Sunday, November 28, 2021
Proving Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Thursday, October 14, 2021
How Do Pre-existing Conditions Affect Personal Injury Claims?
Many people suffer from illnesses and injuries throughout their lifetimes, and pre-existing conditions can play a major role in some personal injury cases. Typically, an injured victim cannot recover compensation for underlying conditions that were not caused by an accident, but they are entitled to compensation if those pre-existing conditions were made worse by the accident. The best accident attorneys always advise clients to disclose any pre-existing conditions to ensure they have all the information they need to build a solid personal injury case.
Why Your Attorney Needs To Know About Pre-Existing Conditions
Informing your attorney of any pre-existing physical injuries or mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression is critical to establishing whether or not an accident caused the conditions to worsen. When you file a personal injury claim, insurance companies will scrutinize your medical history for the purpose of blaming your current injuries on a pre-existing injury or medical issue, regardless of how minor the pre-existing condition may be. A good injury lawyer will establish the degree to which an accident aggravated a pre-existing problem and/or caused new and distinct injuries. This is a critical element when determining the amount of compensation you may be able to pursue in a personal injury claim.
Failing to Disclose a Pre-Existing Condition Can Jeopardize Your Claim
When discussing your medical history with your lawyer, it is essential not to hold anything back. For example, you may consider a childhood injury like a broken wrist irrelevant. It may not be – leave it up to your attorney to determine how it could affect your claim.
Detailed medical records documenting your pre-existing health issues are critical to establishing their severity and how they affected your life before, and how the injuries you sustained recently have made these pre-existing issues worse.. Seeking medical care as soon as possible after an accident can actually help prove how recent injuries may have worsened an old injury or condition.
Forgetting or deliberately failing to disclose a pre-existing condition could hurt your credibility, affect your chances of recovering compensation, and may even result in an insurer taking legal action against you if an omission is discovered later.
A Pre-Existing Condition Won’t Always Prevent You from Recovering Compensation
Some victims who are already living with an injury may be hesitant to file an accident claim because they think their pre-existing condition will prevent them from recovering any compensation. This is simply untrue – again, leave it up to an experienced attorney to determine whether or not a claim is worth pursuing. Even if your pre-existing condition means you may not recover as much compensation as you would have without it, if someone else was responsible for causing new injuries or worsening old injuries, you deserve to be compensated for your damages.
Scheduling a case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer can’t hurt – your initial consultation is free. Top car accident lawyers will thoroughly assess your case, review your complete medical history, and advise you of all the options that may be available to you.
Personal injury claims are complex, and pre-existing conditions can make it even more difficult to recover the full and fair compensation you need. Contact a personal injury attorney today to learn more.
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Monday, February 8, 2021
Personal Injury Terminology That You Should Know
Plaintiff – The plaintiff is the party who brings a civil lawsuit against an individual or entity in a personal injury claim. The injured victim is typically the plaintiff in a personal injury case.
Defendant – The defendant is the at-fault party or entity that the plaintiff is suing. In some personal injury cases, there may be more than one defendant.
Tort –Personal injury and wrongful death claims are based on tort law. A tort is a negligent or wrongful act that causes harm to another person. An intentional tort typically involves a deliberate act that causes injury, such as assault.
Duty of care – In certain situations, a person or entity has an obligation to protect themselves and others from harm. For example, a supermarket has a duty of care to keep the entrance free of ice, snow, debris, and other hazards that could cause someone to trip, slip or fall. In medical malpractice cases, the duty of care is often known as the standard of care, which means a medical professional’s conduct is compared to the accepted standard for their specialty or industry.
Negligence – Negligence is a vital element of most personal injury claims, negligence and occurs when a party or entity fails to take proper care. To successfully recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove negligence, which can be challenging. Experienced accident injury lawyers know how to prove all four elements of negligence:
- That the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff;
- That the defendant failed to meet that duty;
- That the defendant’s failure caused harm to the plaintiff; and
- That the plaintiff suffered injury, damages, or losses as a result.
Damages – There are two basic types of damages in personal injury cases. Damages are meant to “make the plaintiff whole,” or return them to the state they were in before an accident or injury. Economic damages are quantifiable and include medical bills, wage loss, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. It is more difficult to put a dollar amount on non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress.
In rare cases, a court may award punitive damages, which are not meant to make a plaintiff whole, but to punish the defendant for particularly outrageous or egregious conduct and deter them and others from committing similar acts.
Statute of limitations – Each state places a time limit on how long a plaintiff has to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Although they vary from state to state, typically statutes of limitations for personal injury claims range from two to four years from the date of the injury.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of terms that are useful to know when filing a personal injury claim. To learn more about personal injury terminology, contact an injury lawyer.
This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/personal-injury-terminology-that-you-should-know/
Monday, October 12, 2020
Seeking Wrongful Death Damages after an Accident
Losing a loved one in an accident is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. In addition to grieving and coping with emotional trauma, survivors may have to deal with financial and practical repercussions as well. Although no amount of money can bring a loved one back, if someone else’s negligence caused their death, you may be able to find recourse and hold them accountable by filing a wrongful death claim. A local injury lawyer can help you understand how wrongful death actions work in Pennsylvania and determine whether or not you have a potential claim.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Pennsylvania law defines a wrongful death as one that is "caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another." Even If a person who caused a wrongful death is not criminally charged or convicted, you can still file a civil case for damages against them.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Pennsylvania?
Navigating the laws surrounding wrongful death in Pennsylvania is challenging. A civil wrongful death claim can only be filed by the personal representative of a decedent’s estate. The executor of the will or a personal representative appointed by the court brings the claim on behalf of the beneficiaries of the estate. If a claim is not filed within six months of the person’s death, a beneficiary is entitled to file a claim on behalf of all beneficiaries of an estate. Whether you are the personal representative of a loved one’s estate or a beneficiary who is filing a claim, it is vital to have a lawyer guide you through the process.
Common Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death is often the result of a car accident, motorcycle crash, bicycle or pedestrian collision, or an accident involving a tractor trailer or drunk driver. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be liable for damages. For example, if a faulty truck part causes brake failure that leads to an accident, the parts manufacturer, trucking company, truck driver, or even a mechanic or maintenance company may be liable for injuries and losses stemming from the crash.
Damages in wrongful death claims often include:
• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Estate administration expenses
• Loss of income and benefits, including income that a deceased person would have reasonably earned and contributed to their family’s support over the course of their remaining work life.
• Compensation for the loss of comfort, society, and household services
• Loss of love, affection, and consortium
• Loss of moral guidance and support
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Other applicable damages
Loss of companionship, support, moral guidance, and pain and suffering are meant to compensate surviving loved ones such as a spouse, children, or parents. Punitive damages are not awarded to compensate the deceased person’s loved ones, but to punish the defendant if their actions were particularly egregious or willfully harmful. Calculating damages in a wrongful death claim is a complex process that often requires the input of professionals such as forensic accountants and economists.
Determining Whether You Have a Wrongful Death Claim
These types of cases require extensive investigation and the knowledge of car accident attorneys who are well-versed in handling wrongful death claims. The statute of limitations for bringing a wrongful death or personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is typically two years from the date of death, Although it could be earlier, so the sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. The best accident attorneys offer a free initial consultation, so you can ask questions and find out your options at no cost to you.
This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/seeking-wrongful-death-damages-after-an-accident/
Monday, October 5, 2020
Dog Bites and Personal Injury Law In Pennsylvania
Most dog lovers consider their canines part of the family. However, even the best-behaved dog can become aggressive and cause injury to others. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to understand the nuances of Pennsylvania law and how it may apply in your case.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
Hiring a skilled injury lawyer is vital if you are pursuing a dog bite claim. These types of cases often involve complex legal issues and may require extensive investigation.
Pennsylvania law requires owners and caretakers to retain reasonable control over their dogs at all times. This means that owners should confine their dogs on their premises and take extra precautions to prevent them from escaping. Even if there is no leash law in a particular town or area, if an unleashed dog causes injury or damage, the owner is typically liable.
In any personal injury claim, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused their injuries. An injured victim may be able to recover compensation by proving that a dog owner violated Pennsylvania’s dog confinement or dangerous dog statute, but most dog bite claims can be considered what is known as a common law negligence claim. In these types of cases, the following elements must be proven by the plaintiff:
• The defendant had a duty of care to follow a certain legal standard of conduct to protect others from unreasonable risks
• The defendant failed to conform to the required standard
• The defendant’s actions (or inaction) resulted in the plaintiff being injured
• The plaintiff suffered damages or losses
Recovering Compensation in a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Case
Even if your dog bite case seems straightforward, seeking the counsel of a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who understands how to prove negligence in a dog bite case can help to ensure you recover the full and fair compensation to which you may be entitled. Many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover damages for dog bites and other animal attacks, but insurers do everything they can to offer minimal settlements or to deny claims.
An insurance adjuster or attorney may attempt to blame the dog bite on the victim and claim that the injured person was hurt because they “provoked” the dog. There are all kinds of underhanded tactics they may use to avoid liability. Some policies have exclusions that do not cover injuries caused by certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls and rottweilers. In these types of cases, you may have to sue the dog owner directly instead of filing a claim with their insurance company.
An Attorney Will Accurately Value Your Dog Bite Claim
Dog attacks can result in long-term physical injuries and mental conditions. Victims who suffer from scarring, disfigurement, or chronic pain often deal with conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety as well, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Treatment for these types of injuries often comes at a high financial and emotional cost. The best accident attorneys know how to calculate these damages correctly. If you attempt to go it alone, you may find that the settlement you receive is not enough to cover the cost of medical care and loss of income, let alone provide compensation for damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and maximize your recovery.
This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/dog-bites-and-personal-injury-law-in-pennsylvania/
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Getting Compensation for Premises Liability in Slip & Fall Accidents
5 Steps You Should Take if You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
1. Check for injuries. It may be apparent that you are injured, or perhaps not, as you may be stunned and overcome with emotion. Carefully check yourself for the type and severity of injuries, and then check to see if others have been injured in the accident.
2. Documentation. Everyone carries a mobile phone these days, and if yours is handy (and you are able), it is a good idea to take photos immediately (before any vehicles are moved). The best car accident lawyers would suggest taking photos of the vehicles involved and the surroundings. Remember that the aftermath of an accident can be dangerous, so do not risk further injury to yourself or to others in an attempt to take the photos.
When Do You Need to Hire a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer?
This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/when-do-you-need-to-hire-a-motor-vehicle-accident-lawyer/
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