When people get hurt, their focus is usually on getting a doctor, not a lawyer. However, your injuries may have a tremendous effect on your life, and you might find yourself unable to afford the consequences of the accident. An attorney can help you get fair financial compensation from the person who caused the accident.
A personal injury lawsuit requires that the plaintiff have a physical injury because of some negligent or wrongful action of the defendant. Accidents are a common reason behind many personal injury cases, such as car crashes, slip and falls, and accidents at work. Many plaintiffs file lawsuits when insurance claims are denied or payouts are insufficient to cover all their damages. Your injuries could also affect other areas of your life, such as your ability to work and earn a living. Your lawyer can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Receive a confidential, free review of your claims by calling our personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
Why Should I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Morristown, PA?
People often hesitate to file lawsuits because they fear long, drawn-out legal battles and high legal fees. The truth is, the compensation you receive from a lawsuit may greatly outweigh the costs.
You Were Injured in an Accident
You should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit if you were recently injured in an accident. People sometimes believe that if the person responsible for their injuries meant no harm, there is not much they can do legally. This is not true. Even if the other person did not mean to cause harm and feels bad about what happened, you can sue them for damages to help cover the costs of your injuries.
Insurance is Insufficient
Insurance claims are common in injury cases, and many victims file them as their first course of action. While this can help some, it is not as helpful for others. Your insurance claim could be denied, or the policy terms may limit your compensation. If insurance is not enough to cover all your damages, you should speak to an attorney about suing.
Your Injuries Affect Other Areas of Your Life
It is also a good idea to file a personal injury lawsuit if the accident affects multiple areas of your life. For example, your injuries might leave you unable to work for a while, and you may lose significant income. You might also experience psychological or emotional distress, which insurance often does not cover. You may claim damages for all these injuries and more in a personal injury lawsuit.
FAQs About Personal Injury Claims in Morristown, PA
What Are the Requirements for a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury lawsuit requires that the plaintiff claim damages for physical injuries caused by the defendant. While many personal injury cases involve injuries from accidents, you can also sue for injuries from more intentional acts. Also, you may claim various other damages from the accident that are not necessarily directly related to your injuries, like property damage.
How Long After an Accident Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In Pennsylvania, personal injury lawsuits must be filed no later than 2 years after the accident, barring special circumstances. If you do not file your case within this time, you may be barred from ever doing so, and you might never get the compensation you deserve.
What Are Common Reasons for Personal Injury Lawsuits?
Personal injury lawsuits are often filed after accidents. Some common causes for personal injury claims include, but are not limited to, car accidents, workplace accidents, slip and fall injuries, accidents at amusement parks, burns, and more.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Morristown, PA?
You may recover economic and non-economic damages from your injuries and accident. Economic damages are related to monetary costs and can include medical bills, property damage, and lost income if your injuries prevent you from working. Non-economic injuries may not be proven by cost alone. They often include physical pain, emotional distress, psychological injuries, humiliation, and other painful personal experiences.
What Proof Do I Need to Support My Personal Injury Claims?
Evidence may consist of almost anything as long as it is relevant to the case and satisfies the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence. Our personal injury attorneys must have enough evidence to prove your claims by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means we need to show it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible for your injuries.
Am I Allowed to File an Insurance Claim for a Personal Injury?
Yes. Many accidents and injuries that would give rise to personal injury claims may be covered by insurance. Your health insurance can help you cover medical costs. Auto insurance may help you after a car accident. The person responsible for your injuries may have some form of liability insurance. If insurance is not enough, which is a common problem, you can sue for your damages.
How Long Does it Take to Get Compensation After Filing a Personal Injury Case?
The time it takes to receive financial compensation for personal injuries varies from case to case. Some lawsuits are completed within a few months of the plaintiff filing the case. Others are more intensely disputed and can take a year or longer to reach a final verdict. Once a verdict is reached, it may take several weeks or months for the defendant to pay.
Should I Have a Lawyer if I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. Your attorney should have the knowledge and experience to navigate your case through the judicial system. There are numerous pretrial hearings and proceedings to go through, and your case may hinge on documentation and paperwork. Your lawyer should know how to handle all this, so you do not have to.
Can I Sue More Than One Person for Personal Injuries?
Yes. You may include as many defendants in a personal injury lawsuit as is necessary to get the full extent of your damages covered. It is common for plaintiffs to sue multiple people or even entire businesses or organizations for damages.
Can the Person Responsible for My Personal Injuries Be Criminally Charged?
Possibly. Not every accident or incident that results in personal injury is grounds for criminal charges, but it can be. For example, many car accidents do not lead to criminal charges, but they can if the negligent driver was intoxicated. In other cases, extreme or gross negligence can lead to criminal charges.
For a Free Case Review, Call Our Morristown, PA Personal Injury Lawyers
Receive a confidential, free review of your claims by calling our personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
