Butler Personal Injury Lawyers

Representing Families Throughout Butler County

Navigating the aftermath of a serious injury can be overwhelming. Right now, you should be focused on getting the medical care you need and taking time off work to heal—not on fighting with the insurance company for a fair settlement. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for your medical bills and everyday expenses, but, unfortunately, the reality is that many serious injuries result in significant financial hardships for victims and their families.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, we recognize the challenges you’re facing, and we want to help. Our Butler personal injury lawyers offer comprehensive legal counsel throughout the entire process, providing you with the communication and information you need to move forward. We truly care about our clients and are proud to have a nearly 100-year-long history of serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Western Pennsylvania.

If you were injured due to the negligent or wrongful conduct of another, contact our firm today at (724) 576-8855 for a free and confidential consultation.

Understanding Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law

Under Pennsylvania personal injury law, nearly anyone who is injured or otherwise harmed as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, under strict liability rules, or by default has the right to bring a personal injury claim. Specific rules may apply depending on the circumstances—for example, victims of motor vehicle accidents must meet certain requirements if they wish to go outside the no-fault car insurance system and bring a third-party personal injury claim against a negligent motorist—but, in general, you are entitled to compensation if you were harmed by another person or party’s reckless, careless, or unlawful actions or inactions.

Most often, you will need to prove the following things to succeed in your personal injury case:

• The defendant had a legal responsibility to avoid actions or take certain measures to prevent you from being injured (duty of care)
• The defendant failed to uphold his or her responsibility to you, typically by acting negligently or wrongfully in some manner (breach)
• If you were partly at fault for the incident that led to your injury, you were not more than 50 percent at fault (comparative negligence)
• You suffered actual injuries, whether physical or otherwise, which led to measurable economic and/or non-economic damages (injury)
• The defendant’s actions or inactions were the direct or proximate cause of your injuries and resulting damages (causation)

It is important that you understand your rights after a serious accident or injury. Insurance companies are not on your side; in fact, they will often utilize various tactics to dispute, devalue, or even deny your claim. We strongly recommend that you consult an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, before talking to the insurance company. Additionally, you should never sign anything or provide an official statement to an insurance adjuster without talking to a lawyer first.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Lawsuits?

The “statute of limitations” is the legal term for how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In nearly all cases, if the statute of limitations expires before you file a lawsuit, the court will dismiss your case, and you will be unable to seek compensation for your damages.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations on personal injury cases is two years from the date of injury (or two years from the date of death in wrongful death cases). There are some exceptions to this rule; for example, cases against government officials and entities have different deadlines and filing requirements. Additionally, if the injury was not immediately discovered/discoverable, the two-year deadline may extend from the date on which the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. However, in most cases, it is imperative that you file your personal injury lawsuit before two years have passed.