When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Suppose you find yourself the victim of an accident that results in physical harm. In that case, it’s crucial to consider getting legal representation as soon as possible to determine whether you have a personal injury claim. Let the experienced personal injury law firm of PhillyLaw assess your case and help you decide when to hire a personal injury lawyer to recover for you.
Generally, you should call a personal injury attorney under the following circumstances:
Immediately after an accident
Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you or someone else has suffered serious injuries. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure your rights are protected from the start.
If the liability for the accident is unclear or is being disputed
A skilled personal injury attorney can help establish fault through evidence collection and expert testimony. If you are unsure, an experienced personal injury lawyer at PhillyLaw can help set you up to recover adequate compensation for your injuries.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Additionally, in situations where there is unclear liability, a personal injury attorney can help guide you through the specifics of Pennyslvania’s personal injury law. In Pennsylvania, the comparative negligence rule plays a critical role in personal injury cases. This rule allows for the distribution of fault among multiple parties, including the plaintiff. It means that if you are partially responsible for the accident that led to your injuries, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%, you can still recover damages. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident and the total damages amount to $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $70,000. It’s essential to have a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can effectively present your case and minimize your share of the negligence, maximizing your potential compensation under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence standard.
When an insurance company is involved
Contacting a personal injury attorney can protect your right to compensation from an insurance company, particularly if that insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses. An experienced personal injury attorney can negotiate on your behalf to secure fair, full, and just compensation for your injuries.
Before signing any settlement agreement, waiver, or release
It is vital to have legal advice to ensure you are not waiving your rights or settling for less than you deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney can look over any agreements, waivers, or releases from the other party or insurance company to ensure your right to compensation for your personal injury claim is protected.
Seeking the assistance of a personal injury law firm early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation necessary to cover expenses from your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Benefits of Hiring a PhillyLaw Personal Injury Attorney for Your Claim
When you have a claim, hiring a personal injury attorney from PhillyLaw will provide several benefits that greatly influence the outcome of your case. Firstly, an experienced lawyer has an in-depth understanding of the legal process and can guide you through the often complicated steps of filing a claim. This expertise ensures that your case is handled professionally and efficiently, mitigating any legal missteps that could jeopardize your case.
Another significant benefit is the attorney’s ability to accurately assess the value of your claim. Many individuals underestimate the potential value of their claim, but the experienced personal injury attorneys at PhillyLaw can evaluate all factors, including lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress, to ensure you receive fair, full, and just compensation for your injuries.
Furthermore, our personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can deal with insurance companies on your behalf. They know the tactics insurers may use to minimize payout and can counteract these strategies effectively. This can be particularly beneficial in securing a settlement that truly covers the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Lastly, having legal representation can relieve the stress and burden of handling a claim on your own, especially during a time when you should be focusing on recovery. The decision to hire a personal injury attorney can significantly impact the ease of the legal process, the compensation you receive, and your overall recovery experience. Let the advocates at PhillyLaw fight for your rights and provide peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on your health and rehabilitation.
Do All Personal Injury Claims Involve Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Not all personal injury claims require filing a lawsuit. In fact, the majority of cases are resolved before reaching the courtroom through negotiations with insurance companies or the parties directly involved. The attorneys at PhillyLaw are skilled negotiators who strive to reach a fair settlement without the need for a lengthy court battle whenever possible. However, if an acceptable agreement cannot be achieved through negotiations, we are prepared to take your case to trial to seek the compensation you deserve. Our primary aim is to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries, whether through out-of-court settlements or trial verdicts.
If You Ultimately Need to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit, Timing is Critical.
Timing is key in personal injury cases for several reasons, including the preservation of evidence and adhering to the statute of limitations. The time frame within which you must initiate legal action is known as the statute of limitations, and this period varies by state. In Pennsylvania, for example, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you fail to file a lawsuit within two years, you may be forever barred from seeking compensation for your injuries.
However, it’s important not to wait until the deadline is approaching to take action. Gathering evidence, obtaining medical records, and securing witness statements can be time-consuming processes. Securing a personal injury attorney early in the process gives your legal team ample time to build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, early action can also prevent the loss or degradation of evidence that could be critical to proving your claim.
In certain circumstances, there may be exceptions or extensions to the statute of limitations, such as in cases involving minors or when injuries are not discovered immediately. Consulting with the experts at PhillyLaw as soon as possible after your accident can help ensure that we can file your case within the appropriate time limits and safeguard your right to recover compensation for all of your injuries and losses.
Do I Have to Pay a Personal Injury Lawyer Upfront?
No. One of the most common concerns for individuals seeking legal help is the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer. At PhillyLaw, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs for you to worry about. You won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we win your case or secure a settlement on your behalf. This approach allows you to access high-quality legal representation without the burden of immediate out-of-pocket expenses. Our goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder your pursuit of justice and compensation for your injuries.
What Kind of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of situations where an individual is harmed due to the negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions of another. The most common types of personal injury cases include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are often the bulk of personal injury claims. A car accident occurs when drivers do not follow the rules of the road, leading to collisions that result in injury.
Slip and Fall Cases
Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. Slip and fall claims are a prime example of premises liability claims.
Medical Malpractice
When a healthcare professional provides treatment that falls below the acceptable standard of care under the circumstances, leading to injury or death, it can result in a medical malpractice claim.
Product Liability
This category pertains to injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. Manufacturers and sellers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe for consumers.
Workplace Accidents
Workers injured on the job may have a claim for workers’ compensation but, in some cases, also have a personal injury claim against third parties.
Assault, Battery, and Other Intentional Torts
Unlike most personal injury claims which are based on negligence, these claims arise out of actions intended to harm.
Dog Bites
In many states, owners are held financially responsible if their dog injures someone, with the laws varying significantly from state to state.
Wrongful Death
These claims are brought forward when an individual dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another.
Each type of case has its unique aspects and legal requirements, making the role of personal injury lawyers crucial in navigating the legal system to secure fair compensation for their clients.
PhillyLaw is Committed to Ensuring You Have the Advocates to be Compensated for Your Injury.
At PhillyLaw, we understand the profound impact an injury can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. You deserve an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case. Our skilled legal team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our goal is to lift the legal burden from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured, we encourage you to contact us for a free initial consultation. Together, we will explore your options and diligently work toward securing the most favorable outcome for your case.