Many rules and regulations in Pennsylvania work to keep people safe from serious injuries. Traffic laws, local ordinances for clearing sidewalks after snow, and building codes all work to keep people safe. Still, sometimes individuals put themselves above these rules, leading to serious injuries for others. If you or a family member was harmed in an accident due to the negligence of another, you should consult with an experienced Chester personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
The Chester personal injury lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm represent victims of a wide range of accidents. Our lawyers fight for the financial compensation they deserve for being injured in car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dangerous product accidents, and other serious injuries. For help with your potential case, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 to schedule your free legal consultation. You can also contact the firm online.
Common Personal Lawsuits in Chester, PA
We often expect that other members of society are exercising due care when performing activities that have the potential to injure others. For example, no person wants to share the road with a drunk driver. Unfortunately, many people across Chester County cause injury to others because they fail to act responsibly. The following is a list of common personal injury lawsuits that our firm can handle for you.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls are some of the most common types of type of personal injury claim. This type of accident occurs when a person trips and suffers an injury due to a safety hazard. Property owners that fail to maintain their land could be held liable if a visitor is injured on their land. For example, if a victim slips and falls on a patch of ice in front of a retail store, this could lead to a personal injury claim against the owner of the store. There are other circumstances that could lead to a slip and fall:
- Uncleaned spills
- Inadequate lighting
- Cracked sections of pavement
- Escalator and elevator accidents
Workplace Accidents
Employers have a duty to ensure that workers are provided with a safe workspace. Unfortunately, some employers may choose to disregard safety standards in order to avoid the expense of adhering to safety guidelines. For example, if an oil and gas refinery fails to adhere to guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), they may increase the risk of an explosion accident. Our firm could help you get started on a workplace accident claim if your employer caused or contributed to your injuries.
Uber and Lyft Accidents
If Uber and Lyft fail to hire responsible drivers, this could easily lead to a serious accident. Both Uber and Lyft employ drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability for the actions of a driver. However, it is important to note that there are certain circumstances where Uber and Lyft will provide compensation for victims injured by an Uber or Lyft driver. For example, if a driver causes an accident while en route to pick up a passenger, Uber or Lyft may provide a victim with compensation.
These are just a few of the many types of personal injury claims that our firm can litigate for you. To learn more about pursuing damages in a personal injury lawsuit, continue reading and speak with an experienced Chester personal injury attorney.
Damages Available for a Chester, PA Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you were harmed or your property was damaged due to the actions of another in Chester, PA, you can be awarded damages for your injuries. To be awarded damages in a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must first show how the defendant acted negligently. The following elements must be proven by the plaintiff:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty of care
- The plaintiff was injured or suffered other losses due to the defendant’s breach
- The plaintiff sustained an injury that is compensable by a court of law
Once these elements are proven, a plaintiff can be awarded compensatory damages. However, be warned that there are other factors that can affect the amount of damages a plaintiff can receive.
Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence law is one large factor that can affect a plaintiff’s damages. This law states that a plaintiff’s contributory negligence will not bar the plaintiff from recovering damages as long as the plaintiff’s percentage of fault is not higher than the defendant’s share of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is 50% negligent, they could still receive damages. However, if the plaintiff is 51% negligent, they would be barred from recovery.
Note, however, that the plaintiff’s percentage of negligence will decrease the amount of their damages. This means that if a plaintiff were 20% negligent for a car accident, their damages would be reduced by 20%. As a result, it is vital to gather evidence that shows that your level of fault was extremely minimal or that you should not be held at fault at all.
Contact Our Experienced Chester Personal Injury Attorneys as Soon as Possible
If you or a family member was a victim of an accident, contact an experienced Chester personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The legal team at the Reiff Law Firm possesses decades of experience litigating personal injury claims, and we would be honored to work with you. You do not have to fight your personal injury case alone. Contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your potential lawsuit. You may also contact our firm by using our online submission form.
