The world of personal injury claims can be difficult to navigate, from understanding the right type of claim you should file to what kind of compensation you can seek and the actual filing process. To help, our Philadelphia injury lawyers who know this complex legal territory like the back of their hand aim share a few pro tips and insights to empower you if you ever need to file a claim.
Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
- Car accidents rank at the top. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Slip and fall cases are also prevalent. Property owners are required to maintain safe conditions. If you slipped on a wet floor or tripped over an uneven sidewalk, you may have a case.
- Medical malpractice is another common one. If a doctor’s negligence caused you harm, you deserve justice. Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and medication mistakes are all grounds for a lawsuit.
- Workplace accidents happen too often. Construction sites and factories can be dangerous. Employers must implement proper safety measures and training. If they fail to do so and you suffer an on-the-job injury, your company may be liable.
- Dog bites, especially from vicious or uncontrolled animals, frequently lead to legal action. Pet owners must keep others safe from harm.
Calculating Damages and Compensation
In Philadelphia, damages in personal injury cases are calculated based on several factors. Economic damages cover lost wages, medical bills, and other financial losses resulting from your injury. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering.
Punitive damages punish the negligent party. To determine economic damages, collect records of all expenses and lost income related to your injury. Non-economic damages are more subjective, but consider the severity and permanence of your injuries. Punitive damages apply only if the liable party’s actions were intentional or reckless.
Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia
Finding the right personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia to handle your specific case is critical. Do your research to find lawyers with experience in cases similar to yours. Check their credentials, experience, disciplinary history, and client reviews.
Meet with a few candidates and ask them about their approach, availability, and fees. Look for a lawyer you connect with and trust to advocate for your best interests. The right personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Time Limits for Filing Personal Injury Claims In Philadelphia
In Philly, you only have a limited window of time to file a personal injury claim. As the injured party, you must take action within this timeframe or lose your right to pursue compensation.
Specifically, Pennsylvania law requires that you file any personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of injury. This is referred to as the “statute of limitations.” Some exceptions apply, like for minors or in cases of fraud, but as a general rule, you have a maximum of two years to file your claim in court.
The clock starts ticking from the date of injury, not the date you discover the harm. So if you were in a car accident but didn’t realize you had whiplash until six months later, you would still only have 18 months left to file rather than a full two years.
Reach Out to an Experienced Philadelphia Injury Lawyer
Don’t go through the difficult personal injury claims process alone. An experienced injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Personal injury cases can be complicated, but a skilled Philadelphia personal injury attorney knows how to properly value your claim and handle negotiations with insurance companies.
We offer free consultations to discuss the details of your case. Don’t delay—the sooner we can get started, the better. Call our firm at 267-314-8024 or contact us online to schedule your free case review today.