Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury law covers many situations, from car accidents and medical malpractice claims to truck accidents and workplace injuries. If you or someone you know was the victim of an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. However, navigating a personal injury lawsuit can be a complex and overwhelming process, particularly if you are recovering from a severe injury.

It is highly recommended that you contact the experienced Delaware County personal injury lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York, who will guide you through every step of the claims process and help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.

What Do I Need to Know About Personal Injury Law in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, personal injury law provides a legal pathway for people to recover financial compensation if they were injured as a result of another person’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. In order to have a valid personal injury claim, you must be able to prove that negligence was a factor. Four elements of negligence must be proven to have a successful claim, including the following:

Duty of Care: You must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, which is an obligation to take the necessary steps to avoid causing harm to another person.
Breach: You must also be able to prove that the defendant breached the duty of care through action or inaction.
Causation: You must demonstrate that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the injury.
Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the injury.

What Types of Accidents Are Covered Under Personal Injury Law?

Many types of accidents involve negligence, which would warrant a personal injury lawsuit. The following are examples of the types of accidents that the Delaware County personal injury lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York handle:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: The most common motor vehicle accidents include car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. If you suffered a serious injury as a result of another motorist’s negligent behavior, including speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, or aggressive driving, a successful personal injury claim will ensure that you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Medical Malpractice: While doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are human and capable of making mistakes, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit if negligence is involved. This will require you to prove that the healthcare provider failed to provide the accepted standard of care, which directly caused your injury or health complication. This may require an expert medical witness who can demonstrate how the provider’s actions constituted a breach of care.
Slip and Fall Accidents: These accidents occur when property owners fail to maintain a safe environment or take immediate steps to make repairs to their property. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include poorly lit areas, wet floors, uneven surfaces, uncleared snow or ice on sidewalks and parking lots, and loose wires or debris on the floor. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident as a result of dangerous or unsafe conditions on the property, you may file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner.
Product Liability Accidents: These accidents are caused by dangerous or defective products. You must be able to prove that there was a defect in the product design, the manufacturing process, or a marketing defect and that negligence was a factor. Negligent parties may include manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.
Workplace Accidents: In most cases, you would file a Workers’ Compensation claim if you were injured on the job. However, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to bring a third-party claim against the person responsible for your injuries.
Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a tragic accident that was caused by another person’s negligent behavior, you may pursue financial compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This will help you recover damages, including loss of income and benefits, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma.

Compensation for an Accident Injury

Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, the expenses associated with your injury can accumulate very quickly. A successful personal injury claim may include compensation for the following:

All medical expenses associated with your injuries
Future medical care
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations refers to the legal deadline determining the time you have to file a lawsuit. If you were injured in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, and you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages, your claim must be filed within two years from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury.

If you file your claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your claims will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer and initiate the claims process as soon as possible.