Because accidents happen in many settings and under different circumstances, the resulting injury cases also vary by name and sometimes in approach. So, identifying the type of lawsuit you must file is the first step in your journey toward compensation.
This guide highlights the common types of personal injury cases in Pennsylvania and why you may need to have a lawyer in your case.
Car Accident Lawsuit
Car accidents account for over 60,000 injuries per year and approximately 1,000 deaths each year in Pennsylvania. As such, car accident claims form the bulk of personal injury claims.
Car accident claims cover cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists, all of which require different approaches. So, when picking a lawyer, be specific about their specialty or experience dealing with similar cases, such as Geoff Brown, who has extensive experience in handling car accident claims.
Slip and Fall Claims
It’s hard to imagine that a fall can cause serious injuries. The truth is they do. The severity of injuries resulting from a fall may depend on several factors, like where it occurred, the person’s age, the height from which they fall, etc.
They can occur anywhere, from a public park to a grocery store or parking lot. If another party’s negligent actions or inaction caused the fall, you have a right to compensation.
Medical Malpractice
Everyone goes to the hospital to feel better. Unfortunately, there are times when his hospital becomes the source of an injury. If the injury results from a doctor’s or a health professional’s mistakes, you can seek compensation by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
To succeed with a medical malpractice lawsuit, you must prove that the facility or the medical professional responsible for causing harm deviated from the standard of care expected of a facility or a professional in the field and that the deviation caused you harm.
Products Liability Lawsuits
Product manufacturers must ensure the products they put on the market are safe. If a product defect or fault harms a user, the user has a right to compensation by filing a product liability lawsuit, also known as a defective products lawsuit.
Unlike other liability lawsuits, plaintiffs do not have to prove negligence in product liability lawsuits; the only requirement is that the product has a fault or defect that caused harm.
Workplace Injury Lawsuits
When an accident occurs at the workplace while you are engaged in a work-related activity, you can seek compensation against your employer by filing a workplace injury lawsuit.
Pennsylvania law mandates worker compensation coverage for most employers, with employers having the option to use the state-run worker comp program or self-insurance. In cases where an employer has coverage, you will pursue your claim against the insurer. If they do not, you will file, and they will have to compensate you for out-of-pocket cash.
How A Lawyer Can Help
Going through online guides on handling a personal injury claim can leave you feeling like a professional, but it’s not as easy as the guides make it sound. If it were, lawyers would not need to spend that many years in school.
The first thing lawyers bring to your case is their knowledge of legal matters. But their role extends beyond offering guidance on legal matters. They help with damage valuation, commanding respect from the opposing side, and offer a shoulder to lean on.
When picking a lawyer, look for specialization in the specific type of case you are navigating. Also, pay attention to the number of years in the field and their track record.
Conclusion
In conclusion, personal injury cases in Pennsylvania can happen in many ways, like car accidents, falls, medical mistakes, product problems, or workplace injuries. Each case needs a different approach, so it’s important to find a lawyer with experience. A good lawyer can help you understand the legal process, negotiate with the other side, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t go through it alone – having a lawyer can make a big difference in your case.
Source: Bordas & Bordas Law, Pittsburgh PA
