Understanding Personal Injury Accidents in Pennsylvania

Understanding Personal Injury Accidents in Pennsylvania

Personal injury laws are also referred to as ‘tort law.’ It involves settling legal disputes involved in accidents caused by the negligence of another party, causing physical and emotional damage to the victim. If you are a victim of a personal injury, you can file a claim demanding compensation for the damages caused. You can get compensated with monetary support or other reimbursements by the at-fault party.

“Generally, compensations are often equivalent to the degree of damages sustained that can be proved with verifiable pieces of evidence,” says personal injury attorney Andrew Statmore of Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC. In situations like this, it is best to seek legal support immediately because in Pennsylvania, there are time limits for personal injury claims. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the incident.

That means you have two years to file your claim against the accused party. However, if the case involves a minor, the limit might vary and require more time.

What Are the Types of Personal Injury Cases In Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, personal injuries involve a wide range of cases people suffer from where another person is responsible for the damages caused. Below are the different types of personal injury cases in Pennsylvania:

• Wrongful death

When a person involved in an accident dies, and their death is caused by the negligence or an intentional act of another party, the victim’s family will file a claim for the wrongful death of their loved one. The victim’s family will get compensated for funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship.

• Slip-and-fall

Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises free from any hazards and ensuring that visitors do not get hurt within their premises. A premises liability claim often involves slip-and-fall cases.

• Vehicle accidents

These consist of trucks, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. This type of accident is the most common in personal injury cases, which often involve complex legal issues and insurance.

• Medical malpractice

This involves healthcare practitioners, nurses, and doctors who fail to provide the necessary or legal treatment for patients. If their actions caused the patient to incur temporary or permanent damage, they can get sued for personal injury.

• Product liability

Retailers, distributors, and manufacturers of products can be held liable if their products are found to cause damage to victims who have used or are using the product. These often include household gadgets and defective pharmaceuticals.

• Dog bites

In Pennsylvania, if you are a dog owner and your dog causes harm to another person, you will be held responsible for the damage caused if they fail to meet certain conditions required of animal care in the state.

• Workplace accidents

When your workers get hurt at work, you might be held responsible for the damages they suffered, and they will be entitled to a workers’ compensation benefit. Other types include:

• Boating accidents
• Construction accidents
• Burn injuries
• Mass tort
• Nursing home neglect or abuse
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Drunk driving accidents
• Premises liability

A Detailed Guide On Filing a Lawsuit In Personal Injury Accidents: What to Know and Avoid

First of all, if you or a loved one have suffered some damages caused by another person due to their intentional act or negligence, seek medical attention immediately. Secondly, contact your attorney, and if you do not have one yet, hire a personal injury attorney immediately.  Furthermore, if you can, document all relevant information in relation to the accident and the injury sustained.

When your lawyer arrives, they will help you file a complaint in court, fully stating the parties involved, the extent of the damages, and the compensation you seek. The parties involved would either agree to a settlement or proceed to trial.

What Are the Common Injuries That Can Come Up When One Is Involved in Personal Injury Accidents?

Some injuries are temporary, while others can have life-long effects. However, the extent of the injury determines the amount of compensation you can receive. Below are some common injuries victims can sustain in a personal injury accident:

• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Loss of limbs
• TBI (Traumatic brain injury)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis

Conclusion

Personal injuries can be complicated, and navigating your personal injury claim alone might make your situation worse. Your best shot is hiring a personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania to ensure a smooth legal process and secure maximum compensation.