Unexpected accidents are a fact of life. No matter how careful you are, you can be the victim of a serious incident that causes you to suffer an injury. Your injuries might have long-term or permanent consequences. You might be unable to work, threatening your family’s financial security.
When someone else’s negligence was a significant factor in the incident that caused your injury, you could hold them liable for compensation. Our Bethlehem personal injury lawyers can explain your legal options and help you negotiate appropriate financial compensation. Our legal team has successfully fought for clients injured in several types of accidents.
In a past case, we won $10 million on behalf of a motorist who suffered catastrophic injuries after an explosive highway crash caused by a truck driver. In another monumental case, we recovered $21.3 million against Greyhound Bus Company for multiple clients who were injured in a crash near the Lehigh Valley. If you are seeking fair compensation after an accident, speak with our skilled attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers as soon as possible.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
There are numerous types of personal injury cases. A local attorney from our personal injury law firm can represent you if you suffered harm due to any of the following:
- Vehicle accidents
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Dog bites and injuries associated with dog attacks
- Defective products, including dangerous medications
- Fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic materials
- Medical malpractice
Negligence, or the failure to exercise reasonable care, is the cause of many accidents. We investigate the circumstances of a specific incident to identify acts or omissions that might constitute negligence. As long as you are no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can file a claim and recover compensation against the negligent parties.
Proving Negligence After an Accident in Bethlehem
When someone else’s carelessness or recklessness leads to your injuries, they may be considered negligent and legally liable for your damages. Our Bethlehem attorneys can prove negligence by showing:
- The other party owed you a duty of reasonable care
- They failed to uphold their obligation
- The failure caused an accident
- The accident resulted in you suffering harm
Your legal representative can collect evidence of negligence that might have contributed to your accident and pursue financial recovery on your behalf.
Seeking Compensation from the At-Fault Party
Depending on the circumstances, your compensation can cover your economic and non-economic losses. Common types of damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses, including rehabilitative care
- Lost income and business opportunities
- Property damage
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Loss of consortium
In rare cases, a court might award punitive damages to punish the negligent party for especially egregious behavior. This can dramatically increase a recovery. In one case Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers won against Greyhound Bus Company, the jury awarded an additional $2 million in punitive damages.
Law Limits Time to Bring Injury Claims
Each state sets a timeframe for bringing lawsuits. 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated §5524 requires adults to file a lawsuit for personal injuries within two years of the accident date. Failing to bring your case within this time prevents you from seeking compensation for your injury in court.
While there are some rare exceptions to this deadline, it is always wise to consult with a seasoned injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Pursue a Case with a Bethlehem Personal Injury Attorney
Recovering from severe injuries takes a lot of time, money, and effort. Working with a Bethlehem personal injury lawyer allows you to focus on getting better while your legal representative concentrates on getting you fair compensation. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to set up your initial case consultation.
