Often, people’s lives are impacted negatively by a serious injury. In addition to the medical expenses and doctor’s bills that arise from a significant injury, many people are unable to work and earn an income. If you do not have health insurance or sick time, your problems can quickly compound. If you were hurt through someone else’s negligence, they should be held accountable for your losses.
Our Media, PA personal injury lawyer is dedicated to fighting for just compensation for those injured through another’s conduct. If you or a loved one was hurt through another’s behavior, call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free consultation.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims Filed in Media, PA
Personal injury is a term that encompasses a wide variety of claims – ranging from slip and falls to catastrophic car crashes. The Reiff Law Firm has the attorneys, staff, and resources to handle any type of personal injury lawsuit. The following are the more common types of claims we have filed on behalf of our clients.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motorists are involved in several types of accidents throughout Media, Pennsylvania – including single and multi-vehicle crashes. Sometimes, a pedestrian is injured when a motorist operates their vehicle in an unsafe or negligent manner. Every accident claim is unique, requiring separate legal strategies. Often the type of vehicle involved, such as a car, truck, motorcycle, or ATV, will determine how our Media attorney will approach the case.
Medical Malpractice
Medical mistakes and errors can leave patients facing negative consequences that could last a lifetime. Our medical professionals and healthcare providers are entrusted with our wellbeing. Sometimes, that trust is misplaced. Our firm represents individuals injured through surgical mistakes, medication errors, misdiagnoses, and many other unjustifiable decisions on the part of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals.
Slip and Fall
When people think of personal injury attorneys, they often think of “slip and fall” injuries. While these types of accidents have been portrayed for comedic effect in movies and television, the pain and suffering that a fall can cause is real. Property owners or managers have a duty to ensure that their property is free of any unreasonable hazards, including spills, ice, surface defects, or any other condition that makes their property unreasonably dangerous.
Products Liability
When you purchase a product, you expect it to perform correctly and for the purpose it was designed. When products are defective, they could be unsafe to use. If you suffered an injury because a product was poorly designed or manufactured, the company that made the product could be held accountable for any harm or damages you sustained.
Premises Liability
Similar to slip and fall lawsuits, premises liability claims are typically filed against the owner or manager of a property. The level of care or responsibility an owner or property manager has will depend on the purpose the property serves. At the very least, anyone entering a property has a reasonable expectation that the area is safe. If known hazards exist, through neglect or negligence, a property owner or manager could be held liable for any injuries. Some common issues we have litigated include defective staircases, unlit areas, and broken handrails.
Fault and Negligence in Media, PA Personal Injury Claims
Because every personal injury lawsuit will arise out of specific facts, determining liability in your case will depend on the exact circumstances surrounding your injury. Sometimes determining fault is easy, such as a drunk driver traveling in the wrong direction and colliding with your car. However, sometimes the chain of events and direct cause of an injury are more ambiguous. Our Media lawyers will thoroughly review all of the evidence in your case, including reviewing the scene of the injury, accident reports, police statements, testimony from witnesses, and expert opinion to determine what party, or parties, is liable for your damages.
To be successful in any personal injury claim, a plaintiff must establish that the defendant acted in a negligent manner that caused the harm. Proving negligence requires showing four elements.
Duty of Care
First, the defendant must owe the injured party a legal duty. The scope of the duty owed will depend on the circumstances of your case. For instance, a driver of a car has a duty to operate their vehicle in a manner that does not unreasonably endanger others on the road or sidewalks. At the same time, a doctor will owe their patients a significantly different duty.
Breach of Duty
Negligent conduct requires a breach of the duty of care. Legally, this is when the behavior deviates from what a reasonable person, with similar training or experience, would do under the same circumstances. Again, this is a product of the facts of your case and the actual cause of your injury. If you were involved in a car accident and the other motorist was driving while drunk, their behavior breached their duty to operate their vehicle safely.
Causation
The conduct of the defendant must have caused your injury. Often, this is not difficult to prove. If you were in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, then establishing the trauma of the collision caused by your accident might be easy. However, in some cases, if there were pre-existing conditions, a defense attorney could argue that your injuries did not stem from the crash. In determining causation, the court will consider reasonableness and foreseeability.
Damages
Finally, your injuries must have resulted in actual and quantifiable damages. These include both economic damages, such as medical expenses and loss of income, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Our Media attorneys will carefully evaluate your case to determine a just compensation amount.
Proving Who is at-Fault for a Personal Injury in Media, PA
Proving fault for a personal injury can be an intricate process. There are several different types of evidence that may be used. For example, any of the following may be presented to establish fault in your case:
Medical Records
Medical records are critical evidence in personal injury cases, providing a detailed account of the injuries sustained and the subsequent medical treatment received. These records may serve to establish a direct link between the incident and the injuries, detailing the extent of harm suffered by the individual.
Eyewitness Statements
Eyewitness statements also play a crucial role in establishing fault for personal injuries. These accounts, provided by individuals who witnessed the incident, can provide valuable perspectives on the sequence of events, the actions of those involved, and the circumstances leading to the injury. These statements contribute to building a comprehensive narrative of the accident at issue.
Photos from the Scene
Photographs taken at the scene of the incident serve as visual evidence to document the conditions and factors surrounding the personal injury. They can capture the state of the environment, any hazards present, and the aftermath of the event. Photos also provide a visual record that can be used to support or contradict statements made by other parties.
Physical Evidence from the Scene
Physical evidence, such as objects or materials present at the scene of the personal injury, can be crucial in establishing fault. This may include damaged property, debris, or any items directly related to the cause of the incident. Analyzing and presenting such physical evidence can help establish a clear link between the circumstances and the resulting injury.
Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage, if available, can be a powerful tool in proving fault for personal injuries. Video evidence can provide an objective and unambiguous account of the events leading to the injury. It may capture actions, behaviors, or conditions that are essential in determining liability and negligence, especially in cases where eyewitness accounts may be disputed.
Expert Witness Statements
Expert witnesses are those who possess specialized knowledge and experience in specific fields. They can provide professional opinions on the circumstances of a personal injury. This may include accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or specialists in specific areas related to the incident. Their testimony can offer insights into causation, negligence, and the standard of care applicable in a particular situation.
Common Types of Personal Injuries Sustained by Victims in Media, PA
There is a wide range of different injuries that can be suffered by potential plaintiffs in Media, PA. For instance, our personal injury attorneys may be able to seek compensation for any of the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries typically result from severe blows or jolts to the head, causing disruption in normal brain function. These injuries vary in severity, ranging from concussions to more critical damage. Treatment options for TBIs may involve a combination of rest, medications to manage symptoms, and rehabilitation therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy, depending on the extent of the injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries occur when there is damage to the spinal cord, often caused by accidents or falls. The severity of these injuries can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation. Treatment for spinal cord injuries involves stabilization of the spine, surgery to address damage, and rehabilitation, including physical therapy to improve mobility and function.
Fractured and Broken Bones
Fractured and broken bones are common personal injuries resulting from accidents or impacts. Treatment options include immobilization through casts or splints, surgical intervention for severe fractures, and rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and mobility. The course of treatment depends on the type and location of the fracture.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often occurring in accidents or sports-related incidents. Treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy to promote healing and prevent long-term complications.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Treatment options depend on the severity of the burn and may involve wound care, skin grafts, and rehabilitation to minimize scarring and restore function. Specialized medical attention is crucial for severe burns.
Amputations
Amputations involve the loss of a limb or extremity, often occurring in accidents or as a result of medical conditions. Treatment includes surgical intervention, followed by extensive rehabilitation to help the individual adapt to the loss and regain functionality through prosthetics or assistive devices.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may occur in accidents with significant force. Prompt medical attention is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, which may involve surgery to repair damage and ongoing monitoring to ensure recovery.
Electrical Injuries
Electrical injuries result from exposure to electrical currents, causing burns, tissue damage, or even cardiac issues. Immediate medical attention is necessary, and treatment may involve wound care, pain management, and monitoring for complications. In severe cases, surgery may be required to address deep tissue damage.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries commonly occur in motor vehicle accidents, involving a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Treatment for whiplash typically includes rest, physical therapy, and pain management techniques to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can lead to physical harm and emotional distress. Treatment may involve cleaning and suturing wounds, as well as preventive measures against infection. Additionally, psychological support may be necessary to address the emotional impact of a dog attack, especially in cases involving children.
Chemical Exposure Injuries
Chemical exposure injuries result from contact with hazardous substances, causing burns, respiratory issues, or systemic harm. Victims may require decontamination, supportive care, and medical interventions to address specific symptoms. Long-term effects may necessitate ongoing medical monitoring and rehabilitation.
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries occur when a body part is compressed, often in accidents involving heavy machinery or structural collapses. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome. Recovery from such injuries may involve surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical management to minimize long-term effects.
Call Our Media, PA Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
Severe injuries could have a lasting impact on you, your family, and your ability to provide for both. Our experienced Media, PA personal injury attorney has been vigorously representing hurt individuals for years. If you suffered an injury due to another’s negligence, call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free consultation.
