How Do You Know When To Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm?
Being involved in an accident can be a devastating experience and may result in minor or serious injuries, hospitalization, or missed time at work. In Pennsylvania, personal injury and accident victims may be eligible to recover damages for their injuries through a claim, regardless of the at-fault party. However, many injured victims may find it difficult to decide whether to contact a personal injury law firm or handle their claims independently.
At Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney, our attorneys give skilled legal counsel and compassionate representation to clients in their personal injury claims. Our highly-skilled Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys can analyze every surrounding detail of your unique situation, help file your injury claims, and attempt to pursue the maximum possible compensation for your damages. We're proud to serve clients across West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Common Personal Injuries
A personal injury is a legal term that is often used for describing physical injuries, harm, or medical complications that a person sustains due to someone else's negligence, carelessness, or wrongful acts. Here are some common examples of personal injuries in Pennsylvania:
Auto accident injury
Product liability
Premises liability
Workplace injury
Slip and fall accident
Fire explosion
Dog bites and other animal attacks
Assault, battery, and other intentional torts
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death
Victim of criminal assault or criminal conduct
If you or someone you know has suffered a personal injury, you need to reach out to a practiced personal injury lawyer right away. Your legal counsel can assess every detail of your unique circumstances and inform you about your available options to pursue damages.
Knowing When to Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm
When involved in an accident or upon suffering a personal injury, taking the right steps is crucial to ensure a successful outcome in your claims. Generally, it is advisable that you retain an experienced attorney to help you out with your injury claims or lawsuit. Here are some vital reasons to contact a personal injury law firm after an accident or injury:
No-Fault vs. Fault State
In a no-fault state, the injured party will turn to their own insurance carrier (PIP coverage) to recover medical benefits and other out-of-pocket expenses, regardless of the responsible party. Conversely, in an at-fault state, the party who caused the accident or injury (the at-fault party) will be held civilly liable for medical bills, property damages, and other accident-related losses sustained.
Furthermore, Pennsylvania is a "choice no-fault" state. Under the state's no-fault system, the injured person may turn to their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to pursue medical expenses and other accident-related expenses, notwithstanding the at-fault party. Also, policyholders can choose between "limited injury" and "full injury" coverage or "opt-out" of the no-fault system completely.
Your lawyer can help you understand the rules and procedures guiding personal injury cases in Pennsylvania and decide the best way to proceed with your injury claims.
Injuries are Serious
Furthermore, if you suffered a severe or catastrophic injury in the incident, you need to retain a highly-skilled attorney to help protect your best interests. In most cases, serious injuries often need ongoing or future medical treatments, surgery, or rehabilitation.
Therefore, you should only negotiate or accept the insurance company's settlement offer when you reach full recovery or maximum medical improvement (MMI). Your lawyer can assess the extent of your injuries and damages and help you seek your rightful financial compensation.
You Don't Know Your Options
However, a personal injury or accident can leave you confused and unsettled. In fact, you may be unsure about the next steps to take after the accident or how to recover damages for your injuries. Thankfully, your lawyer can evaluate every surrounding detail of your unique situation and explore your available legal options to seek damages.
Dealing with Insurance
In addition, dealing with the insurance carrier is never easy. They can deny, undervalue, or delay your injury claims due to different reasons. Therefore, having reliable representation on your side when dealing with the claims adjuster or insurance company is imperative.
Your legal counsel can reach out to the at-fault party or insurance company on your behalf and handle all negotiations. Moreover, having an attorney on your side will make the insurance provider take your claims seriously.
Proof of Negligence Isn't Easy
However, if you decide to opt out of Pennsylvania's at-fault system and file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party, you must prove fault and establish liability. You will need to show that the defendant owed you a legal duty, they were negligent, and their negligence caused your injuries. A dependable lawyer can help gather factual evidence to establish liability in your claims and hold the responsible party liable for your injuries.
Seek Trusted Legal Counsel
Being involved in an accident can be a difficult and emotional experience. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. At Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney, our attorneys enjoy providing outstanding legal services and advocating for the best interests of personal injury victims.
Additionally, our reliable legal team can evaluate every aspect of your specific situation and help file your claims. We will fight zealously for your legal rights and help you recover fair financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other possible damages.
Contact us at Goldberg, Goldberg & Maloney today to arrange a case assessment with practiced personal injury lawyers. Our team has the dedicated legal guidance, support, and skilled representation you need in your claims. We proudly represent clients in West Chester and surrounding communities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.