Personal Injury FAQs

Avoid making recorded statements to the insurance company, admitting any fault, or delaying medical treatment. These actions could hurt your case. If you sustained injuries in an accident, failing to take certain steps may affect your ability to pursue compensation. To protect your claim, legal professionals recommend the following tips: Report the accident: Always call 911 after a car accident, even if the damage appears minor. Responding officers will write... Read More

If the property owner is found negligent, they or their insurance company could be responsible for covering your medical bills. We can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. It's not uncommon to face expensive medical bills after a slip-and-fall accident. But who pays for them? The answer depends on the nature of the accident and who's at fault. Individuals must first rely on their personal health insurance to cover... Read More

A “dangerous condition” is anything that a reasonable person wouldn’t expect, like a wet floor with no warning sign, uneven pavement, or broken stairs. If these hazards cause injury, you may have a claim. When attorneys talk about dangerous conditions in a slip-and-fall case, they're referring to anything that a reasonable person wouldn't expect. This can make for an unsafe environment, which explains why someone might slip, fall, and injure... Read More

Yes, you may still be able to file a claim. If the object was improperly placed or posed an unreasonable hazard, the property owner might be held responsible for your injury. Were you injured after tripping over a hidden object? If so, you might wonder about the validity of a personal injury claim. It's possible that you can file a claim if a property owner improperly placed that object or... Read More

Accepting the first settlement agreement would provide compensation in a timely manner. However, you may be able to secure more compensation if you let a lawyer negotiate for you or file a lawsuit.  "After telling the insurance company about my car accident, they offered me a settlement. What should I do?" If you find yourself asking this question, it's important that you speak to a personal injury lawyer.  Once you... Read More

Even if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance, you may still have options. You might be able to use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or we could file a lawsuit directly against the person responsible.   "I was recently in a car accident, but the responsible party was uninsured. What can I do?" Thankfully, you have several options for recovering compensation.  Whether you're involved in a minor fender bender or... Read More

In some cases, bad-faith insurance companies may deny claims without a discernible reason. It's wise to seek legal representation as you navigate the claim appeal process and potentially a lawsuit. Lawyers who deal with personal injury claims know how to communicate with insurers and advocate for their injured clients.  If your insurance company denied your claim after an accident, you may feel at a loss when it comes to pursuing... Read More

Personal injury claims aim to prove another party's negligence. This could be an individual, such as a property owner or a motorist. Organizations may also be negligent, including companies that produce defective products.    Ask a lawyer, "Do I have a personal injury case?" and they'll tell you that it depends. To pursue compensation through such a legal claim, your case must meet the following four criteria: Duty of Care:... Read More

One question we frequently hear is, "How long does a personal injury case take?" There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as every case and outcome differ. The legal process has many moving parts, any of which could prolong your personal injury timeline.  Cases that reach a claim resolution without litigation typically take only a few months. Those that go to trial may take over a year to conclude. Take a look... Read More

Filing a lawsuit usually involves submitting a formal complaint, gathering evidence, going through a process called “discovery,” negotiating settlements, and possibly heading to trial. Don’t worry—we’re here to handle the heavy lifting for you. Read More

Yes, emotional distress is something you can seek compensation for if it’s connected to physical injuries or the trauma you’ve experienced from the incident. Physical injuries aren’t the only consequences of a personal injury. Victims of car accidents, medical malpractice, and other incidents may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit seeking emotional distress damages. These refer to any issues or symptoms that have a negative impact on one's... Read More

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s important to act quickly so you don’t lose your chance to seek compensation. If you wish to pursue a personal injury claim, you'll have to act before the filing deadline, also known as the statute of limitations, runs out. The Pennsylvania statute of limitations is two years,... Read More

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and how the injury has impacted your life. We’ll work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Read More

Medical bills can be covered through your health insurance, liens from medical providers, or through compensation you receive in a settlement or verdict. We’ll explore every option to ease the financial burden while your case is ongoing. After you sustain a personal injury, medical expenses can pile up quickly. Doctor's appointments, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments can be costly, but who pays for them? Health insurance providers... Read More

Legal representation isn't a requirement, so you may choose to pursue a claim on your own. However, it's in your interest to hire a personal injury attorney.  Here's why you should consider seeking legal representation: Personal injury cases are complex: You'll likely want a legal professional on your side to guide you through the process and explain what you need to know.  Liability disputes can occur: Proving someone's negligence can... Read More

It’s helpful to bring any documents you have related to the accident, including medical records, photos of the scene, witness contact info, and any communication with insurance companies. The more information you provide, the better we can assess your case. In your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, they'll review the details of your case. Certain documentation relating to your accident could help them establish liability and determine the... Read More

To prove negligence, we need to show that the other party had a duty to keep you safe, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injuries. We’ll gather evidence like photos, reports, and expert testimony to build a strong case. Read More

You’ll need things like medical records, accident reports, photos of your injuries and the scene, and witness statements. Don’t worry, we’ll help you gather everything you need. Attorneys handling personal injury claims use various pieces of evidence to support their clients' claims. What type of evidence is necessary for personal injury cases? Although every situation is different, it's usually wise for victims to gather accident scene photos or witness statements... Read More

Personal injury cases involve injuries to a person. Wrongful death cases, on the other hand, are brought by the surviving family when someone dies due to negligence. We handle both types of cases with the care and respect they deserve. Read More

Pain and suffering are based on how severe your injury is and how much it has affected your life. Sometimes, it’s calculated using a multiplier of your actual financial damages, like medical bills and lost wages. Pain and suffering often impact how much compensation one may seek from an at-fault party in a personal injury case. While economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, or funeral expenses (in the... Read More

Some common mistakes include not getting medical treatment right away, failing to document the accident, and accepting an early settlement offer from the insurance company without speaking to a lawyer. Being aware of common personal injury mistakes could help protect your claim. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we encourage victims to seek legal advice soon after an accident. Doing so could impact the strength of their cases and... Read More

Most cases settle before trial, but if we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll always do what’s in your best interest. Clients frequently ask us, "Should I expect a personal injury trial or a settlement?" The answer is different for everyone, and there's often no way of knowing your outcome ahead of time. In our... Read More

Negligence in personal injury cases involves someone breaching their duty of care. By acting negligently, a person causes harm or injury to another, resulting in measurable losses or damages. Attorneys representing plaintiffs look for evidence to prove negligence.  Various parties could be held liable in these cases, such as: Motorists: Car or truck drivers could be negligent behind the wheel. Doing so may cause an accident that harms passengers, pedestrians,... Read More

A settlement is an agreement made between the parties to avoid going to trial. A verdict is the decision a judge or jury makes if the case goes to court. Many cases settle before trial, but we’re always prepared to fight for you in court if needed. Read More

As long as it’s within the statute of limitations, which in Pennsylvania is typically two years, you can still file a claim. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll help you understand your options. Read More

You may be able to sue for an Uber or Lyft injury if you're involved in an accident with a driver working for these rideshare companies. Rideshare insurance coverage typically only applies in specific situations, so it's essential to obtain the driver's personal insurance information. A personal injury attorney can review your legal options and determine the appropriate course of action.  After a rideshare accident, you should request the driver's... Read More

The timeline for your case depends on its complexity, court schedules, and whether it settles early or goes to trial. Cases can range from several months to a few years, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. Read More

If the boat operator wasn’t licensed, it could increase their liability in a boating accident case and strengthen your claim. We’ll help navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. Read More

If the other boat operator refuses to admit fault, gather evidence, report the incident, and contact us. Fault can be determined through investigation, and we’ll advocate on your behalf. Read More

Yes, if the boating tour operator or cruise company’s negligence caused your injury, you may file a claim. We’ll guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Read More

Liability for a bus accident depends on the cause. It could be the driver, the bus company, or even the city. We’ll help investigate the situation to identify who’s responsible for your injuries. Read More

If hazardous road conditions caused the accident, the city or the entity responsible for maintaining the roads could be held liable. We’ll help determine who is at fault and pursue your claim. Read More

You may have a medical malpractice case if a healthcare provider’s negligence caused you harm. If you’re unsure, reach out to us for an evaluation, and we’ll help you understand your legal options. Read More

Common examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and failure to provide appropriate care. If you've experienced something similar, we can help you pursue compensation. Read More

Yes, if a delayed diagnosis caused harm, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. We can help assess your case and determine the best course of action. Medical malpractice claims allege negligence by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers. When a provider breaches their duty of care, they could directly cause harm to patients, resulting in measurable damages. It's possible to sue for a delayed diagnosis if a... Read More

Yes, you can file a wrongful death or survival action on behalf of a deceased family member if medical malpractice was the cause of their passing. If you're considering filing a medical malpractice case for a deceased family member, there are two options available under Pennsylvania law. It's possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit if medical negligence led to someone's death. However, only certain individuals can pursue this route... Read More

After an e-scooter accident, seek medical attention, document the scene, report the incident, and consult with a lawyer. We can guide you through the process of filing a claim for your injuries. Read More

Yes, you may be able to file a claim against the rider’s insurance or the e-scooter company, depending on the circumstances. We can help determine who is responsible for your injury. Read More

Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that involves injuries resulting from unsafe conditions on a property. You could have grounds for such a claim if the property owner's negligence contributed to your injury.  Proving negligence in these cases centers around a breach in the defendant's duty of care. Pennsylvania property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for welcome guests. Breaching this duty may directly put... Read More

Premises liability cases include slip and fall accidents, dog bites, injuries from unsafe conditions like broken stairs, poor lighting, or other hazards on someone’s property. Read More

To prove negligence, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it. This failure caused your injury, and you suffered damages as a result. To prove premises liability negligence, you must establish four key components: Duty of care: Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for guests, customers, and clients.  Breach of duty: An owner's... Read More

If you were injured by defective equipment, you might have a claim against the equipment manufacturer or the party responsible for maintaining that equipment. We can help you figure out who’s at fault and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Read More

If you’re injured while visiting a construction site, you may be able to file a claim against the construction company or the property owner. They are responsible for ensuring a safe environment, and if they failed to do so, you could be entitled to compensation. Read More

A third-party claim involves holding someone other than your employer responsible for your injuries. This could be a contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer who played a role in your accident. Read More

If you’re injured as a passerby, you can file a claim against the responsible parties if their negligence caused your injury. Construction companies have a duty to keep their sites safe for everyone, including those just passing by. Read More

If falling debris injures you, the construction company or property owner could be held responsible. They must take reasonable steps to prevent such accidents, and failure to do so may make them liable for your injuries. Read More