The time after an accident can be immensely stressful. You might be dealing with severe pain, debilitating medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation and more. The last thing you need on your plate is a legal headache caused by insurers who are unwilling to pay you what you deserve.
If someone else’s carelessness or recklessness contributed to the accident that caused your injuries, reach out to a Lancaster personal injury lawyer right away. A seasoned member of the legal team at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can work with you to hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue the payments you need. With a track record of success in Lancaster County, Founding Partner Jon Ostroff is committed to making things right for his clients. In one Lancaster County case, Jon was able to recover a settlement of over $4 million on behalf of passengers injured in a crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Give us a call today to discuss your case and learn more about what we can do for you.
We Handle Many Types of Injury Cases
When someone else’s negligence contributes to an accident that leaves you with injuries, you have the legal right to hold them liable for your losses. Our Lancaster injury attorneys have experience handling many different types of injury claims.
Accidents involving cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians frequently give rise to injury claims. Other incidents that often result from negligence and could lead to a personal injury case include:
- Slips, trips, or falls on property open to the public
- Industrial accidents
- Injuries caused by a defective product
- Medical errors
- Drownings and near-drownings in swimming pools
- Domestic animal attacks
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Injuries to children that occur at daycare, school, playgrounds, or other facilities
It is crucial to seek legal counsel as quickly as possible after an accident. Taking early action gives your lawyer time to begin collecting evidence before it is altered or fades with time.
Time Limits on Legal Claims
Each state has a Statute of Limitation that sets forth a timeframe for filing a lawsuit. Under 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §5524, individuals are generally given two years from their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
In general, a failure to properly file a lawsuit within the statutory time frame will prevent the injured party from pursuing a legal claim or lawsuit. Pennsylvania law does contain certain limited exceptions. It is worthwhile to consult a Lancaster injury attorney to find out whether an exception might apply to your case.
Sometimes, a government employee or agency might have been involved in an accident that causes injuries. Such a situation might arise if a government employee was working and caused a vehicle accident or if a fall occurred in a municipal building. In most cases, an individual with a claim against a unit of government or a public employee must file a notice with the appropriate office within six months of the incident or they could be blocked from bringing a lawsuit.
Damages Available for Injury-Related Losses
The money an injured person receives as compensation in a successful negligence claim is based on the victim’s “damages”. Damages can include all the expenses, losses and harm you suffered because of your injuries.
Damages include not just the direct costs of treating an injury, but also incidental costs like parking and meals when attending medical appointments, as well as services and tasks you are unable to perform during your recovery. The emotional impact of an accident and the harm it causes you can also be part of your damages award. If you lose time from work because of your injuries, diminished income would be an element of your damages as well.
Damages also could include compensation for the subjective effects of an injury. For example, you could collect damages for physical pain, emotional anguish, disability, disfigurement and loss of life’s pleasures. Family members might be entitled to damages if they were deprived of their injured loved one’s companionship or if the accident hindered a marital relationship. A personal injury lawyer in Lancaster can help you calculate the extent of your losses and pursue a fair damages award.
Work with an Experienced Lancaster Personal Injury Attorney
Recovering from a serious accident is physically and emotionally challenging. You should focus on healing and trust a professional to handle your legal needs. A Lancaster personal injury lawyer has the knowledge and skills to develop a strong case for compensation. Give us a call and we can get started on your case.