Philadelphia is a famous city. It is known for the Liberty Bell and cheesesteaks. It is also a city that developed and opened a courthouse solely for complex, mass tort claims. Personal injury claims are classified as tort claims, which are cases based on negligence and Philadelphia is no stranger to these claims. They take them very seriously, which is good news for you. If you have been injured in Philadelphia due to a negligent, reckless or wrongful act of another person or entity, you may be able to recover your losses based on a personal injury claim. It’s important to know the basics of personal injury claims so that you can get an idea of your rights.
How do I determine if I have a case?
If you have been injured in an accident that was through no fault of your own, you have the right to received compensation for your losses. Many times, especially with auto accidents, the negligent party’s insurance company will step in and represent their client. They will reimburse you for damages. But if you were seriously injured or you feel they do not have your best interest in mind (and most of the time they don’t), you may want to consider speaking to a lawyer who can explain the laws and determine if you do indeed have a case to pursue.
How much time do I have to file a claim?
In the state of Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations on any personal injury claim is two years. This means you have two years from the time of accident or injury to file a claim and try to recover damages you incurred. In certain cases, particularly those involving medical issues, the time you have to file a lawsuit is when the injury is discovered, not necessarily when it occurred.
What compensation might you receive?
In Pennsylvania, you can be compensated for losses that result from your accident or injuries. These include:
It is important to keep accurate records of any expenses you incur during this time.
If I want to file a claim, where do I start?
Many injuries that are caused by accidents are handled through the responsible party’s insurance company. But, for accidents and injuries that involve major loss or complexity, it may be a good idea to hire a Philadelphia attorney that will handle your personal injury case. If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you have the right to receive compensation for damages that incurred. Hiring an attorney who specializes in personal injury claims is your first step.
At Martins Mill Legal Center we have successfully handled many personal injury cases. We work for you and fight for you until you have been compensated for your loses. This can be an extremely emotional and difficult time in your life, but having the right lawyer can lessen the blow.