Personal Injury Lawyer
Sometimes accidents are unavoidable. However, there are times when an accident occurs because of the negligence of another person or company. Even a minor accident can result in large medical bills, loss of income, and an inability to lead a normal life.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to another’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Pennsylvania’s Solnick & Associates, LLC can help. We represent clients in personal injury cases involving:
Auto Accidents
Victims of car accidents in Pennsylvania may be eligible for a range of benefits that cover damages for monetary as well as non-monetary losses. If the accident was caused by the negligent or reckless driving of another motorist, you may be eligible for compensatory damages & non-compensatory damages. Broadly, you may be able to claim medical expenses, disability and disfigurement, emotional distress, and/or lost wages.
Bus Accidents (SEPTA)
Filing a bus accident claim is very different from filing an auto accident claim. Your car accident claim may involve just one motorist. Your bus accident claim can mention the bus driver, bus operator, maintenance and repair companies, as well as government agencies. Negligence can be proven responsible to other parties, so it is best to hire a lawyer that can help navigate the processes of a bus accident claim.
Construction Site Accidents
The construction sector is considered one of the most dangerous workplaces for American workers. One out of every of every 3 workplace fatalities in America occurs in this industry. Scaffolding accidents, industrial vehicle accidents, fall accidents, defective tools, electrocution accidents, crushing accidents and wrongful death are all hazards that face a construction worker on the site.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists that are involved in traffic accidents are often seriously injured or killed; the most serious bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles, not other cyclists or pedestrians. If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, or if you ride your bike often, knowing who to call in the case of an accident is important information. Keep us in mind, and we’ll be there to help keep you protected.
Slip and Fall (Premises Liability)
The state of Pennsylvania allows people who have been injured on another person’s property to claim compensation for their injuries. Inadequate security, unsafe construction and design can be some of the key factors that are mentioned in premises liability claims. The owner, management, or supervisor of the property and the operators of the property at the time of the accident can all be named in a claim. Hiring a slip and fall attorney can help you simplify your case.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death is said to have occurred when a person is killed due to the negligent or reckless actions of another. Not every negligent action that results in death may be eligible for a wrongful action. For a successful action, it is important to show that the death was caused by the negligent or willful action or omission of another. Talk to a personal injury lawyer to see if your situation can be considered a wrongful death case.
Truck Accidents
Every year, approximately 4,000 people are killed nationally in commercial trucking accidents that are the result of intoxicated or distracted driving, sleepy truckers, or defective trucks. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, regardless of what type, or if you have lost a loved one in a fatal truck collision, contact a lawyer who knows how to tackle personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Motorcycle Accidents
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help you cover expenses related to pain and suffering or medical bills. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, stay calm. An experience personal injury attorney can help you determine your legal right to compensation in any kind of motorcycle accident, whether it is a small impact or one that has left you severely injured.
Personal Injury FAQs
Can I File a Lawsuit for a Personal Injury Claim If I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Pennsylvania follows the legal principle of modified comparative negligence. Under this rule, a person can file a lawsuit for their losses in a personal injury case as long as they are 50% or less at fault. The defendant will still be liable for the damages that you suffered, but your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage that you are at fault, as determined by the court. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages in a car accident, and a court allocates 30% of the responsibility for the crash to you, then your total award will be reduced by 30%. This means that you will recover $70,000 instead of $100,000. Your recovery will only be barred if you are 51% or more to blame for the accident.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
If you file a lawsuit, there is always a possibility of having to go to court. However, the majority — 97% — of personal injury cases settle before going to trial. In many cases, your Philadelphia personal injury attorney will be able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company either before a lawsuit is filed or before trial. If your lawyer believes that going to trial is the best way to get you the compensation that you deserve, then they may advise you to decline settlement offers and take your case to court. In this situation, your attorney will thoroughly prepare you for what happens at trial and get you ready for your own testimony.
How Soon Should I File a Personal Injury Claim?
In Pennsylvania, there is a two year deadline — known as the statute of limitations — for filing most personal injury claims. If you fail to file a lawsuit within that period of time, you may be barred from doing so at all. With some exceptions, the statute of limitations begins to run on the date of an accident, or when you knew (or reasonably should have known) of an injury. Because of this time limit, it is important to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible after any type of accident. Your lawyer will investigate your case and ensure that your claim is filed in a timely fashion.
Does Pennsylvania Limit Damages in Personal Injury Cases?
There are three types of damages available in Pennsylvania personal injury cases: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages are meant to compensate individuals for financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, while non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages are meant to punish a wrongdoer, and are available in situations where a person acted intentionally or recklessly. There is no limit on the amount of compensatory damages (economic and non-economic losses) that can be recovered in a personal injury case. However, Pennsylvania law caps punitive damages at two times the actual damages. In addition, there are limitations on the amount of damages that may be recovered from government agencies.
Put Solnick & Associates on Your Side Today
Each type of case is governed by its own laws & regulations, so we are prepared to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Time is of the essence in legal matters; Hiring a skilled attorney as early as possible increases their ability to protect your rights and maximize the value of your case. The experienced attorneys at Solnick & Associates, LLC can help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We look forward to discussing your case.
For more information on what to do if you have been injured see our Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions page.
