Allegheny County Personal Injury Attorney

Understanding Personal Injury Cases

The pursuit of a personal injury claim is a multifaceted undertaking that demands careful examination of the nature and consequences of your injuries, as well as the financial repercussions like medical expenses, lost earnings, and other forms of damages. To navigate this process effectively, it is vital to have the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer who practices in Allegheny County. Our firm can assist you in initiating your claim, overseeing its progression, and advocating for you in a personal injury lawsuit if it becomes necessary.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases

Similar to other states, Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. Adhering to this specified timeframe is crucial, as failing to do so can result in your case being dismissed and your right to seek damages being forfeited.

In Pennsylvania, the following general statutes of limitations apply:

• Two years from the date of injury when the injury was immediately discoverable.
• Two years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered when the injury was not immediately discoverable.
• Two years from the date of death in wrongful death cases.

While there may be exceptions, such as cases involving injuries to children or claims against government officials or agencies, it is advisable to take prompt action rather than delaying. Contacting our team promptly enables us to investigate your claim, gather evidence on your behalf, and engage in negotiations with the insurance company to pursue a fair settlement.

Seeking Compensation for Damages in a Personal Injury Case

The specific damages and their overall worth in your personal injury case are influenced by several factors, including the extent of your injuries, medical expenses incurred, and the degree of fault involved, if any. However, there are certain damages that are typically available to most individuals filing a personal injury claim.

You may be eligible to receive compensation for the following:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Hospital and ambulance fees
• Co-pays and costs of medications
• Medical devices and equipment
• Surgeries and other necessary treatments
• Ongoing medical care
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income, wages, and employment benefits
• Loss of future earnings
• Diminished or impaired earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Costs associated with in-home assistance and care
• Future expenses related to the injury

In addition to these compensatory damages and others, there are cases where punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are designed to penalize defendants for acts of gross negligence, willful misconduct resulting in injury, or intentional harm.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, we conduct thorough reviews of our clients' cases to determine the damages they may be entitled to and to assess the potential value of their claims. Our primary objective is to secure every dollar you deserve, even if it means pursuing your case through trial.

Understanding Pennsylvania's No-Fault Car Insurance System

Pennsylvania adheres to a no-fault car insurance system, similar to several other states. This means that individuals operating a passenger vehicle within the state are required to have no-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. If drivers or passengers sustain injuries, they can file PIP claims with their own auto insurance providers to receive compensation for specific covered losses following an accident.

However, it's important to note that PIP insurance does not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Moreover, the coverage limits may not be sufficient to address the full extent of economic damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. In such instances, eligible individuals have the option to pursue third-party claims against the insurance company of the at-fault driver or directly sue the at-fault driver, stepping outside the no-fault system. To proceed with such claims, meeting the state's "serious injury" threshold is necessary.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Allegheny County or the surrounding areas, we strongly recommend seeking advice from an experienced personal injury attorney at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George. Our team will carefully evaluate your case details and assist you in determining whether you have grounds for a third-party claim or a lawsuit.

We provide free consultations, and our attorney fees are contingent upon successfully recovering compensation for you. Call us at (724) 576-8855!