Personal Injury FAQs
June 10, 2024
Personal injury cases can turn your life upside down. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury.
At Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, we want you to know your rights and the steps you should take if you have been injured due to someone else's negligence.
What Constitutes a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when someone suffers harm from an accident or injury, and another person might be legally responsible for that harm.
Personal injury cases can involve car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, etc. If you've been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A key element in a personal injury case is proving negligence, which means showing that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident or injury.
This often requires gathering evidence, such as witness statements, photographs, and expert testimony, to demonstrate how the defendant's actions fell short of expected standards.
You need to act quickly, as there are statutes of limitations that limit the time within which you can file a claim.
A qualified personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
Here are a few important things that will have an impact on your case:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Document Everything
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep records of your medical treatments and any related expenses.
Report the Incident
Notify the appropriate authorities about the accident. For example, report car accidents to the police and slip and fall accidents to the property owner.
Contact an Attorney
Reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
What Compensation Can I Receive?
Compensation in a personal injury case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical bills related to your injury.
Lost wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you could be compensated for lost income.
Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Property damage: If any of your property was damaged in the accident, you could be compensated for repairs or replacements.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit.
However, there are some exceptions, so it is important to discuss your case with an attorney to ensure you don't miss any important deadlines.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Personal Injury Case?
While it is possible to handle a personal injury claim on your own, having a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. An experienced attorney can:
Investigate your case: Collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for you.
Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for you receive the compensation you deserve.
Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, a lawyer will represent you and present your case to the judge and jury.
What Personal Injury Laws Are Specific to Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a "comparative negligence" rule. This means if you're partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found to be 20% at fault for a car accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Pennsylvania also requires drivers to carry minimum amounts of car insurance, including:
$15,000 for injury or death of one person.
$30,000 for injury or death of more than one person.
$5,000 for property damage.
Pennsylvania also requires a certificate of merit from a medical professional for medical malpractice lawsuits, confirming a reasonable basis for the claim.
Additionally, premises liability laws require property owners to keep their premises safe; you may have a claim if injured due to unsafe conditions, provided the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and did not address it.
Address Your Questions With a Lawyer
At Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, we have been serving clients in Pennsylvania, including York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Camp Hill for over a decade. This experience has helped us build professional relationships with the court, law enforcement, the defense bar, and community leaders.
We pride ourselves on our diligence, straightforward communication, unwavering commitment, and close attention to detail. If you need legal assistance or have questions about your personal injury case, reach out to us. We're here to help you every step of the way.