After an accident, you may be overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, the personal injury attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad can evaluate your case and help you understand the claims process. We believe that the more knowledge our clients have, the better equipped they are to make informed decisions. Here are answers to some common questions we hear about personal injury claims.
How Do I Know If I Have An Injury Claim?
If you suffered injuries or other damages due to the negligence of another person or entity, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. Some of the most common types of injury claims include motor vehicle collisions, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, and other types of premises liability claims such as dog bites. If you believe you were injured due to no fault of your own, it’s vital to speak to an experienced accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can take a look at the circumstances surrounding your injury, determine whether you have a viable claim, and advise you of your options.
What Damages Can I Recover In A Personal Injury Claim?
There are two types of damages you may be entitled to recover: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are intended to compensate you for quantifiable losses such as medical bills, wage loss, and future out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, permanent disability, and loss of consortium. Victims who sustain catastrophic injuries often suffer losses that have a significant impact on their quality of life.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
There is no way to put an exact value on a claim, but your accident attorney can give you an estimate of how much you may be able to recover. The amount and type of damages will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, how they have affected your life, the cost of medical expenses and lost wages, and whether you will need future medical treatment. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be more challenging to quantify. Some lawyers and insurance companies use multipliers or per diem methods to calculate non-economic damages. Each case is unique, and the amount you may be entitled to recover will depend on the specific circumstances.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim?
The length of time you have to file an injury claim hinges on the statute of limitations in the state where you bring your case. Typically, in Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date an incident occurred or two years from the date that you discovered, or should have discovered, that your injury was caused by negligence or wrongful conduct. There are exceptions in cases involving children, such as birth injury claims.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
Many factors can affect how long a personal injury claim takes from start to finish. Some cases are fairly straightforward and can be resolved in a matter of weeks or months. Others may take years of litigation. The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. Your personal injury lawyer will handle negotiations with insurance companies and strive to help you recover a fair settlement in the shortest amount of time possible. The more complex the case, the longer it usually takes.
What If I Am Partially At Fault For My Injuries?
In Pennsylvania, a modified comparative negligence rule is applied to accident and injury claims. If you are partially at fault, you can recover damages if your percentage of fault is less than the defendant’s. Your degree of fault also correlates to the amount of compensation you may receive. For example, if it is determined that you hold 20% of fault, you are entitled to only 80% of the settlement award.
How Much Does A Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, which means you won’t incur any up-front costs and your lawyer won’t collect attorneys’ fees unless or until they recover compensation in your case. Typically, an attorney will take between 33% to 40% of the total settlement amount, depending on the complexity of the case. There may be additional costs such as court filing fees, the cost of medical records requests and copying, and expert witness fees. Your attorney should go over all of these details with you before you sign a contingency fee agreement.
Contact An Eastern PA Personal Injury Attorney
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, we care about our clients. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping injured victims throughout eastern Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call our Bath office at 610-867-2900 to schedule a free consultation.