Types of Personal Injury Cases in Scranton
Car and Truck Accidents
collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians are some of the most common personal injury claims. Negligent drivers who cause crashes can be held liable.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises conditions and cause slip, trip, or fall injuries owed victims compensation. Icy parking lots are a prime hazard.
Medical Malpractice
Doctors, nurses, dentists, and other medical providers who breach standards of care and harm patients may be guilty of malpractice. Surgical errors often lead to claims.
Dangerous Products
Defective consumer goods like child furniture, medical devices, or recalled auto parts that injure people warrant claims against irresponsible manufacturers.
Workplace Injuries
Employers must maintain safe work environments free of hazards. Falls from heights, exposure to chemicals, repetitive stress, machinery accidents, and other occupational injuries are common.
How a Scranton Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Investigating Your Accident and Gathering Evidence
A diligent attorney interviews witnesses, obtains surveillance video, reviews medical records, and collects police reports to recreate your accident and prove negligence.
Establishing Liability of Negligent Parties
Lawyers use evidence to demonstrate breach of duty and causation between a liable party’s negligent actions and the client’s subsequent injuries and damages.
Consulting Experts to Strengthen Your Case
Attorneys collaborate with medical experts, engineers, economists, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists who can provide opinions to substantiate claims.
Negotiating an Optimal Settlement with Insurers
Seasoned Scranton injury lawyers leverage evidence and legal expertise to negotiate fiercely with insurance companies and obtain maximum settlements for clients.
Taking Your Case to Trial if Necessary
If reasonable settlements cannot be reached, an attorney can argue before judge and jury to obtain a favorable trial verdict awarding full compensation.
Questions to Ask a Potential Attorney
How Long Have You Practiced Personal Injury Law?
More years of experience handling Scranton injury claims translates to greater expertise for your case. Ask specifics about past cases.
What is Your Success Rate for Past Clients?
High settlement and trial success rates indicate effectiveness at winning compensation. Verify their track record of satisfied clients.
Will You Personally Handle My Case?
Beware any lawyer who answers no. You want assurance your case will get the attorney’s full personal attention, not passed to junior associates.
Are You Willing to Take My Case to Trial?
While many cases settle out of court, an attorney who is unafraid to litigate has greater leverage negotiating with insurers.
Steps to Take After a Serious Personal Injury
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Promptly get examined and treated after any major accident, even if feeling uninjured initially. Documentation helps validate any future claims.
Report the Incident Properly
File a formal report with authorities describing the accident while facts are clear. Get copies of any police, incident, or workers’ comp reports.
Document Your Injuries Thoroughly
Keep detailed records of all diagnoses, treatments, medications, therapies, assistive devices, and prognosis discussions to substantiate damages.
Preserve Evidence from the Accident Scene
Take ample photos and video depicting the accident environment, hazards, property damage, and even visible injuries. This visual evidence adds value.
In summary, retaining a Scranton personal injury attorney with extensive local experience ensures you have a zealous advocate to investigate thoroughly, negotiate assertively on your behalf, and take legal action if needed to maximize the compensation you deserve after getting harmed in an accident caused by negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hiring a personal injury attorney cost upfront? Most work on contingency, meaning no fee unless they win you compensation. Initial consultations are free.
When should I hire a lawyer after getting injured?
Contact an attorney for a case evaluation promptly after seeking medical care. Swift action helps secure evidence before it disappears.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident? Yes, under comparative negligence rules, victims can still recover damages proportional to the defendant’s percentage of fault.
What steps can I take to find the best personal injury attorney?
Research lawyer reputations, verify bar association standing, read online reviews, schedule consultations, and ask direct questions about qualifications and results.
What types of compensation can a personal injury claim include? You may recover damages for medical bills, lost income, reduced future earnings, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
