The City of Reading is nestled halfway between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. The city was placed at a strategic point along the now extinct Reading Railroad. In fact, that is where the city got its name, however, you are not from Reading you may be more familiar with the monopoly square that has made this town famous. Unfortunately, Reading has faced tough economic times in 2012, the New York Times called Reading Pennsylvania “the nation’s poorest city.” However, Reading is redefining itself and plans to revitalize its downtown area.
Progress is always a good thing, but construction in a busy area can generate confusion and cause danger for drivers, workers, and passersby. Serious mishaps can occur motor vehicle accidents, construction site accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Things can fall and hit you on the head, hazardous substances can leak, and obstructions can cause you to trip and fall.
When Accidents Happen
When you have an accident—be it in Reading or somewhere else—you need the support of a qualified attorney. With over thirty years of experience, the Reading Personal Injury team at The Reiff Law Firm has the expertise and experience to help you recover from your misfortune and get properly compensated.
Information About Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims fall under the umbrella topic of tort claims. All tort claims share some commonalities, the two basic issues that all tort claims share are liability and damages. Regardless of whether the claim is from someone’s intentional act, their negligence, or personal injury, a person who wants to recover for injuries and damages they have sustained will have to prove that the defendant is liable for your injuries. If you can prove that another person is responsible for your injuries then you will also have to prove the nature and extent of your injuries. If you can prove all these elements then the law will generally provide you with compensation. However, tort claims and any personal injury claim can be very difficult and factually complex. Every tort claim, regardless of its basis, whether intentional, negligence, or strict liability, has two basic issues—liability and damages. Was the defendant liable for the damages you sustained, and, if so, what is the nature and extent of your damages? If you can prove liability and damages, our system of justice will award you compensation for your loss.
Type of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
As of the 2010 census, Reading was the fifth most populated city in Pennsylvania and had a growing population of over 88,000. Anytime you find yourself in a city that is experiencing growth and revitalization you face the risk of injury. Some of the most common injuries in Reading include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Hazardous substances
- Defective products
- Train accidents
Whether you had a car accident while driving along Penn Street, fell walking up the stands at the Phillies First Energy Field, or injured yourself on the job at Wal-Mart, you need a competent personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and make sure that the negligent party is held accountable. You need the peace of mind that comes from having your medical and property damage expenses covered, and all of your insurance matters handled correctly. Indeed, if you hire a lawyer, you will—according to studies—receive 3.5 times more compensation than if you do not.
Some personal injury accidents occur simply because the victim was in the wrong place at the wrong time, while others can result from a defective air bag, a minor medical procedure, a falling object, or a chemical leak. No matter how safe you feel, accidents can happen—and when they do, you have to make sure your legal rights are being served.
What Does it Mean to Settle a Case?
If you have been injured in any sort of accident or have watched any television series you may have heard of settling a case, however, you may not be sure what that means and if you should consider settling your case. Basically, settling a case means that you agree to accept money in return for withdrawing your case against the other person who caused your injury. If you decide to settle your case you will be required to sign a release document, which operates to absolve the defendant of any future liability from your accident. While there may be some benefits to accepting a settlement, you should be aware that not every property owner or attorney is going to present you with a fair offer and you may be signing away more rights than you realize. You should also be aware that it is always your choice whether or not to accept or reject a settlement offer and not your or the defendant’s attorney.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys with Experience in Reading
If you or someone you love has been injured, contact one of our attorneys at (215) 709-6940 for a free, confidential consultation. We want you to get past the trauma and get your life back in order, knowing that the responsible party is held accountable and you are properly compensated. We will not charge you a penny unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal worries so you can concentrate on recovering.
