Even though most accidents begin and end in the span of a few seconds, some traumatic accidents can result in devastating injuries that last for years or a lifetime. If someone else’s negligence caused your damages, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them.
Working with a Reading personal injury lawyer is essential to succeeding in a legal claim. Founding Partner Jon Ostroff and Managing Partner Rich Godshall have won millions of dollars for injured parties in various accident claims. Jon has been fighting for seriously injured victims throughout Berks County for 30 years.
For example, our firm recovered $10 million on behalf of a client who was rear-ended by a truck after running out of gas on a major PA highway. In another case, we won $1.2 million for a construction worker who suffered severe burn injuries while on the job. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have the resources and experience to get you the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Holding Another Party Accountable for an Accident in Reading
Personal injury claims are based on “negligence.” Under this legal theory, a person who causes you harm by acting in a reckless or careless way can be held financially responsible for the consequences of their actions.
There are four components to legal negligence, all of which must be present for a personal injury claim to be successful. First, you must show that the at-fault person owed you a “duty of care.” This is an implicit or explicit obligation to avoid causing your harm.
Next, you must show that the at-fault party violated their duty. A driver breaking a traffic law or a store owner failing to maintain their property are examples of violations of a duty of care
You must also demonstrate that the other party’s breach of duty caused your accident. Finally, you need to prove that the accident directly caused your injuries and losses. A Reading personal injury attorney can help you prove all these elements of negligence in your personal injury case.
Laws That Apply to Personal Injury Claims
Various state statutes impact a personal injury case. For example, 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §7102 requires civil juries assign a percentage of fault to each party. If you are deemed partially responsible for your accident, the court will reduce your financial compensation by your percentage of fault. If you are over 50% at fault for your accident, you cannot hold other parties liable to you.
Additionally, 42 PA Con. Stat. §5524 requires that an adult’s personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of an accident. If you fail to file suit within this deadline, you will lose your right to recover compensation. As such, you should consult a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
A Reading Personal Injury Attorney Could Help
Pursuing a personal injury case is never a simple process. It is always best to work with a reputable attorney. With a winning firm like Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers on your side, you can improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and get started.
