If you were hurt in an accident caused by the negligence or personal malice of another person or entity, you might have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Often, insurance companies wish to settle claims for amounts that may not be fair to complainants. A Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer that knows the amount of a fair settlement based on your injuries could help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation. A Reading personal injury lawyer could work hard to obtain a favorable outcome after sustaining an injury due to a negligent party.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury is a broad term that encompasses many types of accidents. All of these accidents have one thing in common, however: a victim who has been injured because of another party’s negligence or intentional actions. Common types of personal injury include:
- Assault
- Bicycle accidents
- Defective products
- Motorbike crashes
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall
Because of the diversity of personal injury claims, it is important for potential clients to retain the services of an attorney in Reading who is familiar with the nuances and distinctions of each type of claim.
Common Personal Injuries
A severe personal injury could change a person’s life forever. An injured plaintiff may spend months or even years recovering, and many people remain permanently unable to work or live their life as normal. Common types of serious personal injuries include:
- Amputation
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Fractures
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of vision
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
While life my be difficult to adjust to after a serious injury, individuals may still hold negligent parties accountable with the help of an attorney.
Statute of Limitations in Reading Personal Injury Cases
Under Pennsylvania statutes 42 Pa.C.S.A. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure § 5524, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the incident. In some cases, such as if the personal injury resulted from a defective medical product implanted in the body, the two-year window could begin when the cause of the injury is discovered.
In a worst-case scenario involving an individual’s death, the family of the decedent could file a claim for wrongful death. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death, not the date of injury.
Recoverable Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Typical damages in a personal injury case may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Property damage repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If the responsible party’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages might apply. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer for malicious, wanton or willful actions.
Reach Out to a Reading Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one were seriously injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity, contacting a Reading personal injury lawyer could be the first step toward recovery. Call today for a confidential consultation and to speak with an attorney about your legal options.