If you were hurt because another party acted negligently, then you may recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. There are several types of economic and non-economic damages that may be compensated. However, the types of damages that you may recover can vary depending on factors such as the cause of your accident and the severity of your injury.
During your free case review, the team at our firm can explain the appropriate route to payment and determine which damages may be available to you. Afterwards, we can begin gathering evidence and building your claim. Our support can be very valuable when seeking to recover the full extent of damages you are owed.
Seek guidance from our experienced personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm by calling (215) 709-6940.
Considering Settlement Offers in Dauphin County Personal Injury Lawsuits
After you file a personal injury case, the defendant will probably attempt to settle your claim before going to trial. If you enter into a settlement agreement, then the defendant will pay you a specific sum of damages in exchange for the dismissal of your case. Generally, plaintiffs who settle before trial will receive compensation sooner.
However, the defendant in your lawsuit may be reluctant to make an offer that reflects the true value of your claim. If you do not receive an adequate settlement offer, then you must go to trial to obtain the compensation you are owed. Our personal injury attorneys can help review any settlement offers made in your case. Accordingly, you can confidently decide whether going to trial is best for you.
What if You Share Fault for Your Personal Injury in Dauphin County?
There are situations where accident victims can share fault for the injuries they suffered. For instance, a car accident victim may share blame for their collision if they were speeding when they were hit by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign. Further, a slip and fall victim may share fault for their accident if they slipped on slippery floor while wearing shoes with worn tread.
Thankfully, you can still recover compensation even if you share fault for your personal injury. However, the amount of payment you are awarded can be reduced.
Pennsylvania courts abide by the rules of “modified comparative fault.” This means that damages in personal injury lawsuits are apportioned based on parties’ percentages of blame. For example, if you are 20% responsible for your car collision while the defendant is 80% at fault, then they will have to pay for 80% of your damages while you must account for the remaining 20%.
It is important to note that if you are over 50% responsible for your personal injury, then you will be unable to recover payment in a personal injury lawsuit.
Common Causes of Personal Injuries in Dauphin County
There are many potential causes of personal injuries. If you were hurt as the result of any of the following types of accidents, then our legal team can evaluate the strength of your case against the at-fault party:
Car Accidents
Car accidents often result from various forms of negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic signals or signs. These negligent actions can lead to collisions, ranging from minor rear-end accidents to more severe head-on crashes. Common injuries caused by car accidents include whiplash, broken bones, concussions, and spinal cord injuries.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur due to factors like driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, inadequate maintenance, or reckless driving. Negligence in checking blind spots, improper lane changes, and failure to maintain a safe following distance are also common contributors. These accidents can lead to devastating outcomes, including severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often stem from negligence such as failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, and distracted driving. Other drivers’ inability to see motorcycles and their failure to give them sufficient space on the road can result in collisions. Injuries from motorcycle accidents can range from road rash and fractures to more catastrophic outcomes like spinal cord injuries and head trauma.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents typically occur because of property owner negligence, such as failure to clean up spills, inadequate signage for wet floors, or poorly maintained walkways. Neglecting to address these hazards can lead to individuals slipping, tripping, and falling. Injuries may include sprains, fractures, head injuries, and back injuries.
Construction Accidents
Construction accidents often happen due to various forms of negligence, such as inadequate safety protocols, lack of proper training, and failure to maintain equipment. Falls from heights, electrocutions, and incidents involving falling objects can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice arises from negligence by healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and failure to provide appropriate treatment. Negligent communication among medical staff can lead to serious consequences. Injuries caused by medical malpractice can include infections, complications, worsened medical conditions, and even fatalities.
Dog Bites
Dog bites can occur because of negligent pet ownership, such as failing to properly restrain or control an aggressive dog. Neglecting to keep a dog on a leash in public areas or not providing adequate training can lead to these incidents. Dog bite injuries may result in puncture wounds, infections, scarring, and emotional trauma.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often stem from negligence by drivers, including distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, and speeding in residential areas. Negligent behavior on the part of pedestrians, like jaywalking or crossing against traffic signals, can also contribute. Injuries from pedestrian accidents can range from minor bruises and cuts to severe head injuries and broken bones.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur because of negligence by both cyclists and drivers. Cyclists may disregard traffic rules, while drivers may fail to give cyclists adequate space or ignore their right of way. These accidents can lead to injuries such as fractures, concussions, and road rash.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys for Help with Your Case in Dauphin County
Get help from our experienced personal injury lawyers by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
