A personal injury can negatively affect your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial situation. While you may be able to attribute these losses to the actions of someone else, you can only receive compensation if you can document the extent of your losses and demonstrate how that person was responsible for them under the law. Examples of situations where you may be able to receive compensation for your losses include traffic accidents, slips and falls, and incidents involving injuries caused by using a defective product.
An Allentown personal injury lawyer is ready to help with any type of case—our seasoned attorneys can work to prove liability for an incident and show insurance companies and courts how those incidents have adversely affected your life.
The goal of any personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim is to collect the compensation needed to set things right. The first step in this process is determining how the event has negatively affected a person’s life. A seemingly minor injury can require someone to seek medical treatment frequently, destroy their quality of life, and keep them off the job for a long time.
Every personal injury claim revolves around the harm a person suffered. No matter how severe the person’s injuries, the at-fault party must always pay the cost of all necessary medical care.
Whenever an injury forces a person to miss time at work, the liable parties must provide compensation for lost income. This can include situations where a worker misses shifts because they are in too much pain or they need time to go to physical therapy. Many personal injuries permanently hamper someone’s ability to earn a living. In these situations, a legal representative can help estimate how an injury will affect a person’s future earnings.
Just as important as physical injuries is the unseen harm that affects an injured person’s inner life, such as emotional pain, suffering, nightmares, and disturbing flashbacks to the accident. As challenging as it may be to place a dollar amount on this inner turmoil, a lawyer in Allentown can work to determine the value of the emotional impact of a personal injury.
The value of a personal injury case depends on the nature of the injuries, the length of recovery, and the financial and emotional toll on your life. Common damages include medical expenses, lost wages, future earnings, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded for egregious misconduct.
An experienced lawyer will work with medical experts and financial professionals to calculate the full value of your claim and fight for fair compensation.
By far, the most common scenario that entitles an injured person to compensation is an accident. In these situations, one person does not intend to harm another; still, the law presumes the responsible person is liable for the harm caused to other people and the damage to their property.
Universally, these situations require an injured person to show the at-fault party had a duty to keep them safe. A person, business, or government agency who failed in that obligation can be considered negligent. For example:
Each of these incidents can result in different injuries and legal complexities. A lawyer will tailor your case strategy based on the facts and help you pursue compensation under state negligence laws. When a person injured in an accident brings a negligence suit, the court will weigh the actions of everyone involved. Pursuant to Pennsylvania General Assembly Statute § 7102, the court will use the concept of “pure comparative negligence” to evaluate the actions of everyone involved in an accident and assign everyone their portion of the blame. The court will then reduce its award to the injured person by their percentage of fault. A personal injury attorney in Allentown can work to collect the evidence needed to show that someone else’s actions were the sole cause of a person’s injuries and financial losses.
Pursuing a personal injury claim without legal guidance can be difficult, especially while recovering from an accident. Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for the lowest amount possible. Without an attorney, you may risk accepting a settlement that fails to cover your total losses.
An injury attorney in Allentown understands how to evaluate your damages, manage all communication with insurers, and present evidence that strengthens your claim. From gathering medical records to negotiating with adjusters, your lawyer will advocate for your interests every step of the way.
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, the court may dismiss your case—even if your claim is valid. Acting quickly also ensures that evidence is preserved and witness recollections remain accurate.
Certain exceptions may apply, such as for injuries involving minors or delayed discovery of harm. A knowledgeable Allentown attorney could determine which deadlines apply to your situation and ensure your personal injury claim is filed on time.
Personal injuries are life-altering events that disrupt your routine. In addition to causing physical harm, accidents can reduce your quality of life, jeopardize your ability to support your family, and take a toll both physically and emotionally. After an accident, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next.
An Allentown personal injury lawyer from Soloff & Zervanos could help you understand your rights and take action. A lawyer is dedicated to showing how someone else’s negligence was the source of your distress. By proving fault and measuring your losses, an attorney is ready to pursue your case for the compensation you deserve. Reach out today to learn more about your legal options.
