by our office in Sylvania. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Ohio
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 accident or injury. If you miss this deadline, you generally lose the right to pursue compensation, regardless of the strength of your case. Don't wait to find out whether you have a claim.
What if my injuries don't seem that serious right now?
Some injuries — soft tissue damage, concussions, and spinal issues — don't fully present until days or weeks after an accident. Accepting a settlement or waiting to seek legal advice before the full picture is clear can leave you without recourse for costs that emerge later. A consultation helps you understand your options before you commit to anything.
Do I have to pay anything to talk to a lawyer about my accident?
No. We offer free initial consultations for personal injury matters. For qualifying cases, we also work on a contingency fee basis — meaning there are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The insurance company already offered me a settlement. Should I take it?
Not before speaking with an attorney. Initial offers are typically made before the full extent of your damages — including future medical treatment and lost income — is known. We can review the offer against your actual losses and give you an honest assessment of whether it reflects fair value.
Does Mahaffey & Associates handle personal injury cases in Toledo and the surrounding area?
Yes. We serve clients throughout the Toledo metro, including Sylvania, Maumee, Perrysburg, and surrounding Lucas County communities. If you were injured in an accident in northwest Ohio, we're glad to talk through your situation.
Talk to an Attorney Before You Decide Anything
A free consultation doesn't obligate you to file a claim. It gives you the information you need to make a clear decision — before the statute of limitations or an insurance company's timeline makes that decision for you.
Our practice areas.
We approach every legal matter with a broad perspective and a sharp focus, integrating insights across our practice areas to deliver unparalleled results for our clients.
"Stephen is an asset to our company. He skillfully reviews and negotiates multimillion-dollar contracts, he artfully drafts subcontracts and leases, and he has successfully represented us in court and before municipal boards. He is an accomplished lawyer that is always there when we need him. He is our confidant and friend."
Furino & Sons Inc. (Brothers Four)
"It is truly our pleasure to recommend Stephen to any individual or corporation looking for highly skilled legal counsel. He has represented us on a variety of corporate legal matters and he is a master with both contract and lease negotiations, always offering exceptional strategic advice. More recently, he represented us in front of the Township Planning Board and helped us achieve our desired results when it seemed impossible. We highly endorse Stephen both personally and professionally."
HEC Holding Co., LLC
"Stephen has successfully represented our company’s interests in several matters involving intricate fact patterns and novel legal theories. In one, a particularly aggressive plaintiff was convinced by Stephen to voluntarily dismiss a lawsuit in which it sought significant monetary damages. These favorable outcomes have resulted from Stephen’s thorough and careful review of all facts and circumstances and his dedication to the best interests of his client. In every matter in which we have retained Stephen he has sought to obtain the best possible result in the shortest possible time. We recommend Stephen without reservation."
RPM Development Group
What sets your approach apart?
Our attorneys combine academic rigor, industry leadership, and a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes to deliver strategies uniquely tailored to each client.
How do you handle intricate legal challenges?
We thrive on complexity, leveraging decades of experience to uncover solutions others might miss. Every case is approached with precision, diligence, and creativity.
What kind of communication can clients expect?
We prioritize direct and consistent communication, offering clear updates and actionable insights throughout the legal process, so you remain confident and informed.
How do you approach long-term legal partnerships?
We build enduring relationships by aligning with our clients’ long-term objectives, acting as trusted advisors who guide and support through every phase of their ventures.
What can I expect during my consultation?
Your initial consultation will involve an in-depth discussion of your goals and challenges, allowing our attorneys to outline tailored strategies and next steps. See below for a typical process cadence.
