Filing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is easier said than done. More often than not, people don’t understand the complications of the case or end up accepting an offer that’s less than what they have endured. How do you know that you have a personal injury case? If you were injured because of someone’s negligence or wrongdoing, you could have a valid case for compensation. The other party must be someone who owed you a “duty of care”. In such circumstances, it is wise to talk to one of Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys about the worth of your claim. Before you look for one, here are some other aspects of laws in Pennsylvania.
What are the examples of personal injury cases in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, common personal injury cases include auto accidents, pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, product defect injuries, slip & fall accidents, and drug injuries. There are also other situations when you can file an injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. For instance, if someone has given a false, defamatory statement against you, there could be a valid case.
The statute of limitations
For the unversed, the statute of limitations is the law that determines the deadline for filing an injury lawsuit after an accident. In Pennsylvania, the usual deadline is two years from the date of the accident. The clock may start ticking at different times, depending on the facts of the accident. For example, if someone lost a loved one in a car accident, they have two years to sue the other party and file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, the deadline will start from the date of death, which can be a later date from the date of the accident.
What can you recover from a personal injury lawsuit?
The compensation from a personal injury lawsuit will help you recover the losses you have suffered because of the other party’s action. The settlement should cover your medical bills, losses at work, future income losses, and other expenses. Depending on the case, you can recover both economic and noneconomic losses. In some cases, a victim can also claim punitive damages.
Meet a lawyer
If you want to know the worth of your injury lawsuit, contact an attorney. Most law firms in the state offer legal advice for free in the initial stages, and if the lawyer agrees to take the case, they wouldn’t ask for a fee until you get paid.
