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. 

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-do-pre-existing-conditions-affect-personal-injury-claims/

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3 Elements of Product Liability Claims

Whether it’s their vehicle or headache medicine, most consumers typically assume that the products they use are safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When someone suffers an injury caused by a product, they may have recourse for recovering compensation for any damages caused. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a product you’ve used, talking with a good injury lawyer is critical to understanding your options. 

Factors Considered in Product Liability Claims

Negligence is a major element in any personal injury claim. However, there are three specific factors that are usually considered in product liability claims, including:

• Manufacturing defects

• Design defects

• Failure to warn

Manufacturing Defects

When a product is improperly manufactured and causes harm, manufacturers may be held liable. Sadly, manufacturers sometimes put cost and speed of production above safety. Incorrect assembly, faulty installation of wiring and circuitry, and use of wrong materials to construct a product are just a few examples of manufacturing defects. Top car accident lawyers have litigated many cases involving manufacturing defects such as brake failure, unintended acceleration, and improperly deployed airbags. 

Design Defects

Design defects typically happen during the development of a product. Design defects can involve a product causing harm when being used correctly, or when harmful materials are utilized to make a product. Examples include designing top-heavy SUVs that increase the risk of rollover when making sharp turns at high speeds, or creating children’s toys that pose a choking hazard. 

Failure to Warn

Products that have the potential to be dangerous must have adequate warnings to help consumers use them properly and avoid being injured. For instance, a tool such as a chainsaw should have instructions for proper use and warnings about any potential hazards. Even if hazards are evident, consumers should be informed that failure to use a product as it is intended could lead to serious harm.  If there is no warning included and someone gets hurt, the manufacturer may be liable. 

Proving Product Liability Claims

For a viable product liability claim, it is not enough to simply demonstrate that a product is defective. Your attorney must prove that you were injured due to the defect while using the product as intended. If you were using it in an inappropriate way when injured, you may not be entitled to compensation. You also must demonstrate that you suffered losses due to your injuries, such as medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

Sufficient Evidence is Key

Product liability claims can be extremely complex, especially when they involve products such as pharmaceuticals or dangerous chemicals. To prove product liability, the best accident lawyers utilize evidence such as:

• The actual defective product

• Product design plans

• Evidence of designer or manufacturer knowledge of the defect, which may include notes, designs, emails, and other internal or external correspondence

• Medical records

• Medical bills 

• Proof of income, such as pay stubs and W-2s

• Photos of  the defects and consequent injuries

• Accident reports

• Witness testimony

• Expert witness testimony

• Labels, instructions, and warnings

• Marketing materials 

Your lawyer also will collect any other relevant evidence and put it all together to demonstrate that you were harmed by a defective product, and that you suffered injuries and loses. 

Contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about product liability claims.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/3-elements-of-product-liability-claims/

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How Much is Pain and Suffering Worth in a Personal Injury Claim?

The calculation of economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage is fairly straightforward when determining the value of a personal injury claim. However, putting an accurate number on damages like pain and suffering requires the experience and knowledge of seasoned accident injury lawyers. There are several different factors to consider when determining these damages, and understanding how they are calculated can give you a better idea of what your case may be worth. 

What is Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering damages are compensation for the physical and emotional stress caused by an injury. Although the legal terminology for pain and suffering varies from state to state, generally it may include:

• Physical pain 

• Emotional distress

• Mental anguish

• Disfigurement 

• Embarrassment

• Loss of enjoyment

• Loss of consortium

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can have a serious impact on a victim’s quality of life. That’s why it is critical to have a skilled personal injury lawyer who knows the importance of putting an accurate value on pain and suffering damages. 

Important Factors to Consider

There is no set formula for the calculation of damages for pain and suffering, as each case is unique and every injured victim copes with their physical and emotional hardships in their own way. However, accident attorneys take a number of factors into account, including:

• The type and severity of a victim’s injuries

• Whether they have suffered disfigurement or permanent disability

• The impact a victim’s injuries have had on their daily activities 

• Whether they will be able to work or do the things they used to enjoy

• The duration of their recovery 

• Whether it is possible for a victim to fully recover from their injuries

• The physical pain associated with their injuries

• Any stress, fear, depression, and anxiety caused by their injuries

• The impact a victim’s injuries have had on their personal relationships

A good attorney will know what type of evidence is required to show the extent of pain and suffering. Evidence such as personal journals, medical records, and expert witness testimony can all play a role in building a solid claim for pain and suffering damages. 

Methods for Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages

In some cases, pain and suffering damages may be calculated using the multiplier or per diem methods. 

When using the multiplier method, your lawyer will take the total amount of your medical bills and multiply it by 1.5 to 5 times to calculate pain and suffering damages. Usually, the more severe your injuries are and the longer it takes to recover, the higher the multiplier will be. 

With the per diem method, the number of days from the date of your injury to the date your doctor releases you is multiplied by a daily rate (per diem). For example, if your per diem is $300 and it took you 500 days to recover, you would claim $150,000 in pain and suffering damages. 

Your attorney will assess your specific circumstances and consider the facts of your claim and the impact of your injuries to determine a reasonable amount for pain and suffering damages. Before accepting a settlement, it is also a good idea to speak to an estate planning attorney to ensure that any compensation you receive is distributed as you wish in the event of your passing. 

Understanding the multifaceted aspects of pain and suffering damages can be challenging. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to find out more about how they can help protect your rights and interests.   

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-much-is-pain-and-suffering-worth-in-a-personal-injury-claim/

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How Do I Know if I Have a Medical Malpractice Claim?

Although most physicians and health care providers do their best to protect the health and safety of their patients, medical errors do happen. Understanding what might constitute medical malpractice and the elements that go into a claim can help you decide whether you may need the assistance of a medical malpractice law firm. 

Elements of Medical Malpractice Claims

There are several basic requirements that must be met for a medical mistake to be considered malpractice.

Evidence of a doctor-patient relationship. You must show that you had a patient-doctor relationship with any physician you are suing. In most cases, it is easy to prove that a relationship existed if a doctor is seeing and treating you directly. Things can get murky when someone tries to sue a consulting physician that did not provide direct treatment. 

The health care provider was negligent. To have a valid claim for medical malpractice, you must show that the physician caused you harm in a way that under the same circumstances, a competent doctor would not have. 

The doctor’s negligence caused the injury. In cases involving patients who are already sick or injured, it can be challenging to prove that a physician’s actions (or inaction) caused harm. That’s why it’s critical to seek the counsel of top-rated personal injury lawyers who are well-versed in handling medical malpractice cases if you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of a medical error. 

The injury led to damages. Regardless of whether a doctor was negligent, if a patient did not suffer any harm then there is no medical malpractice case. Some examples of damages that could be compensable include physical pain, additional medical bills, mental anguish, and loss of earning capacity. 

Signs That You May Have a Medical Malpractice Claim

The prescribed treatment is not helping you. In some cases, treatment does not work because a patient has been misdiagnosed. This can leave you at risk of becoming more ill or developing further injuries. It can also lead to unnecessary treatments or a patient taking medications with risky side effects for no reason. 

Lack of follow-up from your doctor. It can be frustrating when you are given a diagnosis and cannot get your medical provider to address your questions or concerns. If your physician does notfollow up, rushes through without answering questions, or does not give you enough information, your condition could get worse. A competent physician should always take a patient’s concerns seriously and discuss treatment in detail.

You sustained injury due to a surgical or medical error. Every surgery carries some kind of risk. However, if you were hurt or lost a loved one due to an error, medical providers may be held accountable. Some common examples include:

• Infection due to improper sterilization of instruments

• Receiving the incorrect surgery

• Medical instruments being left in the body

• Injuries sustained from your body being carelessly handled during surgery or a hospital stay

• Anesthesia errors

• Improper administration of medication

• Errors or injuries due to understaffing

Lack of informed consent. Your physician should always explain the benefits and risks of any treatment or procedure before performing it. That is why most doctors, dentists, and medical facilities require patients to sign informed consent forms before commencing treatment. 

If you believe you have been wrongfully injured by a medical professional, contact a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-a-medical-malpractice-claim/

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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slipping on an icy sidewalk or tripping over a loose rug can have life-changing repercussions, including serious injury or death. According to the National Safety Council, 35,000 people died from slip and fall accidents in 2019 alone. Although sometimes falls are inevitable, being aware of common dangers can help you stay safe. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a slip, trip, or fall accident, a personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your options. 

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Wet or uneven surfaces – More than 50% of slip and fall accidents are caused by dangerous walking surfaces. Some hazardous conditions that can cause injuries include:

• Spilled liquids

• Cluttered floors

• Loose rugs or torn carpets

• Missing or loose floorboards and stairs

• Defective, cracked, or pitted outdoor walkways

• Potholes in parking lots

• Recently mopped or waxed floors

Broken or defective handrails – Slip and fall accidents also may occur on staircases. Reaching for a handrail for stability while walking up or down the stairs is a natural thing to do, but if the railing is broken or loose, it can throw you off balance and result in a catastrophic injury. 

Weather conditions – Both indoor and outdoor slip and fall injuries can occur due to weather conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. Property owners have an obligation to ensure that sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances are free of hazards, regardless of how bad the weather may be. If a property or business owner fails to clear ice and snow and someone falls, they may be liable for any injuries.

Nursing home neglect – Falls are common among people age 65 and older, but this does not mean that they are unpreventable. When nursing home staff fail to properly supervise and assist residents, slip and fall accidents are much more likely to happen.

Work-related injuries – Improper training, poor safety standards, and inadequate equipment often lead to serious falls on slick surfaces in the industrial, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. 

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that may require costly ongoing medical care and affect an injured victim’s ability to earn a living. Some common injuries sustained in these types of accidents include:

• Broken bones, particularly of the hand and wrist

• Sprained, strained, or torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons

• Neck and shoulder injuries

• Spinal injuries

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Cuts and abrasions

• Knee injuries

• Shoulder injuries

The best accident attorneys understand that injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident can have a significant impact on a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial stability. It can be challenging to put a number on damages like pain and suffering in these cases, so it is critical to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. 

If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident, you do not have to go it alone. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to learn about your options. Perna & Abracht have tremendous experience with slip and fall cases and serve the areas of Chester, Delaware, and Lancaster Counties in PA.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/common-causes-of-slip-and-fall-injuries/

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Can I Sue a Hospital for Medical Malpractice?

Hospitals and their staff have an obligation to provide proper, safe medical care to patients in their charge. However, sometimes errors occur, which can result in life-changing injury or illness. Suing a hospital or healthcare system can be daunting, and there are certain factors that must be considered before filing a claim or lawsuit. Having a medical malpractice law firm evaluate your case can help you understand the nuances of these types of cases and who may be responsible for any injuries caused by negligence.

When Hospitals are Liable for Employee Actions

Nurses, CNA’s, technicians, and other medical workers are typically employees of hospitals. If their incompetence or negligence causes injury, illness, or death, the hospital that employs them most likely will be liable for any damages caused. For example, if a nurse gives a patient the wrong medication and the patient is harmed as a result, the hospital could be liable for the nurse’s mistake and be sued for medical malpractice.

Physicians and Hospital Employees

Many physicians and surgeons who work in hospitals are not direct employees of the facility. Unless a doctor who makes a medical error is an employee, the hospital usually will not be liable if the doctor’s actions cause injury or harm.

Similarly, if a hospital employee is negligent while under a doctor’s supervision, the hospital may not be liable, and the patient may have to file a claim with the doctor’s medical malpractice insurance company instead. Things can get very complex very quickly in these situations. Top-rated personal injury lawyers know how to sort out the facts to determine which parties may be held accountable for a patient’s injuries.

Determining Whether a Doctor is an Employee of the Hospital

Figuring-out the nature of a physician’s relationship with a hospital is a critical piece of the puzzle if you are considering filing a medical malpractice claim. If a doctor is an employee, the hospital typically will have control over their hours and vacation time, and will take payroll taxes out of any compensation the doctor receives. If a doctor is affiliated with a hospital but classified as an independent contractor, the hospital usually cannot be held liable for the doctor’s medical malpractice, even if the malpractice occurred there.

Other Situations in Which a Hospital May Be Liable

It is important to note that in some cases, if a physician appeared to be an employee of a hospital, the hospital may be liable if the patient was not informed that the doctor was not an employee. In addition, some states may hold a hospital financially liable if it continues to give staff or admitting privileges to a doctor who is incompetent or dangerous, whether the facility’s administration was aware of it or not. 

Medical malpractice law is complex. Before filing a claim, make sure to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/can-i-sue-a-hospital-for-medical-malpractice/

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Why You Should Seek Medical Care after an Accident

Often, victims of accidents want to rest at home without seeking medical care right away. Although it is understandable when someone is shaken-up after a car crash or slip-and-fall accident, the shock they may experience can mask pain and symptoms of serious injuries. After an accident, personal injury lawyers recommend that you go to the emergency room or see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t believe you are seriously hurt. Getting checked-out by a health care provider helps to ensure that you get the treatment you need and can support a personal injury claim should there be a need to file one. 

Types Of Injuries That May Be Sustained in an Accident

Depending on the circumstances, symptoms of serious injury may be masked for days, weeks, or even months. Human stress hormones are released when you experience trauma, and can dull immediate pain. While you may believe that a bump on the head is just irritating, a concussion or traumatic brain injury can have serious physical, emotional, and cognitive short- and long-term repercussions. Through examination and diagnostic testing, these types of injuries can be spotted and treated immediately  which can reduce their impact on your health and may even save your life. 

Neck injuries, spinal damage, and back injuries can also pose a serious risk to your health, mobility, and well-being if they are not treated in a timely manner. Organ damage and internal bleeding may go completely unnoticed by an injured victim which can lead to serious complications or death. Even injuries such as sprained or torn muscles and bone fractures can be overlooked. Again, some symptoms of these injuries may not manifest until days or weeks after an accident, so it is better to be safe than sorry. 

What If I Don’t Seek Medical Care After an Accident?

Failing to seek medical care for your injuries can have grave consequences. A serious injury, chronic pain, or disability can interfere with your ability to earn a living and take care of your family. In addition, your quality of life may suffer, and you may face piles of medical bills that can put you in significant debt. If someone else was responsible for your injuries, they should be held accountable so you can get the care you need while protecting your financial stability. 

Seeking Medical Treatment after a Car Crash Provides Vital Evidence

Even the best car accident lawyers may not be able to recover compensation for an injured victim without evidence such as medical records and testimony of medical professionals. Insurance companies will pounce on this lack of evidence and use it as an excuse to deny your claim or minimize the severity of your injuries.  Whether you are hurt in a slip-and-fall, car crash, or another type of accident, take photos of your injuries, and get checked-out by a doctor. Do not speak to an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without talking to an attorney first. It typically won’t cost you anything to have a personal injury lawyer evaluate your case and advise you on whether you have a viable claim. 

Contact a personal injury attorney to find out more about accident claims and the importance of seeking medical care for your injuries. If you are concerned about your rights and your family’s financial future, an estate attorney can help you create a plan tailored to meet your needs. 

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/why-you-should-seek-medical-care-after-an-accident/

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